With the exceptions of the kilts I bought when I bought the PCs for our wedding (I made all the kilts for the wedding myself), my "kilt money" doesn't come from my 9 to 5 job. Luckily (for me), I have the skills that allow me to do some freelance work every once in a while (and now that I have a "company" that represents me, I'm getting more extra offers). My money from my freelance work goes to kilts. That way, I don't impact the family finances with my hobby. (at the moment, I have the steady income (with benefits) job -- so my salary is what we live off of). I really want a second PC (or similar kilt jacket), but I typically want a new kilt more. I am in negotiations for another "freelance gig" and if the money comes through quickly, I might buy a new jacket (although I really want an alpha kilt).

Anyway, to the new folks -- you don't need a ton of money, nor do you need a made to measure tank to get started. The Still waters and Frugle kilts are a great start (and that is what most of mine are). I save my two (soon to be three) made to measures for special events (1 is a tank, one is a great one from Rocky, and the third is my forth coming Punk Alt-kilt).

If you really want a lot of kilts for a lower price -- learn to make them. I decided I'm never going to make a tartan kilt again (but after making 6 for the wedding -- I never want to sew any fabric with any sort of stripe again!). I have a casual kilt I'm working on, that i haven't touched in about a year -- maybe in this new attempt to show that we aren't rich I need to get back to it.

I think my sewing machine is calling!

Chris.