I'm sure it's different for each of us, but once I realized and felt that I had a tartan, it made everything much easier for me. I'll have to choose a style of kilt and a kilt maker, which alters the cost somewhat, but the tartan is no longer an issue. Since it is a special weave and only made by one weaver, it is no longer a variable.

I no longer have to worry about the cost of the fabric, just work toward it; that brought a bit of peace of mind.