Paula Duncan Bespoke Kilt Making

09/09/2025

Here are three of the beautiful kilts my in-person students are working on today 🥰

The support chicken, Molly, was keeping a close eye on things too 🐥🐔🐓 Maybe our new assessor 😝

It’s been a day full of giggles, stitches, and a bit of in-picking (an essential part of the learning process ! )

Such a joy to see everyone learning and creating together!

The Kilt Loft is doing exactly what it was built for 😍

Interested in learning more about the classes? Send me a message or click on the links ⬇️

https://linktr.ee/pauladuncankilts

08/09/2025

✨ Ever wanted to make a kilt? ✨

I run small, hands-on classes dedicated to the art - whether it’s one special piece for a loved one, or a deep dive into the craft if you’re considering a future career.

With over 20 years’ experience in kilt making and 13 years of teaching, my passion is sharing this heritage skill and guiding you through every stitch.

📅 My next 12-day course begins October 13th—and there’s only one space left!

Email - [email protected]

Come along for a unique experience you’ll never forget.

Not ready just yet? Subscribe for updates on future courses and join me when the time is right ❤️

https://linktr.ee/pauladuncankilts

04/09/2025

✨ Who Am I? ✨

I thought I’d take a moment to reintroduce myself and share a little about who’s behind the kilts with my new followers. ❤️

I live in my wee home with my son, who’s soon to be 22 (how did that happen so fast?!). I’m a single mum, balancing life as a business owner, kilt maker, teacher, gardener, and secretary to my own wee enterprise. It’s a lot of hats to wear—but honestly, I wouldn’t have it any other way. ❤️

Sewing has been part of my life since childhood, and I feel so lucky to have a skill that I can pass on to others. Nearly 20 years ago I discovered kilt making, and after stitching my very first one, I was hooked. The joy it brings me is something I love to share.❤️
I began teaching over 12 years ago, and it quickly became a passion in itself. There’s nothing like seeing the moment a student’s eyes light up when everything clicks—the “aha!” moment that makes all the effort worthwhile.❤️

So that’s a wee bit about me—thank you for being here and sharing in this journey with me. 💙
What about you—are you here to learn kilt making, or simply to admire the craft?
Where did you hear about me? I’d love to know ❤️

03/09/2025

Glen Affric ❤️

I’ve had the absolute pleasure of creating this beauty over the last couple of weeks.

“The Glen Affric tartan is a recreation of Scotland's oldest known surviving true tartan, discovered in a peat bog in Glen Affric and dated back to the 16th century.”

When my customer asked if I’d ever worked with it before, I had to admit I hadn’t — which made it an absolute yes for me. What an honour to bring this historic tartan to life in kilt form 🥰

Together, we chose the little details that make it unique: my customer picked the fringe style from my prompts, and the straps and buckles from my selection. It’s always those finishing touches that make a kilt truly personal. ❤️

Links below ⬇️ 🥰
https://linktr.ee/pauladuncankilts

31/08/2025

What do you do on your days off?

I honestly can’t remember the last time I took two days off in a row from my kilt world! I’ve been so engrossed in getting the new Kilt Loft just right for my students—and it’s working perfectly. ☀️😁

Three students at a time is the sweet spot: each working on a different tartan, learning from each other, sewing, chatting, and giggling away. It’s such a zen wee space for hands, heart and laughter—pure bliss. 🥰

So, what do I do on my day off? 😊
A bit of cleaning or pottering in the garden usually. Today the holly tree got a much-needed haircut, and one of my shed doors finally got its lick of paint (and goodness, it was long overdue!). 👩‍🎨

Speaking of haircuts… I’m actually off to Inverness tomorrow to get mine done. Eeek—it’s been seven months since the last one, which was hands down the worst haircut I’ve ever had. This time I’m going to a curly-hair specialist, so fingers crossed for a wee bit of magic! Wish me luck! 🍀

Remember, simply get in touch if you want to have your own kilt making experience 🥰

26/08/2025

✨ Kilt making – what’s it all about? ✨

For me, it’s about slowly connecting with the fabric. The rhythm of working with your hands eases tension, and little by little, a wee bit of magic appears. Each stitch leaves behind energy and a mark that will last a lifetime.

My own hands won’t last forever, but new hands are already here in the Kilt Loft – learning, creating, and bringing their own spirit into the craft.

Kilt making asks us to slow down, to appreciate a tradition that is as beautiful as it is timeless – elegantly stitched to shape the body like no other garment can.

If you want to learn, get in touch.

Only 1 space available for the next 12 day course starting 13th October.

https://linktr.ee/pauladuncankilts

24/08/2025

Made in Lhanbryde, Moray ❤️

So proud of my student Ruth who has just completed this gorgeous kilt for her nephew 😊

Made in Blue Buchanan and pleated to dark blue, with an extra detail of Black Watch in the fringe, which is so subtle , but so personal to her nephew ❤️

Well done Ruth 🤩
A beautiful first kilt with me at the kilt loft 🥰

23/08/2025

16/08/2025

Busy week creating and teaching ❤️

This beauty is the RAF tartan by Strathmore Woollen Co 😁
Pleated to white stripe , which is a smaller pleat due to the pattern and has been a joy to sew ✨

Yesterday and today is teaching 3 amazing ladies and having my kilt up to a certain point, means I can show and explain things as we go along.

Interested in making a kilt ? Get in touch for a chat . Feel free to message or head to my website for links to subscribe 😁 ⬇️

https://linktr.ee/pauladuncankilts

09/08/2025

Studying kilt making… what’s the best way?

It’s come up a lot this week. And honestly… I think you’ve got to do what feels right for you. ❤️

Here’s my student Jen’s view, whilst kilt making this week 👇 She doesn’t just come to see me in person, she’s also purchased my online training videos — and I’m finding this mix is giving her such a solid foundation.

Kilt making isn’t something you can rush. It takes time, practice (lots of it!), and really understanding what matters in every stitch. ❤️

However you choose to learn, make it something you enjoy turning up for. ❤️

August and September classes are booked up, but get in touch and we’ll see if I can pop on another day for you. I’ve also only got one space left for the October 12-day course.

Links below or send me a message ❤️

https://linktr.ee/pauladuncankilts

06/08/2025

Bespoke Kilt Making 🥰

I often get asked — what does “bespoke” actually mean?
It simply means the kilt is made entirely to the customer's individual requirements 😁

Taking the time to chat, understand their preferences, and tailor each detail is absolutely key 🔑

Where they want the kilt to sit, which pleating style they like from the options I show, the style of leather straps — even custom ones are possible. I don’t usually offer bespoke leatherwork (I just make quirky bits for my own kilts!) but this customer loved my strap design, so I was more than happy to recreate them for his Tara Murphy kilt.

One of my favourite touches? The nod to his army life — a Black Watch tartan fringe 🖤

All these elements — plus, of course, the perfect fit — are what make a kilt truly bespoke.

Links below to get in touch to start your kilt journey ⬇️

https://linktr.ee/pauladuncankilts

05/08/2025

Something a wee bit different today !

I was shortening my jeans this morning and thought, “ I think I’ll video how I do it and share it”

So not kilt related at all 🤣

But hopefully someone gets a wee bit of confidence to shorten there own jeans 🥰