Purchasing Dilemma

[Zardoz]

Well, I'm a big fan of the USA Kilts PV Semi trads, so I guess that would be the way I'd go. While the semi-trad is not a hand-stitched 8 yrd wool tank, I think you'll find it nicely made option and maybe a little more versatile and easy to care for than the woolie.
If you are sold on wool, another option might be USA's "5 Yard Wool Kilt" it's basically their Semi Traditional made in wool, about 100 bucks more than the PV semi-trad. And you can select from several versions and weights of Graham tartans.

http://www.usakilts.com/store/5yardwool_kiltpage.php

[BruceBC]

I say put on any whatever you want. Most clans' association with a given tartan is somewhat bogus from a deep historical view. That been said, if I was to wear a tartan now associated with a given clan I would do so in what I consider to be a respectful manner. I wear a Douglas kilt despite not being one - yet I wear it to honour Tommy Douglas, the father of our socialized medical system. ( he was voted the greatest Canadian ever a few years ago). Some tartans I just like the colours - such as Gunn or weathered MacDonald. I have a kilt on most days of life - and being limited to just a few patterns and colours would be dull. Pick a tartan or two and wear it with pride!

(On a side note, I have always noticed that the self appointed "tartan police" I run into every now and then are never kilted. Often I ask them if they are so proud of "their" tartan why the heck are they not wearing it - nor a kilt. Shuts them up fast.

[MacMillans son]

A third option is an 8 yard, 16 oz wool, machine stitched kilt in the Graham tartan from "Tartanweb" . The material is from Marton Mills (the same provider as the PV material) and they are currently $260.00 US plus shipping. A number of Xmarks members have kilts by them and they consistently get good reviews on their products.

Just might be a good way to get it all, cost, material and clan tartan for not much more than the cost of PV. (especially if you are having to pay a premium for being larger than a 31.5 inch seat, as with the USAK semi trad)

Oh decisions decisions

[biblemonkey]

A third option is an 8 yard, 16 oz wool, machine stitched kilt in the Graham tartan from "Tartanweb" . The material is from Marton Mills (the same provider as the PV material) and they are currently $260.00 US plus shipping. A number of Xmarks members have kilts by them and they consistently get good reviews on their products.

Just might be a good way to get it all, cost, material and clan tartan for not much more than the cost of PV. (especially if you are having to pay a premium for being larger than a 31.5 inch seat, as with the USAK semi trad)

Oh decisions decisions

I looked over their Graham Tartans and while the price and the (reported) quality seem great and just what I want, the image of the Graham of Mentieth Modern tartan they have on file seems a little dull. Is that because of the lighting or camera they used? I couldn't tell. I would want the tartan to be as vibrant as the one listed by the official register. Here's where you can find what I saw on tartanweb.com. You'll have to look through the list to bring it up.

http://www.tartanweb.com/shop/highla...ura-range.html

and here's USAkilts wool Graham of Mentieth Modern which is the same as the register.
http://www.usakilts.com/tartan_galle...w&gazimage=637

I really thought you had something there. Maybe its just the lighting?

[MacMillans son]

I looked over their Graham Tartans and while the price and the (reported) quality seem great and just what I want, the image of the Graham of Mentieth Modern tartan they have on file seems a little dull. Is that because of the lighting or camera they used? I couldn't tell. I would want the tartan to be as vibrant as the one listed by the official register. Here's where you can find what I saw on tartanweb.com. You'll have to look through the list to bring it up.

http://www.tartanweb.com/shop/highla...ura-range.html

and here's USAkilts wool Graham of Mentieth Modern which is the same as the register.
http://www.usakilts.com/tartan_galle...w&gazimage=637

I really thought you had something there. Maybe its just the lighting?

I don't think it is just the lighting, I think Marton Mills uses different colored thread for different fabrics and weights. The best thing to do would be to contact them for a swatch of each fabric, PV, 13 oz wool, and 16oz wool. Unlike some mills they are very easy to work with and quite responsive to inquiries. And, they don't charge for their samples!!

If you are not familiar with their website, first go to Marton Mills> then on the heading bar click "Schoolwear" > on the side bar click "Balmoral" and it will give you a list and photos of their PV fabric.

For wool click "Highland" on the top bar then on the sidebar click "Bute" for the list of 13oz and/or "Jura" for 16oz.

By the way, they have a nice looking "Sutherland Muted" in their 13oz range if you decide to go that route. Since Tartanweb obviously has a relationship with Marton Mills, I am sure they can make a similarly priced wool kilt from what ever tartan choice you make.

Happy shopping!

Brooke

[biblemonkey]

By the way, they have a nice looking "Sutherland Muted" in their 13oz range if you decide to go that route.

The Muted Sutherland is the one I was going to get ex-hire for $150 if I got another one from him at all. The reply I had asking about the Muted Sutherland was more along the lines of what folks thought of the similarities of the tartans I posted (Hynde and Muted Sutherland) And whether they were close enough for me to wear the Sutherland as an acceptable substitute or "variation" for Hynde like my grandmother wore the Maclean for the same reason. If so then I would get the Muted Sutherland from the ex-hire and not feel any awkwardness at all regardless of the "kilt police". I would be honest about the fact that it was Sutherland but would be fine with using it as an alternate if the rabble votes it worthy as such.