First Great Kilt

[Clockwork]

So, I finally received my first Great Kilt today and after spending a moment first figuring out how to put it on, I think I finally got it. I threw on what I had, which resulted in wearing a belt that seems a bit flashy as compared to everything else and maybe not the best shirt, but they both functioned and that's what's important to me. I think it looks decent at least. I'll have to get more photos, but this is all I have right now. The tartan is Gordon Modern.



Cheers,
-Jake

[TheOfficialBren]

I've always admired the Gordan tartan.

[Dale Seago]

Certainly looks fine to me!!

The penannular brooch, boots, shirt, etc. don't combine to fit any particular historical period; but no matter. It's a good "look". I like it!

[TheOfficialBren]

A word of caution regarding penannular broaches. I have seen people poke nasty holes in fine cloth with those before. I hope you remembered that it is more like a clamp than a pin.

[Clockwork]

A word of caution regarding penannular broaches. I have seen people poke nasty holes in fine cloth with those before. I hope you remembered that it is more like a clamp than a pin.

Well, I did that as you can probably tell from the photo. I'll keep that in mind for future wear though. I am curious though; if it's not intended to pierce through the fabric, why do they give the tip a sharp point instead of leaving it dull and rounded? It seems misleading if it's not intended to actually penetrate the fabric, as it goes through rather easily.

Cheers,
-Jake

[Dale Seago]

I am curious though; if it's not intended to pierce through the fabric, why do they give the tip a sharp point instead of leaving it dull and rounded? It seems misleading if it's not intended to actually penetrate the fabric, as it goes through rather easily.

I have a couple of penannulars and a couple of later-period ring brooches. It's a simple matter to blunt and round the points of the pins; then they simply push the fibers aside without damaging anything.

[TheOfficialBren]

That is a good point, Dave.

Clockwork, they are designed to clamp the fabric. Here's how:

1) Let the "pin" fall through the slot on the ring.
2) Grab the fabric you wish to secure and get a thick bit of it ready.
3) Press the fabric against the ackside of the ring until it starts to seem like a 'dome,' leaving a small amount of space by the slot on the ring.
4) Bring the 'pin' through the slot on the ring.
5) Rotate the ring until the pin is sufficiently away from the slot so as not to fall out.

Voila! Presto! You have use a penannular broach. They are designed to secure fabric without piercing it. They have been in use since early antiquity, long before the Highlanders. This type of broach has been found all over Euroe and Asia in pretty much every historical period and culture since the Bronze Age. The Vikings were big fans of them. The Romans loved them. The Celts from all over made them in the "classic" style that we are most familiar with today. Great accessory...totally practical.

[Clockwork]

In all honesty, I wasn't aiming for any particular period. I may be chastised for that, but the feile mor is more than just an historical garment to me. I find its versatile yet simplistic nature to be very appealing. This kilt will be seeing much outdoor use, as will the boots. The things I decided to wear in this picture (aside from the shirt) are things I think will be able to endure the outdoors, with the kilt itself probably being the most susceptible to damage. But, I bought it knowing that and intend to put it to (what I consider) good use.

I forgot to mention in my original post that the kilt is from the House of Edgar Nevis line, purchased through the Scottish Tartans Museum Gift Shop.

Cheers,
-Jake