Cutting Down a Féileadh Mòr

**Mechamaniac** · 29th September 06, 04:35 AM

OK, so I have had a Féileadh Mòr for about 10 years now, and have been wearing it in the traditional fashion. However, this is getting old, and lately, I have been giving some thought to modifying it into a fèileadh beag for more casual use.

I spoke with the company I bought the Kilt from, and they advised that rather than cutting it in half, I should just fold it, then pleat, and belt on etc. I tried this once, and it just results in too much fabric around my waist. So, I have finally decided to just cut the damned thing down, and wear it as a fèileadh beag.

Once my (currently declining) weight levels out, I woud like to further modify it into a tailored kilt.

Suggestions?

**MacWage** · 29th September 06, 05:37 AM

I'm not sure if cutting down the material is the best idea. The early philabegs/fèileadh beags were made of one stretch of material (the belted plaid was 2 lengths sewn together to make a double width). The issue is the tear line left from cutting it down that WILL be visible in a fèileadh beag. The result will look like a poorly made kilt to most of the "uninitiated to kiltdom."

I'd leave it as a belted plaid, until it is converted into a kilt. As for ease in "putting it on," I'd HIGHLY recommend adding a drawstring,as in:
http://albanach.org/drawstring.htm

(Note: My first 3 kilts were WORN as belted plaids until made into kilts. AND I have several more I will likely convert SOON.)

FOR LURKERS: I have made kilts out of various grades of wool and ACTUAL WORSTED WOOL in 13 or 16 oz DOES make better kilts and is advisable after the first on or 2 attempts (which soon degrade to "bum around" kilts, unless you are EXTREMELY good).