Noob Questions from Missouri, USA

**ecashin** · 27th July 14, 01:58 PM

Hi,

I am new to the XMTS forums. I have been a longtime admirer of all things Scotland and Celt in general. Over the past few years I have worked on genealogical lines to find my ancestry. I have known for a few years that the Cashin name is of Irish origin and my maternal great grand parents were from Scotland (Noble sir name). However, just recently I have found that through my paternal grandmother I have two direct lines to Scottish Royal Lines. One follows the Bruce line back to Robert the Bruce. The other follows the Stewart line back to his brother Edward. In the mix are Douglas, Davies, Buchanan, Campbell and many others.

So here is my question: What would be the most appropriate tartan to wear? Should I follow my closest line (Stewart) or is it more optional?

I have looked at the Stewart tartans. If I choose that line does it matter which I choose (Royal, Black, Hunting)?

Have spent a great deal of time rooting through the threads on XMTS to find an affordable first time Kilt. There seem to be quite a few good sources here. I contacted Stillwater, BuyAKilt, USAKilts, and others trying to get the best information I can. However, in almost all cases the budget I can afford leaves me in the economy or standard range. My concern with those is the standard 24 inch drop. I am fairly tall (6'3') and am concerned the 24" would be too short. I have found a vendor in Utah (UT Kilts). I can order a custom made acrylic wool kilt (16 oz 8 yard) to my measurements for $62.00 USD ($69.50 with matching flashes). Has anyone had recent experience with UT Kilts? I found an older thread that seemed to be complimentary, just wondered how their products held up over time.

Thanks in advance for the advice and very pleased to be a new member.

Eric

**Father Bill** · 27th July 14, 02:03 PM

Welcome to the "Great Rabble!"

The bitter taste of cheap quality lasts long after the sweetness of a good price is gone. Save your nickels and wait until you could buy a good one... but save a dollar on the matching flashes - they're a fairly recent conceit and not very traditional.

I for one always look for wool, but I admit that my budget permits it now at my age. Nonetheless, it will hang better. If you need to save some money, try looking at a lower yardage kilt - maybe a traditional (not military) box pleat. It's cheaper because there's less cloth there, but you can still go with the better quality material.

Take a look at the advertisers here on the forum, around the edges of any page. They've all passed the test of our members' comments. Compare for prices.

Meanwhile, it's good to have you here among friends!

**GMan** · 27th July 14, 02:16 PM

Welcome, glad you are here.

**ASinclair** · 27th July 14, 02:49 PM

Hello Eric!

**Chas** · 27th July 14, 02:51 PM

Hello Eric,

Welcome to XMarks from the other side of the Atlantic in Norfolk, England.

Stick with the Stewart line. All Stewart tartans are equal - choose the one you like.