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| Posted by: Tassiecelt 13-Sep-2004, 07:32 AM |
Aha! I caught you looking lassie!  Seriously now, as some of you may have gathered, I have a particular interest in promoting the kilt for men as a casual garment and not just for Clan Gatherings, Ceilidhs and Costume parties. I actually found this site from www.xmarksthescot.com which is a similar forum, but centred around kilts. So my question is this, how many here wear a kilt on a regular basis? |
| Posted by: Annabelle 13-Sep-2004, 07:36 AM |
| I'm caught, I admit it! We had a thread like this long ago but it went to cyberheaven somewhere in a galaxy far far away! Wee girls have to check on you guys to see what you are up to! A |
| Posted by: Avonlea22 13-Sep-2004, 07:39 AM |
| I don't right now, but I'd like to. A Sport Kilt is on my list of things to get. I think I'd start out wearing it around the house, and maybe to celtic events, and once i was a bit more comfortable, I'd start wearing it on a regular basis. |
| Posted by: Tassiecelt 13-Sep-2004, 07:42 AM |
| Bleshaheart annabelle, at least you're an honest lass! sorry to bring the issue up if it's been discussed - I'm still new. brian, good place to start, confidence soon grows. |
| Posted by: Madadh 13-Sep-2004, 08:01 AM |
| Wear mine occationally. I am looking to get a utility kilt for Christmas. Hope to wear it more. |
| Posted by: Tassiecelt 13-Sep-2004, 08:09 AM | ||
Well you look very fine in your kilt, the pony looks great too! I'm into tartans more than plain kilts but I understand Utilikilts are very popular and practical. |
| Posted by: talleyrand 13-Sep-2004, 08:23 AM |
| I have three sport kilts, wear two of them quite a bit. The third one, it feels like a different material and just doesn't seem to want to lay right. At any rate, Friday is casual day at the office so I tend to show up in a kilt, t-shirt and flip-flops. I'll get my tenure bonus this month and most of that will go toward a true kilt. Somewhere hidden on my desk is are my ideas on tartans but as I'm looking around it, I can't seem to find it. I feel like Dory... |
| Posted by: Tassiecelt 13-Sep-2004, 08:38 AM |
talleyrand, be careful wearing tartans, they are addictive  |
| Posted by: Avonlea22 13-Sep-2004, 08:39 AM |
| Graham, how many kilts do you own? are they all different tartans? brands? |
| Posted by: sprdleyb 13-Sep-2004, 08:48 AM |
I have a grand kilt I wear to all the highland events(of course), but I find myself wearing it more and more just here and there. I wore it golfing a couple of weeks ago(lost my darned kilt pin again too). I'm looking to get a another kilt just for banging around in. As much as I love my grand kilt, sometimes I'm too lazy to fold all the pleats, etc. But it is awesome to wear.  Sláinte  |
| Posted by: oldraven 13-Sep-2004, 09:23 AM |
Only the one I rented for the wedding. But after that experience, I plan on buying one as soon as possible, and no doubt will find plenty of occasion to wear it.  |
| Posted by: Madadh 13-Sep-2004, 09:29 AM |
| Tassiecelt, We usually tell people that question about Wolfhounds will be answered freely. Horse/pony jokes will cost you 5$.  |
| Posted by: celticwoodsman 13-Sep-2004, 03:32 PM |
| I wear my kilt sometimes to classes at my university and sometimes just around town...I see a kilt as just another article of clothing. I mean I have my dress tartant (sewn and pre-pleated), and then I have my pipers kilt, I have a couple bolts of fabric I fold the traditional way, and I now have on order a kilt made of carhart fabric....to me talking about wearing kilts is just like what pair of jeans I have on today. |
| Posted by: Tassiecelt 13-Sep-2004, 05:16 PM |
| Brian I have 6 kilts and a couple more on order, tartans are Morrison (on my mother's side), McKenzie, Gunn, Black Watch and Stewart Hunting. Madadh No offense I hope with the pony joke (do you take visa?) they are beautiful dogs. celticwoodsman I consider kilts much more interesting than a pair of jeans, but kilts are, when all is said and done, another garment, but a very comfortable one at that. |
| Posted by: Ceciliastar1 13-Sep-2004, 07:02 PM |
| haha! Busted! Oh well, you can't blaim me though. Putting a title like that on a forum...haha! Of course we are going to look! Hahaha!!! Shame on me though. *continues to chuckle* |
| Posted by: Gordon 13-Sep-2004, 07:19 PM |
| When not in school or work, I wear my Munro tartan kilt all the time. If given the choice, I'd even wear it to work and school but working in a kitchen is understandably one of the worst areas to wear one. Gotta stick to the chef whites there and school. Gordon |
