"Heavyweight"

[bubba]

I recall seeing someplace (damned if I can remember where) that the MoD was switching to the more common 16 oz for their kilts as an economy measure citing the fact that since kilts are only worn for dress and parade there's no longer a need for the heavier and more expensive kilts.

[flyv65]

What type of formal sporran are you saving for? Been looking at a Freelander for myself.

Well, I'm kind of on the fence: I really like he Freelander sporrans, but I've already got a nice Rob Roy for my day to day use: I think I've narrowed it down to a sporran from either An t-Ileach or from Craigie Originals. I haven't seen any of An t-Ileach's work in person, but I've heard its wonderful, and Craigie made my Rob Roy, which I love. It will probably depend on who can make what by when if I finally scrape together some cash!

Bryan...how 'bout you?...

[Blu (Ontario)]

I recall seeing someplace (damned if I can remember where) that the MoD was switching to the more common 16 oz for their kilts as an economy measure citing the fact that since kilts are only worn for dress and parade there's no longer a need for the heavier and more expensive kilts.

People are a very resourceful and creative species. At some point the high cost of worsted wool will surely trigger a responce from manufacturers to provide a more widely available and more economical medium and heavy weight alternative. Something heavier than 11oz. would be nice.

Here's a silly question... is it possible to make a heavy kilt usig lightweight fabric but just use more of it... say 12 or perhaps 16 yards? I imagine that the math for the pleating would be interesting.


blu

[Barb T]

Nope, wouldn't work. The number of pleats that can be put across the back of the kilt is not infinite. Even if you wanted little bitty pleats (say 1/2" at the hips, which would admittedly look odd), and even if you were pretty good-sized (needing a kilt that's 22" across the back), that would be 44 pleats (yikes!!). Light weight tartan typically has setts no more than 6.5" across. 44 x 6.5 = 286, or 8 yards across the back of the kilt. Add another 2 yards for the apron and underapron, and you can see that 10 yards is about the max you cram into a kilt with 44 pleats. If you'd even want to.....

Barb

[bubba]

Here's a silly question... is it possible to make a heavy kilt usig lightweight fabric but just use more of it... say 12 or perhaps 16 yards? I imagine that the math for the pleating would be interesting.

blu

The only way I can see doing that is to double layer the fabric and I expect that would create an entirely new set of headaches.

[Barb T]

And it still wouldn't solve the wrinkling problem. One of the real values of heavier weight tartan is that it holds a crease really well and doesn't wrinkle.

B

[Archangel]

I recall seeing someplace (damned if I can remember where) that the MoD was switching to the more common 16 oz for their kilts as an economy measure citing the fact that since kilts are only worn for dress and parade there's no longer a need for the heavier and more expensive kilts.

...and CDN DND (do not drop) is going to velcro to cut back on sizes.

[KiltedCodeWarrior]

Bryan,

Just scored this sporran on eBay. Think it will work well when I want to wear brown shoes and more earth tones. It is the plainer brown in the background, not the fur one in the foreground. Ad says it was used for a wedding, but I think it is a little informal for that. Not sure I like the tangle of leather for each tassel, will evaluate it when I receive it, and for the price I can feel comfortable about mmaybe trying some small customizations.

Other than that, I really like the Freelander's. Do An t-Ileach or Craigie have websites?

[flyv65]

Do An t-Ileach or Craigie have websites?

An t-ileach sent me a link that I've been peeking at from time to time: IIRC, Craigie can be reached at

www.sporrans.com

Not as good a deal as you've found at e-bay, but the leather is so soft and sturdy, really high quality stuff: it might be worth a look.

Bryan...gosh, I feel like I'm contributing now...

[KiltedCodeWarrior]

KCW,

Traditional kilts (like the USA Semi-traditional) have a higher waist than AKs, PKs and other such kilts. If you decide to go with a kilt that has a lower pants-type waist, try a USA Kilts Casual. I really like mine.

Bill,

I know, I just wanted to get one kilt that was more like the traditional. So far, I have to say that I do like the lower waist type. Will see if that changes when I have a nice belt to go with the semi-trad. I noticed you are located in Deland, we used to live (more than a few years ago) in Deltona. Have you been there long?