Traditional Kilt Jacket Backs?

**KFCarter** · 25th April 09, 03:32 AM

Originally Posted by Ted Crocker

Oops, I see I spelled "hem" as "him."

I have a feeling that careful selection of internal interfacing, like lots of hair canvas, and the right lining would help a lot with the jackets for hot weather.

Someone was talking about having a linen kilt jacket made for hot weather; that might be an idea.

Yes, summer weight suits here often are linen and linen/silk blends. The jackets will usually be 3/8 lined. Seersucker and khaki cotton poplin are very common as well. But you're right, the linens offer the most promise, especially since they come in a widest array of colors, weaves and finishes. I think those last factors will be key in finding a linen look that works with the wool kilt, but is shouldn't be hard. The folks at the clothiers are eager for me to come in wearing the kilt so they can start playing with swatches.

**Bugbear** · 25th April 09, 12:48 PM

Well, good luck. I hope they come up with something good. I think I'll try to find a linen jacket to look at now.

**KFCarter** · 27th April 09, 04:41 AM

Originally Posted by Ted Crocker

Well, good luck. I hope they come up with something good. I think I'll try to find a linen jacket to look at now.

I'm aiming to commission a jacket from them within a month or so and I'll photo document the process, including design sketches and eventually the construction itself.

**Bugbear** · 27th April 09, 08:45 PM

Sounds good, and I look forward to the thread on what they do.

I have finnished the front of the waistcoat; the back needs a bit of work, but that can wait.

The curves of the cutaway on the jacket need some work too, so that is probably what I will need to do next. I spent the afternoon shortening the sleeve cuffs of a grey three piece suit. I couldn't find the trousers for that suit, so I had put off doing the sleeves. I did find the trousers though, and it is good to go now.

However, I think I'm done sewing for the day.

* Oops. I ended up working on the cutaway curves anyway. I think they are pretty good now.

I think that just leaves sewing down the lining along the back, and a thread end check. I will need to press, brush, and steam it and the waistcoat, but it's fairly close to being done. *

**KFCarter** · 28th April 09, 05:53 AM

It sounds like you're very close. I'm looking forward to seeing it!

**Carolina Kiltman** · 28th April 09, 08:13 PM

Originally Posted by KFCarter

. . . .Yes, summer weight suits here often are linen and linen/silk blends. The jackets will usually be 3/8 lined. Seersucker and khaki cotton poplin are very common as well.

When I was a Graduate Assistant at the University of Iowa a century or so ago

, I had to wear a suit and tie to all the classes I taught. I had only enough money for one suit, and Iowa summers are HOT & MUGGY! So I settled for a Palm Beach Worsted fabric. As I remember it was blend of wool and silk (?) The weave was quite open, you could see through it with little trouble if held to the light. Do they still make it? It would seem to be a perfect fabric for what is being discussed here.

**Bugbear** · 28th April 09, 11:27 PM

I gave the jacket and waistcoat a good brushing, I have six cats, then I trimmed all the hanging threads I could find. Earlier, I put it on with a kilt, and I think it is ready for a picture; that might take a week or too though.

There are things I will need to continue to work on, but the outside of the jacket is pretty good.

**KFCarter** · 29th April 09, 04:14 AM

Originally Posted by Carolina Kiltman

As I remember it was blend of wool and silk (?) The weave was quite open, you could see through it with little trouble if held to the light. Do they still make it? It would seem to be a perfect fabric for what is being discussed here.

I don't know about that fabric, but I'll certainly try to track it down. It sounds like it would be a really excellent choice.

Originally Posted by Ted Crocker

I gave the jacket and waistcoat a good brushing, I have six cats, then I trimmed all the hanging threads I could find. Earlier, I put it on with a kilt, and I think it is ready for a picture; that might take a week or too though.

There are things I will need to continue to work on, but the outside of the jacket is pretty good.

I wish I was remotely able to take on a project like yours. Looking forward to the photo, and while you're at it, get a picture of the cats, too! We're a household of cat lovers here, but my wife has terrible allergies to them and we can only get our cat-fixes vicariously.

**Bugbear** · 29th April 09, 01:50 PM

Well, I did just have one cat, but people who lived next to me moved and just left their two cats. They decided to move in, and the female cat decided to have kittens in my closet. There all fixed now, though.