GOS - Sporran Strap Alternative Approach.

[Friday]

As a GOS I often experience difficulty finding kilt accessories that fit. I have also found that often only a few extra inches in length of belt or sporran straps can mean a significant increase in cost.

I under economy of scale and believe that the vendors that support this forum are charging reasonable price based on their costs. However, these costs are generally outside my kilt allowance. Therefore, I have found that I often have to adapt other items to kilt use.

Today I was returning home and passed one of the local Tack shops that supports the local horse crowd. My mind said, "Hey dummy, horse tack is leather goods, what can be used as kilt accessories?"

As I walked around the shop, I heard a family from Australia talking to the owner. The owner said that he had recently return from a trip to Scotland. The owner then saw me and asked if he could help. I told him I was looking for a sporran strap. Blank look, I explained a sporran is the purse a Scot wears with the kilt. Yes he saw those on his trip but we don't carry those.

I said but you do! Another blank look from the owner and the family. I pointed toward a set of reins on the wall. These reins were black, about 1/8 inch thick, 5/8 wide and about 7 feet long and were two to a set. The edges are rounded and smooth, so it will not cut the horse neck. Sporran straps in the wild. The pair of reins cost a little over $18 (US) and about $3 (US) in hardware.

14 feet of reins should give me three belts, depending on design. Two all leather straps and a third with chain. I purchased hardware for only one belt because I thought I have some at home that should work for a second belt. The clips seem to be smooth enough to not cut my kilt, but, I have some thin leather I will use to make kilt protectors for the snaps.

Once I have assembled the strap I will post pictures.

[tulloch]

Great thinking outside the box. Looking forward to the photos.

[kiltedrennie]

I wondered if something like that would work! Looked online but couldn't be sure it would work or not. I'll have to find a local tack shop.

Thanks!

[Downunder Kilt]

When I first started wearing kilts all my leather belts were made by the local saddler, including two kilt belts (waistplate type) and 3 sporran straps with clips, two braided and one plain.

[Friday]

To begin with the classic bathroom mirror shot.

CIMG0035.jpg

The kilt is a rare Cunningham in PV.

Completed

CIMG0036.jpg

Not a good as available from the vendors on this forum, but, not bad for a $10 (US) sporran belt.

I have not found where I stored the thin leather for the kilt protector. As soon as I find it and made the protectors I will add this information.

[kiltedrennie]

That turned out really nice.

[MizzouScotsman]

That is a great looking belt. I wonder if I can find the leather like that at Tandy Leather? There is one near my home. I would have to do some serious research to find a tack shop.

[Elizabeth]

Nice, good job! I've been thinking of doing the same thing but haven't gotten to it yet. We have a big tack store about 30 minutes from our house, it should be a wealth of good leather supplies. There is also an in house saddle making and repair shop.

[jgcunningham]

Good job on the belt. I've often wandered through Wal-Mart while shopping with the missus and looked at the women's belts and thought about converting some of their belts into sporran belts. Some are very interesting looking with a mix of chains and leather straps.

PS: "Rare Cunningham PV"? I have one of those, handmade by me with fabric from Joanne's and assistance from TAoK. So maybe yours isn't so rare after all. :-)

[Friday]

PS: "Rare Cunningham PV"? I have one of those, handmade by me with fabric from Joanne's and assistance from TAoK. So maybe yours isn't so rare after all. :-)

Same fabric supplier and source of knowledge, but two (three I have one in box pleat) in the great sea of kilts would still make them rare.