The original kilt style?

[figheadair]

And I am still interested in the concept of using the tape at the waist as a fastening system. I'm wondering how such an arrangement would work. Given that the aprons are also pleated to make them more narrow, Peter do you have the feeling that the aprons would have overlapped as in a modern kilt, or not? I can't really tell from the photos how that's supposed to work.

But a kilt like this should be fairly simple to recreate. I have made something similar to this before for reenactors, but without the binding tape closure system. If I could figure out how that was intended to work, it would be a nice thing to offer, especially since the cloth I have to work with cannot be used selvage-to-selvage and I have to come up with some way to finish off the tops of the kilts.

Matt.

There are two aprons as we'd understand them so they would overlap as today. I didn't measure the tape exactly but can easily get that checked. They were 20+ inches each side so I guess could have been passed around the body and simply tied at the front of side; on the closing side seems more likely in which case one tape is/would have probably been longer.

[Cynthia]

I can't comment on the kilt, and I'm no expert on historical garments, but I had wondered about the tape, too. 18th century petticoats were tied on using something similar. I couldn't tell how old it was, but found it interesting to see. Just thought I would mention it.

[M. A. C. Newsome]

Matt.

There are two aprons as we'd understand them so they would overlap as today. I didn't measure the tape exactly but can easily get that checked. They were 20+ inches each side so I guess could have been passed around the body and simply tied at the front of side; on the closing side seems more likely in which case one tape is/would have probably been longer.

A wrap-around type scenario seems like it should work. I couldn't imagine it typind directly in the front with the overlapping aprons, but if it passed around at least once and tied on the side that would work well.

[M. A. C. Newsome]

Have you shown Bob this kilt?

[figheadair]

Have you shown Bob this kilt?

Yes. He felt that it was a transitional style (FB to sewn kilt) and thought that there would have been other variations on a theme too. He didn't comment on the pleating of tape. I keep trying to get him to join X-Marks but with no luck.

[SlackerDrummer]

Quite simply put, Peter, you're going to have to get that thing on a mannequin and take some pictures.

[Lallans]

I can at least recognise the moth holes!

Very interesting indeed, I too vote for a mannequin shot, SVP.

[BoldHighlander]

This is wonderful Peter. What an amazing discovery. Thank-you for sharing this.

Ignore my previous post. I'm watching this thread with great anticipation, and look forward to the scholarly paper that is sure to follow.

Good show, Peter!

Thankyou Peter for another bit of education into kilting history that I am sure would not have seen the light of day, but for your tenacity. I look foward to seeing more information on the kilt as it comes to light. Cheers

*** to all the above! :mrgreen:

Fantastic find Peter. Thank you for sharing it!

[figheadair]

A mannequin shot will take a while to organise but I might just be able to do it next week. Wait out.

[MacRobert's Reply]

Fascinating thread figheadair. Looking forward to more pictures.