Having a kilt altered...?

[The Wizard of BC]

Kylhullu,

When I was talking about altering a traditionally made kilt, I am afraid that to keep the waist about the same but reduce the hip size would, more than likely, be a complete re-build.

The Fell must be un-stitched. The pleats must be individually narrowed or pleats must be removed. Finally the Fell must be completely re-tapered from the new hips measurement to the original waist measurement.

It would take as long in man-hours to accomplish this job as it would to make a new kilt due to having to first disassemble everything and then re-stitch it all back again.

Technically not a difficult job. Any kiltmaker would be able to do it. The problem is that many kiltmakers do not accept re-build jobs. 20-40 man-hours of labor means you have just spent the same for the labor as if you purchased a new kilt. Most customers can't, or won't, shell out that amount of money on a kilt they got off ebay for $50.00.

And we always find surprises inside someone else's kilts. But when the kiltmakers here document these re-builds, and post photos, it is always educational.

[Kylahullu]

Thank you for the fast reply.

Kylhullu,

When I was talking about altering a traditionally made kilt, I am afraid that to keep the waist about the same but reduce the hip size would, more than likely, be a complete re-build.

This is what I was fearing to hear... Looks like the kilt will keep that shower curtain.

The Fell must be un-stitched. The pleats must be individually narrowed or pleats must be removed. Finally the Fell must be completely re-tapered from the new hips measurement to the original waist measurement.

Just thinking. What if not opening all the fell but only some 2 to 4 pleats and make them have enough "negative tapering" to take in the needed inches?

...
Any kiltmaker would be able to do it. The problem is that many kiltmakers do not accept re-build jobs. 20-40 man-hours of labor means you have just spent the same for the labor as if you purchased a new kilt. Most customers can't, or won't, shell out that amount of money on a kilt they got off ebay for $50.00.

This kilt will never go to any professional. It is kind of a personal challenge. Maybe it will stay as is or I will find a short cut or start remaking it just for fun.

And we always find surprises inside someone else's kilts.

True!
I have now 4 used woollen ones, 3 of which from ebay and one bought from a member here. 3 of them I have mended to a more or less usable condition including this one with too wide hips. One is waiting for a total remaking but the tartan is nice and it looks like never used but does not have any stabiliser and the interfacing practically does not exist. (It was told to be 42 inch but it was 48... I need 40.) Two of the mended ones are from reputable kilt-makers. Every one of them have some oddities in them...