I’ve had the pleasure over the last few days to be working on a couple of Mach V LE’s. This leather is wonderful to work with and allows me to build a leather kilt with lots of pleats

This kilt is still in the midst of construction but it contains 26 one inch pleats that taper to 3/4″ which translates to 8yds of supple leather. The pleats are very deep making for an excellent swish factor.

The other night I wore my own Mach V LE to a party, I sat down next to a woman. Her hands were immediately on my kilt as she was asking “Is this leather” Her husband was sitting across from me and his jaw dropped. I looked at him and shrugged my shoulders and suggested he might want to look into getting a kilt.
I pretty much always wear a leather kilt. it regularly elicits positive comments. Something to consider if you’re on the fence about acquiring a kilt be it tartan, hemp or leather.
Soon I will have pictures of the two leather Mach V LE’s before shipping. They’re still not on the website but if you email me I will be happy to give you the price and data on these special kilts.

It’s taken a couple of months, but I’ve finally have the largest die in my arsenal working. This one measures 10″ x 17″ and is the body for the cargo pockets on an RKilt. With this die I can punch out about 20 pockets at one go. It does speed up the process and allows me to work from a more uniform pattern.
A die of this size requires at least 10 tons of pressure to cut the material. This means I have to suspend my 235lb body on the handle of the press in order to achieve this to work.

I have incorporated notches in the die which gives me a guideline to the folds in the pocket. I used to have to mark out the fabric, measure each line. I save about 15 minutes per pocket, and be more precise.

The above photo you can see the end result of the die at work.
Cheers

Although it’s mid week for most, today is the first day back in the shop. I took Monday off and managed to get some vitamin D in me. Thanks to Karen and Stan for the use of their cottage for a day.
Tuesday I spent most of the day on the road, picking up much needed hardware, leather for belts and straps and sporrans. Also went to Toronto for more hardware and leather, returned home late in the afternoon to a shipment of hemp.
The shop is full of supplies and I have to get crackin.
Did my morning walk this morning, got a little wet, but the leather kilt repels the water so only my head is still damp.
The view outside my window this morning.

The white spots are a result of the rain.

Stay dry

It’s been a rarity, but it’s time to spend a day away from the shop. It’s been a good week and I managed to complete a number of kilts. A few in Army Green Hemp as well as a Black leather. Some will be picked up and others I will have to ship.

The town was ringing with Morris Dancers today. It is also the annual Garden Party at the Stratford Shakespeare Festival.
Monday will mark the opening week of a number of shows the Festival will have on offer this season. To my fellow Artists I wish them all much success. Break a leg, Merde.
I have some more leather shopping to do as I have sold a few of the limited edition Mach V LE leather kilts. (which reminds me I have to get that up on the website)
To further assist in a greener world I have ordered three more solar panels to generate green energy for the operation. Which will get me 460 kw/h at peak.
The next Highland Games I’m prepping for will be held in Embro Ontario just south of Stratford on July 1st. If you’re in the area I look forward to meeting you.
In the meantime, Have a great week
Cheers

There are days I rush to the store, plan my day, and start sewing.
Well this morning I looked around, and enjoyed the serenity of the town in the early morning, before the bus tours and school trips of folk arrive. The mist was just burning off as I got to the shop, the light through the tree’s and the reflections on the water were similar to a dutch painting of the canals.

Yesterday I took advantage of a major sale at the local fabric store and purchased new cutting boards. I’ve been wanting to replace my old ones for sometime. This kit pretty much covers the whole cutting table, making it easier to deal with some of the leather projects I’m currently working on.

Taking a few breathes before starting on today’s projects. Army Green Hemp is the flavour for the weekend.
Enjoy