David (and all),

Many thanks for beginning this thread, as you are well aware, I was one of the people who made a personal inquiry to David asking various questions in regards to the 6 yard, knife pleated, heavyweight kilts made by Matthew Newsome - naturally, all of my questions and concerns have been so eloquently addressed and answered by David's thread.

I mentioned to David that I have no idea why I am a wee bit hesitant to purchase a 6 yarder from Matthew Newsome, and that I was in desperate need of convincing! I have also discussed the issue with Matthew Newsome himself, who is always quite professional, proactive, kind, knowledgeable, and considerate of one's perspective and preferences in regards to the beginnings of ordering a bespoke kilt - which in my viewpoint, is always a highly personal endeavour to set upon.

I am looking to have the following tartans made into either an 8 or 6 yard kilt, pleated to the line, and made in heavyweight, 16 ounce worsted wool: Chattan Weathered (Dalgliesh), Chattan Ancient (Lochcarron Strome), Chattan Modern (Dalgliesh), and Macpherson Weathered (Lochcarron Strome). Whether I ultimately decide to pursue a 6 yarder, or stick with 8 (all of my Macpherson tartan kilts I currently own are 8 yarders), I realize I should make the 'call' quickly before the cost of wool goes up! Ugh, decisions, decisions!!!

On a sidenote, I believe David's windowpane tweed jacket is from Rocky at USA Kilts - I do recall David telling me a while ago about how he had purchased the jacket at a discounted price from Rocky - it is indeed a very smart looking jacket with gorgeous colour. And David is not wearing a black sporran strap with his 'hunting' style sporran, rather it is indeed brown, yet in the photo is catching a shadow from his jacket. I'm glad to hear from forum members (more recently, English Bloke) that the look of mixing leathers in Highland day attire is perfectly acceptable, because it is! I always, always wear highly polished black leather brogue style (never ghillies) shoes with my Highland day attire - I do not wear brown shoes, even though I am not opposed to it, and perhaps someday I will - and quite frequently I'll wear a day wear sporran either in brown or tan leather with a matching sporran strap, or perhaps one of my brownish full-mask sporrans, and that is completely fine! Very attractive looking in my opinion. Other forum members who are excellent examples of this is Sandy (JSFMACLJR), Scott (MacMillan of Rathdown), Todd (CajunScot), Matthew Newsome, and many others.

In conclusion, I hope that I can finally make my mind up in regards to my 'kilt situation'. I do appreciate Matt and David's assistance and continued advice on the topic, it is immensely appreciated. And I am quite sure that other forum members may 'chime' in on the topic as well. I will say this, I do like the monetary savings to be had on ordering a lesser yardage kilt!

P.S. - David, I put in an order for the AUW hose the other day, thank you again for your help!

Kind regards,