| Posted by: Tassiecelt 13-Sep-2004, 07:49 PM |
| I understand Gordon, some jobs are difficult. I am a self employed signwriter so I have a great deal of freedom. I sometime change into shorts for working up ladders (mustn't tempt the lassies too much) but 98% of the time I can be kilted. This morning i was spray painting, but with an apron and overcoat to protect the kilt. I have three kilts made of poly viscose, teflon coated, they are cheaper and very practical for workwear. (One was made by Bear kilts, a sponsor here). |
| Posted by: Tassiecelt 13-Sep-2004, 08:08 PM | ||
Yes, I'm guilty of tempting my sisters with such a title, it was 'tongue in cheek' of course. When it comes to clothing, who could blame a lass from being interested? Actually kilts have converted me from a typical lad who couldn't give a toss about what he wore to someone who now cares about colour matching etc. My wife thinks it's an improvement anyway |
| Posted by: scotelass 13-Sep-2004, 10:02 PM |
ha! I guess I'm a nosy little lassie too!! I LOVE A MAN IN A KILT! for all you lads out there afraid of the kilt, go ahead and show those sexy knees!  Even Prince Charles can turn a few heads with that casual kilt he wears when he's in Wales! Cheerio!!! |
| Posted by: Tassiecelt 13-Sep-2004, 10:08 PM |
| Nice to have your encouragement scotelass, I agree about Prince Charles looking great when casually kilted. |
| Posted by: Tassiecelt 13-Sep-2004, 10:09 PM |
| Nice to have your encouragement scotelass, I agree about Prince Charles looking great when casually kilted. |
| Posted by: MacAibhistin 13-Sep-2004, 10:51 PM |
| I'd wear a kilt if I could afford one. However, on my teacher's salary I have to settle for tartan ties. I wear my Austin/Keith and my MacLeod of Raasay all the time. Rory |
| Posted by: Aaediwen 14-Sep-2004, 06:42 AM |
| I don't, but I could be convinced. Once I'm convinced, then there's the spending 6-24 mo to make sure I do everything right. Check my profile pic for proof I don't care what people think of my wearing un-conventional clothing. Actually I do care, but more to the extent of curiosity on that end. I certainly won't let someone stop me from wearing my cloak. I'm sure I'd get to the same way about a kilt if I ever started wearing one. A bigger cloak is first in line though. want to get a full circle for the colder months. Just got to decide on color and save up a little for it. |
| Posted by: Tassiecelt 14-Sep-2004, 07:31 AM |
| Rory Kilts don't have to be expensive. I've bought casual kilts from USA Kilts for as little as $100 USD and 8 yard kilts for $220 USD. My wife is a teacher, they seem to get paid OK here! Aaediwen I could get into those cloaks, they look great, reckon they would go well with a kilt too. I'm into comfortable, masculine clothing, and a kilt fits the bill nicely. I'm one of only two men who wear kilts all the time on our island of 250,000 guess that makes us special ! |
| Posted by: Aaediwen 14-Sep-2004, 07:56 AM |
| The image I have in my head doesn't seem to work perticularly well, but something could be done that would fix that. After all, I'd say that a cloak may not have been any less common than a cloak at one point in the highlands (I honestly can't say). If so, I'm sure they had a way of wearing the two together that worked well. Of course, even with my fitted cloak, pull both panels around you and it doesn't matter what you have on under it. I've worn a heavy sweater and jeans under it, listening to a CD player. Not that one would have been able to tell any of that. Wasn't too worried about keeping it closed last October when that picture was taken I got mine from www.fashionsintime.com . I don't imagine most of what is sold there gets worn on a regular basis, but I only rarely am seen in a jacket or coat anymore. Generally if I'm planning on doing something where the cloak would be in the way. Not afraid to get it dirty or wet either. If it's warm enough I don't need it outside, but light rain, I'll still wrap my draft book in it to protect the leather. Great for so many things: Coat/jacket replacement (of course) blanket insulator wrap for goods concealment (example, if you're carrying something you don't feel comfortable being seen with) protects the entire body (except for face and feet) conversation piece I like to think it works for security too although that thankfully has never been tested. Close it and I could carry no telling what, even in my hand and noone would know it I've got a few more reasons I like it too. |
| Posted by: celticwoodsman 14-Sep-2004, 01:06 PM |
| If I could make a suggestion as well, sometimes at a fabric store you can get a bolt of fabric that may not be a clan tartan, but rather something more common like a black watch. Though it is usually seen across the world as a school girl skirt, it was at one time (perhaps still is) a kilt. When I had lil to no money I bought 6-7 meters (yards) of fabric which was a decent weight of wool blend for a kilt, and laid it on the ground. I then proceeded to wrap myself up in the scottish tortilla with pleats and all. It takes time to fold, but works great if you want to be comfortable and on a budget. |
| Posted by: single speed 15-Sep-2004, 07:48 PM |
| I would love to wear a kilt, however, I fear that my legs are too white (even with the amount of cycling I do). How white are they? I was snorkeling off Key West a few years back. My girlfriend said that I should be careful about snorkling with bright, shiny objects. Addind that they attract Barracuda. In response, I removed my dog tags ( I was in the Air Force). As I placed them on the beach, she smiled her wicked grin, pointed at my legs, and said, "I was talking about your legs." I was scared for life. |
| Posted by: Iago 16-Sep-2004, 12:31 AM |
| I will probably make the plunge in the next couple months. Always wanted to try one on and see how comfy they were. Just couldn't imagine scratchy wool on my tush, ya know. If I like it, I will probably start wearing one all the time. -Iago |
| Posted by: Madadh 16-Sep-2004, 05:38 AM |
| Single Speed, Don't worry about the legs, if you wear the correct socks only your knees actually show. Also, if you ride that bike much, you should have strong calf muscles. The girls love to see them P.S. Most of the lasses are more interested in what is underneath the Kilt and I am not talking about yer legs.  |
| Posted by: Tassiecelt 16-Sep-2004, 07:09 AM |
| I have yet to see a pair of legs that don't look better in a kilt. I've heard many men say that their legs would look bad in a kilt, this is a fallacy, a kilt makes all men look good. The best way to fix white legs is to expose them to the sun! regarding itching...I've not found this to be a problem. It might be if, like my wife, you have a real sensitive skin with wool. If that were that case you could go for a poly viscose kilt. bear Kilts and USA kilts make them and they are very comfy to wear. A kilt is the most comfortable garment a man can wear. After a short while you may find yourself uncomfortable in anything else. I've thrown away all my trousers, I can't stand having my legs trapped in the wretched things anymore. Kilts offer real freedom in clothing. You can see I'm hooked !! |
| Posted by: talleyrand 16-Sep-2004, 07:33 AM | ||
Yeah, so be sure to wear some quality shoes and socks. That's what you meant, right? |
| Posted by: Tassiecelt 16-Sep-2004, 08:11 AM |
| YES, you got it!! (what else is under it??) |
| Posted by: Gordon 16-Sep-2004, 03:17 PM |
| I too thought the itch factor would drive me nuts but, since the first day I put my kilt on there has yet to be any kind of discomfort from the wool. They comb it so well that it feels more like cotton on the skin. As for the white legs, mine also are pale. Look more like I'm a ghost from the knees down but I don't let it bother me any. Lord knows I get enough positive comments from the lasses to bolster my ego up far enough that the few rude comments I get just kinda go in one ear and out the other. I'm actually getting the chance to wear it to school tomorrow so it'll be a whole new experience for my classmates. It's the last day of this module and only thing going on is finals. Practicals are all out of the way (thankfully) so the teacher gave us permission to wear street clothes. Heh, I think I scared him when I asked if that meant what we were most comfy in.  Gordon |
| Posted by: Avonlea22 16-Sep-2004, 03:46 PM |
| Let us know how it goes Gordon! |
| Posted by: ANNHAM 16-Sep-2004, 07:11 PM | ||
Me too!!!  I've let it go by for a few days, but curiosity finally got the best of me, (I think my nickname probably should be "Pandora")... So since I'm here, you know how us women are... hard not to give our opinions.. Anyway, here in Tennessee, I haven't noticed too many men wearing Kilts around, actually none, but I think they do look pretty handsome.Anne  |
| Posted by: scotelass 17-Sep-2004, 12:37 AM |
| When it comes to being white or pale, you guys have it easy at least you can cover your legs with hair!!!! I on the other hand am at a disadvantage, I'm so pale I'm almost transparent! I get told all the time that I look like snow-white! I can't tell when I'm wearing sport socks! Don't fret over it MEN IN KILTS ARE HOT!!!! That's my opinion and I'm sticking to it! |
