pro's and con's of tartan cargo

[tpa]

Robert,

However if those cargo pockets were detachable and made of matching leather with the straps, or a mixture of a solid complimentary color fabric and leather I think you just might have something that would be a workable blend between the traditional and the modern kilt.

But kudos to you for taking what the customer wanted and making it a reality.

Cheers

Jamie

I think it looks very good and a happy customer is the ideal scenario, but I also think Panache has a point with the side cargo pockets, could also look really good.

[ccga3359]

I'm sure were I the customer I would be thrilled to bits about the pains and frustration that you went through. I'd so enjoy picturing you sitting at your sewing machine cursing (in Dutch no less), reaching for yet another scotch. To hear you say "never again (expletive again, irrepeatable to the non-Dutch speaking world), not with a wheelbarrow full of money and a cheap bottle of whiskey that I actually prefer)".

And why would I enjoy that? Not because we are friends and I do enjoy seeing you frustrated, and not because you deserve it because you get more kilt checks than me. But because, as someone that put you through that with my camo paintball kilt*, it ensure exclusivity. It is highly doubtful that anyone, anywhere else has a kilt even remotely close. You chose your profession Robert, it's up to us to make you suffer.

Nice kilt by the way, not to my taste but no doubt top shelf work.

*Note to Jock Scot. Jock, you need my camo paintball kilt for you grouse hunting. You could leave your blunderbuss at home (thus leave your manservant there to boil the tea) and in spite of your creaking knees, sneak up on the unwary bird - unseen and kick it in the ****!

[Riverkilt]

Reminds me a bit of what Geoffrey (Tailor) was doing/does with those big garish outside pockets a few years ago.

I like the look - maybe because of THAT tartan - but what I wonder is how long can the wool in the bottom of the cargo pockets hold up with the wear and tear that a cargo pocket gets?

Which leads back to the leather pocket...and some mighty strong thread to attach it to the wool of the kilt - if that would hold - which leads back to the leather sporran...

[Rab]

I think it's the buisness, I'm not really a fan of solid colour or camo kilts so I think this one would be spot on for casual wear. In fact I cant really think of anything better for wearing to the fitbaw

[Tartan Tess]

I like the way it turned out, but I too have gotten myself into too many extra jobs that wound up taking alot more time than I thought they would.....
Thanks for this story and warning :0)

[RockyR]

Robert,

As someone who made one VERY similar to that 5 years ago for myself (except mine was Cameron of Erracht Muted), all I can say it "I feel your pain". I ended up re-making the front apron to 'normal' size and taking the pockets off (they still sit in a drawer in my desk). Good job expanding your offerings and then immediately deciding you didn't want to do it.

R-

(for those who don't know, Robert and I are friends and do like to 'rib' each other a bit)

[Canuck]

Thanks to the folk with the positive comments. It's a dicey thing when one adds pockets, a few of us kiltmakers will utilize the front or rather side slash pockets on a kilt that's a natural evolution. The outboard pocket like 21st century kilts makes is a hit or miss, either you like them or you don't. The removable pocket is vulnerable to just doing that, they are removable and at times when you don't want it to come off and then there's the discrete attachment system which you have to cover up. Molle straps are an option, but then what does the kilt look like without the pockets?
Ron, I did line the pockets and secured them well to the kilt, it is also 16 oz wool and by it's nature strong.
Panache, sorry for my short answer but in the end it was a logical path.
I like the cargo pockets on the solid colour kilts I make, for me it's a natural fit, beefing it up with hardware and leather bling and you have a kilt with attitude!
Rocky and I have talked about pockets, thrown about ideas and construction of said units.... and truth be told I might just still explore those ideas.
My reservation is when your spending this extra money, wouldn't it be better to upgrade to a better quality sporran or jacket than the novelty of pockets on a kilt?
I see there is a market for this kilt for a few, that's cool. and for those that don't care for this kilt, that's cool too, I'm not offended. ....Wait a second... Grant offends me....well not really but I just have to say it 'cause.....
I posted this because if you ever wondered what a tartan kilt might look like with cargo pockets at least you have one example.
Again thanks for the feedback
enjoy
Also something else I'm working on for the near future is "The curse of MacBeth" kilt pin my daughter designed it and it's to be entered in a national gallery contest in the new year. Details of the piece can be found here http://www.rkilts.com/blog/index.php...se-of-macbeth/

[ccga3359]

The "Curse of MacBeth" kilt pin is something I really want to see (and hope to see a sample at the next RKilts sponsered kiltnight - where all the booze is free). There was a lot of interest in Dunnville this past weekend about it.

[CMcG]

For comparison, here's how the folks at Bilt Kilt make their tartan cargo kilts:

[James C]

Just to clarify this is our Premium Hybrid model which is a full tartan or tweed kilt with tartan or tweed inserts. We have been doing full tartan box pleat kilts or inverted pleated kilts with cargo pockets since 2008 and have a Maple Leaf model in store for anyone to see. Fine looking kilt Robert. Just wanted to clarify that the picture is our Premium Hybrid kilt not our standard Tartan kilts they do not have the inserts.

For comparison, here's how the folks at Bilt Kilt make their tartan cargo kilts: