Today I paid a call on the Celtic Corner store, on the other side of Cincinnati from where I live, on a mission to commission a kilt in HoE Dark Island (a black-on-black shadow tartan). More on that in the weeks ahead when it arrives.

Meanwhile, I picked up a second pair of brown kilt hose from Gaelic Themes, which are technically the third pair that I've purchased. The first - in medium, my usual size - I gave to my partner, as there was no getting them over my calves. Normally I have no trouble at all with Gaelic Themes hose; they go in the wash, I hang them dry, and though they are snug at the opening, I can still manage to wear them without turning my legs into sausage links.

The next pair, shown on top in the photo below, were sized large. I bought them to see if I'd have any better luck wearing them. It's a tight squeeze, but yes, I can wear them. They look outstanding with my brown suede brogues.



So, today when I was milling about the shop, I noticed that among the hose hanging on display, there were two different kinds of brown: the tweedy variety that attracted me to the brown hose in the first place, and a smooth, monochrome variety that looks more like all the other colors in texture. Sure enough, these felt softer and stretchier, so I bought a pair to compare - in large, because the mediums were all of the first type. These are pictured on the bottom in the photo above. I hope you can see the difference in the yarn.

When I got home, I tried them on, and yes, they are a better fit in the calf, but being large, a little loose in the foot. Personally, I like the texture of the first pair better than the last, but for comfort, I have to say the latter wins.

Regards,
Rex.