If I were to write out directions, who would make a mini-kilt?

**Dirka Skene** · 10th April 07, 05:41 PM

I will still buy from the sponsors in this forum. I really appreciate the effort that each kiltmaker puts into each kilt . I just wanted to know how to make a mini-kilt so that I could make one for myself in a fabric that none of these kiltmakers would. I never dreamed of depriving the sponsors of business, but I didn't think that it was doing any harm by me making something for myself that they couldn't offer. I really wanted a pleather mini-kilt and because no one would make one, Alan H. just offered to help me learn to make one myself. No harm was ever intended.

**KiltedCodeWarrior** · 10th April 07, 05:43 PM

I see that Mike has weighed in while I was formulating my response. I really do not have anything different ot say other than to add that I still think that Alan was not some much encouraging Dirka NOT to buy a kilt from a sponso as he was trying to get one of the few active women on the forum to provide their take on the skirt making instructions. Would the same request have been made if Alan had mentioned the FHCAG, who has already made some kilts, Pleater, or Katmills? I am NOT trying to stir the pot, but there are very few lovely ladies who participate regularly on the forum, so when trying to elicit responses for instructions for a ladies skirt, there are few choices.

**CameronTaylor** · 10th April 07, 05:51 PM

I agree with many others, I find it fun and educational to make my own kilt(s) but I'm nowhere near as skilled as the professionals here and elsewhere so when I want (read that NEED ) a kilt I'll still go to one of them - and I have several on my "need" list from the likes of FK, CCK, that Newsome guy, ... etc.
Is the D-I-Y section not for truly doing it yourself ?

CT -

**way2fractious** · 10th April 07, 06:17 PM

Still trying to wrap my large and overly-soft head around the economics of a privately-supported public forum. Where will future kiltmaking sponsors come from? Perhaps from our own ranks? Would not encouraging - or at least allowing - such entrepeneurs to develop be in the owner's interest?

(Begging your pardon in advance, are individual makers of "traditional hand-sewn" kilts exempt from the tariff?)

**Panache** · 10th April 07, 06:46 PM

I tip my plumed hat to Alan for his creativity, generosity, and enthusiasm for X Marks the Scot. I know his instructions and encouragement were not meant with the slightest malice towards any of our advertisers.

But in deference to Mike, I also know we need to keep in mind the needs and wishes of both our members and sponsors. Without the two, X Marks the Scot wouldn’t be the great forum it is (if it existed at all).

I hope everyone could take a minute to look at both sides of this issue and move on.

In the words of the Dr. Seuss

So be sure when you step.
Step with care and great tact
and remember that Life’s
a Great Balancing Act.

Cheers

Jamie

**heartofglass** · 11th April 07, 03:35 AM

I have sewed from about 8 years old, but have never made a kilt. I have done everything from play clothes to formals. Would love to make one just to see how it came out. Just don't have a clue as to where to start.

Raptor · 11th April 07, 04:36 AM

Not me either, sorry. I'm a boring reactionary: 13oz or better, 8 yards, & trad length!

**RK-REX** · 11th April 07, 06:42 AM

Originally Posted by Dirka Skene

I will still buy from the sponsors in this forum. I really appreciate the effort that each kiltmaker puts into each kilt . I just wanted to know how to make a mini-kilt so that I could make one for myself in a fabric that none of these kiltmakers would. I never dreamed of depriving the sponsors of business, but I didn't think that it was doing any harm by me making something for myself that they couldn't offer. I really wanted a pleather mini-kilt and because no one would make one, Alan H. just offered to help me learn to make one myself. No harm was ever intended.

I think that explains it all.

I'd also bet that if one looked for a little bit, you'd find no less than 100 sewing forums that would provide Dirka with everything needed to make a mini-kilt.

Everyone is making way too much of this. Yes, the folks who sponsor this site help to make it possible and it's appreciated by all who visit, but this is ridiculous... *shakes head in disgust*

**ccga3359** · 11th April 07, 05:34 PM

I wish I could be as gracious as Alan, he is a true gentleman. If this were I, I would be furious and insulted. This is a forum, an open passing information, of discussion, of ideas. Yes it is a sponsor supported forum, it is also a member driven forum. No forum policies were broken here(except, perhaps, this particular post), no sale was taken from a sponsor. What did happen was enthusiasm for one aspect of kilting celebration was stopped. I feel that Alan H was unfairly singled out. Alan is an author and kilt maker, much as our Barb Tewkesbury is an author and kilt maker or our Matt Newsome is an author/ kilt maker. Even XMarks Spenser Steve Ashton, premier kilt maker and soon to be author. The only difference between the above mentioned people is that Alan has not made one cent from the distribution of his X-Kilt manual! Although to be fair the others mention have also freely given in their advice and encouragement.
Further much has been said about the upcoming "Kilt Kamp" where our professional kilt makers and forum members will be instruction those interested on how to make their own traditional kilt to further celebrate their connection to the kilt.
Alan, I feel that you were unfairly admonished for making this a better forum by your hard work, you were not shown the respect that all forum members try to show each other. I have not made an X-Kilt as I'm not overly warm to that particular look but I did purchase the material for it. Out of respect to you Alan I am going to go ahead with this making this kilt and it is not going to stop me from purchasing from our professional kiltmakers.