So, I'm learning to play the Great Highland Bagpipes, and *really* enjoying it, and starting to dream about the day when I feel like my playing is up to wearing a kilt with the bagpipes. (I started piping because I've always loved the sound.)

Anyway, I've been lurking lurking lurking here, trying to figure out what I wanted, and realized that I can't really afford to just buy what I want. I'm not too shabby with fabric, and bought the Tewksbury and Stuehmeyer book. I'm thinking of a traditional knife pleated affair, but perhaps not with 8 yards. Still thinking on that one (advice?)

I thought I'd start by making a kilt out of cheap fabric for my husband (he's far better suited to kilt-wearing than I am) and then realized we both have the same measurement problem. I know I'm supposed to measure at the widest point of the tush, but for both of us, that is *not* the widest point of our hips. He's got huge muscly thighs, and we won't talk about my problem. If I use the normal tush measurement, will it make the pleats look funny over the thighs (perhaps a 3 inch difference in circumference)?

And I have a second measurement question - I've noticed in some photos of kilt-wearers that if the picture is taken from a vantage point above the wearer that his kilt will appear too long, although it really isn't. Since I'm kinda short, and most vantage points are above me, should I err on a length that is on the short side of knee length, without, hopefully, hitting mini-skirt status?

Thank you for your patience with me!