Heavy Kilt

[Brian F]

I'm pretty sure it would be a very "soft" pleat if they would hold. I was thinking of a box pleat...

My sentiments exactly.

I don't want this thing for a formal occasion, just something to remain kilted in when the temps get down and I am in the woods.

Of course, when hunting here in KY, being that cold is about 2% of my hunts...but I would still like to have it!

Besides, the dang blankets cost less than $20...even if it turns out like pooh, I won't be out that much!

~Yeti

[Lorc]

when I was in the Navy (late 70's)the blamnkets were grey, no stripe, and were VVVery warm!:butt:

[Brian F]

Just to clarify, I am referring to the Army issue, olive drab blankets. While I have no prejudices against any of the branches (Grandfather, Uncle, and Cousin in Navy, Cousins in Air Force and Marine Corps, and a best friend in the Army), these are the easiest to get a hold of ($20 bucks, and a 15-20 minute walk), and would make the best "hunting" attire.

However, if the Navy's navy blue stripe was placed accordingly, it could look very good...I will have to experiment once I have my own sewing machine, and am not having to borrow one.

~Yeti

[turpin]

Pleater, is this a separate garment to be worn under the kilt, or somehow attached, like a removable jacket liner. or is it sewn to the kilt? If it's the former, I'd suggest using a flat elastic like used on boxers. Attaching the fabric at the edge of th elastic, rather than gathering it along the elastic, reduces the bulk and allows you to wear it comfortably at or even below the beltline.

[Pleater]

Hello Turpin

For the separate liner I just add a few inches of elastic at the edges of the waistline, then put a button hole in it, or attach a half inch hook and bar, and then fold over the edge with the sewing machine.

That seems to give just enough variation in the waist to make it fit snuggly from morning till night. If it gets a bit old it is easy to remove and replace. It is the same shape as the kilt but without the pleats

I use a fairly light material for the liners so having the double front is good, and it gives more freedom of movement. I make it at least long enough to sit on as that also stops the kilt getting too friendly.....

The buttons or hooks can be undone and the liner pulled from under the kilt, and it is not too difficult to replace it with one maybe of a different material, or even to take off the kilt in public and not cause alarm.

[Mark Keeney]

Quick easy kilt under liner.

1 undershirt (new and larger that you would normally wear)
1 waistband off the underwear you never wear anymore

Cut bottom of undershirt off at armpits.
Sew waistband to undershirt bottom.

Done! no seams and no hemming.

[Mr. MacDougall]

When I was in the Navy ('87-'92), our wool blankets were grey, with a black "US" stenciled on them. They were quite warm... I remember spending a night on USS Papago while in drydock. The side of the ship had been removed so the engines could be changed out, and it was winter in Virginia. It got down into negative temperatures Fahrenheit that night, but about six of those blankets bundled around me kept me toasty warm all night.

[Raptor]

I cant see why it wouldn't hold a pleat: the WW2 regimental kilts were a 20oz in a blanket weave...

[Kid Cossack]

Update.

I've got my old green monster, which has been washed-and-dryed down to a mere shadow of its former fuzzy self. I've done the scientific "thumb test" comparing it with the wool in my leatherneck Matt Newsome and it is in the ballpark. I've got a second blanket (to work on first) that's in the wash even as we speak (or even as I type, at least). It is "de-fuzzing" nicely, a few more washes and I'll give it a try.

[Kilt TN]

I would think that if its wool it would hold a pleat, given you use enough heat and a wet press cloth. Why don't you do what the old British regiments did, sew a small swatch of fabric where your willie hangs.