Kilt making demonstration: Any suggestions?

**bonnie heather** · 11th February 10, 06:28 AM

This weekend I'm going to be doing a kilt making demonstration at the Mid-Winter Scottish Irish Music Festival in PA. I've been making lists and gathering things to bring and show: Kilts in various stages of construction, examples of pleating to sett vs.stripe, different weights of tartans, sewing materials, tartan swatch books, etc.

Does anyone have suggestions of what people might want to see? Has anyone seen kilt making demonstrations? What worked well and what didn't? Any advice?

Thanks!

**Chas** · 11th February 10, 07:05 AM

Hi Heather,

At least one living model wearing a kilt - male for preference - so people get to see the swing of the kilt for themselves.

Regards

Chas

**Paul Henry** · 11th February 10, 07:09 AM

something that most people don't realise is the ammount of internal support and stitching with canvas and cotton etc, having an example of the pad stictching etc might help people to realise why a traditional kilt is worth the money, even if they can't see the workings form the outside!!

**bricelythgoe** · 11th February 10, 07:20 AM

I wish I was there for your demonstration! However, being someone that would like to see one, I would agree with the previous comments. Show the "inner workings" of the kilt.

**Tobus** · 11th February 10, 07:24 AM

Originally Posted by Chas

Hi Heather,

At least one living model wearing a kilt - male for preference - so people get to see the swing of the kilt for themselves.

Regards

Chas

If I were there, I'd want to see a model as well. Not only for the reason Chas mentioned, but also so you could demonstrate a correct fit. How high it should be worn, where it comes to at the bottom, where the fell line stops, etc. I think a lot of people could benefit from seeing a demonstration not only of how to build one, but how to properly size one (including how to take the measurements).

**HeathBar** · 11th February 10, 07:26 AM

You know, my favorite part of kiltmaking is ripping the wool into two pieces. Its the "no going back" step and the distinct burning smell. I think lots of folks would be fascinated that you can rip the wool in straight lines. Perhaps you could demo with scraps.

**ForresterModern** · 11th February 10, 07:29 AM

Like Brice I wish I could be there for the demo too. I like the idea about the inner workings of a kilt---what gives it its strength and support but is "hidden" from view in general.

What about some demo of the different pleating styles that many would not be aware of---standard knife pleats, vs box pleats vs Kingussie and revers Kingussie vs double box pleats.

Or a demo about the differences between a full 8yd kilt and a more casual style 5 yard kilt.

Good luck Bonnie. Somehow I get the feeling there may some Allen tartan on display there.

Glad to help.

Jeff

**NewEnglander** · 11th February 10, 07:50 AM

Originally Posted by Tobus

If I were there, I'd want to see a model as well. Not only for the reason Chas mentioned, but also so you could demonstrate a correct fit. How high it should be worn, where it comes to at the bottom, where the fell line stops, etc. I think a lot of people could benefit from seeing a demonstration not only of how to build one, but how to properly size one (including how to take the measurements).

I agree. Actually, if you could get someone to snap some pics of these details and post them, it'd be great.

**1oldsarge** · 11th February 10, 10:01 AM

My guess would be the basics, as this would be the first exposure for almost all. I would think that if you kept it simple, you'd get more interest from those who would like to try to make one.