One of my customers requested black straps and chrome hardware on the Army Green Hemp kilt that they ordered.
In this picture I have two kilts one with black straps and chrome hardware the other with brown straps and brass hardware. The kilt has a different feel depending on the choice. Brass and the brown straps tends to soften the look while the black and chrome has a bit more attitude.

Proof of purchase required.
I’m preparing to ship a number of kilts out this coming week. Five are heading to Tasmania, One to Michigan, another to Southern Ontario. Depending how things go this week New Zealand may be in the mix. The bottom line is I will need to make some room in the shop as it’s getting a little crowded.
There are a few belts to make, adding some buckles to a couple of kilts.

Later in the week I’ll be doing a batch of Taupe, then leather.

I’ve added a Highland Game to the mix. In May I will be heading up to Sudbury For their Celtic Festival. If you’re in the are please stop by and say hello. I’ll show you my portable solar powered shop.

I’ve been working on the Army Green hemp kilts this week and they are in various stages of completion. Today I completed pockets for 6 kilts put on the waistbands straps, pockets on two of those kilts.

I’ve included a video of me installing the re-enforcement rivets on the pockets and straps.

Riviting experience from RKilts on Vimeo.

My parents are extremely busy people. I really don’t know where they find the time to do all the things that they do.
My mother is in the midst of choreographing a ballet that she premiered close to thirty years ago. She is still teaching ballet as well as Tai Chi, Ballroom dancing, and Bobbin lace. Another one of her hobbies is learning to play the Celtic harp.
My father being a reniassance kind of guy decided to make her one. He didn’t stop at one he made more and graduated to a floor model.

The floor model is named the Catherina in honour of my mother.

They both weave and yes my father has made the looms they use. They spin wool and yes my father has made numerous spinning wheels.
I’m not sure how much I will see of him this summer as he will also be doing repairs on boats for the local boat charter in Gore Bay.
I do have the final installment on the making of RKilt hose. In this video you will see the nearly completed hose before it is handed to my mother for final inspection and the stitching of the toe.

Heel and Toe from RKilts on Vimeo.

This just in a cabled cuff made by my mother

Today we present the next installment of the making of RKilt Hose. He does literally crank these puppies out.
My Dad is 81 I have to give him something to do, Otherwise he’d be on the street hangin’ out at malls, creating mischief…..His humour well lets just say you will witness some of it at the end of the video.
While you’re watching this I’m working on Army Green kilts, As the boys in Tasmania have eached Skyped me today inquiring about the progress I am making. I am happy to report that one batch will be shipped out Monday.
Now a ribbin’ video

Just ribbin’ from RKilts on Vimeo.

About a year ago I was experiencing frustration in acquiring kilt hose. Minimum orders expensive shipping just made it cost prohibitive to my operation. Doing some research I found an item that would allow me to manufacture my own kilt hose to my specifications. I also came across a triple cuff design kilt hose and really liked the style and look of these hose.
The answer was a circular sock knitting machine. Many of these machines were made in Canada, Georgetown to be exact, in the early 1900’s.
I found one and told my parents about my proposed venture of kilt hose making. My Father was intrigued and insisted that he take on this project.
I shipped off the machine to my father he reconditioned it and got it to working order and began producing RKilt hose with triple cuffs. My mother also got involved in the project. She assembles the toes by means of a Kitchener stitch. This is a seamless weave in the toe that makes the fit nice and smooth.
My Mother also knits the special order cabled cuffs for the hose.
I had asked my father to create videos of him knitting the hose so over the next few weeks we can follow the progress being made.

The set-up Circular sock knitting machine from RKilts on Vimeo.

Setting up for the cuff from RKilts on Vimeo.

I came in extra early today so that I might finish the blue hemp kilt and provide a photo as promised.

This one has chrome hardware and black straps.
The rest of the afternoon was prepping for a run on Army Green hemp and Taupe.
I have had to re-thread the serger, twin needle as well as the straight stitch, The walking foots will be next.
This run involves 6 army green and three taupe. I have measured out the fabric for the army green made the belt loops measured and cut the pockets and pocket flaps.

Tomorrow I will be building the pockets and then start on building the kilts. I will provide pictures on the progress.
Coming soon

Circular sock knitting machine from RKilts on Vimeo.

Have a great day

It’s been awhile since I worked on a blue hemp kilt. The one I’m currently working on will be heading to Tasmania later this week.
The colour is similar to a faded blue jean. This one will have black straps and chrome hardware but it’s equally at home with Brown straps and brass hardware.

I will post a picture of the finished product possible on Tuesday
A warm welcome to the folk who have recently joined the RKilt fan page. The page has been up just over two months and there’s nearly a hundred fans.
I’m also impressed with the number of hits on the blog close to 750. The blog has been up since mid Feb.
Have a great week

A few years ago I introduced a style of kilt to celebrate 5 years in business. The kilt I came up with is the Mach V. I was looking at a simpler version of the RKilt with a better price point. This kilt is built like a traditional kilt flat apron in the front pleats in the back. I chose to stick with the “Reverse Kingussie” pleating. I was also able to put in slash pockets. The kilt is still a casual kilt sporting belt loops and made from hemp so it is machine washable.

The RKilt has cargo pockets and the pleating comes just forward of the hip to facilitate the cargo pockets. It also has retractable tool straps leather belt loops with hardware attached.
I have done a short video to illustrate the differences.

Mach V vs RKilt from RKilts on Vimeo.

Have a great weekend

I’ve completed a couple of kilts both are black hemp. One using Brass hardware with oxblood straps the other with Chrome hardware and black straps.

One of course can use brass hardware with black straps . The brass tends to soften the look of the kilt whilst the chrome tends to give the kilt a little more attitude.

Coming up the difference between the Mach V and RKilt