| Posted by: Tassiecelt 17-Sep-2004, 12:40 AM |
| Well in times past in England and even today in Japan, pale skin is something to be desired, so don't worry! now...get back to your ladies room! |
| Posted by: Madadh 17-Sep-2004, 04:15 AM |
| Going to the Maryland Renaissance Festival this weekend. It is their Celtic weekend and yes, I will be kilted. It is interesting that when you talk about Men and Kilts, the lasses can not keep away. |
| Posted by: maggiemahone1 17-Sep-2004, 05:48 AM |
| I peeped!!!!!! Men in kilts do turn a woman's head. Around here where I live, that is like looking for a needle in a haystack. Maybe one day, I'll be able to travel over the big pond and get an eyefull! Have fun Madadh at the Renaissance Festival. Sounds like a fun time to me! maggiemahone1 |
| Posted by: Tassiecelt 17-Sep-2004, 06:32 AM |
| Madadh, I hope you have a wonderful time, I wish I could come, it sounds lovely. We have a highland gathering in the south of the state next month, that will be something to look forward to. maggie, even in Scotland you'll be hard pressed to see kilts worn casually. while the trend is increasing all over the world, trousers still dominate in the western world. In many other countries unbifurcated garments are the norm, such as India, south east Asia etc. Here in Tasmania I am one of only two or three in the State who wear kilts outside of "special events" or Pipe Bands, guys don;t know what they are missing! As far as turning lassies heads, I don't get that a lot, besides, I'm 52 and my wife wouldn't like it anyway |
| Posted by: Aragorn 17-Sep-2004, 08:16 AM |
| I am really excited to for out some family history!!! On my dad's side of the family his mother's maiden name was Keith, so it looks like my ancestry has scottish blood in it. So does that mean I can claim the clan Keith as my clan? If it does then I would really like to get a Tartan and wear it all the time but only if I can. Does anyone know or can they help me on this? BTW: why are kilts so expensive?? Wow, $384.00 for a kilt? |
| Posted by: sprdleyb 17-Sep-2004, 08:34 AM |
| Has anybody worn a utilikilt? They look like they would be durable but not nearly as comfortable as a wool or poly/viscose one. I've looked at Bear's website and Utilikilts' website and can't decide which way I'd like to go. Any thoughts? Sláinte |
| Posted by: talleyrand 17-Sep-2004, 10:28 AM | ||
Two, sometimes 3 things go into the cost. A) Labour intensive to make. Wool costs money and there's a few yards of it in a typical kilt. C) Registered tartans add an additional cost to the material. |
| Posted by: Aragorn 17-Sep-2004, 10:39 AM |
| Well, it was initial sticker shock that prompted me to write that. I have seen kilts on the web but I think the true value is in actually being able to touch the fabric and see the kilt right in front of you. I would spend the money for one and I have been looking at the utilikilts and I think they look good. |
| Posted by: Avonlea22 17-Sep-2004, 04:26 PM | ||
You might want to look into a Sportkilt, too. also, there is a website/forum about kilts that's very informative, from what I've looked over so far. it's http://www.xmarksthescot.com/ there is an entire section in the forum dedicated to discussing different brands of kilts. |
| Posted by: Gordon 17-Sep-2004, 08:28 PM |
| Well, school went well today. Showed up as intended in my kilt and decided to do most of the regalia with it save my Prince Charlie jacket of course. Classmates were somewhat surprised that I went through with it. Most of the males thought it would be uncomfortable but I assured them differently. As for the females of the class, lets just say there was alot of whistling and the 'usual' questions. Even ended up with being asked to do some poses for a professional photographer that works in the school as an entrance counselor. He is trying to build his portrait portfolio and asked if I'd mind being a subject at some point next week after class. Offering a few 8 x 10 glossies for the trouble so I don't mind at all (not that I'd mind in the first place). It is always a joy to show off my kilt and my pride in who I am and where I come from. Gordon |
| Posted by: CelticRose 17-Sep-2004, 11:17 PM |
| Ok! I am bad! I am in here peeking too! Shame on me, eh? Well couldn't resist! wow! Gordon! You got that great response? good on you! anxious to hear what comes of it all! P.S. I will be peeking in here frequently! |
| Posted by: Tassiecelt 18-Sep-2004, 02:23 AM |
