Hunting Stewart Kilt in Reproduction Colours from D.C. Dalgliesh

[sailortats]

Kyle, I am not nearly as connected to my clan as you are to yours. However, I have 3 different Clan Stewart tartan kilts and a couple of universal kilts but s much as I like the looks of the universal kilts they do not get worn nearly as much as my clan kilts. I cannot see you wearing a Stewart clan kilt even if it is considered a "universal" kilt. It will definitely take a back seat. Where would you wear it? Certainly not to any of your clan events or the Highland Games or when you are visiting Scotland, so when?

[BCAC]

I am reminded, in your situation, of the rather unhelpful observation that my Grand Father and father used to come up with in these situations. They would say; "Divorce need from necessity, laddie. You may want, like or even need something (in my case, a new gun, fishing rod, car, tractor, kilt, watch, hat, plough) but is it necessary?" Often and most annoyingly they were usually right , as the answer, more often than not, was "no" and over the years and after they have been long gone, they are STILL right. Dammit!

Ah yes Jock but this is not the subject here. Nobody needs more than one kilt, but I believe that even your good self have several.

Kyle himself doesn't need more that one daywear jacket but, then again, I believe that he owns several.

It is a luxury to be able to afford to buy something that is wanted, as opposed to something that is needed.

I believe that it was Oscar Wilde who stated: "The only way to get rid of temptation is to yield to it... I can resist everything but temptation".

[Jock Scot]

Ah yes Jock but this is not the subject here. Nobody needs more than one kilt, but I believe that even your good self have several.

Kyle himself doesn't need more that one daywear jacket but, then again, I believe that he owns several.

It is a luxury to be able to afford to buy something that is wanted, as opposed to something that is needed.

I believe that it was Oscar Wilde who stated: "The only way to get rid of temptation is to yield to it... I can resist everything but temptation".

I did indeed have several kilts many years ago, all of the same Clan. I recycled them and accessories amongst the family and since then made do with one kilt. That was until last year(maybe the year before, time passes swiftly) when I was ORDERED by the memsahib and her cohorts to have a new one made. As you know "orders are orders", but I have to say, that a new kilt in Clan tartan was not a necessary purchase in my minority view.

[creagdhubh]

Wow! Gentlemen, you never cease to to amaze me.

Thank you so very much for all of your honest, candid, thought-provoking, and genuine responses. They are much appreciated and well received. As I eluded to in my initial post, the possibility of having a kilt done up in a non-Macpherson tartan has been a thought that I've been back and forth on for quite some time now. It's tough. It's difficult. It drives me crazy sometimes. However, I do realise, as many of you so eloquently pointed out, that this infatuation with the Hunting Stewart tartan in this particular hue, is in effect, just that...an infatuation. As far as I can tell, I possess no real/authentic connection to the Stewarts/Stuarts, other than the fact that my Macpherson ancestors supported the Stuart cause and were staunch Jacobites. Steve brings up some very good points in regards to the beauty and overall aesthetic of tartan, and I certainly appreciate his response. A part of me feels exactly that way; desiring to wear this tartan for the simple fact that I really like everything about it, but then again, there are many other tartans out there that I really like as well - some universal like this one, and others, more distinctive clan/district tartans. As some of you can attest to, this thought process can become quite overwhelming very quickly (which is the main reason why I choose not to own nuermous kilts; I find that superfluous), and that's the part of it that I do not like.

I have been an artist all my life, beginning at a very young age. I studied fine art as an undergraduate and graduate student (painting, sculpture, drawing and art history), so I have an innate appreciation for artistic principles, elements of design, colour theory, aesthethics, etc. The beauty of tartan is undeniable. It's addicting and downright seductive. I believe, after reading your responses thus far and thinking on it a wee bit more, that this is what's going on here. I have been seduced over the years. Seduced by the beauty and simplicity of this particular sett. Seduced by the lovely earth tones of the reproduction colours, of which I am so fond. Yes I know, I may sound like a complete nutter, but it's the truth. Am I overthinking all of this? Possibly...probably. Should I stick with the gorgeous array of Macpherson tartans? My heart and soul says, "yes." Should I venture out a wee bit and pull the trigger on a kilt in a universal tartan, such as the Hunting Stewart? A part of me says, "sure, why the hell not?" And then I contemplate it even more and venture further down the rabbit hole: "But, you won't wear it as much as your Macpherson kilts. You'll never wear it to the annual Clan Macpherson Gathering and Rally in Inverness-shire. You may wear it in other parts of Scotland, but that's very doubtful. What bonnet badge would you wear with it? Surely not a Macpherson clan badge, as that would look rally silly with a kilt made of Stewart tartan - universal or not. So, how often would you actually wear the kilt? Where? When? To a pub? For Scottish holidays? Burns Night? To a Highland Games? But most people, to include your family and clan, know you're a Macpherson and always represent your clan and Chief with honour and pride, so that wouldn't make much sense, now would it? And will it end with the Hunting Stewart tartan, or will it be just the beginning? Will Pandora's Box be opened, inviting in fantasies of other universal tartans?"

