County Clare tartan kilt - making my first kilt

[pdcorlis]

Ok gang - here is the result of my first attempt at kiltmaking. I guess the stars came into alignment with a too good to pass up deal on three yards of House of Edgar County Clare 13 oz. tartan and the donation of a sewing machine. Armed with Barb's book, a few kilts to look at, and the collective wisdom of this forum (boy oh boy does that search feature ever work...) I thought what the heck - I'll give it a shot.

I call it my "Frankenkilt" since its based on Barb's classical techniques mixed with some of Rocky and Kelly's construction savy, and topped off with a modified internal underapron belt a la Matt Newsome - only I used nylon webbing and velcro instead of a leather belt and buckle. To those fine follks add the countless other kiltmakers who share their knowledge and enthusiasm with this forum. My apolgies to all these kiltmakers as I'm sure that any one of them could have created a more elegant "monster" than I - but I am truly happy with my kilt - considering this is the first time I've ever used a sewing machine its pretty darn nice.

Now for the Photos...

The Front




And the always important pleat shot



Now for a few closing thoughts

1. If I can do this - you can do this, I literally didn't know how to thread a sewing machine or wind a bobbin before I started.

2. Buy Barb's book - it is a truly astounding resource and you can't build a decent kilt without it.

3. Don't be afraid to try something new - that's why they sell seam rippers.

4. Buy a seam ripper.

5. Even if you only make one kilt in your life - you will have something that is truly unique and completely yours - and you will never again wonder how professional kiltmakers can ask "so much money" for a custom made kilt. They are underpaid - each and every one of them.