Happy Birthday to ME!

[YoungMan]

Chronologically during my birthday today:
1) Boss informs me that we got enough work done today that I don't have to come in at 7am on Saturday as scheduled.
2) Got a call from my dream company saying that I had been chosen to interview with them for a position I really want.
3) During dinner, my Dad says "You know what you need?" "A new kilt!"


At that point my instincts kick in, and I turn into a rambling one main debate about tartan, pleat, and kiltmaker. After I come back to my senses, my second response is "Do you know how much a good kilt costs?" I spent some time informing and decided that I would appreciate the gift while not taking advantage of it. I offered to split the final costs with him 50/50.

Now to the business. What oh what shall I get?
My first thought:
8yd 16oz Young Modern knifed to the sett
http://www.tartansauthority.com/tart...n_name_search=

Other strong considerations:
- Tennessee State Tartan
http://www.tartansauthority.com/tart...n_name_search=
(Always a West TN boy at heart. Would love to have a piece of the Volunteer state with me that also reflects my Scottish heritage.)

- Military Box Pleating (like the idea of something with the swish but that will keep the pleats well while seated for long periods)


Just wanted to get some feedback. Opinions, etc.
Knife versus Military Box
Young M versus Tennessee State

[McElmurry]

I am not sufficiently experienced to have an opinion but I will say HAPPY BIRTHDAY!

[Tartan Hiker]

I really like both tartans. From a purely aesthetic standpoint I like the Young better, but that's just me. Once again I'm glad the folks in TN resisted the urge to put a lot of orange into the state tartan.

I'd not discount the 4-yard box pleat option. It gets mighty warm in Knoxville, and you'll appreciate the lower R value. They sit well, too.

[artificer]

If it were my decision, I'd go with the Young. Happy B-Day!

[Inchessi]

No matter what happens, DON'T WAKE UP!!!



I cast my vote to Young. My preference is towards "Family First" I say this knowing that in the far off future I will purchase a Indiana tartan.

[dfmacliam]

Happy Birthday! And with such grand plans on a kilt, I feel the Family tartan would be the most practical. You would tend to get more wear out of it for more formal functions and that military box pleat would be sharp, dressed up.

Not to discount the Tennessee tartan, but I feel it would be worn for more of a day wear situation. LOL Jock Scot has gotten into my head, and I see fewer kilts, but more accessories is a very practical way to go. (Nothing against our many members who enjoy their many kilts in their collections)

[Riverkilt]

Go with your gang colors. And deal direct with a kiltmaker.

[Hothir Ethelnor]

Military box pleats (probably) don't hold their shape as well as normal knife pleats because they are folded two directions with a very small amount of fabric on the one side of the fold. I would guess that they will tend to get slightly more disheveled when sitting on them.

On the other hand it's a fun style and something interesting. I will make a mil. box one of these days for myself. (I'm collecting kilts in all pleating styles. Right now I have box, double box, and kingussie.)

So if you have a knife pleated kilt already or want something unusual go for mil. box but don't expect it to hold up better. (if anything it should be the same and only need a light pressing after you wash it.)

Family comes before state so I'd add my vote for the Young M.

[xman]

Personally, I would absolutely and whole heartedly knife pleat that Young tartan to the light blue lines for a smart as dandy looking kilt ... you lucky dog!

[Nighthawk]

Tennessee, man! I wear the Colorado State tartan because Colorado is my home. I am not a Scot, I'm a Coloradan. Therefore, the tartan of my home was slightly more meaningful. Like you said- it represents both home, and heritage, as opposed to my MacLeod tartan kilt, which only represents heritage.

Oh yeah- and I love box pleats!