Failed Efforts to Achieve an Official Master Kiltmaker Qualification

[Riverkilt]

Have been exchanging emails with my kiltmaker Kathy Lare. She asked me to post/gave permission to post her experience with the Master Kiltmaker designation.

"According to Master Kiltmaker Rob McBain, there were only two true Master Kiltmakers left in Scotland, himself and the kilmaker for the Black Watch. His goal was to get the term 'Master Kiltmaker' made official so it could not be used by anyone claiming training. He was not successful in doing that and left the school [Keith Kilt School] while trying to develop a Master Kiltmaker course. McBain explained that a true Master Kiltmaker entailed a tailor who could make all aspects of the military uniform, including trews and could sew a kilt in 8 hours. They had to develop their own patterns. I was shown his pattern book at the school and was amazed at the patterns he had to make.

I have first hand experience at being denied entry to the school [Keith Kilt School] during this time for a third course with the explanation that foreigners were no longer being allowed at the school due to funding issues. I haven't seen Linda Gorn as being that supportive of the kiltmakers from the school. Our beloved supporters were David Skyes (who passed away of a heart attack while in Canada on his way to have lunch with kiltmaker Gail Burfoot) and Robert Stewart. When David died everything changed. After his passing Linda Gorn conducted an investigation of the kilt school. She called me for proof I'd attended the school and questioned my awards which were given when the school was run by the Scottish Tartans Authority. Needless to say I have no use for politics it's so destructive!

I think we Americans need to humble ourselves and stop thinking we are experts in everything. I heard a lot of negative comments about this when I attended the school and lived there. I like the cooperative efforts of the kiltmakers I've gotten to know at the school in an atmosphere of helping each other. Perhaps we should all strive for that!"

[Nighthawk]

...sigh... Good to know that bigotry is not strictly an American thing.

[M. A. C. Newsome]

I would never refer to myself as a "master kiltmaker," only as a kiltmaker. To me, the term "master" suggests a master/apprentice relationship, and I have no apprentices -- nor do I desire any! lol...

But I would question having the ability to make "all aspects of the military uniform" a requirement for such a title. If one is an army tailor, then yes. But just a general kiltmaker? I see no need for it.

I occasionally get people asking me if I will sew them a jacket or a pair of trews, etc. My response is always the same. "I'm a kiltmaker, not a tailor." And I really have no interest in military uniforms, so I have no desire to learn to make them. Does this have any bearing on my kilt making abilities?

I think that particular list of qualifications comes out of the perspective of the kilt as military uniform. Which, of course, if one is a trained army tailor then one will have that perspective, and there is nothing wrong with that. My interest in the kilt, however, is in civilian dress.

[denmcdough]

Well said, Matt! I agree. Even though I'm not a kilt maker, it makes sense to me.

[BroosterB1]

I would dare to say that the proof is in the kilt and not the school or guild.

If we were to take this line of reasoning to the extreme (as it seems they are) only descendent's of certain blood lines that still reside in a certain area of the world would be deemed to have achieved "master" status.

Seems to me that by saying "There are only two Master Kilt-makers left" is a way of self aggrandizement to the extreme.

To be a Master is to teach the way; it is not something to be clutched tight to the bosom and never shared but rather shared willingly with those who seek the knowledge, and willing to walk the path.

[Barb T]

I agree with Matt - I am not a Master Kiltmaker, nor have I ever called myself one. And, like Matt, I only make kilts. But I do make good kilts, and I have considerable expertise. I'm also willing to share my experience in order to help other people learn, because I don't agree with guild-style hoarding of expertise.

Do I know everything? No, of course not, and I have learned a great deal from people on this forum because others have also been willing to share what they know instead of hoarding what they know.

And truly, of what relevance is it if only 2 people could qualify for a designation of "Master"? Seems silly to me and wouldn't be at all useful in helping people choose a good kiltmaker...

[Zardoz]

Like Brooster said; "to be a Master is to teach the way" I feel anyone who has extensive knowlege of certain skills and disciplines and a willingness to train others in them does not need a certification to be a "Master" My Grandmother never went to chef's school, but she was a very good cook, she trained my Father and I to be good cooks. I know in the kitchen we had a Master-apprentice relationship.

And remember. like Yoda said;
Always two there are, a master and an apprentice.

[McClef]

Such exclusivity is unlikely to survive very long if there are only 2 left who are considered to meet the somewhat rigorous demands.

[mbhandy]

To be a Master is to teach the way; it is not something to be clutched tight to the bosom and never shared but rather shared willingly with those who seek the knowledge, and willing to walk the path.

I would have to agree.
To be a teacher does not make one a Failed Master, either.

MrBill

[Jordan]

Personaly I would rather my kilt maker take aslong as s/he need rather than rush it in 8 hours.

Keith is just up the road from me (about 10 min) and I have neved heard of the school exept on here. And Master kilt maker? My A**e!

Just my tuppence