Want to buy husband his first kilt- Help!11

[Pat Bowen]

Wow! What a response! I am so impressed with all of you quick returns for me. Yes, Bowen is my husbands name and he is very proud of it. He has thought of a Welsh tartan but he just cant make his mind up and again I want this to be his choice. I will be honored if he choose mine (Anderson), but this is something that I feel in a personal choice. I will be proud to be with him in what ever he chooses.

I liked all your suggestions, it really makes sense to get him a 5yard kilt, because of the heat and the weight. This being his first I am sure that he will want to make some changes once he wears a kilt and gets the feel for it.

I have started a list of the kilt makers that everyone suggested and I plan to do all my research before we make a decision. I favor a kilt maker here in the US so that I can have better contact with them if needed.

The events that we attend are church, dinner, awards banquets (grandson), and Highland Games. But.....he said he would wear it anywhere I wanted him to. Yea, he is that kind of man! Wonderful.

Thank you all for sharing all your thoughts. It helps when you cant make a decision and it involves this kind of money. If anyone else has anything to add, please feel free. I have really enjoyed reading all the threads. Soooo much good info and just plan fun!

Pat

[SteveB]

Pat, from Boston, Massachusetts. I have worn a kilt most of my life. The 16 oz. wool approximately 7 yards Anderson that I wore for forty years has been comfortable in North Dakota in January, and just as comfortable in Texas in July. The wool kilt is a great insulator of both the heat and the cold. The wool kilt takes a lot of care to keep it looking great. Today I have a variety of kilts. A P/V from Rocky (USA Kilts) that is easy care that I can wear everywhere. An SWK semi-trad that I wear to certain events and to church each week. A homemade solid colour denim kilt that I wear for walking around the neighborhood and mountain hiking. For around the house, I wear an SWK thrifty. I inherited a Freedom Kilt solid that I wear to sporting events.
If your husband likes any of the Tartans that Rocky advertises in his Semi-Traditional line, it would be a great everyday kilt. Use the tartan finder for the wool kilt and select a tartan that will be for semi-formal and formal occasions. For many hours of entertainment, check out the kilt dos and don'ts started by Pour1Malt.

[Coinneach]

from both southern US coasts!

If you've been to Highland Games, you may already have spoken with one or two of the wonderful kiltmakers who participate on this board. It sounds like most of your other events are inside. Since you've mentioned this is a big investment, you might want to consider the "big investment" kilt for the indoors events, and a less expensive kilt for outdoor events.

Honestly, your ever-so-lucky husband is going to want/need more than one kilt, don't you think? It's really the best way to keep him in his place.

[davedove]

If you decide to go with a Welsh tartan, or even if you don't, Alexis Malcolm is a US kiltmaker that does a wonderful job.

http://www.alexismalcolmkilts.bigstep.com/homepage.html

[Frank McGrath]

1. Move to Maryland.
2. Visit USA Kilts.

[SteveB]

Pat, you can also get Barb T's book, The art of Kiltmaking, and sew a kilt for your husband. Whatever tartan is used, it will be his favourite.

[ChattanCat]

Pat, you can also get Barb T's book, The art of Kiltmaking, and sew a kilt for your husband. Whatever tartan is used, it will be his favourite.

Barb T's book is great. It gives you the inside scoop on what makes a high quality knife pleated kilt. But, I must warn you that once you know what quality is, you may not be happy with a budget kilt.

As a traditional kiltmaker, I would recommend that you buy the book and research who makes traditional custom fitted kilts. There are two major types to consider, the 4 yard box pleat (Matt Newsome) and the 8 yard knife pleat.

Kilts should last a generation or three. We scots are typically frugal, but not when it comes to kilts. Nothing like having something that really fits well and you can pass it down to future generations.

Cheers,
Wallace

[SteveB]

Barb T's book is great. It gives you the inside scoop on what makes a high quality knife pleated kilt. But, I must warn you that once you know what quality is, you may not be happy with a budget kilt.

As you do sew, you can check out Barb T's hints on the D.I.Y. Forum. She is a great kiltmaker and shares her wisdom freely on this board. Whatever way you go, remember to follow the measuring instructions of the kiltmaker you are selecting, as each has their own way of doing it. I sewed my first kilt before getting Barb's book. After reading her book, I found ALL the the things I did completely wrong on the kilt. The second one is looking better.... You can check out the various advertisers wares in the Photo Gallery section of this board as many of us post pictures of our kilts. Also pictures are imbedded in the posts under the various advertiser threads.

Now if only my spouse supported my kilting like you do....

[Derek]

Hi Pat,
Since your husband is obviously proud of his Welsh Heritage I would have to opt for the Welsh Bowen Tartan Cilt. They have certainly come down in price over the last few years and a 14oz 8yd Welsh Cilt will last for years and years to come even with constant daily wear in all sorts of conditions. I can testify to that. You could even order it through the Welsh Tartan Centre and it will be made by a Welsh Cilt maker in Mid Wales.
Just my thoughts, but whatever your husband decides, welcome him to the very comfy world of Cilts/Kilts.
Iechyd Da
Derek

[thescot]

Welcome from a fellow Georgian--this one in Conyers.

Don't get anything less than a 13 oz which will be fine in the summer. (May get a little warm, but then it is wool.) A lighter weight just won't hang or have the same swing as heavier wool, and it blows up in the wind too easily besides.

Secondly, it would be worth a trip to Franklin, NC to get with a real kilt maker, i.e., Matt Newsome. (I dont' get a kick back for referrals!) He can advise you, measure your husband, and take you through the whole process. And he can show you some real tartan which just doesn't look the same when you only see pictures or swatches.

I don't know what part of Georgia you're in, but you can make a day trip to Franklin if needs be if you're no farther south than Atlanta. But I would recommend spending the night in that beautiful part of the world.

Finally, definitely let him pick the tartan so he'll have something he likes. A good kilt is no small thing, either in money or appearance, and it would behoove you to take your time and do it right.

We all know he is a lucky man to have a woman who is so supportive and kind.

Keep us posted and show pictures!