Setting up false expectations

[bear]

We could use any number of comparisons.
Remember your first car? Mine was a 1969 $425, 4 banger, Toyota Sprinter. I really did buy it from a little, old lady who used it for shopping. Lasted me 4 years before it finally died.
I still don't have my 1958 'Vette. One day.

I have 3 kilts that get any wear at all. All MacDonald tartan. None of them is a wool tank, though one is a pv tank. I made 'em all but the wool, 4 yard, double box pleated, ex-military kilt, which I altered to fit myself.
3 kilts is enough for me. With one tartan, I don't need to make a bunch of different flashes, or accessorize for different coloured tartans. It's easy and I don't feel the need for more kilts just for the sake of having more kilts.
Now, if I could just simplify my shoe selection as easily as I simplified my kilt selection!

[ohneplo]

Well stated Matt,
The true value we all gain is in the exchange of ideas, the chance to learn new techniques and to compare styles and tastes. Your reflection caused me to realize I've been a little envious at times but still able to appreciate the articles of quality or real utility I've saved for over time and that fit my frame and needs. Again, well said Sir.
Bruce

[derosa]

I have my one kilt I sewed and working on sewing a second with clearance fabric from F&K, my third will be paid for by the end of the year from family chipping in to get it as a gift. Wife, mother-in-law and parents are combining to pay for most of it. I added 2 pairs of hose when the hospital determined I could wear the kilt but hose was required. Still don't have a sporran and I use my regular shirts and black tie. For me the greater priority is my car, I want more kilts and could afford more but I'd rather finish insulating the garage so it can be heated so I can spend the winter working on my car stripping it and painting it, sewing new seat covers. Pieces will be added with time and I will continue to lust after assorted tartans that I see here but I've realized for some people this is partially their hobby and they devote more money to it. For me the hobby is elsewhere and this will have to grow slower and I won't have everything I want.

[Ancienne Alliance]

Excellent Thread Matt, Thank you.

I would just like to add that generaly speaking...

1- a hand made "traditional fabric" kilt will last you a life time

2- you can start with one or two cheap sporrans, then sell them to purchase a better one

3- Same thing with kilt pins/brooches, sgian dubh, etc.

4- This forum provides tons of ideas to simply look great at a resonable price.


I guess I would advise to get a fine kilt instead of half a dozen cheap ones ... then count on Christmas, father's Day and Birth Days for the accessories !


Best,

Robert

[MacKay71]

Great post Matt! I've wearing kilts for several years now and I'm just now about to get a wool tartan kilt(4-yard box pleat from Matt any time now). I have made 2 sgian dubhs and 2 sgisn donts and and I'm working on a kilt pin right now, so they are costing me almost nothing. I've also been able to find things like belts and hose at retail stores for cheap. You don't have to buy the most expensive stuff if you're on a budget.

[Ian.MacAllan]

This is a great thread---very helpful and very wise.

One point I haven't noticed mentioned (I may have overlooked it) is that as time passes we learn and grow and our desires and taste change. If we leap in and buy everything all at once (essentially a kilt outfit) not only do we run up a whopping bill but in a year or so we will look at what we have and realize that we have spent much money on some things we not only don't need but don't even like or want.

There is almost nothing in the world that can't be made a bit worse to be sold a bit more cheaply, and anyone who buys mostly on price, as most of us must if buy a lot at once, is likely to wind up with a lot of marginally satisfactory merchandise which will be unsatisfactory in a year or so when we have become more discriminating. It's far more rewarding to go slowly, buying only quality which lasts.

I'm reminded of this whenever I look at the Balmoral bonnet that I bought in 1963. It still looks new as one which would cost about $70 today.

.

[Joel]

What a good topic to cover, Matt - and a great post.

I know what you mean by "setting false expectations." As a military re-enactor (American Civil War & WWII), some people think I must have a lot of money to afford the uniforms. In reality, I'm a writer and make money only here and there. But your point on how it took years for you to aquire your kilts and gear are a lot like how I've aquired mine for re-enacting. Also, as you said, watching for good deals (and sales, too) is very important! And if one takes care of their stuff - whether a kilt, belt or whatnot - it can last for years and years.

So, your post has really hit home for me. And it was also very educational.
Thanks, Matt!

Cheer,
Joe

[Mipi]

This whole Thread is very good. I must say I've asked myself how you guys can afford so many so expensive items. But I never felt like I have to have this entire staff myself. My intention is to build my collection as my kilting improves in time.

Besides, if I order something on the Net, it means I have to add high shipping costs and import tax; it's hard to find something close to my country. So I have to relay very much on my own skills and hands. This is good, while I like to do things. I take this as a challenge to see if I can make it.

Thanks all of you for this post. Now I’m sure I’m on right track.

[Bluescelt]

I like the fact that people show what they bought or made. I've seen some fantastic looking items and learned a bit in the process. I don't get any sense of envy from the posts following a "show and tell" post. I do think it does give those of us who are DIYers that little push to head to the cellar, garage or craft room to get busy.

I have found a great amount of inspiration from Matt's and other's collections to try my hand at making my own accessories. I think the barder system can help those of us who can't afford the high end items right now the ability to trade up to them too.

Being resourceful can allow you to get what you need. A good example is having a standard $25 black daywear sporran. What you really want is a fancy fur sporran. Do you shell out the dollars for fancy sporran or pick up that fox stoll you saw for $10 at the thrift shop and with scissors, alittle adhesive and a few stitches your ready for the next burns dinner.

I'm in the process of making a Victorian style hinged brass cantle sporran from scratch. Why? Because I've seen a few here and really liked the look of the antique, well worn items. But I don't want to spend $300 plus to get one. When I get it done I will post pictures with details.

Regards,
Scott

[Paul]

Budget is important but you dont need to overdo it at all. It's nice to have enough products to mix & match though.
People think I own wayyyyyyy too much "kilt stuff" and I only have a few different jackets and 2 kilts.

I managed to get an amazing tweed jacket off ebay for £10 because the person listed it very poorly and in the wrong category with spelling mistakes. It's a miracle I found it