| Well done Gordon, you look fantastic in your kilt, glad the response was positive. I think more men should promote celtic clothing in that way. Avonlea22 I've seen Utilikilts, I did buy a Victory kilt once from USA Kilts, they are similar but I didn't like it. The material doesn't have the softness and warmth of tartan wool and just didn't resemble a kilt enough. In our conservative area I would have difficulty with a plain kilt, tartan is more easily recognised as a male garment. (Nowithstanding the fact that Irish kilts are traditionally plain). But if you like it, wear it, they are very tough and good for working, hiking and general rough stuff from wht I've heard. Xmarks is a great forum for men in kilts (not skirts), and yes CelticRose, the lassies are welcome to go there, it's not a men only club. |
| Posted by: CelticRose 18-Sep-2004, 02:31 AM |
LOL! You caught me Tassie! I love knowing how men think. I have always enjoyed the company of men more than women, so I just could not resist being in here.  |
| Posted by: aapiper 18-Sep-2004, 07:27 AM |
| i play in a pipe band and the only time I wear a kilt is when we are performing. Would like to get one to wear more often that is lighter. Our band kilts are 9 yards of wool, they can get a little heavy and warm during the summer. They do make the women notice you. They always want to what is under the kilt, I tell them "Me wee shoes" |
| Posted by: Tassiecelt 18-Sep-2004, 07:46 AM | ||
You are to be congratulated Celticrose, I've alway wondered what women think, but for the life of me I cannot work it out aapiper, yes, the first time I picked up one of the band kilts I couldn't believe how heavy it was. An 8 yard 13 oz or even a 4 yard casual is great for summer, I'm cooler in my Bear 4 yard casual in summer than anyone would be even in shorts. |
| Posted by: sprdleyb 18-Sep-2004, 08:44 AM |
| Thank Brian, I'll check out X marks the Scot. BTW that patch cord worked great for putting the laptop through the stereo. Thanks! Graham, that's what my concern is about the Utilikilts. My wool one is so comfortable and I don't want to give that up. Sláinte |
| Posted by: Annabelle 18-Sep-2004, 12:40 PM |
| Ha ha I peeped again! It's easier to lose weight and stay in your kilt than it is to buy another one cause you gained a few pounds! |
| Posted by: Avonlea22 18-Sep-2004, 02:24 PM | ||
You are welcome, for both. Glad to hear the cord worked out well. Pretty fsat shipping, eh? |
| Posted by: Avonlea22 18-Sep-2004, 02:51 PM |
| Is anyone here familiar with Stillwater Kilts? They have an "Economy" kilt that's only $45.95! Sounds like it could be a good beginners kilt. Check them out at http://www.stillwaterkilts.com/kilts.html |
| Posted by: single speed 18-Sep-2004, 03:04 PM |
| Great thread, Tassiecelt. I am intrigued, however, here's the rub. I am of Irish decent, so what Tartan shoiuld I wear? Should I wear a tartan? Is there a tartan etiquitte that I should be aware of? How do you choose a tartan? |
| Posted by: Avonlea22 18-Sep-2004, 03:07 PM |
| I'd be interested in seeing the response to that question, for I am of Irish descent, as well. I've heard that you can choose the general Ireland tartan, or choose a county tartan. To be honest, I think when I'm ready to buy a kilt, I'll just choose one by personal taste in color, not heritage. Is that wrong? |
| Posted by: Annabelle 18-Sep-2004, 03:55 PM |
| O My yes! Wrong wrong wrong! Do be a love and look more into the Irish Tartan's. They have alot by family names too. So don't get in a big hurry. Investigate it first! You are spending so much money don't get in a hurry to make a mistake. |
| Posted by: A Shrule Egan 18-Sep-2004, 04:09 PM |
| If I remember reading something properly, the Scots had the tartans and the Irish didn't have tartans associated with them. That's why it's very difficult to find Irish tartans. The Scots and Irish may have the same name but the tartan is for the Scots. More recently, the Irish have had county tartans developed. That's how I remember the article. |
| Posted by: Annabelle 18-Sep-2004, 04:26 PM |
| Avonlea do some research into it before you spend money is what I was trying to say. If you buy something just for county or color you may find something else along the way you would prefer...so give yourself some time to look! If you get into a hurry you will waste your money. That's all! I have no education as to the "crazy Irish" so you'll have to learn for yourself or from other's who are of Irish decent. |
| Posted by: Tassiecelt 18-Sep-2004, 04:56 PM |
| While the Irish kilts are traditionally plain, green or saffron, in recent times a number of tartans have been developed associated with counties. You will find them here http://www.scotchcorner.com/tartan-index.html The Irish National Tartan is a lovely one to wear, there are also "generic" tartans, one that you can wear without clan connections such as Black Watch (maybe not in the south of Ireland tho) or Stewart Hunting. I have both. |
