Kilts Nos. 84 and 85 have arrived!

[thomsec]

The kilts are wonderful and you are an inspiration. Thanks for sharing these latest additions with us.

Charlie

[Joel]

Hamish, your latest kilts look great! And the hat does give you a more country look.

Now...the greatest question...how long before kilt 100?

Keep up the good work!

Cheers.

[Hamish]

Not to hijack this thread, and this may be an old topic, but with 85 kilts, I'm curious as to how many accessories you have?

Care to share that?

OK, Yeti, I have done a quick count this morning and it looks like this:

Sporrans: From top-dog 'Dress' to downright 'Casual', in black, brown and sealskin: 18 (plus 2 Stillwaters en route).

Hose: Assorted colours - some with patterned tops, some plain: 63 prs.

Flashes: Plain colours: 22 , Tartan/Tweed: 18.

Sgians: Assorted (nothing special and seldom worn) Bladed: 3, Faux: 1.

Footwear: Black and brown - Assorted boots: 4 prs, Assorted shoes: 8 prs

Jackets:
Day - Assorted Tweed Argylls: 4.
Kilted Suit Jackets: Tweed, Worsted, Pinstripe: 5.
Dress - Prince Charlie: 1, Montrose Doublet: 1, GT Doublet: 1, Crail: 1.

Eeek! I have not counted these items for several years and it comes as a bit of a shock - but I go on adding to them!

Take care,
Ham.

[Hamish]

Love them both! i didn't know there is an official RSCDS tartan. Beautifully made.

Take a look at the exclusive kiltmaker's site for the details:

www.tartankilts.com where there is a special RSCDS section.

Take care,
Ham.

[Hamish]

Hamish I love the kilts. I have been considering a House of Bruar myself and I think you have convinced me. By the way I actually like the idea of the matching cap.

A question though...how is the fit on the House of Bruar kilt, as they seem to be off the rack kilts? Can you make a guess as to the actual hip measurement? thanks.

Yes, Chef, they are basically 'off the rack' kilts - as was the first one I had from them in the 'Windowpane' tweed. This time, because the kilt was having to be especially made due to my choosing an alternative tweed, I asked if it was possible to have an extra yard of fabric used to either increase the number of pleats or to make the standard ones deeper. This caused a bit of hassle between the HoB and their kiltmaker, but they agreed in the end and I was charged an additional £30, which was not too bad.

Their kilts are a standard 24" in length and you need to state your waist measurement - they are not interested in a hip/seat figure! There appears to be a nominal tapering in the fell but, in my case, both kilts fit well and so I have no complaints, although I am very glad I asked for the extra fabric to be incorporated.

One has to remember that HoB is not a Highland Dress outfitter or kiltmaker. They are an up-market Scottish Country Clothes and luxury foods retailer who happens to offer this one standard, casual, tweed kilt. I accept that and do not expect a kilt of the finesse we obtain from Barb T, Geoffrey (Tailor) and many other super-quality hand-crafting kiltmakers. In my opinion, the HoB tweed kilts feel good, look good and are pretty good value for money. ( www.houseofbruar.com )

Hope that helps.

Take care,
Ham.

[thescot]

Two more great kilts, but I have to vote for the Erskine as my favorite. Even though it's the less expensive, the ensembles you put together are just very tasteful and appealing.

[beloitpiper]

Haha, I love it! Looks like you still got the fling down too!

[ncof300d]

I really like your #84.

[Hamish]

Many thanks for all the compliments, chaps.

Most of you appear to prefer No.84 ('Erskine' Tweed) to No.85 (RSCDS Tartan) - and I think I know why! I took a lot more care in accessorising that one, so the overall appearance is more 'together' and 'complete'. With No.85 I quickly put it on after removing the basting stitches and gave no thought to the shirt or hose colours - I wanted photos as speedily as possible!

This, to me, indicates the vital importance of taking care in selecting our accessories for each and every kilt. I have always believed in presenting the best possible image to the world when going kilted out of the house, and this unexpected example proves my point, I think. Am I right, or am I right?!!

Take care,
Ham.

[Clockwork John]

Of course, Hamish, you are absolutely right.