New girl here could use some help! :-)

[ccga3359]

I have a heavyweight SWK that is possibly 2" too long. I compensate by wearing it an inch above my naval. One thing I was pondering is can I not sew along the bottom and have a fringe of bout 1/2" like on the side of the apron? If I recall some kilts do have this fringe. Bear kilts come to mind.
BTW welcome l'esprit, hope your bf truly appreciates just how fortunate he is.

[sirdaniel1975]

Welcome,

You've come to the right place for kilt questions and such.
There are several high quality kilt makers who have already been mentioned in this post.

I'll personally second and recomend Matt Newsome's work:

http://kilts.albanach.org/

or

http://giftshop.scottishtartans.org/kiltpage.html

[Juggalotus]

My first thought when I read her post was that she was looking for a kilted gent to be her fiancee (forgoing all the getting to know yous and straight to engagement ring). Glad we got that sorted out.

I'll also vouch for the Stillwaters. I've got a standard, and I love it. I havent' worn it out much lately as its gotten freaking cold up here in the Mitten, but I do wear it around the house when I want something comfortable. I'm not sure if the swing looks right, but I know its not too heavy is just comfortable.

Now I just need to get my wife to let me get another. I want an Irish National before March 17.

[Zardoz]

Here's list of some of the places I have gotten things from, (Guys, I carry a couple copies of this list around in the sporran, it saves time when talking to the citizens about kilts) I need to update and add to it, but here it is;

www.kiltday.com
Just about everything you need to know about kilted life and the best kilt related links page on the net.

www.xmarksthescot.com
The webs largest community of kilt wearers, promoting the kilt as a man’s garment, not a costume.

www.jhiggins.net
J. Higgins is a large importer of highland dress in Kansas.

www.sportkilt.com
Affordable sport and “starter” kilts and accessories.

www.stillwaterkilts.com
Affordable traditionally styled kilts in acrylic and wool from Minnesota.

www.usakilts.com
“My kilt maker” USA offers custom tailored kilts in PV and wool at very reasonable prices. Made in Phoenixville, PA.

www.utilikilts.com
Seattle based Utilikilts started the “non-traditional” kilt market in 2000.

www.scottishkilts.net
This Glasgow Scotland based company has some of the best pricing on the “real deal” Scottish made highland dress and accessories.

[McMurdo]

Great bunch of links there Zardoz, thanks.

[thescot]

I have a heavyweight SWK that is possibly 2" too long. I compensate by wearing it an inch above my naval. One thing I was pondering is can I not sew along the bottom and have a fringe of bout 1/2" like on the side of the apron? If I recall some kilts do have this fringe. Bear kilts come to mind.
BTW welcome l'esprit, hope your bf truly appreciates just how fortunate he is.

I'm sure some will take exception, but you aren't too far off there. As I said, you can cut a kilt--it used to be done some in the regiments when kilts were battle wear and not just ceremonial--but it takes a steady hand and a stout heart. And you don't fray the bottom.

The following quote is from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kilt

". . . There is a simpler and more effective method of shortening the kilt without affecting its original fit by creating a new selvage. This can be done by using a sewing machine to sew a tight zig zig stitch at the point where you wish to crop the kilt. Then you treat the stitch with an anti-fraying glue like Fray Check. Once it has dried, you cut off the material below the stitch. You will need to clean up a few loose threads, but this does create a new selvage edge that is quite strong."

If you alter the waist, you also change the fit of the kilt because you get into the fell, etc. Doing the above and cutting a very straight line--right down one thread of the weave--is not easy, but it'll save a kilt!

Personally, I'd wear the kilt 1" above the navel as God intended. Ha.

But then I am old and crotchety and set in my ways. Younger, cooler guys probably don't care for that.

Good luck.

[billmcc]

Personally, I'd wear the kilt 1" above the navel as God intended. Ha.

I agree. Traditionally speaking, the top edge of a kilt should be 1 to 2 inches above the navel.

[ccga3359]

I agree. Traditionally speaking, the top edge of a kilt should be 1 to 2 inches above the navel.

When I wear my kilt at this height the bottom is at mid knee. It would be much wiser being traditional than risk shortening. Thanks Bill, Jim.

[l'esprit]

Just wanted to say thanks again to all you lovely gentlemen who have given advice.

We are still debating, but I will let you all know what we end up getting for the first kilt! (and maybe post pix)

Some of the traditionalists may not approve of the pix when we get them, because he is willing to wear the "rocker kilt" look for me, but not so much the "traditionalist kilt look" but hey, getting him to agree to wear one at ALL makes me quite happy! :mrgreen:

[McMurdo]

Dont worry about traditional or not, if he wants to wear the "rocker kilt" look, good for him, and please post pics when you can.