My latest flash design

[Avonlea22]

I've been racking my brain lately to come up with a new and different method of making kilt flashes (more precisely, the garter). I've experimented with velcro, snaps and my latest...a buckle. Take a look in my gallery and let me know what you think. Note that the buckle is curved to form to your calf. The belt is plastic and is only about 1.5" long. The elastic is more narrow than most (I think) at 1/2". I did this to keep the buckle as small as possible, since you don't want a huge buckle on your calf. I had intended to make the flashes so that they can be interchanged, but I made this set of flashes prior to getting my shipment of buckles, so they will stay on this garter.

Please give feedback, negative or positive. I'm also thinking of adding a slider, to make it easier to adjust. I need to consult my bow tie at work to see how to get that right, though.

[Matthews]

That's a pretty cool deal there Avonlea22. That small clip buckle could definately come in handy. With the buckle being flat and smooth and considering the thickness of kilt hose I don't think it would bother the leg too much, if at all. (Of course in saying that without having actually worn them. ) You're right in considering a slide and - this is the KO Punch - interchangeable flashes! Far out dude, far out.

Cheers,
T.R. Matthews

[Hamish]

These look absolutely the 'Bee's Knees'. That buckle is an excellent idea - is it along the lines of those that are used on backpacks, hiking gear (and even Mountain Kilts)?

I am very pleased to see that you have left the flashes to run freely along the elastic this time, instead of sewing them together, and to have them interchangeable would be a bonus.

However, I am wondering about the wisdom in selecting just ½" wide elastic. Worn all day, you might find that it becomes rather uncomfortable - a wider elastic, say 1" is less likely to cut into your calf. They do have to be fairly tight to do their job, after all! It's just a thought.

[Avonlea22]

is it along the lines of those that are used on backpacks, hiking gear (and even Mountain Kilts)?


However, I am wondering about the wisdom in selecting just ½" wide elastic. Worn all day, you might find that it becomes rather uncomfortable - a wider elastic, say 1" is less likely to cut into your calf. They do have to be fairly tight to do their job, after all! It's just a thought.

The buckle is indeed like those found on backpacks. This buckle was actually marketed for use with pet collars.

I was wondering about the size of the elastic, too, but I'm afraid that if I move up to a 1" elastic, the buckle will be too large. Maybe I'll order another batch and see how they would work out. They were fairly cheap.

As always, thanks for your comments, Hamish. I greatly value your input.

[Doc Hudson]

Brian,

Here are a couple of ideas, feel free to value them in accordance with what I charge to share them.

I agree with Hamish about wider elastic being more comfortable, but that will make for a bulkier buckle if you use the type you have shown.

I think the best bet would be a buckle like the ones that used to be found on the adjustment straps of vests. The buckle is a two piece affair and both pieces are shaped somewhat like a figure 8. One piece goes through the other at an angle and turns to lock together. Unfortunately, I can't find a picture of the blessed things and I don't know the proper name for them. All I can do is suggest you visit as big sewing center and look through their selection of buckles.

Another alternative is the buckle shown below, if you can find the proper size. I think the one pictured is 1 1/2", which would be too wide.


In either case, you could use the double "D" adjustment buckle to adjust the length of the garter. That way, you can have a bit of adjustment built into the garter, that will allow the wearer to more easily adjust tightness without loose ends flapping.