Black Camel Hair Kilt

[Phineas Lamar Alexander]

I have been away from the forum for what feels like an age but have decided it has become a chronological imperative to return to this wonderful place where I came in a stranger and quickly found myself among friends.

I am posting this project because I just couldn't stop myself.

I found a great deal on overcoat weight 100% camel hair at of all places JoAnnes Fabric!
It was marked down twice before I got it and my final price was less than $5.00 per yard.

Needless to say I bought all that they had at 2 of their locations!
 
I have been talking about making a real Military Box pleated kilt for the last 3 years and was putting it off until I could buy 10 yards of my family tartan in the correct 20oz. weight. ( think $650.00 minimum just for the fabric!)
That doesn't include setup for a custom weave and shipping.

With this great find I can now make the kilt I've wanted in solid black and get in some much needed practice on my hand finishing techniques.

Pictures to follow...

[Phineas Lamar Alexander]

UPDATE!!!!!! FINISHED!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I have finished this and am moving on to bigger and better!

But here are the in progress and the final pics.

Spoiler (click to show/hide)

http://picasaweb.google.com/Anvil.Inc/CamelHairKilt?authkey=Gv1sRgCKHa4ZfA__C6fw#

[Acadian Angel]

Very, very nice!!!

[Phineas Lamar Alexander]

Thank you! I am seriously considering going kilted as an over all lifestyle change. This on is the most comfortable garment I have ever owned!

[rogue_designer]

Nice work!

Any pics of it in situ, as it were?

I would love to go kilted more often, but the workplace's draconian dress code does not allow for men to wear shorts, nevermind something non-bifurcated (also, no jeans... suits preferred - good thing I look good in a suit).

[SilentRecoil]

It looks great! Once I can afford to, I'll replace all my jeans and shorts with utilikilts. Some day, kilts will be the garment of choice for men.

[Colonial Steele]

Nice work, lovely!

[Titus Wells]

Excellent work. Now you've got me thinking that kilt is THE look this summer... I love kilts. Where did you get a pattern, out of interest?

[Phineas Lamar Alexander]

Excellent work. Now you've got me thinking that kilt is THE look this summer... I love kilts. Where did you get a pattern, out of interest?

Thank You All for your generous compliments...

As to a pattern I actually had to wing it.
I have a Real Military Kilt from the Seaforth Highlanders WWI era.
I used the basic measurements from it and added enough Boxed Knife pleats(AKA Military Box)
to make it around my Equator!

If you anyone is interested I have enough fabric to make one more in Solid Black Camel Hair and will gladly make one to your specs. PM me for additional info.

Titus Have you been to Kilts Rock? It's a forum for the brave un-bifurcated among us. Friendly lot and very helpful.

[Captain Lyerly]

Try the X-Marks forum as well - lots of good folk there.

Mighty well-done, Phin!  I know how much labor and skill goes into that sort of thing, my cap is off to you.

What is the actual ounce-weight of the fabric? 

Oh, Silent - Lazarus Long would agree with you. 



Cheers!

Chas.

[Phineas Lamar Alexander]

It's not quite as thick as the Military kilt I have but close, I would say it's almost 18oz to the yard.

I am pleased to announce I have sourced some terrific Melton Wool in the deepest black. I am at present awaiting the email to order 10 yards of it (it says it's 25oz.) I cant wait that stuff holds a pleat like copper flashing does!

[SilentRecoil]

Oh, Silent - Lazarus Long would agree with you. 

One of my heroes!

[Phineas Lamar Alexander]

Oh, Silent - Lazarus Long would agree with you. 

"Never try to teach a pig to sing- it wastes your time and annoys the pig."

One of my heroes!

[Mechanic]

Nice work sir!