New Kilt from Bob

[creagdhubh]

Muted colours, weathered colours, earthtones - all just beautiful!

300 years! - well we've all heard that before and none of us have been killed by a wife - yet.

Regards

Chas

I agree, Chas! What a beaut indeed!

Cheers,

[sydnie7]

That said...

It is oft stated that every day is a learning day. One of the reasons I love X Marks is that there is a wealth of expertise, knowledge and info, and it's only a mouse click away.

I've just read through a fascinating thread regarding Kilts that are found to have been constructed without stabiliser. (clickety click).

Thought I'd try the buckle-pull test described there-in using my new Black Watch Weathered Kilt as the guinea pig.

Guess what?

Caveat emptor applies I suppose. I think this will probably prove expensive as I can't sew on a button.

On the other hand. . . I'm guessing you didn't think it was "heirloom quality" when you purchased, right? And you have 20-some other kilts in rotation, so this one gets worn perhaps 1-2 times per. . month? How many times can you wear it, as is, before the breakdown due to lack of structure makes it completely unwearable. Divide that into the [stated] low cost of kilt and get a cost-per-wear figure.

Then get an estimate on rebuilding it, add that to the cost of kilt, extend the life of the kilt (but not past your own life expectancy, sorry) and refigure your cost-per-wear. Is the rebuild really worth it?

Just offering another point of view and possible decision-making process. Not saying that you shouldn't fix the kilt if that makes you feel better about wearing it, just pointing out that it might not make financial sense to a fellow who isn't wearing this one kilt every time.

BTW, beautiful tartan and accessories with it! You always look as if you are having so much fun with life in general.

[creagdhubh]

On the other hand. . . I'm guessing you didn't think it was "heirloom quality" when you purchased, right? And you have 20-some other kilts in rotation, so this one gets worn perhaps 1-2 times per. . month? How many times can you wear it, as is, before the breakdown due to lack of structure makes it completely unwearable. Divide that into the [stated] low cost of kilt and get a cost-per-wear figure.

Then get an estimate on rebuilding it, add that to the cost of kilt, extend the life of the kilt (but not past your own life expectancy, sorry) and refigure your cost-per-wear. Is the rebuild really worth it?

Just offering another point of view and possible decision-making process. Not saying that you shouldn't fix the kilt if that makes you feel better about wearing it, just pointing out that it might not make financial sense to a fellow who isn't wearing this one kilt every time.

BTW, beautiful tartan and accessories with it! You always look as if you are having so much fun with life in general.

Well said, Sydnie! Especially your final comment...I agree!

Cheers,

[MrMe11]

My kilt in my profile picture was purchased from Bob. He puts out a quality product, and at a reasonable price. I've used him now for a few various items. He's quick to respond to questions, and he keeps you informed of any delays. He ships his items by Royal Mail, so you don't have to mess with FedEx or UPS customs fee. I would highly recommend him to anyone looking to purchase a custom kilt.

[English Bloke]

Thanks for pointing out the common sense approach Syndie. I appreciate you taking the time to think it through while I paced my kitchen chewing my finger-nails and frettin'. I've had a good look at the kilt again and although stopping short of the butcher's block and razor blade, it does appear as though the construction of this one is identical to the one Steve highlights in his most informative photo posts.

I've also had a shufftie at some of my other Kilts and it would appear I have more than one of the same ilk. Going on the cost per wear scenario, I'm going to wing it for now. If disaster does strike I shall probably weep like a broken man but I'm working on the logic that I rarely wear a kilt without a wide belt which, although not spliced to the main brace as it were, it must give some additional support to the pleats. And although I wear my Kilts snug, I don't try and cut myself in half with them which could be another reason why I haven't noticed the same stretchy symptoms.

Thanks also for the compliment regarding my accessories. My favorite by far is the Lady with the roses on her top.



And I do try to make the most of any occasion. I did once try to take it all seriously... but I didn't like it overly much. Consequently most of my mates are Bonkers too which does liven up life's party. A situation I thoroughly enjoy.

[A Hay]

John,

Let me add my compliments to you on a great looking kilt.
Wear it as often as you can and enjoy it!

Regards to you and your wife.

Tom

[seanachie]

John, I am certainly not trying to rain on your parade nor wish to cause upset. I am also mindful of Sydnie's comments, but given that the kilt Tobus had to have reconstructed was only subjected to moderate use this issue would be a concern. I wish you many happy years with the kilt and hope it stays in great shape, but I am convinced now to make sure to ask these questions with the kilt maker upfront. Speaking for myself, after a couple of hard learned lessons in my early days kilting I will wait and save a little more before pulling the trigger to insure that all the requisite components ie stabilizer, canvas, steeking etc are there.

[English Bloke]

I'm honestly not overly worried Joe. I was flapping a bit when the situation first dawned on me but I have found I have good people behind me who have offered expert advice and guidance should I decide to ham-fistedly DIY or they have the skills to step in and fix if I make a total hash of it or bottle out of taking the fix on.

I'm happy to observe for now.

I think Syndie7's "... you have 20-some other kilts in rotation..." concept wins the day and it's also my cheapest option. We shall see. It's actually better than Syndie calculates 'cause I'm away on-shift two weeks out of every four, and I don't wear kilts at work so depending on my preference on the day, this Kilt will only be worn half a dozen or so times a year. Mind, I do have favourites, who doesn't? And I do like this one alot. It's my Wife's favourite too, certainly in terms of sett and hue.

What does tick me off a bit is I've been banging on about these Kilts for ages and it's a little disappointing to find they are not quite the article I believed them to be. Don't get me wrong, Still a nicely finished Kilt for the price you pay (a major consideration) And I don't suggest there is any deliberate mislead here but it isn't quite what I thought I was buying. My ignorance is the issue but thankfully I am now wiser.

Yerr live'n'learn eh?

[English Bloke]

I thought I'd drop a couple more pictures into the mix. If only to prove 'twas I who cooked the Christmas dinner in our house.


Happy Christmas toooo meeee!! (Goodness it's early!)


Peelin' an' a choppin' and trying not to look like I'm showing off mee pleats...


Stiring up the instant whip blancmange... (not really)

You may wonder why I have three shirts on.

It's more presents. Tradition has it that if you get an article of clothing you have to wear it all day. I've often been seen on a Christmas morning, padding about in four pairs of socks. Getting a Kilt AND a couple of shirts is a right turn up for the books!

If you're intrigued as to what the top one says, it represents my misspent youth. A London Underground style map of a pub-crawl I did frequently as a younger chap.

[CMcG]

... If disaster does strike I shall probably weep like a broken man but I'm working on the logic that I rarely wear a kilt without a wide belt which, although not spliced to the main brace as it were, it must give some additional support to the pleats. And although I wear my Kilts snug, I don't try and cut myself in half with them which could be another reason why I haven't noticed the same stretchy symptoms.

All my kilts are bargain basement, so none of them have stabilizers etc. Some of them don't stretch too much, for whatever reason. The ones that do, I wear a belt with or perhaps suspenders/braces under a waistcoat. The advantage of the stretch is that one can eat more without having to let the straps out

...
Thanks also for the compliment regarding my accessories. My favorite by far is the Lady with the roses on her top.

Truly the best accessory a man can have