Turpin Sporran and a Kathy Lare Kilt

**Panache** · 29th October 09, 03:24 PM

Originally Posted by Steve Ashton

... officially there are now new rules.

Hey does that include the rule I suggested where "all handsewn Kathy Lare kilts with a 35" waist and a 23 1/2" drop (designed to fit a willowy but masculine build) must be sent to San Jose to Panache for an extended trial period to ensure quality products for our members" ?

I liked that one a lot!

Cheers

Jamie :ootd:

**Steve Ashton** · 29th October 09, 04:11 PM

Good try Jamie.

**Rob Wright** · 31st October 09, 01:30 PM

Originally Posted by Panache

Hey does that include the rule I suggested where "all handsewn Kathy Lare kilts with a 35" waist and a 23 1/2" drop (designed to fit a willowy but masculine build) must be sent to San Jose to Panache for an extended trial period to ensure quality products for our members" ?

I liked that one a lot!

Cheers

Jamie :ootd:

Only if that includes allowing me to have multiple avatars at a time!

Rob

**Arizona Scot** · 29th October 09, 10:44 AM

Both the kilt and the sporran look great, can't wait to see them worn. Both makers are true artist in their respective fields.

**Splash_4** · 29th October 09, 01:46 PM

Thanks Glen. I was also going to say that I was unaware of a new rule. We have always allowed members to post reviews of their purchases and their dealings with vendors weather they be advertisers here or not. What we have not allowed is vendors coming here with the sole purpose of pushing their wares.

**ChubRock** · 31st October 09, 09:42 AM

Now the kilt...

This was harder, I respect the quality and individual stylings of many kilt makers of the XMTS family. Matt Newsome, Lady Chrystel and Rocky made my top four. After reading about Kathy Lare from Kathy's Kilts I decided to call her. After an hour long conversation I decided to order my first hand-sewn kilt from her. This was a tough call because Matt and Robert have been very influential in my decision to go kilted, but I am sure as many of you know it's like having many family members in estate sales and having to choose just one to sell you a home.

Kathy considered the history of my tartan, clan and tradition. Together we decided not on a box pleat but a knife pleat to the sett. A 16 oz., Strome Weight, MacLellan Ancient 9-yards (for obvious reasons) from Locharron was being hand-sewn with pleats sewn down to help keeping it from being bulky was on the way to me after a couple months of waiting.

I have a 2nd hand SWK standard and it feels bulky around the hips and I was afraid a wool kilt would seem fluffy as well, Kathy assured me that a custom kilt would be nothing but flattering and feel like a tailored garment. She certainly hit the needle on the head! I asked for matching flashes to accompany and I could tell that she was a little hesitant with that. I didn't ask why, but I assured her that i wanted them for sentimental reasons as well as style. I plan on wearing them with other kilts.

So my bill including flashes, 9-yards of 16 oz. wool and insured shipping came to $600. Two months to the day of payment I received my kilt. I was nervous to open the box, afraid I had gained too much weight, the colors would be too bright, the wool would be itchy, maybe it would smell of sheep...all of these things crossed my mind. I don't think I have ever spent $600 on a suit, this was my first real item of clothing that I have ordered.

Well, it is beautiful, it smells like a new house, it is smooth and far from itchy and yes it even fit and fit well! Then the pride kicked in...MacLellan was my father's grand-mothers name and their family came from Kirkcudbright. I have read that you shouldn't be able to claim that as your tartan, but I am proudly representing my grandmothers heritage. The pride was overwhelming. As some may be able to understand, I feel like my great-grandmother was smiling upon me. Very hard to describe the feeling, but it was like the feeing I got when I set foot upon Scotland soil.

The detailing of the belt loops, straps and of course the pleats is incredible. I didn't ask for belt loops (or pay extra for them,) but they must be authentic and you can hardly see them since they were detailed into the tartan design. They are huge, maybe for a military belt. I really like the liner sewn in for protection and comfort. At this point I would change nothing! I may ask for alterations in the future as I am again working out to live longer. Thank goodness Kathy is wiling to make those alterations as needed.

The flashes are magnificent. I like the way the colors make a cross, very cool, nicely done! She also sent the extra material and my wife is looking at ways to make an accessory for herself so when we go out she can be an accessory to me. Trophy?

All in all the best purchase I have ever made except the engagement ring :-) Kathy was great to deal with, but don't expect a lot of electronic communication. Once the kilt deposit payment was received I didn't hear from her until she was done. I guess she was busy sewing her fingers to the bone and didn't have time to chit-chat. Two months for a hand-sewn 9-yard kilt? That is exceptional right?

**mbhandy** · 31st October 09, 10:27 AM

Very nice.
I agree with you about the flashes they are cool.
I have a turpin Sporran but it does not have a number

I did get a second flap that is black with red trim.

Now all you got to do is put it on and wear your Kilt.

**Rob Wright** · 31st October 09, 12:23 PM

Well done, both items are produced by craftsmen of high caliber. Of course we need to see pics of you wearing them!

Two months is actually a very good turnaround. I averaged roughly about 3.5 months for mine from her. She is a delight to talk with on the phone and she does respond to emails as her schedule permits from my experience. Wear both in good health sir!

Rob