Out with the old... and in with?

[joshuawray17]

Hey folks,

It's been quite some time since I was last here. So long that I have forgotten my old login.

Anyhoo, I have finally reached the point that I believe that I need to retire my Standard Stillwater Weathered McKenzie Kilt. It has lasted me for about three years and has served me well during that time... considering the relatively low cost.

I had the unfortunate experience of taking this kilt to the local cleaners to hopefully having the pleats pressed back into some type of shape. Unfortunately, the cleaners steam-pressed the whole shebang. The pleats are no longer even, but that's only a minor issue. The straps are the largest issue now. It turns out that the facing on the straps are a combination of some type of plastic that is glued to the leather strap. When the cleaners pressed the straps (don't ask me why) the glue melted, the plastic shrank and glue got on several places on the kilt.

So, I've ordered a replacement PV Kilt in "Heritage of Scotland" tartan from my local vendor, MacKinnon's Kilts. They were having a 12 days of Christmas sale. I also ordered some purple flashes and a jersey as well, for an options on outfits.

That being said, I am also looking at, finally, having a medium weight wool kilt made. Mr. Macdonald on this forum has recommended Ms. Kathy Lare to me on one or more occasions, so I plan to work with her, no intended offence to my local shops.

So, measurements are made, and I'm coming to the point contengency that we all face... What tartan?

I know this is a question that only I can answer. I've narrowed it down to either the popular "Isle of Skye", "Spirit of the Highlands" or my clan MacFarlane (Red) tartan.

I know that the first two are nice to look at, but as a piper who plays occasional gigs, I believe that my clan tartan, along with a doublet and piper's plaid would suit the traditional look of the thing.

However, the look of the IOS w/plaid with brown brogues, belt, and a grey or khaki doublet might give a different look to the setup.

Any thoughts?

[MacMillans son]

You are right in that only you can answer that question, however if it were me I would go with my clan tartan first. There is never any question about it being "right". I can also provide a recommendation for Kathy Lare. I have two kilts made by her she does really nice work.

Best of luck, regardless of the tartan decision you make.

[madmacs]

Gut instinct for me would be clan tartan too... Of course another way to look at it is, which will you use most?

[joshuawray17]

I will probably use my "formal" woolen kilt for solo gigs and more formal gatherings. So basically, anything where a jacket would be appropriate.

The PV kilt will probably see use at games, parades and pipe camp in Carlsbad every summer.

[Chas]

Hi Joshua,

Not wanting to stir things up, and you will of course have your own reasons for doing things, but are you aware that the surname Wray is considered to be a part of Clan MacRae?

Regards

Chas

[OC Richard]

I too play the pipes, and my favourite kilt is currently my Isle of Skye. I get comments about how nice it is at every gig.

I would recommend getting a 16oz kilt: it hangs better, looks better, feels better, wears better.

As people have said, only you can make your choice of tartan, and most people feel there's something nice about wearing "your" tartan. I myself choose kilts because I like the colours. My new kilt is Auld Scotland, another lovely recently-designed tartan.

BTW any kiltmaker will warn you not to have your kilt pressed at a drycleaners, or if you do so baste the pleats beforehand so that they will be pressed correctly. Most drycleaners don't know how to press pleats.

Anyhow here I am in my Isle of Skye. It looks great with a black jacket or a tweed jacket.





I've long wanted to get a pair of brown ghillies, but I wouldn't want to get all my accessories matching brown... to me it looks a bit overdone when I see somebody with everything exactly matching brown.

[joshuawray17]

Good suggestion. However, I do not carry Wray as a surname. Miller is my surname which leaves me a couple of choices in family or clan tartans. As with many here in the USA, the further back I look (genealogically) the more options I have.