"But I Don't Have Enough Money!"

[DWFII]

I wanted expand a bit on my above post but didn't want to make the first too long or dis-jointed. So bear with me.

I am a traditionalist, I admit it. In fact, I'm proud of it. I come by that perspective naturally. I am by nature a conservative in the oldest and best sense of the word--deriving from the root "to conserve," meaning "to preserve and protect."

I like continuity with the past...with ghosts of all those who have gone before. Sometimes when I'm making a pair of shoes, I can feel them at my shoulder guiding my hands. I'm sure there are those who will dismiss that as overblown rhetoric but I assure you it is not. Creativity is something that comes from outside of yourself--it is a tapping into something that can only be described as "The Divine."

I like things that have meaning...like the generations old German Christmas cookies that come down through my family and Great Aunt Lydia Raab. All the years my girls were growing up I made nearly 800 cookies...every year. And it is now a tradition that they are passing on to their families. They don't know what it is to have nothing more than the miserable droppings of the Pillsbury Doughboy at Christmas.

I like things that are quality...that bear witness to a human hand. That evoke the heart and the soul of real human beings and not just commercial mechanisms. That will last...that I will hand down to my great great grandchildren. That will be cherished not only for the family connections but for the enduring functionality and quality. And be marveled at as a testament of "how much people cared in those days."

I like things that say something about us as people, as human beings, as souls on a journey to eternity. Like old brownstones and gothic cathedrals. Regional accents and farmhouse cheeses. And microbrews made with nothing but barley, water and hops. Skills passed down from one generation of stonemasons to the next. (In my work we used techniques that date back, virtually unchanged, to the 14th century.) And "re-discovered" farming techniques that preserve the land. And National Parks. And the Constitution of the United States of America. And the battlefields at Gettysburg and elsewhere--and I like them fine as they are...without a shopping mall on them.

I also like Traditional wool tartan kilts and all the traditional accouterments...for all the reasons that apply above.

None of these things need updating or interpretation or improvement...or more shopping opportunities or quicker times to market. In fact, they all suffer at the hands of the "sophisticated " (from the same root as sophistry) class.

I like "raindrops on roses..." too, in case anyone is wondering.

[Scotus]

So let me see if I understand- the fact that I own several contemporary kilts means that I'm just too cheap or don't have the pride to buy a traditional 16oz 8 yarder? First off- I AM NOT SCOTTISH!!

First of all, calm down a bit. No need to yell. Secondly, I wasn't addressing persons like yourself who wear Utilikilts or a cheaper type of kilt because they want to; that is, because it's their choice to do so. I'm only addressing those who want to wear traditional kilts and traditional Highland attire, but continue to give the excuse that they're too expensive. In the meantime, they continue to buy cheaper ones instead of saving their money for the more expensive traditional kilt. So, in short, you did misunderstand my carefully worded original post.

My plea was for the sincere, future traditional kilt wearer to save instead of buying something cheaper, while giving the excuse that they're too expensive. I'm also addressing those who say that these cheaper kilts and Utilikilts are a way of getting people interested in traditional kilts. I think the way to get people interested in kilts is through knowledge of traditional kilts, traditional Scottish attire, and advice such as I've given. I hope to reach the person who wants and traditional kilt, yet the people on the forum might tell them to buy something made of PV or something cheaper.

I will echo what DWFII said; that is, we tend to want what we want... now! I just want people to stop thinking that traditional kilt wearers are all independently wealthy. It's all where you place your priorities in what you want to wear.

[DWFII]

Well said, Scotus!

[Scotus]

So I see a need for the lesser expensive kilt (plus I love the fact it uses velco and not the buckles)

I purposely started this thread on traditional kilts in the Traditional Kilt section of the forum so that others wouldn't feel the need to defend the cheaper kilts and Utilikilts. Nor was my post on "What you like about PV kilts and velcro instead of buckles." So, comments about 90 degree weather and how much you like velcro are off topic. I was purposely trying to avoid a discussion on anything other than traditional kilts, and direct my comments to the topic of saving for that traditional kilt rather than buying cheaper.

[Panache]

"But I don't have enough money!" This phrase is often used by people as an excuse for buying cheaper, less quality kilts; that is, not a traditional, 16 oz, eight yard kilt. They claim that buying cheaper kilts will get them enthused about buying a traditional kilt later on. Those who buy a traditional kilt are accused of being extravagant, and traditional kilts are seen as the preserve of the well-to-do.

Those who know me in real life, know that my chosen way of life doesn't bring in a lot of money and will never make me a wealthy man. I do have, however, a priority when it comes to interests; that is, my Scottish heritage and Highland attire. It's a nice change for me on occasion.

