Basso

[Basso]

Hi,
This is my first post and I must say that I think X Marks the Scot is is an
extremely informative and interesting site.
I am contemplating purchasing a Princess Mary tartan kilt and am after advice and members opinions of this tartan. Also, can I legally wear this tartan?
It has the same pattern as the Stewart Royal tartan but is green instead of red. I have Scottish, Irish and Welsh ancestry.
Thanks,
Basso

[Ryan Ross]

It's a fine looking tartan, and so far as I know, unrestricted... very few tartans have any legal restrictions attached to them, and if they do, it's usually just who has the right to weave them; the Tartan Police don't exist.

So I'd say to go ahead and pull the trigger on that kilt!

...and Welcome to XMarks from Atlanta, GA!

[BoldHighlander]

...from the far nw corner of Washington state!

[xman]

That's a nice sett. Thanks for bringing it to my attention.

X

[M. A. C. Newsome]

According to the STA notes when this tartan was first woven in the 1930s it was called "Green Stuart" but quickly took on the name Princess Mary. It was popular at the time to name new tartan designs after members of the Royal Family.

I wouldn't consider this a "Royal Tartan" in the same vein as Balmoral, however. If you wanted to wear it, there should not be a problem. If you feel a little odd calling it "Princess Mary" you can always call is "Green Stuart" instead. :-)

[Nighthawk]

According to the STA notes when this tartan was first woven in the 1930s it was called "Green Stuart" but quickly took on the name Princess Mary. It was popular at the time to name new tartan designs after members of the Royal Family.

I wouldn't consider this a "Royal Tartan" in the same vein as Balmoral, however. If you wanted to wear it, there should not be a problem. If you feel a little odd calling it "Princess Mary" you can always call is "Green Stuart" instead. :-)

First off,

Second... Listen to Matt. He's got nothing but good and accurate advice to give.

[Basso]

Thanks for the advice re-my queries regarding the Princess Mary tartan.
I did wonder how my Aussie ocker mates would react to me telling them that my kilt is Princess Mary tartan.
What a great idea to call it "The Green Stuart", problem solved.
Thank-you all for your contribution.
My next chore is to do research into what weight kilt, etc. and where and who to purchase it from.
Regards
Basso

[Downunder Kilt]

Welcome Basso and it's good to see another Aussie on the site. If you need info re kilt purchases, just post your needs and you will receive very informative advice from the learned members of XMTS

[M. A. C. Newsome]

Thanks for the advice re-my queries regarding the Princess Mary tartan.
I did wonder how my Aussie ocker mates would react to me telling them that my kilt is Princess Mary tartan.
What a great idea to call it "The Green Stuart", problem solved.
Thank-you all for your contribution.
My next chore is to do research into what weight kilt, etc. and where and who to purchase it from.
Regards
Basso

Strathmore woolen mill stocks this tartan in an 11 oz cloth. This would be considered a "light weight kilt." Not bad, but my personal preference is for a heavy weight. Generally speaking, the heavier weight kilt you get, the less you have to worry about pressing it, the straighter the pleats will hang, etc.

If you opted for this, you'd definitely want to stick with a standard 8 yard kilt. I wouldn't want a lower yardage variety in anything less than a medium weight (13 oz cloth), preferably heavy weight (16 oz). But an 11 oz does ok in an 8 yard kilt. All the bulk of the yardage makes up for the lightness of the cloth itself.

I'm really not aware of any other woolen mill who offers this as a stock tartan. Which means if you want something other than light weight, you'd have to consider a custom run of the cloth. This is not as prohibitive as it sounds. We can have as little as four yard of it made in heavy weight wool for you, so even if you just wanted a casual kilt, or another lower yardage variety, that's fine.

Different kilt makers will price their kilts different, but if you look at what we offer at the Scottish Tartans Museum gift shop, you'll see we have three styles of kilts.
http://giftshop.scottishtartans.org/kiltpage.html

Click on any of these three categories and you'll see various prices depending on the fabric weight. The last price listed for all three will be the 16 oz custom woven option. The price you see is the total price for the weaving of the cloth, tailoring of the kilt, and delivery to your door.

Other kilt makers will charge one fee for the cloth, and another fee for making the kilt. So shop around a bit. Just about any good kiltmaker will be able to get the Strathmore cloth for you. Most kilt makers can do custom runs, as well, though some don't want to fuss with it. If you do go with someone for a custom run, make sure they are knowledgable about tartan, because you are putting a lot of trust in the kiltmaker to get you the tartan you want.

Good luck!
Matt

[M. A. C. Newsome]

Click on any of these three categories and you'll see various prices depending on the fabric weight. The last price listed for all three will be the 16 oz custom woven option. The price you see is the total price for the weaving of the cloth, tailoring of the kilt, and delivery to your door.

It ocurred to me after I posted this that I might want to clarify. When I said the price we show includes delivery, this is true within the USA. From your earlier comment, I suspect you might be in Australia. We do have to charge for international shipping, just so we don't lose our shirts! :-)

I wanted to amend my statement just in case you do decide to get a kilt through our gift shop, I didn't want there to be any surprises for you at check out!