Too many tartans to choose from....

**NYClark** · 26th January 15, 01:15 PM

I'm not quite ready to buy my second kilt but I am starting to think about it.
In addition to Clark (which I already have), there is Morrison, MacDonald, and Lamont, in my ancestry. I could also choose Marine Corps (1984 - 1990), Spartan (MSU 1988 & 1990), California (my birth state), or Irish counties of Limerick, Ultster, or Down. Or anything else I find agreeable. Too many choices. (I won't get into ancient, modern, hunting, etc.)
I would have thought that one kilt was enough, but my wife really, and I mean really, likes the kilt.
Is there a tartan comparison app somewhere so I can see a selection of designs side by side?

**Taskr** · 26th January 15, 01:34 PM

There are worse addictions to have, methinks. Especially when your wife becomes the defacto pusher

I am simply keeping a list of my "possibles" and will acquire each as funds allow. That list ebbs and flows. I've gone to a shop that carries the books of swatches to pare down a rudimentary list made from accumulating hours (maybe days?) on the tartan ferret http://www.tartansauthority.com/tartan-ferret/. I've recently seen a ladies kilt done in the Limerick which has solidified that one on the list.

**Stitchwiz** · 26th January 15, 05:36 PM

Originally Posted by Taskr

There are worse addictions to have, methinks. Especially when your wife becomes the defacto pusher

I am simply keeping a list of my "possibles" and will acquire each as funds allow. That list ebbs and flows. I've gone to a shop that carries the books of swatches to pare down a rudimentary list made from accumulating hours (maybe days?) on the tartan ferret http://www.tartansauthority.com/tartan-ferret/. I've recently seen a ladies kilt done in the Limerick which has solidified that one on the list.

This has another Limerick tartan with a similar palette but is much brighter. I prefer the 2nd one - it is closer to what you like.

http://www.tartanregister.gov.uk/qRe...tring=limerick

**Tarheel** · 26th January 15, 06:47 PM

Here's my thoughts on this. The number of military folks on site here will certainly vote Marine as your next kilt. The family tartan of your choice will be pushed hard also. The wife (as a kilt enabler) will increase your addiction. All in all, welcome to the rabble. I predict a photo documentary in your future.

**MacEanruig** · 26th January 15, 06:52 PM

Have you thought about the XMARKS tartan? I mean you're a member of the group, so why not?

**OC Richard** · 26th January 15, 07:07 PM

As far as quickly comparing a large number of different tartans online, I like the way USA Kilts is set up.

Here it is

http://www.usakilts.com/information-...z-gallery.html

I'm in the same boat, as I could go with

Cook: my male line, supposedly from Arran, and given the tartans usually suggested for Cooks, and the Cook tartan designed by an Australian guy, I could go with Cook, Arran, MacDonald, or Stewart.

Stewart: one of my female lines.

Cooper: another of my female lines.

Cornwall: where one branch of my family hails from.

Cavan: where another branch of my family comes from.

West Virginia: where I'm from.

California: where I've lived most of my life.

So what do I wear? Isle of Skye of course!

**MacGumerait** · 26th January 15, 11:35 PM

NYClark , I'm not sure about a comparison app , but here's something I've done before to achieve a similar comparision of tartans .

1. Find the pics of the tartans you are considering and right click on each and save them to your pictures .

2. Open a blank " Word " document and insert the pictures one at a time into the document .

You won't exactly have them " side by side " but you will be able to scroll up and down the document to compare them .

There's probably a more tech savvy way to do it ... this is just my " down and dirty " way of accomplishing it .

Cheers , Mike

**Liam** · 27th January 15, 02:32 PM

A few years ago when I was faced with a similar dilemma, I started with my Clan and family tartans, then district tartans that had meaning for me. I'm sure if you canvassed the folks here you would get responses from "why would you need a second kilt until you've worn out the first one?" to " buy as many as you like the colours of", so good luck with your choice(s). It is a wonderful addiction!
Slainte

**Richrail** · 27th January 15, 03:05 PM

I must agree with Liam, buy am many as you like and enjoy the addiction. I really like the USAkilts tartan information page.

**NYClark** · 27th January 15, 03:34 PM

Good advice from one and all. I do like the USAKilts tartan tab, but modern, ancient, weathered, different mills, more choices! Luckily there is plenty of time to decide as I am being gifted an MG Midget and will have an new place to keep all of my money. BTW, I've started storing tartans I like in a folder and using 'cover flow' to flip through them.
Thanks again...
-Dean