What makes a kiltmaker professional?

[turpin]

A very nice kilt, I would say that, that qualifies as a professional job. I especially like the chosen tartan Gordon is my clan, eventually I will have a tank in that tartan I was wavering between knife and box pleats but not any more.

I think the weight of the cloth helps a lot in showing off John's work. Once you get a good crease in it it just hangs straight and holds and holds. This is probably why Matt Newsome recommends 16 oz. cloth or higher for a box pleat. Yet, because it uses only 2 yards double-wide, it is very light-feeling when hefted or worn.

Hey, John's kilt looks good on you!

Hey! It's my kilt!

About the rise, I think if you measure from the bottom of the leather strap, you'll find that the weathered Gordon I made for you does have a 2" rise, or very close to it. You are probably measuring from the center of the straps (on the holes).

I know some kiltmakers measure the rise from the holes, but I was taught to do so from the bottom of the strap. Not sure of the difference, but there ya go!

Matt

Yes, the 8 yard tanks I have had made for me (one by Barb T, one by Kiltstore) both have 2 inch rises measured from the center of the top buckle. I guess it's important, then when submitting measurements to the kiltmaker, to understand his/her definition of length of rise versus drop.

Now Mr. Wages, no false modesty, please. You do good work!