AlanH had been kind enough to give me some of the MacNichol tartan he picked up cheap last year and I made my first kilt by copying my son's SportKilt-with a few minor changes (hopefully improvements). But, I learned a few things from that endeavor-the waist band for a young boy should be fairly narrow and elastic is only for when you cannot make the victim, um, I mean subject, stand for fittings (the prior kilt was a little too bulky around the waist band). Also, belt loops are are necessity for an active young boy.

I still was not ready to start cutting into the limited amount of X-Marks tartan we acquired last year-I was afraid of screwing up, and then I would have destroyed a fairly expensive quantity of cloth (despite the fact that it was a gift-thank you Robin!). What finally got me started was the new run of X-Marks tartan that we will soon be purchasing a part of. Now, if I mess up, we will have more available!

So, today, I ripped the length in thirds and sewed together a nearly 10 foot length for Sinbad's kilt. Pleated (to no stripe-thank you AlanH-this is the easiest way to go, as well as looking smashing.). I pleated and pinned, but am waiting for another bit of quiet time to start actually sewing. I'm hoping to complete this by the next Belmont kilt night. At least by the next one that we take the kids to.

I'll post pictures and let you know how it turns out!

And, by the way, I still have enough of this particular bit of cloth to make myself a mini-rather skimpy one I'm afraid. I'm sure Panache won't mind

Be well,