| Posted by: Annabelle 18-Sep-2004, 05:10 PM |
| Finally a great man with sound reasoning! Thank you Tassie! Steer the lad in the appropriate direction. If you have lots of money to throw away without thinkin do throw some in all of our directions lad! |
| Posted by: Avonlea22 18-Sep-2004, 05:23 PM |
| Well, I wasn't necessarily saying that I'm going to pick just a random color. I'm looking at reasonably priced kilts, which have a limited selection of tartans available. What I would do is first decide on a brand, and then choose my tartan based on the availability, and my personal color choice. For example...I've been looking at Sportkilts and now Stillwater Kilts. You can't really choose clan or national tartans with these kiltmakers...therefore you choose based on personal preference, or what they make. The Stillwater http://www.stillwaterkilts.com/econokilt.html comes in only one tartan...no choice. I have a preference for dark green, so in the Sportkilts, I've been looking at http://www.sportkilt.com/shopping-cart.cfm?page=details.cfm&Product_id=10290&returnto=kilts.cfm For my first kilt, I'm not spending a lot of money, which limits the choices. If I find I really enjoy wearing the kilt after my first one, then I might look into getting a more expensive one that has an Irish and/or Wilson family tartan. But for now, funds limit the choices. |
| Posted by: Annabelle 18-Sep-2004, 05:28 PM |
| Have you also tried : www.douglashouse.net for kilts I got my last one there for a reasonable fee. Check it out. |
| Posted by: Gordon 18-Sep-2004, 05:35 PM | ||
***stands awaiting the 'penny pitching' *** Thanks for the kind words on how I look in the kilt Tassie. Always good to get an opinion from others who know how it should look. The only thing I really hate is not being able to find a decent dirk. I'm looking at a military model with the fork and knife also included that I kind of like but, it seems to me, that it is more show than anything. Heck, good quality steel is hard to come by. I'm constantly polishing the sqian-dubh since the oils in my skin tarnish it so easily since it is, naturally, just a show piece. I'm with everyone else when it comes to choosing a kilt. Take the time to research and order a few samples if the kiltmaker will allow it. I got mine through J. Higgins of Kansas and had various samples of the Munro tartan sent before I decided. Didn't want to choose one style and end up not liking the final product. It is a very expensive investment to be sure and as such deserves some time in the choosing stage. A kilt, with proper care, will last a long time. Of course, I now am close to sending mine out for altering (dang weight gain) although I still have several holes in the strap in either direction. I'd just feel more comfortable knowing it's done since working in a gourmet kitchen does add a few pounds. Gordon |
| Posted by: bubba 18-Sep-2004, 05:39 PM | ||
Bear makes a nice green Irish kilt with Irish tricolor piping on the edge of the apron and a beautiful safron kilt. Howdy tass. |
| Posted by: Avonlea22 18-Sep-2004, 05:45 PM | ||
Just checked them out. Still a bit pricey for my first kilt, I think. And again, limited tartans. They don't have the Irish National tartan, so how would I choose? |
| Posted by: bubba 18-Sep-2004, 05:56 PM |
| I looked at the price of kilts and near had a heart attack. I got the pattern set from www.folkwear.com and instructions off the web. I make almost all my kilts and I've made 6 so far, 7 is in the works and I have some nice wool plaid that looks like tartan but I'm sure isn't a registered tartan, enough for 2 more. You can find some very nice fabrics on sale at fabric stores for 3 or 4 dollars a yard that work fine. Being poor shouldn't stop you from wearing a kilt. |
| Posted by: Tassiecelt 18-Sep-2004, 07:23 PM |
| WElcome Bubba, how does it feel to be a "peasant" with 2 posts after being the second highest poster in Xmarks?? hahah! There are a lot of good alternatives, (esp. in the USA) to top-notch scottish kilts, Bear, Stillwater, USA Kilts are among them. I don't like to wear a 6-800 dollar kilt around the house, working, hiking etc. so these kilts are fantastic, while maybe not satisfying the 'purists'. I'm into CASUAL wear, cos I'm that kind lad I agree Bubba, Bear's Irish saffron looks lovely. I'l still lusting after the tartan that Mel Gibson wore, it's lovely and earthy.http://druidskiltsandcelts.com/Kilts/braveheart_kilts.html |
| Posted by: bubba 18-Sep-2004, 07:58 PM | ||