This is the dilemma that I am dealing with. Yes, yes, I am fully aware that this is far from being the end of the world. Making a decision such as this is not a massively stressful, anxiety ridden, pulling my hair out sort of an issue. Rather, it's simply me racking my brain trying to come to a final determination/carved-in-stone decision that will not be revisited at any time in the future. I either get the kilt, or I don't and I move on. End of story.

Thank you again for all of your responses.

Cheers,

[Liam]

I am reminded, in your situation, of the rather unhelpful observation that my Grand Father and father used to come up with in these situations. They would say; "Divorce need from necessity, laddie. You may want, like or even need something (in my case, a new gun, fishing rod, car, tractor, kilt, watch, hat, plough) but is it necessary?" Often and most annoyingly they were usually right , as the answer, more often than not, was "no" and over the years and after they have been long gone, they are STILL right. Dammit!

I totally agree with your assessment Jock, however sometimes one gains the most pleasure from the wants, not the needs. Therefore, Kyle, I would say go for it and I doubt you will ever regret it! It's not as if its going to seduce you into rafting down every river you see! (Ron please don't be offended).

[MacKenzie]

The beauty of tartan is undeniable. It's addicting and downright seductive. I believe, after reading your responses thus far and thinking on it a wee bit more, that this is what's going on here. I have been seduced over the years. Seduced by the beauty and simplicity of this particular sett. Seduced by the lovely earth tones of the reproduction colours, of which I am so fond. Yes I know, I may sound like a complete nutter, but it's the truth.

Nothing at all wrong with having a mistress...... kilt.

[Jock Scot]

I totally agree with your assessment Jock, however sometimes one gains the most pleasure from the wants, not the needs. Therefore, Kyle, I would say go for it and I doubt you will ever regret it! It's not as if its going to seduce you into rafting down every river you see! (Ron please don't be offended).

Errrrr, well, I have been known to be lured away from the straight and narrow from time to time!

[WillowEstate]

I am reminded, in your situation, of the rather unhelpful observation that my Grand Father and father used to come up with in these situations. They would say; "Divorce need from necessity, laddie. You may want, like or even need something (in my case, a new gun, fishing rod, car, tractor, kilt, watch, hat, plough) but is it necessary?" Often and most annoyingly they were usually right , as the answer, more often than not, was "no" and over the years and after they have been long gone, they are STILL right. Dammit!

I wholeheartedly agree, Jock. In my case, it was my mother who would say "Do you need it or want it?" whatever "it" might have been. An attitude born out of post war scarcity and not a little impecunity. But it's stood me in good stead over the years.

Kyle, I think in this case, your desire falls clearly into the "want" category and rationalizing that against your long held view and commitment to your heritage will not be easy. It has to be your decision but for what it's worth, from all your posts, except this one, since I've been a member here, I suspect your return on investment may not be overly great. But that's just me.

[davidlpope]

Why not a kilt in this tartan?



Same beautiful colors, similar design, with a family connection...

[creagdhubh]

Why not a kilt in this tartan?



Same beautiful colors, similar design, with a family connection...

Ah yes, the Hunting Gow (Smith) tartan in the reproduction colours. Very smart indeed. I have thought of this particular tartan in the past, but Dalgliesh does not offer it as a stock tartan and I'm not so sure that I am willing to spend a small fortune on a custom weave 8-yard kilt, especially when prices continue to increase. Lochcarron carries the Hunting Gow (Smith) tartan in weathered colours in their heavyweight Strome range. It looks quite nice, and I'm sure it's less expensive than Dalgliesh. I don't intend on making any hasty decisions just yet. I'll think all of this over and muddle about for a wee while.



Cheers David,