Opinions wanted

[emolas]

I am finally getting my very own Tewksbury kilt made in the New Hampshire State tartan and I would like some opinions on pleating. I got some extra material to drool over while my kilt is being made so I tossed a few pleating options together trying to figure out which ones I like. I'm a bit torn between the white stripe and the sett while my daughter likes the red stripe best, and my mother likes the sett. Out of curiousity I would like to know what the rabble thinks about each style so I took pictures. I have no idea whether any of these are possible or not due to obscure mathematical equations and solar alignment and whatever other factors effect pleating but it seems to me these are the options:

Here is the sett:


Pleated to the white stripe:


Pleated to the red stripe:


Pleated to no stripe in the green:


Pleated to no stripe in the blue:


What are your opinions?

[pdcorlis]

Beautiful tartan - I think it looks best pleated to the sett. Pleating to the white stripe comes in second place in my mind and the other options, I'm afraid, give the dreaded lawn chair effect.

I'm sure Barb will give you the best advice of all. I've learned to listen to the kilt makers and let them lend a hand. After all they have lots more experience than the rest of us.

[RockyR]

Beautiful tartan - I think it looks best pleated to the sett. Pleating to the white stripe comes in second place in my mind and the other options, I'm afraid, give the dreaded lawn chair effect.

I agree with PDCorlis 100%. Also nice to see others using the "lawn chair effect" in describing the pleat to "no stripe". HAHAHA

[The Wizard of BC]

If you have a copy of the 2nd printing of Barb's book you can look on page 17 and see the NH Tartan she did for her husband David. I got to see this kilt "in-progress" at Kilt Kamp and I have to say that it is gorgeous. Very bright and vivid. In the photo you can see this Tartan pleated to the Red And Blue. Similar to your photo no#3 but to the other Red Stripe.

[emolas]

Thanks for all the input. It appears the general opinion is the same as my initial thought that the sett would look best. I've still got a little while before she starts working on it and I'm sure I will change my mind a few more times by then.

If you have a copy of the 2nd printing of Barb's book you can look on page 17 and see the NH Tartan she did for her husband David. I got to see this kilt "in-progress" at Kilt Kamp and I have to say that it is gorgeous. Very bright and vivid. In the photo you can see this Tartan pleated to the Red And Blue. Similar to your photo no#3 but to the other Red Stripe.

I don't have the new book but I did see the pictures of David's kilt she posted on here and that was what convinced me that I MUST have a New Hampshire kilt and I MUST get it from Barb.

[The Ulsterman]

Personally, i would opt for pleated to the white stripe,...i prefer almost any tartan pleated to the stripe or colour which will almost contrast the kilt apron.

I must say though,.....that is one gorgeous tartan!!!!


Neil.

[TheKiltedWonder]

I like the pleating to the white stripe. It seems crisp and clean with a hint of military bearing. It's a light strip pleated like the Gordon Highlanders and they always looked sharp.

[ccga3359]

Pleated to white stripe, the red is too dark. Pleated to sett, then pleated to muted tones (forth pic).

[O'Neille]

Oh man that's nice. I like pleated to the white stripe. To the set would be nice too. I think the others look too horizontal, that's o.k. if that's the look you're after. If you're a skinny guy it might work well. If you're meaty it might make you look well....bigger.

[McMurdo]

I think to the Sett or the White Stripe is the way to go, of course as has been said Barb is the best to ask.