Kilt, MacLaren tartan: Buy or Sew?

[dea3369]

Hello all,

First, some background. I've sewn five kilts in the past 2.5 years. Three with box pleats, two with knife pleats. All using the X-Kilt and RevK instructions by Alan H and Sydnie W. I recently completed Wood Badge (Boys Scouts training for adult leaders). As such, I'm now allowed to wear the MacLaren tartan. So, I'd like to have a kilt in those colors (or does one say "design'?).

Should I attempt to sew one for myself? If so, any recommended sources for fabric?

Should I just buy one? If so, any recommended vendors?

Thank you.

Yours in Scouting,
DSH

[Spartan Tartan]

Congratulations on earning your Woodbadge!

By "design", I believe you mean "tartan". If you enjoy making kilts and want to make your MacLaren kilt really special, why not make your own? That said, I have no talent in that area...so I would have to pay someone to make one for me. Good luck!

[Riverkilt]

If you want the kilt to be super special - top of the line - and have that special look then buy it from a reputable kiltmaker.

If you want to show your skills, do it yourself.

[MuffinMan]

I used to an Eagle... SWK has one in their standard wieght for 80 bones, I wish they carried it in the Heavywieght but then again I wish I was 50 pounds lighter there you go.

MM

[rondo]

In the spirit of scouting, and the scouting experience I'd opt for DIY if you have the skills. When I was a scout I was most inspired by those people that crafted their own things. You never know who you may inspire to achieve great things by something as simple [if you have the ability] as crafting your own garment.
Rondo

[Rileydad24]

Congrats on taking the Woodbadge. I'm an owl and no have three beads after being on staff last summer with my wife participating.
I've been wearing a MacLaren from SWK at every scout event that I can. Even hiked at Philmont last summer kilted with two of my boys joining me. (Don't think I'll hike in shorts ever again!)
Those that I've asked, I've pointed them towards SWK to pick up a kilt for their Woodbadge kit. They are great in getting stuff out right away and have been very p,eased with their goods.
In terms of making one, sounds like you've got the skills. So the question is how much you want to pay for it. To purchase the wool in the MacLaren is going to run much higher than a PV from SWK. Agree with the comment that in the spirit of scouting, if you can make it yourself, you should. With that said, I've made a 'test' sporran and will be making another in black with my totem embossed on front to pull it together for future Woodbadge events.

[dea3369]

To all, thanks for the comments and recommendations. I went a bit crazy, dove off the deep end, so to speak, and bought a medium-weight (13-ounce) Balmoral 8-yard kilt from Scotweb (via the link at the top of the page). That way, I have a kilt I know will be good enought for a formal event.

Then, when my mad-money has been replenished, I plan on sewing one -- as an "everyday" kilt I can wear to a campfire.

Rileydad24, I used to be an Owl, a good ol' Owl, too. Class C6-439-11-1, Tecumseh Council, Ohio (serves Dayton, Ohio and vicinity).

Now, I can't wait for the new kilt to arrive.