Rare Bird Sewing Studio

Rare Bird Sewing Studio RareBirdSewingStudio Rare Bird Workshop it’s a Sustainable Sewing Studio based in Scotland. Why is it sustainable? I buy second-hand fabrics. What else I do?
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I source environmentally friendly textiles like linen, h**p, tencel with a hope for more. I offer made to measure service to avoid overproduction. I offer alteration service- that’s the best way of reusing already existing items. I develop products that are beautiful and made from leftover fabrics I have in stock. I buy ‘’DEADSTOCK’’ fabrics ( fabric that would otherwise go to waste )- perfect qua

lity, but not profitable for big companies. I make one-off products so they are truly unique. I am a trained Kilt Maker with lots of experience of how to make traditional Scottish Kilt. I’ve transformed this experience to create something even better. I offer Vegan Kilts made from h**p, tencel, recycled denim. Who I am? I’ve lived in Scotland for over 10 years. I work from home when I have a fully equipped sewing studio. I work on industrial sewing machines to achieve the best possible quality. On a daily basis, I cooperate with small Scottish businesses and make Kilts and tartan goods for them. I do sewing. Every day. I learn, develop my technique, google about it, read about it, talk about it. Sewing is my work, my hobby, a big chunk of my life. There are hundreds of more talented people than me, but I’ve decided to follow my passion anyway and be good at it. It takes time, effort, commitment, patience. Not every day is easy. There are days full of frustration and doubt. Also days of joy and trust in myself. When I make something stunning, really creative or simply the way it should be done- that’s enough to keep me going. It’s a journey. How not to give up, how to survive in a world of mass production. It’s important to have principles. Mine are simple: be kind, don’t lie, be helpful, keep the quality first, don’t produce rubbish as our planet is already full of trash. And learn. My name is Agnieszka and I am here to make something that would last. REUSE, REPURPOSE, RECYCLE.

I made this kilt some time ago and recently received some photos from my customer.The kilt is tailored from Scottish Nat...
15/05/2026

I made this kilt some time ago and recently received some photos from my customer.

The kilt is tailored from Scottish National tartan.
It's pleated so the red stripe creates a rhythmic pattern at the back — a detail that works particularly well with this tartan.
It was made for a Polish lady who loves Scotland, and the kilt was given as a gift and a reminder of Scotland.

Kilts can be worn by both men and women, and styled in many different ways. I particularly like a more casual approach — making the garment an everyday choice, worn with your favourite walking shoes, a simple t-shirt or a hoody.








Same tartan. Same shape. Two completely different looks.Both of these skirts are the exact same circle skirt design — on...
03/05/2026

Same tartan. Same shape. Two completely different looks.

Both of these skirts are the exact same circle skirt design — one of my most popular pieces for a reason. It’s flattering on every body shape, incredibly comfortable, and when made in tartan… it really comes to life.

But here’s the interesting part:

• One is cut on the bias (diagonal), creating that soft, flowing, almost fluid look
• The other is cut “straight”, where the lines sit traditionally — bold, structured, and classic

Same fabric. Same pattern. Completely different feel.

It’s a small design decision that makes a big visual impact — and it’s exactly the kind of detail I love exploring in my work.

These skirts can be made in any tartan — or any fabric you like: linen, denim, h**p, ramie… whatever suits your style and values.

The standard version comes with a zip closure, but at my studio, nothing has to stay “standard”.
Want buttons instead? Pockets? Something a bit different? Just ask.

Explore the skirts here:
https://rarebirdsewing.co.uk/product/tailored-skirt-black-watch-tartan-skirt/
https://rarebirdsewing.co.uk/product/linen-skirt-made-to-order-tartan-circle-skirt-made-to-measure-adjustable-waist-sustainable-beautiful-european-linen/

Or get in touch directly: [email protected]

Which version do you prefer — bias or straight?

I recently made two boys’ kilts from yellow cotton gingham fabric 💛 They will be worn as part of a school uniform, as ye...
27/03/2026

I recently made two boys’ kilts from yellow cotton gingham fabric 💛
They will be worn as part of a school uniform, as yellow gingham is one of the school colours.
I also made funky straps to match the wee kilties.

What I really loved about this project is that, once again, it proves the kilt is a garment that can be made from ANY fabric you can imagine – as long as it’s a good quality fabric🙂
Any pattern, any colour, any idea.

Kilts are not reserved for wool and tartan. 🙂

Challenge me, and I’ll make you a kilt from the most bizarre flower-patterned fabric – and it will be more interesting than tartan 🙃

One-of-a-kind, double sided King Size Patchwork Quilt.- Just sold – now off to its new home ❤️This is a truly unique pie...
23/03/2026

One-of-a-kind, double sided King Size Patchwork Quilt.
- Just sold – now off to its new home ❤️

This is a truly unique piece, handmade in my studio using carefully saved fabrics from previous projects — a small step towards reducing textile waste and making something beautiful from what already exists.

The quilt is fully double-sided patchwork, with quality cotton wadding inside, and professionally finished on a long-arm machine so it’s durable, practical and made to last.

I know this kind of piece won’t be for everyone, but the price honestly reflects the real costs involved: good quality cotton wadding, long-arm machine rental, and many hours of careful work.

