Our Kiltmakers
Many EKA kiltmaking students have gone on to do wonderful things with their skills. From working for GNK to starting their own businesses.
Let's get to know some of them right here...
Victoria Brady
GNK/EKA Apprentice | Full Time Kiltmaker
"As I was finishing up my HND in textiles just a
few years ago, I would never have thought that I would now be a kiltmaker, but here I am.
During one of the projects, I was introduced to the world of kiltmaking and straight away I took a shine to it.
When the opportunity to become an apprentice kiltmaker with Gordon Nicolson came up, I jumped at it.
From learning all aspects of the business, from working in the sales shop, the hire shop, and of course learning to make kilts. I have found a passion for life.
I feel extremely lucky to have been given this opportunity to learn an endangered skill, and help keep the art of traditional kiltmaking alive.
Almost 18 months into this position, I still can't get my head around the fact that I am making a garment that, may be passed down the generations of a family, and be around for a very long time.
I am now excited to see where this journey will take me."
Rachel Bell
EKA Alumni | Full Time Kiltmaker
"My journey with Gordon Nicholson Kiltmakers started straight out of the Edinburgh Kiltmakers Academy were I graduated and became a full time kiltmaker.
I started the EKA after graduating from college with a qualification in costume making for theatre. I wanted to train in kiltmaking to improve and develop my hand sewing skills but, didn’t realise that this would open up a possibility of sewing full time.
Since graduating from EKA I have continued my kiltmaking journey by furthering my skill by building my sewing speed and handling different tartans. I have also recently completed the EKA alterations course and am looking forward to working on this more and assessing the different alterations that may come up. I have also come across some more challenging kilts, one that stands out is a 21oz weight tweed kilt which was a challenge to handle such thick cloth and sew through it but completing that kilt was good.
I really enjoy sewing kilts full time. Sewing was something I always loved doing but was never sure that I could make a career out of it and GNK have given me that opportunity. I am looking forward to continuing to learn more about kilts and feel very good to know that I am keeping this traditional, hand sewn, craft going. "
