The Great Scot tartan vs. Spirit of Scotland tartan?

**California Highlander** · 20th February 12, 01:38 PM

I, too, am interested in purple-based tartans. Spirit of Scotland is probably my pick, with Scotland Forever, Pride of Scotland, Scottish Heritage, Clans of Caledonia, Heart of Scotland, Passion of Scotland, all close behind. Auld Lang Syne seems clunky to me. Haven't checked out Great Scot yet....

As folks have mentioned, the mill, sett size, and the weight change the look. Can't wait to see what you end up with!

**Paul Henry** · 20th February 12, 02:15 PM

Originally Posted by California Highlander

I, too, am interested in purple-based tartans. Spirit of Scotland is probably my pick, with Scotland Forever, Pride of Scotland, Scottish Heritage, Clans of Caledonia, Heart of Scotland, Passion of Scotland, all close behind. Auld Lang Syne seems clunky to me. Haven't checked out Great Scot yet....

As folks have mentioned, the mill, sett size, and the weight change the look. Can't wait to see what you end up with!

slightly off topic, but if you are thinking of purple tartans, don't forget the Isle of Skye as well, it can be pleated to many different ways especially to accentuate the purple

**OC Richard** · 21st February 12, 06:34 AM

"Pleating to the block" is a variation of "pleating to the stripe".

Military kilts have always been pleated to the stripe, and in the 19th century it was also the most common form of pleating for civilian kilts.

Nowadays civilian Pipe Bands are around 50/50 pleated to the sett/pleated to the stripe (or block). Most non-piping civilian kilts are pleated to the sett nowadays.

In pleating to the stripe, a bold or dominant stripe is chosen for replication across the rear of the kilt. In pleating to the block, an open vacant portion of the sett is chosen for replication across the rear of the kilt.

Here is Isle of Skye pleated two ways:

To the pairs of fine rust/brown lines in the purple band (that's how my IOS is pleated). Though pleated to the lines, thus technically pleated to the stripe, oftentimes if a subtle line is chosen the overall effect of the rear of the kilt is of a kilt pleated to the block.

To the sett

Some other purplish tartans...

Spirit of Bannockburn, with a large area of lovely blue and some purple stripes

Scotland the Brave

**shannon** · 21st February 12, 07:10 PM

I am beginning to really like the pleat to the stripe over pleat to the sett! I will first find out what "pleat pattern" will give me the most purple. My first kilt will be a traditional fit tartan dress model from Freedom Kilts.

I am lucky because I will actually be able to view a 16oz SOS kilt sewn by Cathy Mac worn by her husband, Red, @ the Pensacola,Florida Ren' Faire being held the first weekend in March only 55miles from my home!! Just happens it's the same weekend I was planning to come home after 2 months on the road!