My Keltoi MacDonald of Clanranald box-pleat

[Danwell]

I've been browsing around these forums for a few years on and off, toying with the idea of finally ordering myself a kilt. I asked some questions, and received a few recommendations from people with far more experience than I.....I followed one of these, and after being unhappy with extremely poor communication and broken promises I thought I better do this right the first time. With that in mind, I sent an email to John at Keltoi.

I always knew I was going to order the kilt in MacDonald of Clanranald.....I'd never seen the colours in real life (only on my computer screen), but some advice from Xman and John led me to choose the muted version from Marton Mills. I'm extremely happy with my choice (thanks Xman ), but my pictures really don't do this kilt justice. I've always liked the box pleated kilts, and after seeing the picture of John's handiwork on his own page (below), my preference was confirmed.


Countless emails between John and I followed - and at this point I really must thank John again for his never ending patience with me. I fired question after question at him, asking for advice and suggestions, and he always found the time to write me a detailed email back giving me options. There was some options I didn't have a preference for and I let John make the decision on those..........and I couldn't be happier with the end result.

SO, fast forward a couple of months and I received a knock on the door this morning at 7:30am from a courier company.
Who's it from?? Ah yes, that looks familiar!


The box it came in......


.......and inside the box.....


........this is what I found. All wrapped up safely for its trip of 15,000 kilometres (or approx 9,300 miles).


I took the kilt out and unrolled it....


....and then flipped it over to see the pleats. It this point, you might be able to see that there are FIVE rows of basting stitches! There was no way that these pleats were going to be anything other than perfect when this kilt was unpacked. John's attention to detail doesn't stop there - more on this in my next post!


I laid the kilt out on my spare bed....


.....and had a good look up close at the inside of the kilt.


There are a total of twelve pleats, and given my waist and bum measurements, I think they're perfect. I opted for two buckles on John's advice, there is a double fringe, and two belt loops (as a new convert from p@nts, please don't hold this against me ).

When I've had a chance to wear it and enjoy it and can give a proper review, I'll post some more pictures and some more information.


In the meantime, I would not hesitate to recommend Keltoi to anyone who will listen - absolutely first class customer service and product, and really made this kilt newbie feel comfortable in his decisions.


.

[Riverkilt]

Very nice cousin, but show us some pics of that puppy strapped on....

[BoldHighlander]

Very nice cousin, but show us some pics of that puppy strapped on....

Hear! Hear!

[DesertCeltic]

I have a MacDonald of Clanranald coming too. Great pics, but have to agree with Ron regarding pics of you wearing it.

[piperdbh]

My Chief's mother was a MacDonald of Clanranald, so I want to see that kilt in action, too!

[Danwell]

I'm bogged down in university assignments at the moment, so I'm not in a state to be photographed!! I'll get some up as soon as I can though

[CMcG]

I'm bogged down in university assignments at the moment, so I'm not in a state to be photographed!! I'll get some up as soon as I can though

There is no better study break than to put on a kilt and take pictures

[xman]

I'm very glad to have been of assistance. The kilt looks fine so far, but I must join the chorus and call you to your study break.

[Andy Proffitt]

Great looking, I'm sure you'll love it Very timely for me too, I have been thinking of a new addition and Keltoi has been on my short list. After seeing your kilt, I think they are the only ones.

[McConnell Mor]

Its a BEAUTY! That is going to be my next Tartan.