I have mixed emotions in regard your dillemma Paul. From first glance I think the hose look great with the kilt tartan, but on closer inspection agree that there is a blue undertone to the medium grey in the hose that is not there in the tartan. Probably most people would not notice it and thereforewould be satisfied, but you did notice it and it will forever bug you if you decide to keep them. It seems your hose-maker agreed with you that it was an imperfect match and agreed to take them back, so it is purely up to you. However, getting a perfect match may not be possible, may not be possible at that price point, and getting a perfect match may cost you a pretty schilling to do so in addition to the undesireable delay you seem to want to avoid, reason withstanding.

Tough decision, but yours and yours alone to make my friend. I have made similar and been able to get over my constant awareness of the known imperfection, but I have also been bugged to death by the same thing at times. I do not envy you your choices. But I do wish you good luck with your project.

Lovely tartan by the way---did we ever declare what it was to the rabble, or did I simply miss it?

Jeff