I'm of the opinion that tartans look much better pleated to the sett rather than to the stripe.

I don't like the contrast between the back and the apron. Tartan pleated to the sett looks much better in my opinion.

BTW, I'd love to see you write a series of articles, with photos, about how to make your own kilt. The hand stitching directions in The Art of Kiltmaking has frightened my better half away from her commitment to sew me a kilt this summer.