Advice on a first kilt?

[Dale Seago]

Is the féileadh mòr hard to put on, or is it just something that's gotten used to?

All depends on how you feel about it after you've done it a few times, I guess. If you don't have belt or drawstring loops, this approach works:

http://www.historichighlanders.com/belted.htm

In the first photo of this article, you'll see it worn three different ways by myself (center) and two of my martial-art students:

http://swordforum.com/articles/hes/highlandscots.php

[Séamus Ua Proinsias]

Thanks, AKScott. But one question does come to mind: not being terribly adept with a needle and thread (though not for lack of trying), about how much would it run me for someone to take it in every time?

I realize that the féileadh mòr would be the costume of at least some of the characters in a play I've been writing (it takes place during the '45); if I ever want it to be ready for the stage, I'd better start looking into one or five or so.

Thanks again.

[AKScott]

Thanks, AKScott. But one question does come to mind: not being terribly adept with a needle and thread (though not for lack of trying), about how much would it run me for someone to take it in every time?

Thanks again.

IIRC you are at 42" waist and dropping now, with a 36" waist target.

If you find a 39" waist kilt inexpensively now, it should fit with the straps out at the longest possible hole. When you get down to 39" you'll be at the tightest possible hole on each strap. Modify it once down to 36" waist and it should still fit your 39" waist on the day it is modified, but at the longest strap holes again.

Mine took about 30 minutes, but I am relatively handy with needle and thread. I'll try to post up some pictures over the weekend.