First Kilt Ordered

[Don Patrick]

The deed is done. I'm waiting for conformation from Matt, but have ordered my first kilt. A 16 oz worsted wool Ancient Lamont, four yard blocked kilt. I feel good about it. Now I only have to wait 16 weeks.

I must have measured my self five or six times. It's amazing how much the measurements could change between measurements.

I asked Matt what he thought about me ordering a US Army 11 oz PV kilt from another vendor in the interim. He indicated I should ask here. I'd like to have a kilt night here at College Station before these 4 months have lapsed.

[David Dalglish]

Happy first kilt when it arrives--I know its 16 weeks away, but post picture's when you recieve it.

[porrick]

In some ways I envy your wait for your first kilt - it's a special feeling that will never be forgotten...

Congratulations, and post pictures in the autumn.

[Mr. MacDougall]

Congratulations -- ordering one of Matt's kilts as your first kilt is a bit unusual, as most of us start out with more economical models, but I seriously doubt you'll regret it. As for a U.S. Army kilt in PV, I think the fine Rocky at USA (see the ads on the top bar) still has some US Army PV, and they make a fine kilt as well.

[McMurdo]

Firstly Congratulations on the new kilt, it will be worth the wait.

Secondly, if I were you I would order the PV as there are times when you want something that you don't have to be so careful in, I have worn both my 16oz Isle of Skye, and a 16oz Graham of Mantieth out to kilt nights, however I really do not know what I would have done if anything was spilt.

[M. A. C. Newsome]

Howdy! By "blocked kilt" I'm assuming you mean the box pleated kilt you ordered. I know the terminology can be confusing to someone new to all this. There is a lot to learn!

Don had asked me my opinion on him getting an 11 oz PV kilt, and I told him that these PV kilts are different animals entirely to made-to-measure wool kilts. As I don't own any of the former, I couldn't really give him any advice from direct experience, but I told him that a lot of X Markers own both tailor made wool kilts as well as machine made PV kilts, and could be able to share their thoughts with him.

Just to add to the discussion, I wear kilts pretty much all the time during the work week (as opposed to a lot of you who wear your kilts any time you are not at work!) and all I have thus far are heavy and medium weight wool kilts. I certainly don't just save them for special occasions!

And so everyone knows, the kilt Don has on order is a four yard box pleated kilt to be made from Lochcarron's 16 oz Strome cloth. So even though this will be made from premiere heavy weight kilting cloth, it will be lighter than a heavy weight "tank" because it's a four-yarder.

I know a lot of you have my four yard box pleated kilts made from this same cloth, and also have some light weight PV kilts (:cough: Brad!), so maybe you can offer Don your advice and opinion.

Aye,
Matt

[Mumbles]

I went all out for my first kilt, and trust me, you will be counting the days. There is nothing like the feeling you get when it finally arrives. Can't wait to see it!

[Don Patrick]

Howdy! By "blocked kilt" I'm assuming you mean the box pleated kilt you ordered. I know the terminology can be confusing to someone new to all this. There is a lot to learn!

Matt,

You are correct. Looking forward to getting the kilt. Mr. MacDougall, I'll check Rocky at USA out today. Thanks for the tip.

[Tattoo Bradley]

AH! It seems I've been called out!

Don,
I own several kilts ranging in different styles and fabrics. I have three wool kilts, one of which is the same "animal" as the one you await. My four yard box pleated kilt is also from Lochcarron's Strome range and made by Matt. I also have three of the 11oz. PV kilts you are asking about. Those three are all from Rocky and Kelly at USA Kilts. I highly enjoy my PV kilts for a few different reasons. The biggest one being the economical aspect of having a few different tartans that it may have taken me years otherwise to afford in wool. I can't wear my kilts to work. But, I wear them most literally any other time. I wanted a way to have a larger option of "daily wear" than just wearing two or three kilts day after day. I tried acrylic kilts and just never really cared for them. Some do and that's great, but I just really don't care for the cloth. I like the PV because it's a pretty dense weave and due to that hangs quite well for a synthetic. Wrinkles are also a non-issue. The colors that my PV kilts are made with are great. I've seen lots of tartans up close (my favorite thing to do at games and festivals) and the PV cloth is a great comparison to woolen colors. There are some down sides, the main being the weight. The PV kilt tends to be pretty light. When I first ventured out in them I was concerned with a wind gust lifting it. But, I've learned that it's not much of an issue. With all that being said: I'll admit that if I had the money I would have a closet FULL of woolen kilts. The Scots knew what they were doing. Wool is time tested and proven. Like Matt, I don't reserve my wool kilts for special occasions. Some people have the mentality "I paid SO much money for it; it should be for special occasions ONLY!" No way. I have the opposite outlook "I paid so much money for it; I want to wear it all the time!" I really don't walk on egg shells while wearing it. But, of course, you won't see me chaning the oil in my truck in it either (or in my PV kilts either for that matter.) I guess what I'm trying to say is: if you want a lower cost alternative to a wool kilt; PV is the best option IMO.

Oh, and CONGRATULATIONS on one heck of a first kilt!

[ccga3359]

Wow you went large, congratulations. I would heartitly recommend a pv kilt. As a member of this forum, you can't have just one kilt! Go for it, with Rocky it's still a custom made garment.