Thanks guys, I'm lovin' it.

It was a real leap of faith to buy the ancient red hose as orange hose. Like, if they're orange why aren't they called orange? But I trusted Matt. They're sort of "almost orange" and of course after each washing they fade a bit and become a bit more orange. I was afraid of a "canary legs" look too.

In an effort to avoid politics, I'll just say that I agree with the work of the United Kingdom Antarctic Heritage Trust that sells the tartan so the kilt is a very meaningful one for me. I had hoped it would be a conversation starter. But when I wore it yesterday to a social gathering no one said a word. They're just used to me in various kilts I guess.

For those who have the desire, but currently lack the funding, remember that Kathy Lare, and some other kiltmakers, work on a two payment system. In Kathy's case she accepts a deposit to begin ordering in the fabric and sewing up the kilt, then she takes the balance upon completion before she ships. An act of faith for her too, but it helps make her hand sewn kilts financially available. While the fabrics being acquired and I'm waiting my turn then while she's sewing I'm saving up for the balance. Works for me.

I'm pretty sure some other kiltmakers have similar financial arrangements, just not sure which.

And for sure much thanks and credit to Barb T for introducing this meaningful tartan on this board and showing this pleat pattern...though for some reason I had the urge to switch to the sett, but by the time I emailed Kathy about it she was already sewing it up as I'd requested. I'm glad I was too late with that change since it looks great.

And, for sure, the Antarctic tartan is one that is much more striking and beautiful in person than what you can see in a pic. The colors are perfect and seem to leap out of the tartan at the viewer.

Ron