The corollary to this emphasis on how I FEEL about a connection to a tartan, I would also say that I love, absolutely love the idea of handing down a kilt to my son, if I had one. I would love to BE the son that had a kilt handed down TO me!

You who have such things, or have a son are blessed!

The other corollary is that I am becoming pickier about WHO MAKES my kilts. I want that connection that I feel. I am not inclined to purchase a kilt from a random kiltmaker any more. OK, I might buy a knockaround tartan kilt for working out in, from "off the hook" but any "nice" kilt I wear in the future will be made by Rocky from USA Kilts, or Steve at Freedom kilts, or Barb.....or way2fractious...... because I feel a connection to those kiltmakers.

Kilts, at least my "nice" ones have become personal objects with memories, connections and implications for me.....and not just another garment like a pair of blue jeans. I have "blue jeans" kilts, too, but the ones that COUNT are different.

And now I think I've written enough in this thread and will leave it to others to continue, or not.