What I wore today to the church fair...

**Paul Henry** · 25th June 11, 07:56 AM

What I wore today to the Annual church fair, they have seen me in traditional tartan kilts over the last few days, so I thought I was safe to try something a little different, their response--- was universal approval, they thought it was a wonderful kilt and great fabric, and didn't have any comments that it wasn't a "kilt" ( because it wasn't tartan or i wasn't wearing it with hose and a jacket - as I had on an earlier event) , so I am reassured that my local community isn't dead to either contemporary or traditional kilt wearing!

It's a hand printed, with architectural details, heavy linen/cotton slub fabric. with double knife pleats, machine sewn.

**Mael Coluim** · 25th June 11, 08:04 AM

A great look Paul. Really like that pattern.

**R.S.L. Kiltwearer** · 25th June 11, 08:04 AM

that's awesome i really really like that kilt........... yeah i really like it

**CMcG** · 25th June 11, 08:08 AM

Originally Posted by paulhenry

<snip>
It's a hand printed, with architectural details, heavy linen/cotton slub fabric. with double knife pleats, machine sewn.

That is really funky and I'm glad the churchfolk appreciated it!

A few questions, if you don't mind...
Did you print it yourself, where are the architectural details from, and what are double knife pleats?

**Paul Henry** · 25th June 11, 08:17 AM

Originally Posted by CMcG

That is really funky and I'm glad the churchfolk appreciated it!

A few questions, if you don't mind...
Did you print it yourself, where are the architectural details from, and what are double knife pleats?

I did print it myself from a project I was involved in many years ago, I still had the 5 foot high printing screens, and before I cleaned them off I did a print on cloth for myself. The earlier project was of details of buildings in Covent Garden in London.
Double knife pleats- becaue the linen/cotton fabric is on the light weight side (for klit making)and likely to crease, I made it with two knife pleats grouped together about the fell so that there are really 2 pleats in each visible pleat below the fell.This means that the pleats hold their shape much better, it also gives a lot more swish and swing, as normally cotton/linen kilts don't have the charactistics of a wool kilt swish. this method helps to make that happen a little better.
Detail here which might help to show what I mean

I've used this technique on several kilts now, and am very happy to say that I think it works well, especially on the slightly lighter weight cloth.

**CMcG** · 25th June 11, 09:13 AM

Originally Posted by paulhenry

Double knife pleats- becaue the linen/cotton fabric is on the light weight side (for klit making)and likely to crease, I made it with two knife pleats grouped together about the fell so that there are really 2 pleats in each visible pleat below the fell.This means that the pleats hold their shape much better, it also gives a lot more swish and swing, as normally cotton/linen kilts don't have the charactistics of a wool kilt swish. this method helps to make that happen a little better.

Thanks for the explanation. That is a rather clever solution for dealing with lighter weight fabric. Kiltmakers and DIYers take note!