When it comes to Scottish attire and the traditional kilt, I would purpose that those who are thinking they're too expensive, stop for a moment and think. Think about how much you're spending on those Utilikilks and how much you could save by not buying them, and instead save up for a traditional, 16 oz, eight yarder.

One doesn't go out and by all the articles of clothing at once. In fact, unless you have the money, I'd suggest that buying "the package" deals that outfitters offer is not the best way to do it. Collect these things over time. Buy the kilt first and a day sporran. Add the hose (not white or cream, please). Later, you may buy a proper kilt jacket. You may add a sgian dubh later on. The point is, you don't have to be wealthy to be properly dressed in traditional Scottish attire. Just stop buying all those cheap kilts and Utilikilts and start saving if this is a priority in your life.

Scotus,

I think I see where you are coming from, and agree with you that if what one really wants is a nice traditional highland outfit then it is a very good value to save for the "good stuff".

However I do think that your use of Utilikilts in your argument is not quite correct. A fellow doesn't purchase a Workman model Utilikilt because he can't afford a traditional Scottish Kilt. He buys it because it is a cool modern kilt.

Modern/contemporary kilts are their own whole different thing.

It's apples to oranges

But if you change "Utilikilt" in your post and substitute a mass produced traditionally styled kilt I have to agree with you. No machine made, mass produced kilt is going to fit, look, and feel the same as a handmade custom one.

Now I think that these less expensive alternates have there place and they can look good (I have several).

But if what one wants is the true look and feel of Highland attire there is no substitute for the real deal.

I have had and worn often my first hand sewn kilt from Matt Newsome. It still looks great and even though it cost a lot more than my mass produced kilts it has proven a sound investment.

Mass produced kilts have a place, but when you start developing a real appreciation for the construction and look of a traditionally made hand sewn kilt you will understand the numerous subtle differences they have with a hand sewn one made of the finest quality materials.

Cheers

Jamie

[Sheep In Wolf's Clothing]

There is always consignment sales to look at for deals. I know kilt shops here in Canada take used items, that are in good condition, and resell them for people. Friends of mine have purchased nice, almost new, PC and Day wear jackets and kilts that way. Good quality items that still have many years left in them at very reasonable prices.

I just finished sending my payment for a new bespoke Inverness cape. It took me a few months to save the money, but I have a very good feeling it will be worth it.
Sara

[Scotus]

A fellow doesn't purchase a Workman model Utilikilt because he can't afford a traditional Scottish Kilt.

However, I've seen this argument in this forum before, so I stand by my use of the example of Utilikilts along with the cheaper ones. Again, the purpose of this thread isn't for people to defend Utilikilts and cheaper PV kilts. This is directed at the person who wants to celebrate traditional kilts but is talked into buying a cheaper one or a Utilikilt instead. I'm saying, "Wait, save your money. Stop buying cheap kilts and save for the a traditional kilt. You will be glad you did." The money a person saves in not buying the aforementioned garments goes a long way to buying a kilt. I will repeat, it's also directed at those who think traditionalists are swimming in money.

Again, the purpose of this thread wasn't for people to say what they like about so-called "modern" kilts. Please, look at the title of this section of the forum. Jamie, you know it well, as I PM you frequently in regard to it's misuse.

[Scotus]

I know kilt shops here in Canada take used items, that are in good condition, and resell them for people.

This is also an idea, but I guess I'm thinking about the person who wants a new, handmade kilt.

[mbhandy]

I for one don't think Utilikilts are cheap or inexpensive. Like Jamie said comparing Apples to Oranges. I do have a Tank and I don't have a Utilikilt but I do have a thrifty SWK and wear it a lot around the house.

MrBill

[M. A. C. Newsome]

I'll second Todd -- when I wear my Carolina tartan kilt, I don't look or feel any less traditional than when I am in any of my clan tartan kilts.

I'll also second Todd that I didn't read Scotus' post to be intentionaly degrading to anyone. He began the post by referring to those who use the cost as their motivating reason to purchase inexpensive kilts. I quote:

"But I don't have enough money!" This phrase is often used by people as an excuse for buying cheaper, less quality kilts; that is, not a traditional, 16 oz, eight yard kilt. They claim that buying cheaper kilts will get them enthused about buying a traditional kilt later on.

In his post he uses himself as an example of how someone on a very limited income can afford high quality items, with a bit of budget and planning, if one decides to make it a priority.

Now, of course, for some a high quality kilt is not a priority. It won't be for everyone. This was the point of the last statement in my previous post. I've met plenty of people who have bought inexpensive knock-around kilts because that's exactly what they wanted to have and they are very happy with their purchases. But I've also met people who have purchased low-budget kilts because they really wanted a high quality kilt but thought they couldn't afford it. Scotus is saying that the price of a high quality kilt does not need to be as prohibitive as many people perceive it to be. And I agree with that.