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[Graham]

for those who receive this fine paper..there's a great article about the yards that go into kilts by Matthew Newsome in the Feb edition.

In it he affirms that those who claim that a true kilt must be 8 yards are historically wrong and documents some early Highlanders who wore 4 yard kilts for everyday wear, even with box pleats.

Worth reading!

[Graham]

Just found an article by the same author
http://www.albanach.org/advice.htm

[Casey]

Graham,

This is the best "common sense" article I have read on kilts.

Thanks

Casey

[macwilkin]

Matt Newsome is a great source for information on Highland attire -- I have cited this article and his web site in many of my postings here at Xmarks.

Cheers,

T.

[Hamish]

Throw out your copies of Thompson and take note of Newsome!!

This man writes/talks SUCH sense.

[dana]

Throw out your copies of Thompson and take note of Newsome!!

This man writes/talks SUCH sense.

Can anyone get a better endorsement than Hamish? I think not!

dana

[Kiltedmusiclover]

Great article Graham. 8)

I just met Matt this past Saturday at the Burns Dinner put on by the Scottish Tartan Museum.
He gave a great speech on why Robert Burns
should be remembered. I hope to post some photos
by this weekend. As Todd said, Matt has written several books and articles on kilts. I just purchased
his latest book on district tartans. I think I will start another tread on that subject so I don't
highjack this one.

[Jimmy Carbomb]

If you choose a cloth other than a tartan for your kilt, make sure it is appropriate. Most reputable kilt makers will be able to advise you on this. A medium to heavy weight tweed is always going to be fine. (edit) Nothing compares to a good worsted wool. You'll see a lot of cheap alternatives on the market today. As I stated earlier, you get what you pay for.

Again, I will advise you -- you get what you pay for. If every shop you contact is quoting you a price of $450 to $550, and then you find someone on the internet claiming to have the same type of kilt for $150, let the buyer beware! I assure you, there is probably a very good reason that kilt is so cheap.

GREAT advise for the first timer, the guy that only knows one source, or anyone that doesn't believe what is out there. I feel sorry for the guys that haven't found-out that eBay is NOT the only source for kilts!

In conversations with Matt, we agree on 99% of the issues that come up with kilts. The only difference is the respect for the garment. His comes from properly accessorizing and color coordinating the kilt to make it appear nice. Mine comes from the heritage, and the proper respect that comes with wearing a people's cultural icon. In the end, both views will bring about a proper appearance for the intended event.

[macwilkin]

Matt was recently admitted as a member of the Guild of Tartan Scholars, a very high honour among those who study tartan and Highland attire, for his excellent research and work as curator of the Scottish Tartans Museum. Quite right, too!

Cheers,

Todd

[GMan]

My favorite line of this excellent article, is "Wear it where you want, when you want, but wear it often and proudly!" A great summary of the way I feel

Thank You Graham