My order from Lochcarron arrived

[SF Jeff]

I'm a little late to this thread so I'll cover some of the several topics that have been raised in one shot.

1. Lochcarron: Two of my three kilts are Lochcarron wool (the third is a mystery) and I find it to be of high quality and I have no complaints. The OP will feel the same I'm sure. I'm considering a new kilt in a tartan that, as far as I know, is only spun by HoE in 13oz wool. If I do go ahead, it will be interesting to compare it to the Lochcarron wool.

2. PV kilts: Not interested. Perhaps if I participated in heavy athletics, but otherwise, no. I also don't judge anyone who goes this route, especially if it's for financial reasons; you do what you can do.

3. Casual kilts: All three of my kilts are casual kilts. 5-6 yards of 13 oz wool, machine sewn, and they work just fine for me. I'm not sure a 16oz 9 yard tank hanging on my skinny waist would look good or even be practical. I essentially have no hips and that's a lot of weight and fabric to hang from my waist with no hip support.

4. Bargains: They're out there, you just need to look. My first kilt was an incredible bargain. Custom made kilt that the buyer had paid for and never picked up. The retailer just wanted to get rid of it (it being an uncommon size) and I got it for $100 USD. It is well made, fits well, and has picked up a stain here and there and moth hole or two along the way, but I like these battle scars and in a sentimental way it's my favorite kilt.

5. 38R's are everywhere: I guess I need to look a little harder. I'm a 38 R/L (depends on the manufacturer) and I don't see them too often. Most everything is 40 or above. That being said, I did score a deal on Etsy for a 38R tweed kilt jacket in near perfect condition. Probably vintage late 60's or early 70's judging by the design of the label sewn inside. $75 USD included shipping from the UK.

6. Speaking of shipping... A few years ago I ordered lederhose from a shop in Vienna. I put the order in Sunday night (monday morning their time) and Fedex delivered it Thursday afternoon. And that was not expedited shipping. I also recently ordered from Kinnaird in Canada and got the package in four days, and Canada Post is not known for their speed, especially when the US is the destination. The above mentioned jacket from the UK also got to my local post office quickly, but they sat on it for 5 days before delivering it.

7. HoE Argylls in peat etc... They are everywhere now. It seems to me that many highland wear retailers are now carrying HoE jackets and vests as their default offering, whereas before it was Gaelic Themes. I might be wrong on this though, because I spend more time on piping supply websites and they're all about Gaelic Themes apparel, maybe because the lower cost appeals to bands. But I might be wrong on this also.

That's all. Carry on...