Hello all and thank you for taking the time to read my questions! I and some of my family have wanted to purchase kilts for some time, and in addition I have taken up Highland dancing, and while I can borrow a kilt for competing in Games, at some point I will need my own.

That said, it seems to me that the most cost-effective option will be to purchase the fabric and sew the kilts myself--I already sew a fair bit and while I expect it will be a challenge, I believe I am up to it. That said, I see from shopping for tartan fabrics online--we are Bell of the Borders clan--that there are a LOT of different options out there, and I'd like some advice on which to choose. I need something that will swing well when I dance, but I'd also like something as lightweight as possible, as I live in southern Arizona (well upwards of 40 C daily in summer.) On the other hand, for tradition's sake I am partial to pure wool over a polyester blend. Will an 8- or 10-oz wool be suitable for my purposes?

Also, I'm unsure how much fabric I will need. I know the traditional length is 8 yards no matter your size, but I'm very thin and at upwards of US$75 a meter even one meter less would be helpful. How big of a difference will it make if I skimp on the fabric?

Lastly, does anyone have any experience with a particular kilt pattern that they can recommend/warn me against?

Again, I'm very grateful for your time and any advice your community can give me. Thank you!!!