Hello All,

I've been looking at the specials on wooltartan.com and I've identified some tartans I like. But I was wondering if some of you could answer a few questions I had. I see that they use merino wool (which I have found out is a different kind of sheep...hooray for research) from Australia but that the wool is processed into fabric in Scotland. The weight of most of their most commonly available tartans is 12 ounces. So here's my question: does anyone know or have experience with kilts made from merino wool or with this seller? What's the difference from the traditional Scottish sheep? I have read that merino wool is softer than regular wool, but how does that translate to kilts? I've seen a quote that merino has a different "hand" from standard wool, but what does that even mean? Different nap? More fuzzy? And, also, how noticeable will 12 ounce wool be from 13 or 16 ounce? My preference, in general, is 16 ounce, since it's easier to dress it up, but if anyone could fill me in, I'd appreciate it.

I'm thinking hard about getting some wool and having an 8 yard kilt made. Maybe this is a good wool to start with...