Which way to go

**Detroitpete** · 17th January 10, 08:18 AM

Hey Shipmate!

From one sailor to another: There'll be plenty of time to buy less expensive and lighter 'knock-abouts' when you want them. Trust me. Just watch the deals that pop up hear from time to time. If you can, go for the best 8 yeard, 16 oz. you can get. Since this tartan has special meaning for you, no need to go to the cheap for it, it will be something you may wear the rest of your life.

Think also about going with makers like Matt Newsome and other artisans--you will NOT be sorry. I had 9 kilts before I got my first 'Newsome' and I kick myself for waiting so long.

So I'd say let it take 2 or maybe even 3 Reserve checks to pay for this. It will be more than worth the time and intitial expense. Besides, it makes getting through those weekends a bit easier knowing that they will be responsible for a great kilt coming your way. When I had to do reserve weekends I was almost always bored to tears

**Kiltboy** · 17th January 10, 08:34 AM

I have a 13oz IOS from USA kilts. Best kilt I own. In the Dallas area, the 13 oz is perfect year round. I fear that 16 oz might be a bit heavy for the summers here, but can't say for sure. I was comfortable in last weeks 15F degrees (with wool socks of course).

Saving for a custom kilt is well worth it.

**Drac** · 17th January 10, 12:54 PM

Forgot about the heat aspect. Does 13 oz hang different than 16 oz?

I checked out a couple makers as advised via PMs. A big question would be can the makers over seas get them done and shipped in 8-9 weeks?

Jim

**billmcc** · 17th January 10, 03:12 PM

Originally Posted by Drac

Forgot about the heat aspect. Does 13 oz hang different than 16 oz?

I think 16 oz. will probably be too hot during the summer in Dallas. There is a minor difference in the hang, but most people won't notice.

Skye Highland Outfitters offers a machine-sewn 8 yard kilt for $300 and delivers in 4 to 6 weeks. I have one and really like it. See here: http://www.skyehighlandoutfitters.com/Skye_Kilts.html

**Drac** · 18th January 10, 06:09 AM

Pete, when did you serve in the Reserves? Most weekends I'm there I can barely get lunch let alone get bored! Just kidding. I know how lucky I've been that the units I've been attached to have always been fairly small units that do things. The latest unit I'm in, a PHIBCB, I get to serve as Company Commander.

Responses are starting to comes in on the inquiries I emailed out from your recommendations.

Let's see how things go.

Jim

**Drac** · 18th January 10, 08:12 AM

Got another option here. Hand-sewn vs. machine.

The lead right now is a Lamont Modern 16 oz Lochcarron but is the hand sewing worth the extra $50?

Jim

**McMurdo** · 18th January 10, 08:16 AM

Originally Posted by Drac

Got another option here. Hand-sewn vs. machine.

The lead right now is a Lamont Modern 16 oz Lochcarron but is the hand sewing worth the extra $50?

Jim

I would say yes, after all we are talking about a garment than can be passed down through generations, go for the hand sewing if you can afford it.

**Drac** · 18th January 10, 08:19 AM

Maybe I phrased that wrong. What makes hand sawing better than the machine?

Jim

**McMurdo** · 18th January 10, 08:23 AM

Well for one hand sewing is more traditional, I can understand if that does not matter to you, however to some it does. Another consideration is that with machine sewn unless done very very well you can see the stitches, most handsewn kilts you can not, I also think that hand sewing will in fact last longer, though I'm not 100% about that.