Wonderful! Thank you all very much for the input. It sounds as though I should be able to go ahead with this (now just a question of who to have make it -- I like both Steve and John, so I suppose the question is whether I want it handsewn or machinesewn) with black straps... I know the third strap is superfluous, but I like "bits", so I'll need to think that through.

Quote Originally Posted by Woodsman View Post
I don't really know enough to answer your question, but personally I like the look of the weathered tartans. It seems to me that they go with a lot of colors when matching up a shirt with them. Are other tartans available in a weathered version?
If you check out Locharron's page on tartans, under each brand (?) is a list of available tartans. Those with letters after them give you an indication of which are available in weathered. For example, my family is listed under the Strome as "Davidson Clan A/M/W", which means it's available as ancient, moden, or weathered. So keep your eyes peeled for W's!