A random act of tartan

[Watson42]

Hello XMarks!

I haven't checked in for ages now and I've been prompted to by a most unique gifting.
My sister sent me a text message the other day and said she had a gift for me from one of her clients at the salon she works at. She dropped it off at my parents house and when I arrived to pick it up, it turned out to be the best thing ever.

I am now the proud owner of a 5'x9' 5 3/4" piece of Buchanan tartan! I'm completely thrilled with this. But I'm also clueless as to what I can do with it. Is this possibly enough for a kilt? Or several dozen tams?

Regardless, I just had to share my joy!

[sydnie7]

If I'm reading right, you have just over three yards of double width material -- more than enough for a nice kilt. It gets split in half, so think six yard knife pleat or even a 4 yard box pleat plus matching vest!

Sorry if I've read your measurements wrong, but that's what I get from it. Congrats! Any clue what weight the fabric is? That would also determine its suitability for kilting.

[MacMillans son]

It sounds like 3 yards double width, which should be enough for a nice 6 yard kilt, if its kilt weight material,...unless Buchanan is an asymmetrical sett...which it may be if memory serves me. I better let those more knowledgeable chime in. Nice score regardless of how you use it!

[Watson42]

I have no idea what the weight is, actually. I was sort of wondering about that. How would I go about finding that?

[piperdbh]

I have no idea what the weight is, actually. I was sort of wondering about that. How would I go about finding that?

Fold it all up so it will fit on a kitchen scale and weigh it, then divide the weight by the number of yards, which in this case is just a little over 3. Bathroom scales are usually not sensitive enough to weigh small weights. If you don't have a kitchen scale, take it to the Post Office and ask the clerk to weigh it.

[Watson42]

I do have a kitchen scale at my place, so I'll try that method out. Thanks muchly!

[Mike_Oettle]

Well, Watson, it seems a six-yarder is in order (or a shorter-length kilt plus a waistcoat/vest).
Next thing it will have to be pictures!
I look forward to them.
Regards,
Mike

[RockyR]

Yes, Buchanan is an Asymmetrical sett. He'll most likely have to make the kilt with a hem, which isn't the end of the world... it'll still be a nice kilt.

[Ryan Ross]

Yes, Buchanan is an Asymmetrical sett. He'll most likely have to make the kilt with a hem, which isn't the end of the world... it'll still be a nice kilt.

Heck yes- If it's a lighter weight material, it seems like a largish, well done, blind stitched hem can actually improve a kilt.

A hem's usually not ideal, of course, but a well done hem really isn't so bad.

Congrats, man!