Solid Color Great Kilt?

[RadioKen]

BTW, regarding solid-color great kilts, R.R. MacIan's depiction of "MacIntire" (my surname) features such...

Now, that IS interesting! From when does that depiction date? It looks like early to mid 18th century, but I may be mistaken. Something to keep in mind in any case. Thanks for sharing it!

By the way, is that a drum over his shoulder? Is this a military figure, then?

~Ken

[Jack Daw]

Now, that IS interesting! From when does that depiction date? It looks like early to mid 18th century, but I may be mistaken. Something to keep in mind in any case. Thanks for sharing it!

By the way, is that a drum over his shoulder? Is this a military figure, then?

~Ken

The picture was painted circa 1845 and all the plates he did were a depiction of what was worn 100 years or more before. The subject was only a model and not representative of any specific historical person. Most of the plates were historically accurate. 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. The caption that goes with the picture explains the proscription of tartan from 1746 through 1982 as one of the devastating consequences of the Jacobite rebellion.

[sharpdressedscot]

Red is my favorite color, so if I were to do a solid color it would be red.

I say go for it, there's nuthin' that can stop you.

[RadioKen]

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