PV versus Wool

**ccga3359** · 30th November 07, 06:20 PM

Originally Posted by Jennifer D

I love the mental image of a terry cloth kilt. What great fun when getting out of the shower!

Like this*?

*Did you hear that? The collective eyes of the rabble rolling back in their heads

!

**Cage** · 30th November 07, 06:26 PM

Originally Posted by ccga3359

Like this*?

*Did you hear that? The collective eyes of the rabble rolling back in their heads

!

Link adjustment

edited note: sorry forgot to add that I fixed the link in the quoted text in my reply post

**James MacMillan** · 30th November 07, 06:32 PM

Originally Posted by ccga3359

Like this*?

*Did you hear that? The collective eyes of the rabble rolling back in their heads

!

No! More like this.

**James MacMillan** · 30th November 07, 06:06 PM

Originally Posted by RockyR

Keep in mind one little saying I like to use:

No matter how good of a kiltmaker you have, when you start with poor quality material you end up with a poor quality kilt.

Rocky that's so true. But it is also true that there are good quality to be found in non-wool fabrics. So many of the kiltmakers seem to think that there is no other fabric. (not you)

One of my favorite all around everyday kilts is a wool blend casual in Black Stewart. But I don't have a high-end wool in that tartan yet either. Second favorite for everyday wear is a modified (I sewed down the fell) SWK economy. The tanks have their place too.

**Jennifer D** · 30th November 07, 05:36 PM

Hurray and Huzzah! My hubby is now getting 3 kilts for Christmas instead of one. What a lucky boy he is.

Thanks for the help gentlemen. I'll keep my eyes peeled for more money saving tips.

**Jennifer D** · 30th November 07, 05:59 PM

I see... I guess we'll find out when it comes. I've got my fingers crossed. At worst he can wear it times he'd be getting dirtier than usual - like I do with old jeans.

**Bugbear** · 30th November 07, 07:48 PM

I've stopped comparing fabrics on the kilts because I like the feel and look of the wool, the PV, canvas, and even the achrylic each in a different way. If it's good fabric, good construction, I can live with the pros and cons of each. A lot of us don't have the budget to have several tanks, so enjoy what you can get.

**Riverkilt** · 30th November 07, 08:16 PM

Welcome Drillagent,

Money certainly is a factor. Sounds like you're a prime candidate for the USA Kilts semi-traditional in PV.

But, if there's any way you can swing a hand sewn wool kilt from someone like Barb Tewksbury or Kathy Lare then its gonna be worth it.

For me, the wool kilts are for the tartans that I am most honored to wear, that I wanna stand tallest in, that touch my heart and swell my chest because of their meaning to me.

Not sure about other kiltmakers, but remember, Kathy Lare only takes a deposit to get started, then balance when the kilt is complete. That lets you keep saving toward the cost of the hand sewn while she's bringing in the fabric and doing the sewing.

Sadly, I don't think any photos do justice to the difference between PV and wool kilts - but in person the difference is incredibly obvious. That isn't to put down PV - but to build up wool.

Don't know if it means anything, but of the 48 kilts I own 18 are PV and 9 are wool. (okay...two leather, and the rest cotton or cotton poly)

Don't know if this helps...

Above is a hand sewn wool kilt by Kathy Lare in the Leatherneck tartan. There's some wind blowing the pleats about.

And this is a pic of the USA Kilts semi-traditional in PV in the Army tartan, also with some wind in the pleats.

Take some time to explore Hamish's gallery too...some excellent close ups of wook and PV kilts, might help you decide.

Which is more beautiful, the rose or the orchid....personal choice.

You can't lose either way.

Ron

**MacHummel** · 30th November 07, 08:17 PM

I agree with Rocky and Steve on the wool over the PV, a well made wool kilt has the all that your looking for in a kilt ,but i am allergic to wool so a great alternatvie for is the PV, I went through a great many fabrics to finds the right stuff I own wool kilts and when I do wear them i suffer so when I found the PV from MM it was perfect for what I needed it for, the next best thing . I wear my PV kilts in the winter but not to shovel the drive way, I did wear a kilt out on the Rideau canal but I put long johns on, thanks to Steve's suggestion. Personally I love the wool kilts and i make them for customers but I really love the PV, its been a dream to work with.

**Andrew Breecher** · 1st December 07, 12:44 AM

I have two wool kilts which I love. I have two PV kilts which I love. They each have their own place. I've backpacked 5,000+ miles in one PV kilt, and it's still going strong. I have to get around to sending it back to the kiltmaker so he can frame it and put it on his wall. While I was backpacking (2,000 miles into the hike) people kept commenting on how the pleats were still perfect. They accused me of sneaking an iron into the wilderness.

That said, I really do prefer the feel of a wool kilt. The others have said it: wool is a beautiful material to make a kilt out of. But PV is really great too.

Andrew.