RKilts - Just another WordPress weblog

archive for the ‘Uncategorized’ category

Uncategorized

December 10, 2011

One of a kind tartan kilt with cargo pockets

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

Uncategorized

September 17, 2011

Got Kilt! Gotta hit the trails

Earlier this summer I was walking up York Street and a young couple in a 4×4 stop dead in the street and asked me where I got my kilt. I indicated my shop which was just a few paces away….”.Really! I gotta come in and see your shop” They went to park and I went back into the shop. They came in and I had to look up…. no really I was standing up and I had to look up to this fellow, he just cleared the door opening. He wanted a kilt and wanted to be able to ride it on his bike. Fine by me, I took his measurements and built him one.
He took delivery of it today, this time arriving on his motorcycle. It’s 12 degrees C warming up to 16C. Ingram comes into the shop with a big smile on his face, just itching to get his kilt on, walk around town then ride home wearing his kilt.

I’m standing on higher ground in this shot, (you wouldn’t know I was 6″2″)

He had to move his bike to the parking lot and of course a few photos were taken caused a few stares from the folk on the street.


The kilt matches his bike, rugged, utilitarian, colour.


Not sure how he made out on the ride home, but I’m sure I’ll get a report.

Happenings at the RKilts Atellier,Uncategorized

May 11, 2011

Another must have accessory

I took a little break from building kilts and sporrans. Awhile back I made a dispatch bag for one of my daughters, then the other one wanted one, and her partner and …well the list goes on. So I thought I would make it available to the public.
These are ideal for macbooks and the like. It’s made of supple buttery soft leather. Unlike other bags in this category this bag is lined inside with the same buttery soft leather to protect that investment.
This one is made from distressed black leather so it looks like it’s been in the family for years and overtime it will develop a rich patina.

It also has some pockets to hold accessories like a mouse, power cord and headsets

a magnetic clasp holds the plain flap in place.

The gusset is 2.5″ wide so it will accommodate a computer in a foam case A solid leather strap for the dee ring is stitched and riveted into place for extra strength.

The strap is made from the from the same leather that I use to make my belts and straps. It’s built to last, and is adjustable.

rugged hardware too


This bag will last for generations and is of a timeless design.
email rkilts@bellnet.ca for availability and pricing

Uncategorized

May 10, 2011

The making of the original Rkilt sporran

This sporran evolved whilst making the a contemporary kilt with pockets. I had noticed the sporrans that I had purchased had some drawbacks. 1) it was hard to get your hand into them 2) one tended to stuff it full of things and it took ages to find anything as it always ended up in the bottom of the bag.
I designed this with a larger opening, a wider gusset as well as putting in a pocket.
For those wishing to use it with their RKilt I made a strap for it to connect to the existing hardware on the kilt.
Here are the dies I had made up to make the sporran. They are the cover for the tassels, the back, front , pocket, belt loop and re-enforcement.

Here are all the components stamped out along with hardware, tassels and fringes

The front and back components are glued and stitched together

The gusset is sewn in to join the two sections together

The final look

This sporran has proven to be very popular with a number of my customers.

Uncategorized

May 8, 2011

A “parade of knees”

Thanks Kevin for that tag.
Last night was the first kilt night of the season. I’m very pleased with the turnout with close to 20 kilted folk attending.
People gathered at the shop shortly after 6:00 pm

In part we had a tailgate party as Ken brought the BBQ in the back of his truck and proceeded to utilize his culinary skills on some Bison burgers

SNAP Perth dropped by to take a group shot www.snapperth.com (not all of the rabble had arrived yet)

Food ready and consumption began

Local photographer Terry Manzo popped by to take a photo for her daily photo project http://tmanzo.zenfolio.com/dailyphoto/eb2dff7d#hb2dff7d
One fellow came sans kilt, I decided to remedy that separated him from his wife, sent him into the back room to change into some appropriate attire. This was his wife’s reaction as he came out of the shop wearing a kilt.

Dean showing some leg for his wife

The happy couple

More kabitzing before the pub crawl

Then it’s off to the first pub of the evening “Down the Street”


then off to “Fosters”

Then a quick stop at “Bentleys”

By this time it was getting rather late and a number of the rabble decided to call it a night as to be in good shape for mother’s day.
Ken and I headed to Molly Bloom’s for a final stop then headed back to the shop, where the local constabulary made sure we were behaving.
It was a fun evening one of the first in a series of kilt nights that will be happening over the next few months.