Newbie asking for help!!

[davedove]

or am I gonna get any strange looks wearing box pleats at..say...a highland games?

My thought is that the spectators will at most just notice "something a little different" about your kilt. Most of the pipers and such will probably notice it's "not like a normal kilt". The most knowledgable will appreciate the different styling. If you're unlucky, there may be a few know-it-alls that say you're kilt is "wrong".

Just make sure you can answer any questions and you'll be fine.

[possingk]

I would also like to note that if you go under other styles on Matt's web site http://kilts.albanach.org/other_kilt_styles.htm he does do knife pleated kilts as well.

[flyv65]

I understand. Either way, I do eventually want one of Matt's in Wallace Hunting. I suppose it's just the "elitist ba$*@rd" coming out in me, knowing that KA has the Royal Warrant and all. If it's good enough for the Queen, it's good enough for me.

To my way of thinking, the Royal Warrant is certainly something KA can be proud of, but doesn't preclude other kiltmakers from delivering an equally outstanding product; and one perhaps better suited to *your* needs. It's kind of the way I feel about a THX certification on audio amplifiers and other AV gear.

{QUOTE=awbyrd]I suppose the heart of the question is: Is it worth an additional $250, or am I gonna get any strange looks wearing box pleats at..say...a highland games? I was a pipe drummer for a time, and have never worn a box pleated kilt, or anything other than an 8 yard traditional for that matter.
[/QUOTE]

If the Highland Games I've attended in the past are any benchmark (and I've been known to attend one or two), I would be very much surprised if your historically accurate box-pleated kilt was the one that raised the most eyebrows. I would add, however, that you should be prepared to discuss (possibly at length) the pleat type, weight, yardage, how you like it, who stitched it, origins of the kilt, the tartan, etc., etc.. I bet you'll make alot of folks want one if they see you in it.

Bryan...looking forward to getting one of Matt's kilts myself, one day...

[billmcc]

While it is true the KA is considered the best of the 8-yard kilts, Matt's kilts are the best of the 4-yard kilts. A 4-yard kilt is much lighter and more evenly balanced than an 8-yarder, and is much cooler in the summer time. So, you are going to enjoy wearing one of Matt's kilts more than a KA.

My advice is to get a kilt from Matt first and buy a tank later.

[starbkjrus]

I can't speak to an 8 yard from KA but I do have one of Matt's Four yard box pleats and I can tell you the only funny looks you'll get at highland games will be looks of envy. They are VERY nice garments. I will be ordering another one once the Xmarks Tartan run two is completed.

[way2fractious]

A 4-yard kilt is much lighter and more evenly balanced than an 8-yarder, and is much cooler in the summer time... My advice is to get a kilt from Matt first and buy a tank later.

I agree. The difference in price is almost all due to the cost of the frabric used. I have - and like - full tanks, casual wools, a box-pleat, and lots of cotton/polys; they all have their own feel and uses.

[awbyrd]

Alright...I see lots of folks have one of Matt's kilts. Does anyone have any personal experience with a tank from Kinloch? How does the 13 oz that they recommend measure up to the heavyweight? There's the possibility that I may wear the kilt that I choose to my wedding in about 9 mos, so I want to choose wisely. Sorry to pound the point guys! =)

Aaron

[flyv65]

I don't have a KA tank, but I have three hand sewn kilts in 16oz, 16oz, and 13oz from Kathy Lare, Celtic Craft Centre, and Alexis Malcolm, respectively. I'm very happy w/ my 16oz kilts year round here in Colorado, but I doubt I'd have more than one of them if I lived in a warmer clime or somewhere with high humidity. That being said, the 13oz is noticeably cooler and less abrasive on the skin (Welsh tartans appear to be softer than Scottish), but doesn't have quite the "swing" of the heavier material. Now I'm growing curious about a 16oz, 4 yard kilt from Matt.

Bryan...your mileage may vary...

[Jerry]

Go with Matt, and start saving for the tank. I've been putting my "pocket change" in a jar for years, and I have several hundred dollars now. It amounts up quickly. That way you can wind up with two excellent kilts. Also don't forget about the other kiltmakers here, like Rocky.

[angerli]

Alright, school me....

I'm looking at (finally) buying my first kilt. Money is a bit of an issue, but I can buy the "tank" if it makes that much of a difference. Help me decide:

Either a 13 oz Kinloch Anderson in Wallace Modern....

Or one of Matt Newsome's in the same tartan.

I'm really torn here, and hope that y'all can help!

I tend to be a bit of a traditionalist, but my research says that Matt's are also technically traditional, being the predominant style through the mid 19th century.

I really don't know which way to go. I'm told that the KA is the "Cadillac," but is it worth the additional $275?

Thanks in advance for your help!

Aaron

Hi, Aaron!

Well, FWIW, I have bought a 13oz. 8-yd.'er from these folks:

http://scottishkilts.net/

and it is superb in every way. They also were a good price. I believe that you couldn't go wrong with Matt Newsome's kilts. He strikes me as a fellow who KNOWS his facts, having published extensively. I would say that KA may claim to be the Cadillac out there, but there are plenty of other kiltmakers whose work is just as good, without paying for the KA cachet. Just my opinion.

Sandy