Hello from Cantonment N.W.Florida

**Theclaymore** · 19th November 16, 08:39 AM

Thank you for allowing me to join this wonderful world of kilt wearers. I am brand new to this forum, but not new at all, being 73 years old. I am a 6th generation American, my first ancestor being a Jacobite Rebel who was transported the the Virginia Colony in 1716. The first was a Scottish story, and the American story began. Being a researcher of my ancestry and DNA and from Clan Donald, I see there are many variations in the kilts of the different Donald clans. I have not been able to determine which of the divisions I am from, so I have chosen the Clan Donald Ancient pattern. I am in the process of gathering together the materials to make my wife and myself the clothing of the early Scottish Highlanders, and I have ordered the patterns for the women's gowns and vests, plus the shirt for the men. I have been reading up on the controversy surrounding the yardage and the weight of the great kilt and it has put my mind into swirl of how much that we actually need. We live in the mostly sunny South where the weather is blazing hot in the summer, with a changing hot and cold in the Fall, Winter, and Spring. Question is this: 13 or 16 oz for the kilt to hang right and 6 or 8 yards for the great kilt. I AM the 48 inch gut and only 5'9" tall. What do you really think?

**Father Bill** · 19th November 16, 09:05 AM

Welcome the "Great Rabble"

**Prisoneratvillage** · 19th November 16, 09:16 AM

Welcome and well met. I am also of clan Donald. As far as I can tell, from the Kintyre area. Also in a quandary about the correct tartan.
I went with MacDonald dress muted, pleated to the sett. I guess my thinking was a tartan to cover most occasions. For me it was the right choice as Donald covers a lot of territory, and beating myself over the head with it to get it absolutely correct wasn't in the cards.
Glad you found us.

**Theclaymore** · 19th November 16, 10:24 AM

Thank you for your greetings. I am looking forward to this new adventure with the many members of this forum.

**Tarheel** · 19th November 16, 01:48 PM

Well met new friend. Like our new member just posted, look over the many varieties of tartan Donald (muted, ancient, etc.) and choose one that feels right to you. Look to the merchants for the details that you are also asking about. They will have the experience with clients from all over and will give good advice. The members here can do that as well. Glad to have you with us.