Kilts ! yay or nay?

Last Real Burner · Post by **Last Real Burner** » Thu Mar 25, 2004 8:49 pm

See don't say I didn't tell ya....

"six words you never wann hear from a woman, "Ooooo, Can I try it on""

nakedly,
mr smith

LeChatNoir · Post by **LeChatNoir** » Thu Mar 25, 2004 10:07 pm

Well how ‘bout that?

Thanks ever so for the kilt link, mr smith. I will definitly have to try and make one prior to the event. I’ve finally gotten my old restored Singer back into her cabinet and she just clacks away, happy as can be. I never knew using a treadle machine could be such a wonderful expierience.

All of the sudden I’m seeing all these great new possibilities. In fact, I picked up some different fabrics today. Some funky, colorful prints and a wonderful earthy green, mossy-looking Batik, which I got two yards of (45" wide). Ran a hem all the way around. Instant sarong. I’m wearing it at this very moment and by garsh... it’s pretty comfy. I'm seeing fabrics in a whole different light now...

shitmouse · Post by **shitmouse** » Thu Mar 25, 2004 10:31 pm

...when the wind blows, you get nature's 'gold-bond'.
a kilt stirs the comfort zone imagination.
--( i know you GB lurkers are out there)...
-b

dougaldutch · Post by **dougaldutch** » Fri Mar 26, 2004 7:10 am

Fancy, with such a large photo group I feel there must have been at least someone pulling a mooner, it may be just a cultural thing but here but

Kilt + alcohol + party = Bare arse on show
Kilt + alcohol + party + photograph = Bare arse exposed, bending over and a good 2 handed slapping for good measure

The kilt thing may not be a bandwagon to jump on (a wagon I have been driving since I was 7) but a realization of the natural order of things, hence any excuse to wear one feels right
.
I think I will take my full-blown clan tartan kilt job, it usually only makes an appearance for special occasions (OK and when I really want to pull) and feel that BM justifies that classification. It is a sturdy beast and hopefully will make it out the other side, if not I will wear it with pride, BM battle damage and all.

Did see some cheap tourist kilt on show in one of those bloody awful shops on the Royal Mile (Edinburgh) that was tartan, lightweight and disposable, everything I want. But as Bob said I don't know if I could bring myself to wear it, even I told myself I was being ironic it would still feel like betrayal. Mr. smith the idea of making one is affordable and practical were it not for the fact that I have no talent in the needlework department whats-so-ever. Making my garish, spiky goldfish orientated sporran will be task enough, but as mentioned the chafe factor needs careful consideration. A nip from your sporran flask can alleviate the discomfort only slightly and after a week in the desert my thighs would be stripped to the bone. Let me know if you do tackle the kilt making project LaChatNoir and how you get on.

So the kilt is in the bag but unfortunately I just can't face the ordeal of getting both a haggis and a set of bagpipes through customs. Couple this with a blue painted face and I feel that is just too much cliche for one man to handle.

On a side note, who has seen Braveheart? as at the weekend I heard an American couple complaining that the actual statue of William Wallace didn't look anything like Mel Gibson. Desperately holding onto the belief that they were joking, as if they WERE serious then I just don’t know what I would do.

Lee

Imagine big ginger highlander, deep Scots accent
"Well, we didn't get dressed up for nothin"
-Hamish, Braveheart

Last Real Burner · Post by **Last Real Burner** » Fri Mar 26, 2004 8:38 am

There once was a traveling salesman who had traveled all day, walking due to not having a car. After a hot exausting day in the countryside, night began to fall. He saw on the road upahead a farm with the lights just being turned on, so he knew someone was home. He thought he would stop and ask if he could spend the night in the barn, seeing as the day had not turned up any sales, and he was flat broke. He knocked on the front door, it was answered by a tall, thin, raggedy farmer who eyed him suspicisouly, giving the salesman the old up and down. After telling his story to the farmer, he hesitantly said he would do it if, and only if, he would gather up his pig Clyde, and lock it in the barn with him. The salesman agreed, and the farmer pointed to Clyde over by the trough feeding. When the pig saw the stranger he took off around the house, chased closely by the salesman. This went on for hours and hours, when finally exausted, the pig gave up allowed the salesman to drag him by his hind leg into the barn. But just as the salesman was comfy, and about to fall off to sleep, the sun begin to rise, and the cock crowed and the farmer walked in and said it was time to leave.

the moral to this story?
You can do it Lee, it may take you some time, and in the end it may not be pretty, but you can do it. Sewing and needlework are mechanical skills, and unlike Rocket Science it doesn't take a genius to learn it.

