Old Mackenzie tartan kilt fits (sort of)!

[QMcK]

Yes, this Christchurch is on the other side of the world.

As for the height of the kilt: I am wearing it pulled up over my lowest ribs. I did pull it up as far as I could, but there wasn't enough room in the waist to pull it up much above my waist. But thanks for pointing that out. When I said I want a kilt that I can wear as I would trousers, I was meaning I want one that I would not need an excuse to wear.

About Paypal - I saw that you could pay using that, but I'm nervous about using my bank details with the internet. Maybe I should.

Those "casual kilts on sale" kilts at Burnett & Struth do seem good value. I could afford it. But I can imagine what Dad would say if he knew I was spending my inheritance money on a kilt. "When are you going to wear that?" Truth is, probably only a couple of times a month (if that). I would feel bad about spending that much on a kilt, when I do have a really good quality one already. Plus, I would think every time I wanted to wear it - "why not wear trousers, so that it won't matter so much if I get them dirty."

That's a good idea 1oldsarge. I'll have to take my measurements. I'm still above my optimum weight, so I think I should wait. That's also a reason I've been thinking about a great kilt - My weight can go up and down a bit and it doesn't matter.

About sewing a kilt: I have done almost no sewing. I did do six months of "home economics" at school, which included some sewing, but I wasn't very good.

Thanks for the replies.

[QMcK]

Take a picture and crop out your top half, we promise to be kind. I use paint.net for photos. Free download and easier to use than irfanview.

I don't know that I want to cut myself in half.

[NewGuise]

I, too, can vouch for Burnett's and Struth - not the quality of a handmade kilt, but nor the same cost, and the fit is good, for roughly the cost of the tartan you'd need to make a great kilt. Christchurch certainly gets cool enough to warrant 16oz wool. So ... just go for it. It's your inhertance!

Unless you really want a perfect, perfectly-fitted handmade box-peated kilt, in which case I'd have another recommendation...

[QMcK]

Wow. Is that how much tartan fabric costs? I thought I'd be able to get what I needed for a great kilt for $50 or so. As someone pointed out in another thread, I might be lucky and get a bargan. I thought $50 would be just the normal price, though.

Oh, I see what you mean. You're talking about tartan fabric I'd buy from an online tartan retailer. Well, clan tartans weren't around when the great kilt was worn, so I was planning to go to a fabric store and get just any tartan pattern. It doesn't even need to be tartan, actually. Could be a solid colour.

[QMcK]

Now I think it might be my best bet to just wear that Burnside Highschool kilt skirt I have. I read somewhere that there were kilts which could have different apron closures. Right over left if you're working and may soil the apron; and left over right for when you want to look good.

So what, exactly, is the big deal about wearing a kilt with a right over left closure (buckles on left hand side). Isn't that like the type of stupidity in clothing options we are trying to overcome?

It is quite a short length of material (would be less than 4 yards, I suspect). It has about 18 wide knife pleats (not very deep). It is good for what I want. I only wish that the wool was a tad thicker. Although, as I think someone suggested a while ago, I could line it.

[Chas]

Quentin,

Before you make any decisions, check out all the options. I have dealt with these people and am more than satisfied. I have a lightweight and a heavyweight and I must say that the attention to detail is awesome.

http://www.thefrugalcorner.com/

Regards

Chas

[QMcK]

I was a bit put off the idea of acrylic kilts when I read that they tend to trap body heat. I don't need to wear it in summer, though. But I suppose an acrylic kilt would still be much, much better than trousers on a hot day (probably better than shorts, too).

If you saw a young man wearing a kilt skirt (altered to the correct length) with a good sporran, hose and flashes, would you think "cross dresser" or simply "can't afford a man's kilt"? Or would you think I was ignorant and didn't know the difference? I suspect that my sporran, which I think is quite a good one (it's a leather day sporran, and obviously well made - not a cheap novelty item), would indicate that I'm not ignorant enough to not know the difference.

Here's the website of our Scottish shop, if anyone wants to have a look. http://www.kildonan.co.nz/

[fluter]

Wow. Is that how much tartan fabric costs? I thought I'd be able to get what I needed for a great kilt for $50 or so..

You mentioned the Celtic Croft: their homespun makes a nice great kilt/belted plaid. I have not tried one of their tailored kilts, but others have reservations about the "economy" model using that blend.

So if you're interested in a belted plaid, that's an option. Otherwise your idea of wearing what you have is good, too. You can take your time in deciding anything further.

Afterthought: it's possible to hem your kilt a couple of inches shorter, without cutting the fabric. It's not difficult, just takes a bit of time. Well, actually quite a bit. But easily do-able.

[QMcK]

Yes, I do have quite a few options to consider.

The kilt skirt has already been shortened to the correct length. It falls just above my knee.

I got it for my school formal in 2005. It cost something like $175, I think. I thought there would be no way I could buy a mans kilt. Pitty I didn't know about this website and about the cheaper options back then.

Thank you very much! I was waiting for someone to suggest I wouldn't look too silly in an altered kilt skirt.

[Squeaky McMurdo]

Here's a thread on converting a lady's kilt into a man's http://www.xmarksthescot.com/forum/d...003/index.html

Now if our dang immigration papers had gone through in a timely manner I would offer to bring your kilt over for you to save shipping charges. We're moving to Christchurch.

But now I'm pregnant and apparently NZ has a problem with that. lol.


--Chelsea McMurdo--

Edit: Have you thought about strap extenders for your good kilt?