Who actually OWNS a Scottish hand-sewn?

[McMathTX]

I own a 13 oz Matheson Modern Red by Locharron. I can't imagine a better kilt.

[MacMillan of Rathdown]

Nothing, but nothing, compares to a properly fitted kilt. I know they cost a bit more, but... well if I have to explain it, you won't understand. As to fabric: wool is nice, but if you can afford it a wool-silk blend (proper barathea) is spectacular. I've seen (but never owned) an all silk kilt (left over from the days of the Raj, no doubt) and would imagine that to be the pinnacle of Scottish attire. The problem seems to be that a large majority of people consider the kilt and all its attendant accoutrements to be some sort of week-end costume (rather like Hallowe'n get ups) and are reluctant to spend money on quality clothing. Cheap kilts are like tube socks... a shoddy short-cut that won't stay up.

[James MacMillan]

My Father had a heavy weight silk jacket that he got sometime after WW II. It was too small for me before I got out of high school, so I never kept track of it. But it had a luxurious (where's the spell checker in this thing?) hand and feel. Price would seem to be a big factor with that fabric.

[TheKiltedWonder]

Nothing, but nothing, compares to a properly fitted kilt. I know they cost a bit more, but... well if I have to explain it, you won't understand.
...
The problem seems to be that a large majority of people consider the kilt and all its attendant accoutrements to be some sort of week-end costume (rather like Hallowe'n get ups) and are reluctant to spend money on quality clothing. Cheap kilts are like tube socks... a shoddy short-cut that won't stay up.

I'm sorry if I'm misreading what you've written, but those comments kinda seem condescending. Many of us on the board are students or recent students or have plenty of bills. We may desire quality clothing and we're perfectly capable of comprehending why people like the quality, but there are other considerations.

That said, I am lucky enough to own a hand-sewn kilt in MacNeil of Barra. It was made for another fellow, who made the poor decision of never collecting it, so I managed to nab it for a pittance.

[MacMillan of Rathdown]

I did not intend to be condescending-- my point is that there seems to be a fair number of people on the forum buying poorly made kilts (and lots of them) who then bang on about the cost of a really good kilt. I'd rather own one or two top quality kilts than a closet full of the latest, ill-fitting, four pleats across the butt, polyester utili-sport-hiker's skirt. As far as I'm concerned, what it comes down to is this: With kilts, as with everything of value in life, quality remains long after price is forgotten.

As a college student way back in the late 60's my circumstances were no different than most students today. When I decided I wanted a kilt I got a second summer job mowing lawns at five bucks a throw. Did all the lawns early mornings before heading off to my "regular" summer job making and installing drapes. Forty-two lawns later I had enough cash to walk into JR Christie's in Santa Monica and plop down the reddies for my first kilt. And no, I don't have tartan drapes in my home, but I still have that kilt. Unfortunately, I no longer have a 29-inch waist...

Anyhow, if you were offended by what I wrote-- gosh, I'm sorry; I didn't mean to cause any distress. And if we ever meet up at a kilt night somewhere... well, the first round is on me. Cheers!

[MacMillan of Rathdown]

Wait a down town minute Kilted Wonder! I just checked your public profile and see you live in Williamsburg, VA. Not a million miles from me in Staunton AND, a towne that I shall be visiting the second or third weekend in January. So wherre do you want me to buy you that drink?

[TheKiltedWonder]

Wait a down town minute Kilted Wonder! I just checked your public profile and see you live in Williamsburg, VA. Not a million miles from me in Staunton AND, a towne that I shall be visiting the second or third weekend in January. So wherre do you want me to buy you that drink?

I'm sorry then for misreading that. I love the internet and I love this forum, but it can be hard to gauge a person's tone post solely on a post. Didn't mean to jump to conclusions about how you meant that. I do agree with the idea of quality versus quantity, though I'd be afraid to take any nice kilt on a hike, for fear of it snagging on a bramble or something.

Let me know when your trip is; I'll hopefully be in town then! As for a place to get a beer, I've always found the Green Leafe Cafe (close to the Colonial Area) has the best selection.
The Green Leafe is a wonderful place to wear a kilt, especially a traditional hand-sewn Scottish one. And I'm back on topic

[McClef]

The vast majority of my kilts are Scottish ones and I know that some of them are hand sewn but others could have been machine sewn.

Is there any way of telling if you haven't been told already?

[richardljohnson]

K PASTA JIMMY!!!! Long time no hear....hope you are well.

Well, I own 2 as well as the 25 non Scottish made. Had them for 23 years and still looks like new with great care. Purchased them in 1984 and TLC is the key. I guess that's why I like the others....I don't worry about spilling salsa on them and if so it's into the washer they go.

Take care....

Richard-

[ChattanCat]

The vast majority of my kilts are Scottish ones and I know that some of them are hand sewn but others could have been machine sewn.

Is there any way of telling if you haven't been told already?

If you see seams it is usually machine made. Hand made kilters hide the stitches in the pleats. Machine made kilts usually have a seam that is noticable (SP?) from the bottom of the fell to the top of the rise.