"Experience is something you don't get until just after you need it. "
proverbly,
mr smith

Alpha · Post by **Alpha** » Fri Mar 26, 2004 10:07 am

Last Real Burner wrote:the moral to this story?

interesting parable... the way I read it, "some things are not worth the effort." :-/

LeChatNoir · Post by **LeChatNoir** » Fri Mar 26, 2004 10:13 am

Lee... I wholeheartedly second LRB’s advice.

If another human is doing it, then there’s no reason that you, with enough time and research, couldn’t do it also. I've done only hand stitching until recently. The first time I ever used a sewing machine, I made a set of ears for my hat. This was on a borrowed machine with the guidance of the owner. The second time was to hem up a handkerchief on my restored machine. The third was to hem up the sarong I mentioned above. There’s plenty of examples of seams to be found in garments you already own. Your existing kilt should be a good reference too. Can't be afraid of diving in and learning new things. If you can, get someone show you how to start with the basics. Watch carefully and absorb what they are doing. Learn how your medium (in this case fabric) reacts and it's characteristics. My point is... If I think I can eventually tackle making one on a 121 year old, foot powered straight stitch machine with no reverse, you should have no problem with a good quality second hand newer machine. Check the thrift shops ‘round town.

Then we can all be braw, bonnie lads.

joel the ornery · Post by **joel the ornery** » Fri Mar 26, 2004 1:44 pm

I wouldn't take anything to the playa that you aren't willing to lose or ruin through its use.

Lydia Love · Post by **Lydia Love** » Fri Mar 26, 2004 2:32 pm

chafe factor

An important note on chafing. Playa dust is very very fine and gets absolutely everywhere, not only into all your possessions (it *will* have a permanent impact on your kilt btw, but by the end of the week I bet you'll like it that way) and it gets into every nook and cranny of the human body.

It can act as a fine grit sandpaper on any parts that rub together. A couple of years ago I discovered just how bad chafing can be - I rubbed my inner thighs raw walking around naked all night (and too drunk to realize there was a problem).

III · Post by **III** » Fri Mar 26, 2004 2:36 pm

>>I rubbed my inner thighs raw

i've done this wearing loose shorts.

your first aid kit (you do bring one, right?) should have antibiotic cream in it, which will help that chafing from getting too bad. and a bottle of gold bond powder is good for both your feet as well as chafing prevention/maintenance.

theCryptofishist · Post by **theCryptofishist** » Fri Mar 26, 2004 4:12 pm

HOw about the kilt for night wear and the sporran in the day time? It's a step or two above your run of the mill loin cloth.

As for that haggis--it's not a ranger is it? Did it have hoof and mouth disease? mad cow?
http://www.customs.ustreas.gov/xp/cgov/ ... ted.xml#12

RingO'Fire · Post by **RingO'Fire** » Fri Mar 26, 2004 5:48 pm

dougaldutch wrote:On a side note, who has seen Braveheart?

What? One of the greatest movies ever made? Dude, I WAS Braveheart for Halloween this year (2003). I did the whole blue facepaint and everything (I downloaded still shots of Mel in the movie so I could copy his facepaint exactly). I had the little side o' the head braids goin' on and the whole bit! Although I look a bit more like Mel/William's sidekick in the movie (the red-headed guy, whatever his name is), I did Mel's facepaint. I didn't want anyone asking me, "Uh, who are you supposed to be?" I used red paint for blood and smeared it all over me. Hey, hacking arms and legs off, cleaving the English in twain and runnin' em through gets pretty messy after a short while, no?.

Braveheart was on late night TV here just like four days ago. Even though I had to get up for work the next day, i just had to stay up at least through the battle scene. Fucking awesome!

I even made my own shield out of the round end of one of those giant spool things that cable and heavy-gauge electrical wire come on. I hand-painted my family coat of arms on it and everything. I made my battle axe out of a carved, painted block of styrofoam and a broom handle.

Oh, by the way, my "kilt" was a women's plaid skirt that I got at a local thift store and then cut off at mid-knee. I researched making the real deal, but it seemed like too much of a pain in the ass. I discovered that I'm a women's size 14 too. The skirt was close enough to a real kilt for Halloween. Maybe you could just get a skirt over here and pretend too. None of us will tell your real-kilt-wearin' real Scotsman buddies over there, promise!

