My first X-kilt

**MacKay71 Wife** · 25th July 09, 09:09 PM

I quilt, and that little rolling wheel chalker is an invaluable tool. I know it sounds silly, but use a mortar and pestal to get the chalkboard chalk fine enough to use!

**sydnie7** · 25th July 09, 10:01 PM

Originally Posted by MacKay71 Wife

I quilt, and that little rolling wheel chalker is an invaluable tool. I know it sounds silly, but use a mortar and pestal to get the chalkboard chalk fine enough to use!

Talk about goosebumps! Just the thought of grinding chalk in my m&p. . . shiver me timbers!

**MMorgan** · 26th July 09, 07:16 AM

LOL they have chalk at walmart its in the area with ALL the crayola markers and such... trust me I was mad to that I couldnt find a stick of chalk untill some sweet teenage girls that was in the craft section and overhearing me talking on the phone saying I couldnt find any ran off and came back 30 seconds later with a box of the stuff....

**vorpallemur** · 26th July 09, 02:25 PM

Originally Posted by sydnie7

I know Alan H loves his chalkboard chalk but I've never found it satisfactory. Won't hold an edge, and gives me the shivers when I try to use it! Tailor's chalk is not too expensive, just the plain stuff that comes in a plastic carrier with little V-shaped metal edge to sharpen it against. For a little more money, I found a good marking tool in with the quilting notions -- a rolling wheel that lays down a really thin line of powdered chalk. Just trying to figure out how to turn that box of chalkboard chalk into fine enough powder to substitute for the refills LOL

I'm a fan of disappearing markers. There are two sorts, one that is air activated, so fades over time (a couple days; depends on the lots of things, including the fabric) (or if you wet the marks), and another that disappears with water. The water-only ones are set by heat, so you can't press on them. The air ones usually let you press on them, with out making the marks permanent, though you're wise to test first.

**sydnie7** · 26th July 09, 02:44 PM

Originally Posted by vorpallemur

I'm a fan of disappearing markers. There are two sorts, one that is air activated, so fades over time (a couple days; depends on the lots of things, including the fabric) (or if you wet the marks), and another that disappears with water. The water-only ones are set by heat, so you can't press on them. The air ones usually let you press on them, with out making the marks permanent, though you're wise to test first.

Those have been discussed in another thread (maybe Kiltmaker's forum), with cautions about using them on more expensive materials -- but probably cool at XKilt level.

**Hark3n** · 27th July 09, 01:24 AM

Update time.

I didn't get to work on the kilt yesterday, but I've decided to get myself a decent sewing machine before I continue. Found a second hand one for a very good price.

Reason for this is that the machine that I borrowed from my grandmother, who is a MacLachlan by the way, seems to have a binary controlled foot pedal. It iether goes full speed or doesn't go at all.

So, until I get my own machine I'm going to shelve the kilt. Hopefully I can get it before the end of the week.

**Hark3n** · 2nd August 09, 12:51 AM

Good news everyone!

Me kilt is finished!!!! Yay!

http://picasaweb.google.com/3.j.l0uw...eat=directlink

Short disclaimer for those brave enough to click on the link. I realised after completing the kilt that I somehow skipped a very important step. A-shaping. How I forgot about that is beyond me, but we'll just have to blame the fact that I was over excited and couldn't wait to get the kilt done.

Also, this is my first big sewing project, so everything isn't a 100% to my liking, yet. I also mucked up the belt loops. Made them a wee bit too small for my belt of preference.

I have enough material left for another kilt, and on that one I would like to implement a few of my crazy ideas. Kilt tilt is pretty high on that list.

Anyway, if anyone has any suggestions for me, fire away.

**Alan H** · 4th August 09, 03:14 AM

You did it! You did it, all by yourself, with not a lick of adult supervision. HA!

Guid on ye.

I see you've got a bit of pleat curl there on the over-apron, left side. Try moving the kilt around on your body and see if it goes away.

BTW ladies, the little roller-chalk thingy is the cats meow. I was given one recently and I dig it. For those who don't own this nifty item, though...blackboard chalk will still get you going.

Thanks for all the kind comments! Every X-Kilt made is a success story for everybody!

**Hark3n** · 4th August 09, 04:33 AM

Thanks for the compliments Alan.

I think the pleat curl might be as a result of me forgetting the A-shaping of the apron. Will see with my next one, which I'm starting tonight.

Alan, you can feel very proud of yourself!! Making kilties out of ordinary folk since 2006. I think your instructions are the best and I'm passing it along to everyone that asks me about it.

I actually have a few friends that are interested in me making kilts for them. Will have to see how that turns out.