Quote Originally Posted by Jack Daw View Post
No, the figure is not carrying a drum - The 'strap' you see across his chest is the baldric for his basket-hilt broadsword. Over his left shoulder and down his back is the plaid portion of the kilt.
Ah, yes I see that now. Thanks for clearing that up. I thought that the figure looked a little too civilian to be military, but I couldn't account for the 'drum' any other way.

By-the-by, I realized that I have a former Swedish military wool greatcoat from the early 1950's that is pretty close to 'hodden' in color. My wife thinks it's ugly. So, even if I find material in that color, I don't suppose I'll be getting any for this great kilt. Bother.

Next question: Should I concern myself with looking for a straight weave, or do you think that a wool twill would be all right? I understand that a straight weave might be more period, but as previously noted, ren-faires tend to play somewhat fast and loose with the notion of being strictly period. A straight weave would be a bit more loosely woven, if I understand rightly, and my concern is that it might not be warm enough. Scarborough Faire can have temperatures in the 30's during the early weekends to temperatures in the upper 70's and 80's toward the end. I don't have much natural insulation, so being able to draw the kilt up around me like a cloak or shawl to keep out the chill would be pretty important to me, at least for the first few weekends. Suggestions and/or opinions?

~Ken