Do I wrap a bad great kilt?

**Brasilikilt** · 2nd July 08, 08:04 AM

My friend Patrick came over for a visit and we were having a few laughs in my back yard.

I pointed out my new belted plaid, which I had rolled out onto the lawn to let it air out.

I then started talking about how I was a little irked regarding a comment made to me by a member of my Jacobite group.
He was telling me that I wasn't allowed to give great kilt demonstrations at the Portland Highland Games, because I wrap a terrible belted plaid.
I then explained to my group that I seriously doubted that a highlander pleating up in the morning on the moors would have taken all the effort to fold his pleats perfectly.

My friends countered that by saying that we all have to "pleat to impress" as if we were going to meet the clan Chiefs or something.
I said that I can certainly do that, but generally choose not to for the sake of speed, as well as authenticity.

Thinking of this got me a little riled up again, so I began showing Patrick how to pleat up a great kilt, and somehow convinced him to let me put it on him.

Here's a good one of Patrick with a captured English musket

Please give me your honest opinions as I hold your comments and criticisms in high regard.

Thanks

Iain

**Nick the DSM** · 2nd July 08, 08:09 AM

can you make the extra material a little nicer, it too much junk and looks cumbersome?

**Ayin McFye** · 2nd July 08, 09:29 AM

Originally Posted by Brasilikilt

Please give me your honest opinions as I hold your comments and criticisms in high regard.

Thanks

Iain

I think it's pretty rude for someone to tell you off that way, whether he thought you wrapped a bad belted plaid or not. I do not think that you did a bad job, but I would say that having nice looking pleats definitely helps. The pin-up that you have(as far as I know) is typically worn over the left shoulder and not the right, but that's not too big of deal. I'm personally not a big fan on the both shoulders look but I'm sure it was probably done during colder days to help stay warm.

I think you have done a decent job, and the man who gave you the negative comments should have provided you with feedback on how to improve if he thought you were doing such horrible job.

Where did you learn to wear it the way that you do though? Did you follow any books instructions, taught by a friend, or was it a self taught thing?

Again though, I think you did ok, so don't let that guy get too you too much.

**Nick the DSM** · 2nd July 08, 09:32 AM

the pleats are nice!

**ixxo** · 2nd July 08, 11:49 AM

I have no real idea tbh but from the few pictures around I have seen of TGK before, it seems a way too baggy to me.. but thats just my personal wee opinion .... but then I dont like kids with pants around their knees and boxers over their heads either so..

**Nick the DSM** · 2nd July 08, 12:00 PM

i'm also on the side of ixxo, it seems too baggy for my taste, as i was trying to explain on my first post. IMO

**escherblacksmith** · 3rd July 08, 07:00 AM

I think the biggest problem is you are creating an illusion, if I interpret your picture correctly, you have your belt running low, not around your waist (at belly-button or above).

This would definitely give a much baggier image. I am not a master of great kilt work, but I do know what works for me.

This is me in mine, I tuck and such so most of the fabric is behind me or held in my belt. I don't like it if the belt is completely obscured. This is me in rain-coat mode

**Ayin McFye** · 3rd July 08, 07:10 AM

Originally Posted by escherblacksmith

I think the biggest problem is you are creating an illusion, if I interpret your picture correctly, you have your belt running low, not around your waist (at belly-button or above).

This would definitely give a much baggier image. I am not a master of great kilt work, but I do know what works for me.

This is me in mine, I tuck and such so most of the fabric is behind me or held in my belt. I don't like it if the belt is completely obscured. This is me in rain-coat mode

Now that I see your version of the "rain-coat" mode, or over both shoulders, I think it looks good. I think the difference is that you have yours tighter around the neck which I think looks much better. Thanks for the picture comparision!

**Ozman1944** · 3rd July 08, 07:50 AM

I reckon it's just being worn too low, instead of Navel-waist. The pleats are great! maybe a bit of 'pleating' /gathering of the excess cloth that's over the shoulder & back would look a bit better? Also a bit curious; over the right shoulder instead of the left?
Looks fine to me though, probably just needs a bit of rearranging.
Tell the nay-sayer where to go...

**sirdaniel1975** · 3rd July 08, 02:31 PM

I think it's being worn to low as well. I also think you should be a little more creative with what and where you tuck and what is brooched.

The first few times I wore a belted plaid Matt Newsome said to me, "Daniel, you wear that a little weird.. Try tucking it a little different."

I like to tuck more of the excess material than what is held with the brooch.

I really like escherblacksmith's photo example. I'm going to show you some more...... enjoy

Here's a pic of me...

From the Hendersonville, NC Games 2006

Hendersonville again..

Taste of Scotland 2008