MacPherson Hunting casual by USA Kilts - X Marks the Scot

NewEnglander · #1 11-30-2009, 04:12 PM

I was VERY pleasantly surprised to at long last find a package on my doorstep last week from the good folks at USA Kilts. I hadn't expected the kilt for nearly another 2 weeks and never got notice that it was shipping so it was an incredible shock to read the return address on the package.
First of all the pics (proof at last!). I'm celebrating St. Andrew's Day with a pint or three of my own homebrewed Scottish ale and my new kilt. I apologize if they aren't of the best quality...I had to set up the camera on a bookshelf and hustle into place and hope for the best.

This is my second kilt and the first in my clan tartan (my first kilt is a Utilikilt mocker). I am so proud to be able to wear this kilt in honor of my grandmother and all the MacPhersons I've only heard of through old stories and researched census records. My great thanks go out to Rocky and Kelly at USA Kilts. This is a fine garment and I look forward to wearing it for years to come.
I know that when I was planning the purchase of this kilt that I did a whole lot of reading up on others that had bought USA Kilts so I'll try to address some of my newbie concerns here.
First of all there is the clear quality of this garment. It fits beautifully and just feels natural when I wrap it around me. My few requests to Kelly (no logo patch and larger belt loops) were no problem at all. I actually had them upgrade my casual kilt package to include a kilt belt instead of regular belt and black hose instead of the standard cream. I'm glad I went for the black hose, but I've found that the regular belt in the picture is more convenient and comfortable. I'm sure I'll pull out the kilt belt for more formal occasions, but when I was lugging around the 24lb turkey last week I was very happy to have a more narrow belt on. I measured the kilt to fit just at my navel, a bit of a compromise between the "jeans waist" and the "traditional waist".
And now, dear rabble, I open the floor to your honest suggestions. I'm not sold on the red flashes, but have no idea what other color would work well with the tartan. I'm going to pick up a pair of more casual black shoes or boots sometime soon and on the other end of the spectrum I have a sportcoat I'm looking to have converted into a kilt jacket.
I'm sure I'll think of more to add as you all chime in, but I wanted to get the pics up and another glowing review of a USA Kilt onto the forum.
Slainte!
-Eric-

james.mccarson · #2 11-30-2009, 04:46 PM

Enjoy the Macpherson Hunting. Many members of the USA Branch prefer the Hunting to the Red.

ChattanCat · #3 11-30-2009, 05:49 PM

I too prefer the MacPherson Htg over the other MacPherson tartans.

BobsYourUncle · #4 11-30-2009, 05:56 PM

Looks great! The Hunting is on my wish list, for when I get my weight "stabilized", if you will...your whole look is very good. You may want to try making your own flashes, or "ties" out of yarn--there is a good thread about doing that in the DIY section. That lets you experiment with different colors without taking out a second mortgage...Cheers!

NewEnglander · #5 11-30-2009, 06:05 PM

Thanks kindly. I wonder if grey flashes would do the trick.
I thought the hunting would be a good tartan for a casual kilt, also thinking that when I eventually save up enough for a full tank that I'd go for the MacPherson red. Which tartans do you wear?

MacBean · #6 11-30-2009, 06:13 PM

MacPherson of Cluny (Chief) also uses the Hunting. I did not see him in the red at all over four days of ceremonies. He wore grey hose, red flashes just like yours, and a light grey tweed jacket. I can send photos if you wish.

Nice kilt, nice pictures. Glad it worked out for you from a fellow Clan Chattan (there are quite a few here it seems, including Thistledown from Clan Davidson and Cattanach of course).

NewEnglander · #7 11-30-2009, 06:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MacBean

MacPherson of Cluny (Chief) also uses the Hunting. I did not see him in the red at all over four days of ceremonies. He wore grey hose, red flashes just like yours, and a light grey tweed jacket. I can send photos if you wish.

Nice kilt, nice pictures. Glad it worked out for you from a fellow Clan Chattan (there are quite a few here it seems, including Thistledown from Clan Davidson and Cattanach of course).

I'd love to see the pics, thank you. A few tips from the Chief himself, himself. The jacket I plan on getting converted is a light grey so I might just be on the right path. I'm wondering if garter ties rather than flashes would look better. The flashes seem to be too much red for a tartan that tends to mute the little red it contains. Or I could just be making stuff up...

Howard Clark · #8 12-01-2009, 06:12 AM

I've a MacPherson in "weathered" colours. The blue is gray, the green, tan, and the red toned down a bit. I like it in the summer, it is one of Matt's box pleated four yard kilts, and lighter colours than most of the rest of the kilts I have, so for warm weather in the sun it is a good one.

My wife found us (my sons and I) pajamas in MacPherson red at Target last year for Christmas. I thought that was interesting. The thread count is right and everything.

Tobus · #9 12-01-2009, 07:24 AM

I think the outfit looks stunning!

Quote:

Thanks kindly. I wonder if grey flashes would do the trick.

I was thinking that exact same thing myself. With the black hose, grey flashes (actually, I'd go with traditional garter ties) would look very good.

MacBean · #10 12-01-2009, 08:35 AM

For the MacPhersons: photos of the recent Band of Union Resigning in Inverness can be found at http://www.clanchattan.org.uk, where you can also sign the Band of Union electronically. About mid-page you can see a link to Band of Union Photographs.

Here's a photo of MacPherson of Cluny posted on this forum by Thistledown that is especially nice: