Yet another "not a sporran" thread

**creagdhubh** · 24th February 12, 10:11 AM

Hahaha! Well put David!

**Kate** · 24th February 12, 01:36 PM

That is hideous. I wouldn't use it as a purse.
I thought that alligator and crocodiles couldn't be made into purses, shoes or sporrans anymore.

**artificer** · 24th February 12, 01:43 PM

Originally Posted by Kate

That is hideous. I wouldn't use it as a purse.
I thought that alligator and crocodiles couldn't be made into purses, shoes or sporrans anymore.

Alligator is farmed both for it's meat and hide.
I have heard that croc is farmed as well.

Both are fairly expensive hides to get in any good size.

ith:

**sydnie7** · 24th February 12, 02:16 PM

Originally Posted by Kate

That is hideous. I wouldn't use it as a purse.
I thought that alligator and crocodiles couldn't be made into purses, shoes or sporrans anymore.

It was the wholesale slaughter of crocodiles destined for creations such as this that wiped them out of the northern British Isles. This happened just slightly prior to the primeval oak forests (their native habitat) being decimated for the building of warships.

**artificer** · 24th February 12, 02:35 PM

Originally Posted by sydnie7

It was the wholesale slaughter of crocodiles destined for creations such as this that wiped them out of the northern British Isles. This happened just slightly prior to the primeval oak forests (their native habitat) being decimated for the building of warships.

I thought St. George was responsible for wiping out all things large and reptilian in the UK.

ith:

**Ryan Ross** · 24th February 12, 02:47 PM

Originally Posted by davidlpope

I can't imagine my cycling buddies saying 'You know, a leotard is sort of like a pair of cycling shorts. I bet I can get an old leotard at a thrift shop, cut off the top, sew in some foam padding on the seat and have myself a proper chamois, thus saving thirty bucks..." Or a tennis neophyte deciding that he can lash a 2" x 2" to a badminton racket and go out and play a couple sets.

With kilted attire, though, one continually sees a motley collection of women's purses (or mangy raccoon pelts) used as sporrans, soccer socks standing in for kilt hose, french berets impersonating balmorals, and printed cotton flannel pretending to be tartan. All with blue face paint, if one is really lucky...

I don't want to sound crass here, but I really have wondered the same thing, myself. I mean, if you look around at a highland games, you've got to wonder how some of these people could bare to leave the house, dressed as they are!

That said...

Originally Posted by MacLowlife

I beg to differ with the post above which suggested that only Highland wear is subject to cheapskate make-do improvisations. Many a blues legend started out playing a homemade guitar. Who is the child of necessity, after all?

Indeed, but there is a difference between a decent homemade guitar, and trying to pass off a schoolgirl's skirt as a kilt.

I wear what is technically a "homemade" bonnet, but I tend to think it's a pretty fine one. There's nothing wrong with making your gear yourself, so long as you make a real go of it; in fact, I think there's a lot of honor involved in such ventures, and some great results can be had.

There is, however, a difference between that, and cobbling together a Frankensteined abomination, leaving the house, and thinking you're good to go.

**Downunder Kilt** · 24th February 12, 06:49 PM

Originally Posted by artificer

Alligator is farmed both for it's meat and hide.
I have heard that croc is farmed as well.

Both are fairly expensive hides to get in any good size.

ith:

In Nothern Australia, crocodile farming is a thriving business for both meat and skins. Reports have advised that they cannot keep up with the Asian market demands