Is it clever or a needless? Convertable Plaid

**Elf** · 6th October 14, 04:01 PM

Last year I posted pictures of my latest kilt and some projects from the cursed remnants. I also had a large piece left which might have been used for a plaid.

Many on this forum have suggested the fly plaid is of rare use, and the fabric is better used on the sofa back. I admit to having only once used a plaid. That was simply folded as a day plaid for a wedding. However my mind couldn't rest and I combined Mr Newsom's version of the Mr Erskine's plaid with descriptions of draw strings to help don a great kilt, and came up with this idea. Also remembering the description from my historic site work where Mr Tolmie had a "tartan shawl on the parlor table. "With the help of Dughlas Mor again in my local park, I finally got some photos to share. First of all I brought a table, not quite the round parlor table which but suggests the idea.

One might notice the ribbon loop poking out from the backside. (to be carefully hidden in actual interior decorating) It they can be used to form pleats.

Then they are placed across the small of the back with a sweep from right to center. This hopefully lays the pleats same as with the kilt's pleats. The ribbon is fastened with Velcro magic tape.

The upper corners are then pinned to the shirt or jerkin

What this perhaps most proves is that my mind is overactive. I have not yet fringed the edge of the plaid, thinking one may always do that later, but cannot be undone. So dare I ask what does the rabble think? I keep waffling over what I think.

**GrainReaper** · 6th October 14, 07:07 PM

I have to process this a bit, my brain is whirling trying to grasp what the pics are showing.

**MacMillans son** · 6th October 14, 09:07 PM

Clever use of scraps Elf. I do like the hose, which model are those?

**mookien** · 6th October 14, 09:57 PM

Clever indeed! The end result is both striking and dignified. Love the vest and bonnet with it. Thanks for posting, especially for us garment-sewing-arranging challenged.

**Hawk** · 6th October 14, 11:56 PM

This is interesting indeed......thanks to Dughlas Mor for the photos.....I'm interested in some of our traditionalist members thoughts also......

Hawk

**Laird_M** · 7th October 14, 12:40 AM

Very practical and looks good too.

**Jock Scot** · 7th October 14, 01:08 AM

As you are asking. For the theatre its fine, I suppose. For general daywear, I am sorry I hate it, its a costume and a mockery of my National attire. I know full well that is not what you intend, but that is what you are doing.

**Calgacus** · 7th October 14, 01:09 AM

I also came across Matt's blog about this type of plaid recently and am going to try it out. I have ordered enough extra material with my new MacDuff kilt to make just such a plaid. I am going to simply add belt loops every 5 or 6 inches to achieve the same effect.

**Calgacus** · 7th October 14, 01:45 AM

Originally Posted by Jock Scot

As you are asking. For the theatre its fine, I suppose. For general daywear, I am sorry I hate it, its a costume and a mockery of my National attire. I know full well that is not what you intend, but that is what you are doing.

Ok, tell us how you really feel, Jock!

I agree that this could go either way, but it has historical precedent, it seems. The concept comes from "The Kilt & How to Wear It", by the Hon. Stuart Ruaidri Erskine, originally published in 1901. In this book, he heaps scorn on the fly plaid and isn't overly keen on the day plaid either.

Anyway, I'm willing to give it a bash in the full knowledge that it might end up covering the sofa.

**Jock Scot** · 7th October 14, 03:10 AM

Originally Posted by Calgacus

Ok, tell us how you really feel, Jock!

I agree that this could go either way, but it has historical precedent, it seems. The concept comes from "The Kilt & How to Wear It", by the Hon. Stuart Ruaidri Erskine, originally published in 1901. In this book, he heaps scorn on the fly plaid and isn't overly keen on the day plaid either.

Anyway, I'm willing to give it a bash in the full knowledge that it might end up covering the sofa.

I grant you its a free world that most of us here live in, so freedom of choice is an important issue to us within those fortunate boundaries. As such, I have absolutely no issues with those that make these non earth shattering choices like the one we are discussing here.

However and speaking personally and I hasten to add, as requested by the OP, then for daily highland attire the outfit in question, is most definately theatrical and not in the least bit historical------- "Doc Martin" boots for one and a faux great kilt for a second-----so the cringe factor is there loud and clear. How can people-------particularly those that know nothing about "modern" and socially acceptable(sorry thats not quite what I mean, but words fail me at the moment)kilt attire ever understand Highland attire worn in "normal" day to day society. It gives a false impression to those that might and many certainly do think, that this sort of attire is "how its really done".