At the moment, it’s available at a sale price until the end of March.
Only one available !
Collection availablefrom Uphall Station, West Lothian☺

I had the pleasure of making 20 beautiful scarves in the Livingston Football Club tartan.The tartan was designed by The ...
21/03/2026

I had the pleasure of making 20 beautiful scarves in the Livingston Football Club tartan.
The tartan was designed by The Kilt Studio in in 2025 and comes in two variations: a bold yellow version and a dress version with a more subtle white background. Both colourways reflect the official colours of Livingston FC. 💛⚽
Livingston FC

The scarves I made are fully lined and carefully handcrafted by me with great attention to detail. Both tartans are available from The Kilt Studio – an amazing quality fabric produced by the renowned Scottish mill House of Edgar.

These tartans are perfect not only for scarves, but also for kilts, accessories, and even home décor projects.

The finished scarves are now available to purchase directly from The Kilt Studio in Bathgate. ✨

14/03/2026

Working on something a little different at the moment — a new double-sided quilt / bed cover made entirely from leftover fabrics. ♻️

Projects like this say a lot about my approach to creating. While I love making very precise designs and well-constructed garments, I also enjoy going in completely different directions and experimenting. Sometimes I like letting things be a little unusual.

This piece is built from random colours and random fabrics — pieces that might otherwise sit unused — brought together in a way that somehow works as a whole. I love the idea of capturing a bit of chaos and turning it into one coherent piece.

Traditional quilting is often about building the entire design from very precise blocks — squares and triangles that fit perfectly together. This project is very different. At first glance there’s an impression of chaos, and the lines almost look crooked… but the whole thing is actually completely straight and carefully constructed. I love that contrast.

There’s also an element of surprise when working like this. It almost feels like the piece is developing its own life as it grows.

The quilt itself has top and bottom patchwork layers, with a cotton wadding layer inside to give it warmth and structure. To bring everything together I used a long-arm quilting machine — something I rent locally at Just Sew Simple in Livingston. It’s an absolutely brilliant place, and the owner Michaela is incredibly knowledgeable and helpful. You can rent the machine by the hour, and with Michaela’s guidance I quilted the whole cover myself.

The quilt will be finished soon and I’ll share proper photos once it’s done. It will fit a king-size bed and will be available for sale — so if you might be interested, feel free to give me a shout. 😊

3 Kilts Alteration.Recently I had the pleasure of altering three Kilts for the same customer .All three needed to be siz...
16/02/2026

3 Kilts Alteration.

Recently I had the pleasure of altering three Kilts for the same customer .

All three needed to be sized up by about 3–4 inches.
Each Kilt was completely different in terms of:

• Construction
• How it was originally made
• Its purpose (utility, budget-friendly, more premium)
• And I’m sure… its original price

These Kilts are a perfect example of how differently a Kilt can be made.

For each one, I had to approach the alteration in a completely different way. I had to consider:

• The original size
• Any “hidden” fabric that could be used to expand it
• The construction methods used by the original maker
• How everything was finished under the lining

As a Kiltmaker, I can recognise the quality — especially when I get a peek under the lining. And everything matters.
The way pleats are secured, how much allowance is left inside, the stitching methods… all of it determines whether an alteration is simple, complex — or sometimes impossible.

After working on all three Kilts , I definitely formed an opinion about which Kilt was made in the best way.
I’ll explain the details under each photo, so please have a read if you’re interested. It’s fascinating knowledge — and very useful if you’re:

• Buying a utility Kilt
• Choosing a budget-friendly option
• Or investing in a very well-made Kilt

Some alterations are easy. Some are more complex. Some require serious reconstruction. And sometimes, a remake is necessary.

But a remake can be a blessing for a Kilt — especially if the cloth is still in good condition. It can give the garment a completely new life and make it fit beautifully again.

Have a look at the photos and let me know your thoughts 👇

One of the most loved parts of my business (and of my website👉 www.rarebirdsewing.co.uk )is the Made to Order / Custom M...
10/02/2026

One of the most loved parts of my business
(and of my website👉 www.rarebirdsewing.co.uk )
is the Made to Order / Custom Made section.

I’m always happy to work with my customers ideas and turn them into something truly personal.
Recently, I made three skirts for the same customer.
She asked if a zip could be replaced with buttons at the side, which led to an original and very flattering design.

The first skirt was made from a black linen mix, followed by two more in beautiful tartan fabric from . A small design change, but one that created something really special.

I’ve just received photos from my customer in Italy .These are the kilts I made for the City of Rome Pipe Band.I made fo...
09/02/2026

I’ve just received photos from my customer in Italy .
These are the kilts I made for the City of Rome Pipe Band.

I made four kilts for the band, using their own officially registered tartan.
Seeing them worn together is always special- and a bit unreal, to be honest :)

The photos were taken at the Six Nations Italy–Scotland game.

I’ve just completed another kilt for the City of Rome Pipe Band (yes — Rome in Italy ).I first made three kilts for the ...
23/01/2026

I’ve just completed another kilt for the City of Rome Pipe Band
(yes — Rome in Italy ).
I first made three kilts for the band back in September, and this month I’ve finished the fourth. The band has its own tartan, officially registered with the Scottish Register of Tartans.
As these kilts are made for a pipe band, consistency is essential — they all need to match. The band chose to have the kilts pleated to the sett, and they already had existing kilts made in this way, so my role was to ensure the new one blended seamlessly with what they already wear.
Band kilts are also constructed with generous room for adjustment. This means longer straps and additional pleats, allowing the kilts to be easly adjusted by straps and buckles.
It’s especially important for pipe bands, where kilts are often passed from one member to another as the band evolves.
Alongside the kilt, I also made 15 pairs of flashes :)

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73 Nettlehill Drive
Livingston
EH545PR

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Tuesday 10am - 6pm
Wednesday 10am - 6pm
Thursday 10am - 6pm
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Saturday 11am - 6pm

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