From a Scotsman wannbe, ya fuckin cunt!

retropsycho · Post by **retropsycho** » Fri Mar 26, 2004 9:36 pm

Utilikilts are out of my price range. Last year I looked for alternatives and came up with limited sucess: Old Navy woman's cargo skirts. Very butch with lots of pockets. Even has a zippered fly!.

...but I learned the value of a pleated skirt/kilt when I ripped the thing making a small step up. (My friend Mandy just laughed and said I didn't know how to move in a skirt. Guilty.)

I've patched up the torn back and cut two slits up the front. we'll see how it works this year.

Bob · Post by **Bob** » Sat Mar 27, 2004 7:04 am

Last Real Burner · Post by **Last Real Burner** » Sat Mar 27, 2004 10:34 am

Well Ok there's no plaid... I would also suggest a Cigar as you're accessory with this outfit, lest others forget that you are mearly making a statement.

daintyly,
mr smith

Booker · Post by **Booker** » Sat Mar 27, 2004 11:54 am

Customising a cheap kilt will probably be the best option, it can get trashed and binned if it comes to it. Then to really get into the spirit probably make my own sporan, something garish, spiky and involving goldfish possibly.

With or without the kilt and or sporran, I hope you make it out. You got the right attitude goin' on, for sure.

Silver · Post by **Silver** » Sat Mar 27, 2004 5:35 pm

In '02 just before the temple burn three pipers played Amazing Grace, A few hours later they came over to the drum circle next to coals and played. The drum circle started riffing off of the piper's theme and the combination produced some of the most amazing music I have ever heard. All three were wearing kilts and at least one was also wearing a sash and while I don't think I would want to try to get Playa dust out ouf that much wool and pleats they looked good and sounded good.

An additional comment/hint; from what I observed they seemed very popular with the girls, if you can, bing your pipes.

Bob · Post by **Bob** » Sat Mar 27, 2004 9:38 pm

And a toque.

Last Real Burner · Post by **Last Real Burner** » Sun Mar 28, 2004 8:21 am

Please, Please, Please, bring you're Henway. It just won't be burning man without it.

cheekly,
mr smith

Dusza Beben · Post by **Dusza Beben** » Sun Mar 28, 2004 9:42 am

I should be ordering my UtiliKilt shortly and will definitely bring it to the playa.
For those with some wicked cool fabric and no sewing skills I offer this find.

http://www.tartanweb.com/tweb/greatkilt/

ENJOY!
DB

PurpleKoosh · Post by **PurpleKoosh** » Sun Mar 28, 2004 11:13 am

dougaldutch wrote:Fancy, with such a large photo group I feel there must have been at least someone pulling a mooner, it may be just a cultural thing but here but

Kilt + alcohol + party = Bare arse on show
Kilt + alcohol + party + photograph = Bare arse exposed, bending over and a good 2 handed slapping for good measure

Ya mean like this?

http://www.digitalpanos.com/nevada/blac ... gpano.html

dougaldutch · Post by **dougaldutch** » Mon Mar 29, 2004 5:47 am

It would be possible for me to sweet talk my friends mum into teaching me to sew and prob even lending me a go of her sewing machine. Joel the ornery has a point though and if the kilt didn't make it out alive then not sure I could handle that, something bought and customised I could view as expendable. Something created by my own fair hand though, more attachments, more pride, could be a sad day on the playa when we had to depart.

Thanks for your other clothing suggestions, I have more trouble with bob's tartan pants than I do LRB's saucy little number. I do look good in red but alas I am off the cigar.... what ya going do, eh?

PurplKoosh that is EXACTLY the sort of thing I am talking about, glad to see I won't be having any problems on that front. Although the guy on the right would appear to be wearing a pair of skids, still he looks a bit sheepish about it. All you need for that photo is about another 1000 bare white arses standing behind them, a line of English long bow men launching arrows at them and we are looking at the classic scene in Braveheart. RingO'Fire glad to here you enjoyed it, it is always played on TV over here just before any England vs Scotland, England vs Ireland (the celtic link) sports match. Not bad insult although I advise off using it on a sat night if you are over here, unless you have a claymore to hand. Curious as to who/ what has been teaching you the finer points of Scottish vocabulary.

Nae bad

Lee

Last Real Burner · Post by **Last Real Burner** » Mon Mar 29, 2004 7:42 am

dougaldutch wrote:Joel the ornery has a point though and if the kilt didn't make it out alive then not sure I could handle that, something bought and customised I could view as expendable. Something created by my own fair hand though, more attachments, more pride, could be a sad day on the playa when we had to depart.
Lee

Hey Gang A "Kilt Funeral and Burning" sounds like an annual ritual to me. Even better it sounds like a good drinking party, after all you will be at burning Man, kiltless, drunk, with a bunch of your closest friends.

summarily,
mr smith

Last Real Burner · Post by **Last Real Burner** » Mon Mar 29, 2004 7:52 am

A thought just occured to me, Dougal. Why don't you get one of those rolls of paper, they come in 46" length and gift people with disposable one day Kilts made out of paper. It has all the earmarks of a great project. It takes only a moment to make, they're cheap to gift, and it will most certainly be someone's most cherished gifts from a burn, and did I say fun to wear. You can probably have one of the big paper manufactures donate some plaid wrapping paper on an industrial size 500ft roll and have it shipped to the playa. Hey it's just a thought.

think and grow,
mr smith

III · Post by **III** » Mon Mar 29, 2004 8:08 am

>>Something created by my own fair hand though, more attachments, more pride, could be a sad day on the playa when we had to depart.

it is (very) arguable, though, that this would be in the most fundamental spirit of burning man.

dougaldutch · Post by **dougaldutch** » Mon Mar 29, 2004 8:28 am

The gifting aspect was causing me some moments of serious thought (something I usually avoid like the black death) and felt it should have a generally celtic feel. I have several ideas bouncing around and one was to pick up a load cheap tourist kilts from a warehouse. Problem was cost, now if we apply your ideas then it suddenly becomes the affordable solution to my gifting problem.

1) Get the a variety of different tartan papers
2) Pre-cut and fold the kilts
3) Ship the Kilts over
4) Gift them
5) Hold a kilt burning ceilidh(rock up, strip off, set fire to your clothes, dance like a loon. EXCELLENT)

With a nice dram for the farewell toast I believe this could be an event to remember. Last Real Burner I am in your debt for this suggestion, something I can actively participate in, allows me to add my own input to BM and I can learn origami at the same time, SWEET! Lacking in my own inspired idea but the idea is still sound.

Away to source paper, designs, etc. So if I can pull this off is the Burning of Kilt appear attractive to anyone else. Oh suggestions and any info you think might be useful would be great (as my motivation > experience)

Cheers LRB

Lee

technopatra · Post by **technopatra** » Mon Mar 29, 2004 11:56 am

I've been lurking on this thread because I do so love men in open non-pants clothing -skirts, kilts, sarongs, tutus, whatev. I had to step away from the keyboard at the thought of chinese brocade..my my (fanning self).

Just want to pop in to say I think that's an INCREDIBLY good gifting idea, DD. To make sure folks make it to the kilt burn, how about getting a stamp printed up with the date, time, location? My camp did this one year so as to reduce the moop factor of flyers & stickers, and it worked great.

Stamp their asses under their kilt and they can get an extra thrill by asking folks to read the directions for them.

technopatra · Post by **technopatra** » Mon Mar 29, 2004 11:59 am

p.s. if you haven't already, try contacting the UK regional contact for Burning Man. You may be able to find other local Scots to join you in this delightful endeavor:

http://regionals.burningman.com/eu_uk.html

Last Real Burner · Post by **Last Real Burner** » Mon Mar 29, 2004 5:00 pm

Firstly it was your idea and discussion that led to this conversation. It is the work, not the simple notion of suggestion, that I'm sure will be the meat and muscle of this Kilt gifting project. In true Origami style see if you can perfect the folding of one reality into another with the least amount of folding using the least amount of paper. I can gaurntee that you will be the fastest, most competnet paper Kilt maker in the world. You probably will be able to fold someone a traditional kilt from a single piece of paper in just under a minute.

"It's the Chinese Silk Brocade Material isn't it? Chicks dig the silk brocades!"

waynely,
mr smith

Bob A · Post by **Bob A** » Mon Mar 29, 2004 5:08 pm

I think this would be a great Idea.

Kilt Burn 2004 I'd be there.

Kilts ! yay or nay?

Office of Playa Design...

Heyyyyy!!!!....

Re: Heyyyyy!!!!....

cheap faux kilt

Quick As Bobs Yer Uncle.......

Can I Just Get A Lap Dance?...

Nothing like the smell of burning Kilt in the morning...

Hey!!!!! What's That Smell.. Somethings Burning...

Origami Kilt making...

Paper kilts great idea