Our Graduates

What better testament could there be than to hear what successful kiltmaking graduates have to say about their experiences at the Edinburgh Kiltmakers Academy?

Read on to review what they gained from their learning, and discover where their progressive journeys are taking them!
Hannah Cain Edinburgh Kiltmakers Academy graduate with a selection of kilts she made

Hannah Cain

Class of 2024

EKA Graduate | Textile Sales & Marketing | Freelance Kiltmaker

I am so glad I decided to sign up to the Edinburgh Kiltmaker’s Academy, my time on the course has been extremely informative and has set me up to be a confident kilt maker.

After graduating from my fashion design degree, I wanted to continue exploring traditional crafts and further my garment structure knowledge, this course felt like the natural next step. The combination of practical and theory work was brilliant. The written work allows you to reflect on how well you are understanding all the processes that go into making a kilt. I cannot praise the kilt tutors on the course enough, they are always happy to help and are very encouraging. They ensure they provide the best teaching environment for you and are always happy to answer any questions you have.

I took a lot of joy seeing how my skills developed over the length of the course and watching my confidence grow. I am looking forward to my future in the Scottish Textile and Garment industry and feel I have had a great start thanks to the Edinburgh Kiltmakers Academy.

Victoria Brady

Completed GNK Apprenticeship 2024

EKA Graduate | GNK 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.

Bridget Ramsay

Class of 2024

EKA Graduate | GNK Kiltmaker

I joined the kiltmaking course at Edinburgh Kiltmakers Academy for the 2023- 2024 course, which covered a number of disciplines over the production of six kilts, each one differing from the last.

I really enjoyed the course, there was a lot to learn, some of which took longer than others to master, but Kirsty’s superhuman patience finally hammered into me the skills needed to turn a length of cloth into a kilt.

I have met some lovely people on my GNK journey, both at the academy and in the sewing room and I am very pleased to say that I now work for Gordon Nicolson Kiltmakers as a freelance kiltmaker. With the continued support and expertise from Kirsty and the Academy, I am able to improve my experience with each kilt.

Tamra Fricke

Class of 2023

EKA Graduate | Textiles Office Co-ordinator | Freelance Kiltmaker

I graduated from EKA in 2023 and had a job offer as a hand sewn kilt maker even before graduating!

After moving to Scotland in 2022 I wanted to learn how to make kilts after having been involved in Scottish culture and highland dance for many years prior.

Edinburgh Kiltmakers Academy provided me with exceptional teaching and a lifetime of skills that will serve me well. I truly cannot thank them enough.

I primarily make hand sewn kilts for Strathmore Wollen Co but also do occasional freelance work on my own as Clova Kilts.

Charlotte Forcer

Class of 2022

EKA Graduate | Freelance Kiltmaker

I graduated from the Edinburgh Kiltmakers Academy in 2022.

I picked the EKA because I wanted to start a new career as a kiltmaker, not just make one kilt as a hobby, and I felt this was the best course on offer for my needs. The relatively short course is intense, and I learnt so much from it.

I'm now a freelance kiltmaker.

I work mainly for Gordon Nicolson Kiltmakers, having made over 40 kilts to GNK's high standards to date, but I have the freedom to work for my own personal customers too, which I have been doing from time to time.

This is the perfect balance for me. The demand for kilts is high, and a few years down the line I am really happy to have found a career I love and incredibly proud to have been trained by the best tutors in the business.

Rachel Bell

Class of 2022

EKA Graduate | GNK Kiltmaker | EKA Tutor

I started at 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.

Alex

Class of 2021

EKA Graduate

I moved to Edinburgh two years ago to move in with my partner.

I'm doing the course because I couldn't think of a better way to make some Scottish roots in my new hometown and meet some like minded women.

Rob (my partner) served in the Black Watch for over twenty years and wore a kilt nearly every day so I want to make him a special handsewn kilt with love one for our wedding..... after covid!

I have loved every minute of the course so far.

Rose Borghino

Class of 2020

EKA Graduate | Photographer & Model

After attending the Wild and Majestic exhibition at the National Museum of Scotland back in 2019, I was fascinated by the longevity of the outfits on display. The idea of having a bespoke piece of clothing to represent your family ties, that can grow with you as you get older was something I wanted to be able to make for my sons as they approached adulthood.

My research brought me to EKA, and by a huge stroke of luck, a spot on the course had become available for a quick start.

I initially struggled with the process and lacked confidence. Kirsty was kind and patient, time after time, making sure I was completely comfortable in all aspects of Kiltmaking before I completed the course and became a Kiltmaker.

The icing on the cake is the social aspect of Kiltmaking EKA fosters, with weekly drop-in days for all EKA attendees to sit and sew, problem solve and keep our skills as fine-tuned and up to date as possible, which I am really looking forward to attending post-pandemic.

It was and continues to be inspiring learning from Kirsty, Emma, and Gordon who are passionate about their craft and continue to share their wealth of knowledge even after the course has been completed.

Morag Wilson - Mayberry

Class of 2019

EKA Graduate | Freelance Kiltmaker

After speaking to a kilt maker at a friend's wedding and even though I had never done any sort of dressmaking I thought that it sounded like a good idea to learn. After an Internet search I found EKA.

Unfortunately I had missed the open day for finding out more about the course and the skills test. However Kirsty asked if I could come in that weekend for the chat & skills test, and if so she was willing to accommodate me. The following Friday I started the course.

I'm not the easiest person to teach as some things stick straight away & some thing just don't! So on a few occasions I end up asking the same question multiple times. Kirsty was patient with me & I never felt rushed or that I was a bother for asking for help, even if it was something that had already been covered.

I loved the course & was happy to be able to continue to make kilts after the course was finished. I like the social aspect of sewing with others on a weekly basis on the drop in days and hope that it will be something that will restart after the pandemic.

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