Well Graham, no expectations or pressure to perform here. <snick> I agree there are lots of options in the US, but if you need to keep the cost low the best bet is still make your own from fabric on sale at the local fabric stores. I've noticed some mention of Sports kilts, but from what the guys over on X Marks have said, I wouldn't bother with one. Far too lightweight, poor hang and swing. USA kilts, Southern Celt , Bear, R Kilts and King Kilts are probably the better bets. King Kilts seems to be positioned best for us poor folk. They'll even make your kilt from your fabric and to your specs at a very good price. I sent them a chunk of that MacKinlay, buckles and straps and they charged me $54.25 to make the kilt to traditional pattern, shipping included. Meanwhile I'm planning on getting to that wool fabric I bought soon. |
| Posted by: Avonlea22 18-Sep-2004, 08:13 PM | ||
Thanks for the info on King Kilts, bubba! I'm going to look into them a bit more. I know you mentioned about buying "tartan" at a fabric store, but does anyone know where you can buy traditional tartans? By the way, Welcome bubba! Thanks for your reply also at Xmarks. |
| Posted by: bubba 18-Sep-2004, 08:32 PM | ||
This is a MacKinlay tartan http://www.bestfabric.com/cgi-bin/shop.pl/page=pld-0005.htm/SID=1305688559 . The picture is pretty bad, it really is a nice tartan in polyester/rayon blend so it's easy care. Traditional worsted wool tartans are very expensive, way out of my budget. Quite a few of those fabric store plaids are actual tartan patterns or so close only an expert could tell the differenceI found Black watch at $3 a yard in cotton and Gordon Dress in wool for $2 a yard. Registered worsted tartan can run $60 a yard and up and even poly viscose is $20 a yard or more. Black Watch is probably the easiest to find in fabric stores but just look around at the sale racks and tables. You'll find something you like. The one I just bought I'm just going to call MacBubba. |
| Posted by: Iago 19-Sep-2004, 12:33 AM |
| Welcome abouard bubba! Alwaysnice to se new faces.....well....you know what I mean. Can it be assumed that the less expensive kilts are made of a lower quality material? I am a strong believer in quality over price, but know in some instances higher price does not equal quality. Also, how are these cleaned? Would dry cleaning be the best alternative? Or maybe hand wash? ~Iago |
| Posted by: Aaediwen 19-Sep-2004, 05:16 AM |
| Maybe I should start researching it. Dad, I know, would be interested in finding out of there's a tartan mapped with our name. He's found possible links to a clan, but not confirmed. I keep forgetting the name though. From Fife.... Can't say much yet... |
| Posted by: Tassiecelt 19-Sep-2004, 06:40 AM | ||
Iago, I guess it comes down to what you want to do in a kilt and what you're prepared to pay. A $200 kilt is not going to have the quaity of a $400 kilt. I love quality Scottish wool kilts too but my priority is to to have good looking, inexpersive kilts that i can wear every day, not just special occasions like weddings. I wouldn't wear a $400 kilt to work or go hiking . I find the Poly Viscose kilts (I have three from USA Kilts) look good, feel good, wear well and they can even be machine washed! You would have to look closely to tell them from wool, they suit me fine. I do have a good quality kilt that I keep for best, and five other kilts for various purposes, with these kilts i can afford to have more options and choices. |
| Posted by: bubba 19-Sep-2004, 07:02 AM |
| Options is the name of the game. Nothing beats a quality handmade 16 oz worsted wool tartan kilt but you pay big money for that and you aren't likely to wear it on a daily basis. The poly blend and cotton kilts have the advantage of being machine washable with cotton requiring more ironing than poly blends. Since I wear kilts on a daily basis being machine washable is a big priority. |
| Posted by: Crapaud 19-Sep-2004, 08:48 AM |
| My kilts range form a Sport Kilt to a Lochcarron. The SK is for woodworking and cleaning the garage. |
| Posted by: Avonlea22 19-Sep-2004, 09:42 AM |
| Welcome to the forum, Crapaud! You wouldn't happen to be from PEI, would you? I know of a town that shares your username. Hope you enjoy posting with all of us. We are a super friendly group of people here. |
| Posted by: bubba 19-Sep-2004, 10:25 AM | ||
I have a denim kilt I wear for the dirty jobs. I got the fabric on sale dirt cheap. I think it cost me all of $20 to make it so if it gets beat up it's no big thing. |
| Posted by: Madadh 20-Sep-2004, 04:03 AM |
