"Flash of color" in pleating to the stripe

[Barb T]

was there a reason that the colour in the waist band on your kilt does not match the blue in the sett over your light pinkish or salmond colour? Thanks for your thoughts...

Not entirely sure what you're asking, but I'll take a stab. If I'm way off the mark, ask again and explain a little more. I assume you're asking why the top band doesn't match the kilt in the pleats. Because the top band is cut from a single strip of tartan, the sett in the top band will only match the kilt where the sett is a perfect match. A kiltmaker starts the top band strip at the apron side, where it can match perfectly. Where the top band extends into the pleats, it will only be by sheer accident that the pleating will reproduce the sett perfectly across the pleats and allow matching the top band. In the case of the kilt in the example, which is pleated to the stripe, each pleat has the same stripe. Consequently, the top band can't match this (i.e., the strip for the top band will not consist only of the stripe chosen for the pleats).

Is that what you were asking?

[KiltShot]

Here's my daughter's Antarctica kilt:

Is the tartan on the right Highland Granite? And if it is, what are the popular ways to pleat it other than to the sett?

[The Wizard of BC]

Kiltshot,

The kilt on the right is indeed Highland Granite. It also happens to be mine. Barb made it for her, at the time, prospective son in law, who decided he wanted a different Tartan for the wedding. Barb offered it for sale here on the forum. I just happen to have Barb's cell phone number and happen to catch her in the Denver airport.

This Kilt is one of my most prized posessions. As this photo of it is featured in the second printing of "The Art of Kiltmaking", and is, I believe, the first kilt ever made from the Highland Granite Tartan, I have major bragging rights.

[Barb T]

I doubt it was the first one, but it certainly was one of the early ones!

[KiltShot]

That is definitely the tartan I want for my next kilt and I'm considering the pleating options. Is there a way to get a bit of a flash with that tartan? Does the pleat type (box, knife, Kingussie, ect.) create limitations to the way the pattern can be pleated? (sett, stripe, no-stripe)
Pockets are what would make the kilt useful for frequent wear. What pleat types exclude hidden pockets?
Any thoughts or suggestions would be welcome.

[Barb T]

That is definitely the tartan I want for my next kilt and I'm considering the pleating options. Is there a way to get a bit of a flash with that tartan? Does the pleat type (box, knife, Kingussie, ect.) create limitations to the way the pattern can be pleated? (sett, stripe, no-stripe)
Pockets are what would make the kilt useful for frequent wear. What pleat types exclude hidden pockets?

There isn't much option for pleating the Highland Granite to show a flash of color - it's a pretty monochromatic tartan, and it takes a strong contrast (preferably in both color and brightness) to make a dramatic flash.

Highland Granite can be pleated to the stripe or sett, and box, knife, or Kingussie could all be made from the tartan, although each would have its own "look" in the back.

Personally, I've never understood the need for pockets - stuff can be stored in your sporran.

[KiltShot]

I have worn trowsers or shorts all my life so I am familiar with pockets. If I never had pockets then I suppose I would be more familiar with wearing a sporran.
Can't a sporran be an option?
It makes sense in my world.

[saxandpipes]

With the exception of utilikilt type things, sporrans with kilts are not really considered optional. I realise this could be an unwanted debate- but the kilts you describe are more or less traditional (tartan, pleated etc.). It necessitates the use of a sporran. (at least for a man).

Cheers,

Michael

[fluter]

I have worn trowsers or shorts all my life so I am familiar with pockets. If I never had pockets then I suppose I would be more familiar with wearing a sporran.
Can't a sporran be an option?
It makes sense in my world.

If you'd be interested in a contemporary kilt---one which looks like a traditional one but is constructed differently, and has pockets---I'd suggest that you talk to The Wizard of BC, s.k.a. Steve of Freedom Kilts.

Look at Panache's FK in this posting Extremes of Freedom Kilts: A Double Review. Steve himself has a similar Isle of Skye FK, and you'd be amazed at how much the pockets will hold: more than any of my sporrans!

[Barb T]

May I respectfully request that we don't hijack this thread with a long discussion of pockets vs. no pockets in kilts? There's lots elsewhere on the forum on this topic. I apologize for starting the comments by replying to the post that mentioned pockets....my bad.