I just completed a hemp blue jean RKIlt and I thought it would be good to compare it to a similar utility kilt that is currently flooding the market.

On the left is the RKilt and on the right is an East Asian product. The RKilt is made from 13 oz hemp cloth whilst the Asian is made from 8 oz cotton. Hemp fabric is a stronger fiber, the original blue jeans used to be made from hemp, however the cloth is more durable and doesn’t have to be replaced as often as a garment made from cotton.
The Asian kilt uses just under 4 yds of material, the RKilt is just under 7 yds.


You will also notice that the RKilt has 22 pleats (16 across the back) the Asian has 14 (10 across the back) More pleats give you a better swish factor and less wrinkling.
The pleat width on the Asian model is not consistent and varies in width by a couple of centimetres. The RKilt has a full under apron the other is only about 2/3rds the width.
The RKilt uses a traditional closure by the use of buckles and straps. The straps are made from 8/10oz bridal leather (straps on traditional kilts use 4/6oz leather
The straps on the Asian kilt are made with cloth and are purely decorative, whereas the RKilt have a function and attach to quality roller buckles The button hole for the inner strap to go through is reenforced with leather
Pockets on the RKilt are reenforced with rivets at stress points The Asian kilts are just sewn onto the kilt and don’t have rivets at the stress point nor does it have an interior pocket that is ideal for a smart phone
The Asian kilts are off the rack come only in standard lengths, waist and hip sizes. The RKilt is custom made, so it is the proper length, waist and hip size to fit the person.
True there is a price difference, but when you compare the overall features of the RKilt, workmanship, qualities of materials used The RKilt comes on top. I hope this helps when you choose your next utility style kilt.

It was a cool damp day but that did not deter the swans marching to Lake Victoria.
It lasts about 5 minutes in total but it is one of the major events to kick off the season here in Stratford.
The pilgrimage for the swans to the water serenaded by the Stratford Police Pipe Band. Wouldn’t you know the Goose is determined to lead the affair.
The following is a brief video of the event

A challenge was launched earlier this week stemming from a youtube video of a fellow riding a unicycle playing the bagpipes, wearing a kilt.
Well I can’t do that, but I do own a unicycle and was able to ride it 15 or more years ago.
So here we go day 2 of me getting back into shape.

We had a few good laughs and amazed a few folk as well

Yes indeed this will be one of a kind. I have been asked a number of times to make a tartan cargo kilt, and finally I caved! It turned out rather well but adapting the RKilt original to a tartan version is a lot of work so I’m unlikely to do it again unless I’m paid an exorbitant price.
This was done in a 16oz strome MacDonald of Clanranald, wonderful fabric to work with though the sett makes pleating a challenge. I chose to pleat it to the double stripe and it is a reverse kingussie pleating which is the standard pleating in all the kilts I make

The cargo pockets are done to the sett

It has all the hardware and leather that is found on the original RKilt version, dee ring, dog clip, tool straps rivets, pockets inside the cargo pocket as well.

This is a special order item, I may or may not build it depending on the day, a bottle of single malt will also need to be included in the transaction. just sayin’
It can be done but does take considerably longer to build.
Cheers

For those of you that have a theatre background you may have encountered this superstition. Basically, it’s bad luck to mention this play whilst in, or working in the theatre unless in fact you are working on the production.
To combat the curse one has to leave the room, spin three times spit, swear and then request permission to enter back into the room.
My daughter is attending Ontario College Art and Design University in Toronto (OCAD) One of her projects was to come up with a piece of jewelry that deals with superstition. She was raised in a theatre family and thought of making a kilt pin as the project. Her professor wasn’t keen on a kilt pin, he had reasons that I find short sighted but I’m not going to go into it. In the end she convinced him of her idea and made it into a pendant instead. I’m hoping that she will soon be able to produce it as an RKilt kilt pin to be worn with our new line of tweed kilts.

The jagged sword represents swearing, and it has a spittoon in the middle of the hilt, three rings to represent the three revolves one has to take, and anamethyst to ward of evil spirits
I’m sure she will be able to scale this down and hopefully make a series of a very unique kilt pin.
Now I have some major lobbying to do.
Here is an excerpt of what she wrote to go along with this work of art.
“When William Shakespeare wrote his darkest play “Macbeth”, he included real, black magic incantations in the script. As a result he place a curse on the show. It is said that uttering the name “Macbeth” in a theatre invites untold evils. If someone dare speak the name, they must leave the room, spin around three times, spit, swear and beg to be let back in the room.
This pendant acts as a reminder of this counter curse. The rings on the hilt of the dagger represent spinning, the dome between the dagger’s cross guards is a spittoon, and the jagged blade represents the act of swearing. In addition, the amethyst stone wards off evil spirits. The dagger itself is a symbol of “Macbeth” and the pain and suffering associated with the production.”