Back from my day at the Maryland reniasance Festival, it was their Scotish Celtic weekend. A great day to wear the kilt. I do have one question, I did not know that there were highland belly dancers? But there were a few young ladies there moving their tartans in...  |
| Posted by: Tassiecelt 20-Sep-2004, 06:53 AM | ||
That's new to me, so else did you see at the festival, I'd love to know more about it! It is nice wearing a kilt around lots of others who are also kilted, you don't feel like an oddity so much! |
| Posted by: talleyrand 20-Sep-2004, 08:10 AM |
| I have no idea on the authenticity of Highlander belly dancing but one of the gals I do ceili dancing with is also part of a middle eastern dance troupe. There's a song, I think on Strictly Time, that we dance the Broadswords to and it's got an extended intro and there's a stong middle eastern influence in it . She'd always get this smile on her face, do this little scintillating move, drop into a bow and then off she went doing Scottish. Always made me smile and impressed me. |
| Posted by: Madadh 20-Sep-2004, 09:27 AM |
| The Caber toss was a lot of fun. The reniasance festival had all of the thinks you would expect . It is loosely based in the time of Henry VIII. There was jousting, Bards, Music, Taverns, Tavern girls, armour, swords, dancing girls, clothing, extreme bodices, did I mention the girls? The dancers had most of the middle eastern markings that you would expect, the clan shield as a tatoo in the small of one's back was fascinating. And their moves to the Badhran and the pipes   |
| Posted by: Crapaud 20-Sep-2004, 09:45 AM |
| Never been to PEI. I'm actually from Saskatoon, Saskatchewan. |
| Posted by: Avonlea22 20-Sep-2004, 04:35 PM |
| Well, it's nice of you to join us! So everyone...I think I've narrowed my kilt choices down to Bear Kilts and USA Kilts. I'll make my final decision by October 1st. (that's the deadline my wife gave me...Just in case she needed to order one for me as a surprise. ) USAK will be updating their web site and tartan offerings within the next week, and that's what I'll base my final decision on. I'm getting so excited about owning my first kilt! |
| Posted by: Tassiecelt 20-Sep-2004, 05:13 PM |
| Brian, it's time I shared with you a little known fact about kilts, it's a real problem. you see, the kiltmakers use a tartan that is impregnated with a chemical substance of unknown origin. All I know is that this chemical reacts in most men, it may be hormonal, not sure, but the effect is that when you put the kilt on there is an immediate feeling of euphoria, you feel "high". What is worse, is that you body begins to get addicted to wearing the kilt and taking it off is very difficult. Long time kilt wearers are even know to wear it to bed - it just cannot come off. Worst of all is that this effect, this addiction, begins early and is far more severe with you first kilt. The body slowly grows accustomed to the drug, and as with most drugs, it takes a larger "hit" to get the same "high" as time goes on. My advise is be careful, very very careful. |
| Posted by: bubba 20-Sep-2004, 05:50 PM |
| What do you mean addiction??? I can take off my kilt any time I want! Yes I can! |
| Posted by: Tassiecelt 20-Sep-2004, 06:09 PM | ||
The good thing about here Bubba is that we have a new bunch of friends who have not heard our jokes |
| Posted by: bubba 20-Sep-2004, 08:39 PM |
| True enough tass, but I wonder how they'll take my wiseguy one liners. |
| Posted by: Iago 20-Sep-2004, 09:15 PM |
| I greatly appreciate the one liners! Will be making my first purchase within a coupe weeks, got lots of research to do. |
| Posted by: bubba 21-Sep-2004, 08:42 AM | ||
I have a bit of a reputation on X Marks the Scot for smartass one liners. It's all in good fun though. If you need any help or have any questions feel free to ask either here or at X Marks. There are plenty of guys that will be happy to share experiences withyou and help all they can so you get something you'll be happy with. |
| Posted by: celticwoodsman 21-Sep-2004, 01:56 PM | ||
I can't stop laughing so that is why I have close to 1000 worth of plaid, and another 500 worth of duck cloth. I thought it was just the feeling of freedom with the "central air conditioning" |
| Posted by: The_Spanish_Rover 24-Sep-2004, 11:27 AM |
| I don't have any kilt to wear, but I guess that If I were to able to buy one (not through the internet... need to try it!), I'll be excentric enough to dare to use it. In fact I might go to edimbourgh this easter and I do want to buy one!! Up the kilts!! (ups, that doesn't sound very well...) |
| Posted by: bubba 24-Sep-2004, 12:30 PM | ||
It's just fine if you up the rear of the kilt with your back to a polititian. |