What's Your Favorite Universal Tartan?

**unixken** · 5th August 13, 06:46 PM

Originally Posted by Manxstralian

...but I believe it was Father Bill who said "You don't choose your tartan, it chooses you".

"The wand chooses the wizard, Mr. Potter. It's not always clear why."
-- Garrick Ollivander

**SorenMacTavish** · 5th August 13, 06:56 PM

R'Lyeh Sett and Isle of Skye

**ElCabong** · 5th August 13, 07:34 PM

My top three, in order, are: 1. Isle of Skye (I have a semi-trad, and am considering a tank - and, my wife has knitted some hose especially for Isle of Skye), 2. Celtic Nations and 3. American Heritage.

**TheOfficialBren** · 5th August 13, 07:36 PM

Holyrood, California, Isle of Skye, Black Watch, Claddish, Maple Leaf

**Sir Didymous** · 5th August 13, 08:00 PM

Though I'm only a moderate Lovecraft follower (more of a Poe kind of guy) I really like the R'Lyeh Sett. I currently have a Scottish National (modern) and a Freedom/Gold Bros. and am fond of both. I like the SN for the more traditional look (not sure why, it just looks less modern) or when going more for a contemporary look (like today) I wear the Freedom. I think it has to do with the pinstripes. The SN has a fair deal of them which is more common in the more traditional tartans, whereas Freedom is rather basic by comparison. Some say it is too dark, but I have found that in the sunlight it looks a bit like the Isle of Sky. The X marks tartan is nice too and it's on my list of "As the opportunity arises" tartans that I'd like to own a kilt in. I'm preparing one for registration on behalf of my reenactment troop to be worn by those who promote the ideals of Chivalry; but unless you like yellow it's probably not for you. It's a bit similar to MacLeod (Snuffbox) or MacLeod #3 (and MacLeod of Lewis). It's working name is Order of the Rouse Clan Chivalry and I am saving for a custom weave tank and tie.

**OC Richard** · 5th August 13, 08:09 PM

Hard to beat Isle of Skye. I remember the first time I saw it, it struck me as beautiful and fresh but still somehow old and traditional.

My IOS is my go-to kilt and I get comments on it every time I wear it... the tartan just doesn't look like any other.

One of the great things about it is that you can throw all sorts of colours together and the whole thing looks great

It even makes a great band tartan

My newest kilt- I still haven't finished it- is in Auld Scotland. Gorgeous colours!

Another lovely one is Spirit of Scotland. I carried around these two swatches from Lochcarron, trying to decide whether to get Ancient or Modern.

I couldn't decide between them... and ended up going with IOS!

**brewerpaul** · 5th August 13, 08:21 PM

First choice is my tank sewn by Bonnie Heather Greene using the German Heritage tarten ceated by Rocky.

Following that is Blackwatch, Hamilton Grey, Saffron, one day Ill have a Maple leaf and last but not least I want a kilt from the Knockando Woolens Mill tartan.