An idea: the virtual kilt modeller?

[Tim Little]

A random thought came to me the other night:

So, we already have a virutal tartan designer, right?

Wouldn't it be neat if someone came up with software that could project various pleating permutations (e.g., pleating to stripe v. sett; knife pleat v. box pleat; etc.) onto a virtual mannequin so that one could get an idea of how a paticular tartan -- especially more obscure ones -- might look in each configuration.

I guess you'd need to know the thread count of a particular sett, and then figure out some sort of equation to factor in length of fabric, pleat style/depth, etc., to be able to model the result with reasonable accuracy.

Any software/graphics gurus out there up to the challenge? Any of our kiltmakers have thoughts as to what parameters one would have to take into account?

(I obviously spend way too much time here if these are the sorts of thoughts that come to mind in the middle of the night.)

[ShaunMaxwell]

Here's another tartan design software I ran across recently that has some earthier tones...

http://www.tartanweb.org/designer/designer.php

Love your idea, and hope someone has the skill to make it workable.

[Tim Little]

Found this software online.

A bit more involved than what I had in mind -- I was picturing something simpler, more static... and free -- but gives a idea of what might be possible.

Their promo video's kinda neat, too:

[hospitaller]

Months ago I asked if there would be interest for me to develop exactly what you are talking about, mostly to tepid responses and comparisons to a 'dress the doll' kit for men.

good luck

[The Wizard of BC]

Is this sort of what you had in mind?

http://www.tartanweb.org/designer/laddie.php

[Kiltman]

What fun to play with that software. Thanks Steve.

[pipesndrumsnun]

great idea; get right to it my good man!

[Ruanaidh]

Is this sort of what you had in mind?

http://www.tartanweb.org/designer/laddie.php

OMG, I just turned him over and he answered the "question."

[pipesndrumsnun]

Is this sort of what you had in mind?

http://www.tartanweb.org/designer/laddie.php

Hey, Steve! That is great fun; now I know how I'll be spending my Christmas break!!

Wait 'til the boys at school hear that I've been spending time dressing and re-dressing a good looking Highland Laddie in various kilt attire!

[Tim Little]

Is this sort of what you had in mind?

http://www.tartanweb.org/designer/laddie.php

Pretty close. As mentioned above, it would be nice to be able to vary the pleating styles, but otherwise it's not actually too bad.