Newsome "Philabeg" in Tweed

[Woodsheal]

The excellent tweed kilts thread in the traditional forum reminds me that I've never posted photos of this particular kilt.

Made by Matt Newsome, it's a late 18th C. style philabeg ("little kilt"), meaning: box-pleated to the random (neither to the sett or stripe), non-tapered (waist size and length being the only measurements in play), no (visible!) buckles & straps.

The tartan is Grant/Drummond:
http://www.tartans.scotland.net/tart...tan_id=429.htm

And the fabric is 18 oz. Harris tweed, wonderful hard-wearing stuff!

[M. A. C. Newsome]

Thanks for posting pics of this kilt, it was a fun one to make!

[Guinness>water]

Boy, I'm liking that tartan tweed more and more! Woodsheal, tell me some about the construction of your philabeg. Is it like a traditional kilt minus the buckles and straps?

[David White]

Excellant Brian! Do you have any pictures showing the philabeg being worn without the waistcoat? It would be interesting to see.

The excellent tweed kilts thread in the traditional forum reminds me that I've never posted photos of this particular kilt.

Made by Matt Newsome, it's a late 18th C. style philabeg ("little kilt"), meaning: box-pleated to the random (neither to the sett or stripe), non-tapered (waist size and length being the only measurements in play), no buckles & straps.

The tartan is Grant/Drummond:
http://www.tartans.scotland.net/tart...tan_id=429.htm

And the fabric is 18 oz. Harris tweed, wonderful hard-wearing stuff!

[Woodsheal]

Boy, I'm liking that tartan tweed more and more! Woodsheal, tell me some about the construction of your philabeg. Is it like a traditional kilt minus the buckles and straps?

Much simpler construction, and no tailoring other than waist-size and length. By that I mean that the hip measurement is not a factor, and there is no tapering of the aprons or "shaping" of the kilt to conform to the body. It's just a rectangle!

Also, the aprons are narrower than on Matt's usual box-pleated kilts, with an extra couple of pleats on each side, coming around more to the front. The pleats are sewn down only a couple of inches at the top, not all the way down the fell as on a modern kilt, and Matt put in a simple half-lining of raw silk in the waist.

As always, Matt did a great job with my "special request" and the kilt is a pleasure to wear...!

[TheBrus]

Is Grant/Drummond the same as New Bruce?

[Guinness>water]

Very interesting.
Do you find it more comfortable than a regular (Bespoke) kilt?
Is it easyer/harder to put on?
Would/do you wear it into town?

Thanks,

[Harold Cannon]

Woodsheal can you get a pic of it laid out both inside and out?

[Woodsheal]

Will take more pics soon. I do wear it occasionally in a "modern" setting - kilt nights, or whatever. Very comfortable, as are all the reduced-yardage, box-pleated kilts. Easy to put on. It has an internal "cheater" belt/buckle setup on the left side which doesn't show, and a tie closure on the right. People just love that tartan, too! (Don't know if it's the same as New Bruce, though....)

[David White]

Thanks Brian!