Hello,
I have worn a very "casual" kilt to some renaissance events. I have a distant relationship to Clan MacLelllan (ggggggrand father) and am in the process of presenting my credentials for membership. I have also visited some SCA events. I understand that the great kilt is period (if barely) for SCA and would like to wear one to the next event. I DO know that wearing a MacLellan tartan is not period and altho synthetic fibre is not period, I cannot justify dropping $300 for fabric to make a GK which I may never wear again (understand there is a non-Scot sceptical spousal unit in the background). Finally, I have sewn some large projects in the past (tents, coats, vests).

My questions:
of the various artificial fibers, which is preferable for a great kilt?
What weight?
What tartans may I wear without irking someone? (I am looking at Ontario, Stewart Hunting, Pride of Scotland, Scotland National, Stewart Black)
Given my level of experience, should I consider some practice kilts before I try to make myself a traditional one (should I become more involved with Clan MacLellan).

Walter