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Thread: Weights

  1. #1
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    Weights

    So, I know that for example, 11 oz. is the lighter side of the wool spectrum, but what do those weights actually mean in "real life"?

  2. #2
    bubba's Avatar
    bubba is offline This member has been inactive for more than 1 year
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    The weight is the weight of a linear yard of the fabric.
    Everything in excess! To enjoy the flavor of life take big bites. Moderation is for monks.

  3. #3
    M. A. C. Newsome's Avatar
    M. A. C. Newsome is offline Owner - New House Highland

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    Right. More specifically, the weight is the weight of a linear yard of double width fabric.

    Up until very recently, Lochcarron offered their 16 oz cloth in two widths. In their catalog, they listed the most popular tartans in 54" wide cloth at 16 oz per yard. Then the more rare tartans were listed in 28" cloth at 8 oz per yard. Wait a minute! How can heavy weight kilting cloth be only 8 oz per yard??? Because it was only single width. A double width peice in the same weight would equal 16 oz.

    No better cloth for a kilt, in my opinion, than a 16 oz worsted wool.

    Aye,
    Matt
    Matthew A. C. Newsome, GTS
    Governor, Scottish Tartans Authority
    Director Emeritus, Scottish Tartans Museum
    My own blog & writings on Highland Dress: Albanach.org

  4. #4
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    Quote Originally Posted by M. A. C. Newsome
    No better cloth for a kilt, in my opinion, than a 16 oz worsted wool.
    "Hear. Hear."

    Ever had a kilt that you were CONTINUOUSLY ironing or correcting the pleats on? I'll bet it wasn't an authentic traditional 16-ounce wool kilt.

    Besides the unmatched ability to sway uniformly and drage like a waterfall, the stuff is just plain rugged. Pleat gets folded while driving? Give it a tug and "voila".

  5. #5
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    Quote Originally Posted by M. A. C. Newsome
    No better cloth for a kilt, in my opinion, than a 16 oz worsted wool.
    Amen to that! There's no comparison, and I think one well-made 16-oz. kilt is worth a whole pile of cheaper ones! My philosophy has always been to go for quality rather than quantity (of course, having both together would be nice...)! There's definitely a place in life for fashions and fads, but the "classics" are perennial favourites for a good reason.
    Cynthia Balfour-Traill, BFA, FSA (Scot)
    Member: Scottish Tartans Authority,
    Tartan Educational and Cultural Association,
    International Association of Tartan Studies

  6. #6
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    Thanks all!

  7. #7
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    Quote Originally Posted by Thistle Stop
    ................................... My philosophy has always been to go for quality rather than quantity (of course, having both together would be nice...)! .................................................. ..............
    Mine too, Cyndi! (Oh, and it IS!)
    No. of Kilts: 102. "Title": Lord Hamish Bicknell, Laird of Lochaber / Life Member: The Scottish Tartans Authority / Life Member: The Royal Scottish Country Dance Society / Member: The Ardbeg Committee / My NEW Photo Album: Sadly, and with great regret, it seems my extensive and comprehensive album may now have been lost forever!/

  8. #8
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    Quote Originally Posted by Hamish
    Quote Originally Posted by Thistle Stop
    ................................... My philosophy has always been to go for quality rather than quantity (of course, having both together would be nice...)! .................................................. ..............
    Mine too, Cyndi! (Oh, and it IS!)
    And they all look GREAT on you, Hamish!
    Cynthia Balfour-Traill, BFA, FSA (Scot)
    Member: Scottish Tartans Authority,
    Tartan Educational and Cultural Association,
    International Association of Tartan Studies

  9. #9
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    Quote Originally Posted by Jimmy Carbomb
    Quote Originally Posted by M. A. C. Newsome
    No better cloth for a kilt, in my opinion, than a 16 oz worsted wool.
    "Hear. Hear."

    Ever had a kilt that you were CONTINUOUSLY ironing or correcting the pleats on? I'll bet it wasn't an authentic traditional 16-ounce wool kilt.

    Besides the unmatched ability to sway uniformly and drage like a waterfall, the stuff is just plain rugged. Pleat gets folded while driving? Give it a tug and "voila".
    I agree as well, I love my two traditional handsewn heavyweight tanks 8)

    Rob
    Friends are the family we choose. Life is not measured by how many breath's we take, but by how many times we have our breath taken away. Writer, Educator, Libationist, Bon Vivant. The Old Firm: A Steampunk Tale Part XXI is now up at http://kiltedrobspub.blogspot.com/

  10. #10
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    And there's nothing like making a kilt out of 16 oz, either. I really like the way they stitch up. The stuff is so stiff it just doesn't weeble around when you sew it.

    Barb

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