The pleats are crisply pressed. Double fringe adorns the apron. The kilt has buckles, straps and loops. I feel like it’s done. I’ve been working so hard on it that I WANT it to be done. But wait. Remember all that ugly grayish canvas with the black tailor’s stitches that’s on the inside?

I want my finished garment to be gorgeous, inside and out, so I add lining.

Like the canvas it goes on in three pieces. I don’t enjoy this part because each piece has to be fitted to accommodate the tapering from hip to waist. I probably fuss over it more than I should. The part over the middle is a little longer to cover up the pleat cut outs. On the upper right of the middle piece is the buttonhole opening. I always struggle with making the slit, getting the fabric to fold back smoothly, and stitching it neatly in place. And I’m never satisfied with the result. Someday I’ll figure out how to do it better. But hey, the lining is in! The inside looks polished and will be more comfortable to wear. I take out the last of the basting on the aprons. I’ll leave the basting on the pleats until I get the kilt to its owner. Next I’ll show off the finished kilt and then I’ll compare the pleating pattern to other MacPherson Red Muted kilts I’ve made.

I put the straps on the apron (has fringe) and underapron (no fringe) with carpet thread.

I attached the buckles to tabs of fabric and sewed those onto the back. The one on the left is just behind the “buttonhole.” The underapron strap goes through the buttonhole and uses that buckle. The apron strap wraps around the outside and uses the buckle on the right. The loops in the middle are NOT for a belt, but for a sporran, a traditional pouch that is worn in the front. You can wear a belt with a kilt, but it should go on top of the kilt and not be attached to it.

It really looks like a kilt now. Almost done, but next is the dreaded lining!