A 60 year old kilt re-build

[OC Richard]

I am now the Regimental Kiltmaker to the Canadian Scottish Regiment.

Well congratulations! And the regiment has certainly got the right man for the job, one who really knows what he's doing and who takes the time and care to do things right.

BTW I find it interesting that the kilts of The Canadian Scottish are pleated to alternate between two different stripes. IIRC the kilts of the Cape Breton Highlanders are like that too. I don't think any of the Scottish military kilts are like that, so is it a Canadian thing? Makes me wonder about Australian etc military kilts.

Also, it's interesting that that kilt was made in 1952 at Thomas Gordon & Son. We here in the USA have a venerable kiltmaker who travels about the country teaching kiltmaking classes, Elsie Scott Stuehmayer, who began her five-year kiltmaking apprenticeship with Thomas Gordon & Son in 1949. So, that kilt may well have been made by her!

[Macman]

BTW I find it interesting that the kilts of The Canadian Scottish are pleated to alternate between two different stripes. IIRC the kilts of the Cape Breton Highlanders are like that too. I don't think any of the Scottish military kilts are like that, so is it a Canadian thing? Makes me wonder about Australian etc military kilts.

Also, it's interesting that that kilt was made in 1952 at Thomas Gordon & Son. We here in the USA have a venerable kiltmaker who travels about the country teaching kiltmaking classes, Elsie Scott Stuehmayer, who began her five-year kiltmaking apprenticeship with Thomas Gordon & Son in 1949. So, that kilt may well have been made by her!

Richard, I can't give you any reason why the pleating is to the alternate stripe, but they call it "ketchup and mustard". You never know, I might have worn that kilt back in the early seventies!

[Mr.Charles Anthony]

Steve;Rabble;
The Interfacing in the Antique Kilt is 'cotton'? By the photo it looks to be a rough linnen? Is this interfacing what someone called 'sail-cloth'?
And what fabrick is the lining?
A great photo project - and a 'do it right' hint to kiltmakers!
As Ever
CSA

[M. A. C. Newsome]

Richard,

I've seen kilts from the Queen Victoria Boy's School in Scotland (also in the Hunting Stewart tartan) pleated the same way, alternate yellow and red lines. I believe that is how this tartan is always pleated for the regiments.

[OC Richard]

...alternate yellow and red lines. I believe that is how this tartan is always pleated for the regiments.

Which regiments are you referring to?

[okiwen]

So, how did this story end and the pics to show it?

[Mipi]

Yes, I believe we all hardly wait to see how this 60 years old kilt looks after repair.

[lukeyrobertson]

Wow, what a fine story and pictures! Such an art is this kilt making and restoring. Hat's off to you, Steve and to all who share passion for this artisanry.

[Friday]

Steve
I hope you add a label, next to the original, giving your name and the date repaired. I think this will add to the history of the kilt.

[Murray]

Some how I missed this thread. Kudos to the Wizard. I would love to see before and after photos.