Heavy Kilt

[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

[Jerry]

The army blanket concept came up on another thread recently...it'll be interesting to see a kilt made out of an army blanket. Certainly, the X-Kilt design would be a great starting place for this material because it wouldn't leave the maker having to deal with the incredible bulk in the waistband that they'd end up with if they went with knife pleats. The surplus store near me has some grey woolen blankets...not sure if they're US or foreign issue; they have a shipload of stuff from Euro-land...I think that my son was wearing a cap from the old East German Army there for a while.

As to the scratchiness...not that I want to impinge on your freedom here but, honestly, if you have to wear underwear of some kind to keep from getting your wulley sanded off, is that so bad? Think about it...you can always find a discreet way to take some shorts off if you have to but once you have some...irritation, shall we say...it may take a day or two to get things back to normal. Someone will undoubtedly recommend Body Glide and I understand that that's a perfect solution though I haven't tried it myself. Don't worry about "keepin' it real" if it's going to be uncomfortable...

Best

AA

AA, the wool blankets we had in the navy were grey like the ones you are describing, so they could be USN issue. Some had USN stenciled on them, but I also saw some that did not have the stencil.

[Pleater]

You could just make a kilt liner, or several, so you could have - maybe one of Goretex, and a couple of a polycotton, so you could change it easily.

All you need to do is take a length of fabric slightly shorter than the kilt and put in shaping at the back using darts, have the smooth side inside - so the hems are all turned outwards, and to fasten it put two short lengths of strong elastic, or shock cord at the edges of the waist and sew on two buttons. They will not be uncomfortable if they are above the level of the belt.

To make a permanent lining you would probably sew a piece of fabric to the inside of the under apron and its pleat - something lightweight.

You could use the same material to line the fell, even if you did not cut it out and reinforce it, down to whatever length you like, either long enough to sit on or just enough to protect the rump when standing/walking.

Hmm - somewhere I have two ancient and threadbare kahki blankets I was thinking of making into a coat at one time - when the 'in' colours were kahki and cream.

[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.

[ccga3359]

Reading your initial post you talk about camouflaging your wool blanket kilt. Might I suggest an apron instead. the highland regiment often wore a canvas apron over their kilts to (I'm assuming) keep their kilts clean. This could be done in mossy oak or any of the other camo materials. It would also add another layer of wind protection. What Price Glory sell WWII aprons for $18 - $25. but these won't be camo (and no picture). As for the pleats of the blanket I think that they would need to be sewn. I have often thought what a kilt from a Hudsons Bay Co. blanket would like, the off white with five brightly coloured stripes.

[alhrensblade]

Just curious, was this ever taken any further? I've been thinking of making a pair of pants and possibly a kilt out of this material myself, and would love to know how it turns out.

[emolas]

Just curious, was this ever taken any further? I've been thinking of making a pair of pants and possibly a kilt out of this material myself, and would love to know how it turns out.

Ugh, I can't even IMAGINE a pair of trousers made from a military wool blanket. I am curious as to the progress of the kilt though.

[alhrensblade]

Heh, if I did trousers they'd be lined Surplus doesn't stock my size.

But I imagine a kilt made out of this material would be nice and toasty- which with the winters here would be quite wearable, I imagine.