Some general questions

[John in Texas]

Hi Luna,
dont forget about tartans such as the Scottish National or Black Watch, among others that are generally "acceptable" (?) for wear by anyone, that is why the rental companies use these tartans.

My Grandmother was born a Mac Fall, which is a sept of MacKintosh. There is no Scottish lineage on my fathers side of the family, so Im a rather distant cousin to the clan, but still family none the less and I wear the MacKintosh tartan with pride. I sure your husband will wear his Mac Dougal, or whichever he choses, tartan well, but be ready to keep the ladies away, because a kilt attracts ladies like bees to honey.


John

[luna]

Blu, thanks very much for the link. And what a good one it is. Being a techno-peasant, it's unlikely that I'd have found it on my own. It has far more MacDougall choices than any of the other sites I've been to. Again, thank you.

A question, is it safe to purchase fabric from these sites if I want to have the kilt made here? Is it safe to have them made up and delivered? And/or, can anyone recommend a sewing outfit in Ontario?

Oh my, Jacobite supporters! Had no idea.

What do men usually wear on their legs in day-to-day activities? I'm thinking hefty socks and something like climbing boots??

John, I shall take your warning to heart! My lovely kilted man will not leave my sight! Agreed, men in kilts...well, they're just to die for! It takes a lot to turn my head but last year in Bath, and with my husband, I spied a chap in a kilt and I nearly tuppled over sideways with gawking. Not one of my better moments!

Thanks to all.

[Blu (Ontario)]

Hi Luna,
FYI...You may know this already but many wool kilt tartans are custom woven in small lots. Thats one of the reasons why they are expensive. Also be aware that wool kilt fabric is woven with a selvedge (the edge of the fabric as it comes off the loom) so there is no sewn "hem" as you might find on a ladies skirt. This feature (along with the massive amount of fabric used) allows for that distinctive motion and swing when the kilt is worn. It's also the main reason why it is important to get the length measurement right.

Here is a link to a kiltmaker with staff in Toronto that can supply both fabric and kilt complete.

http://www.hector-russell.com/index.html

You are probably aware that Scottish wool kilts are expensive and are no doubt prepared for that. I suggest that it is an investment in pure joy that will last a lifetime and beyond. Your husband is indeed a lucky man!

Blu

[bubba]

Might I also suggest looking at http://www.scottishclansman.com . Their prices seem to be reasonable
Mike

[Canuck]

Luna,
Following this thread, it came to mind when I first decided to choose a kilt to wear, (I am not of Scottish heritage)I was told that it would be bad luck to wear my wife's tartan. Having worked in the theatre for most of my life superstition plays an active role.
As for a person of colour, there are many, that wear a kilt, I have seen a few and when I go Scottish dancing, there is a good racial mix.
As stated before there are tartans available for most countries.
After all is said and done...go for what you like.
If you purchase the tartan yourself you will need about 4.5 yards. There is 8-9 yards in a traditional kilt. The fabric is sold in 45" wide and 60" wide. go for the 60" if possibble some accessories such as a plaid shawl can be made from the extra.
The material is cut in half, lengthwise ( so you will have two pieces 30" wide by 4.5 yards) they are joined at one end and the joint is buried in a pleat thus giving you 9yds of fabric. Depending on the hip measurement of your husband, will determine if you use the whole 9 yards. You can choose to have it pleated to the stripe or to the set.
If you wish to make this kilt yourself There is a pattern available through Folklore. They sell through the web. The pattern comes with instructions to make a Prince Charlie Jacket, and vest. How to knit argyle socks. A pattern for a Womens skirt and knitted vest too. ($40).
I bought my first kilt (a blackwatch)and then I made two traditional. It's not difficult but the hand stitching is time consuming, however very satisfying.
Enjoy
Robert
also from Ontario

[Blu (Ontario)]

...If you wish to make this kilt yourself There is a pattern available through Folklore. They sell through the web. The pattern comes with instructions to make a Prince Charlie Jacket, and vest. How to knit argyle socks. A pattern for a Womens skirt and knitted vest too. ($40).
I bought my first kilt (a blackwatch)and then I made two traditional. It's not difficult but the hand stitching is time consuming, however very satisfying...

I've thought about trying this sometime but looking at the kilts I own as an example, it's a little intimidating. (I am bereft of any sewing experience.) Where did you buy your wool??

[Canuck]

...If you wish to make this kilt yourself There is a pattern available through Folklore. They sell through the web. The pattern comes with instructions to make a Prince Charlie Jacket, and vest. How to knit argyle socks. A pattern for a Womens skirt and knitted vest too. ($40).
I bought my first kilt (a blackwatch)and then I made two traditional. It's not difficult but the hand stitching is time consuming, however very satisfying...

I've thought about trying this sometime but looking at the kilts I own as an example, it's a little intimidating. (I am bereft of any sewing experience.) Where did you buy your wool??

I understand... I bought the wool in Toronto...at Designer fabric on Queen street. It was close to $15 a yard the kilt cost me around $75 in material including buckles and straps. The tartans were a Dress McCrae and a Hamilton. Others were available like the RCMP tartan, loud Mcleod they were ends of rolls. But a kilt for dancing in who cares. Actually they turned out rather well.
Maybe when we meet I can show you how it's done...have anytime the end of next week?
Robert

[Chris@southerncelt.com]

Where exactly is this Folklore located on the web? I keep hearing mention of it, but no direction to it. I'm curious to see the Prince Charlie Pattern.

[Blu (Ontario)]

Maybe when we meet I can show you how it's done...have anytime the end of next week?

Quite possibly, Robert. I'll touch base one way or the other in the next day or so.
Blu

[Canuck]

Where exactly is this Folklore located on the web? I keep hearing mention of it, but no direction to it. I'm curious to see the Prince Charlie Pattern.

Folkwear
www.larkbooks.com/folkwear
pattern 152
The threads magazine March 1991 good instructions for building a kilt.
Cheers
Robert