As any newbie should, I decided to research before jumping in with both feet. I came to kilts thinking, as many do, that you are only supposed to wear a tartan you are affiliated with (clan or district). Little did I know the vast number of unaffiliated tartans.

Still, I wanted one I could personally identify with. So I decided on the California (District) tartan. Unforunately, it doesn't really appeal to me all that much.

So I designed my own. Based on my locale, San Diego, and the beaches and sunny weather, I made a simple sett of light brown, sea blue, sky blue and sunny yellow.


This is intended for work and casual, not formal. Also, I do not want any red in the pattern at this time.

What I need expert advice on is:
1) How can I decide if it will pleat well (attractively)
2) Can anybody think of a very similar tartan (Auld Lang Syne was the nearest I could find)
3) What is your opinion of whether it is worth pursuing? Custom tartan ain't cheap!

Thanks for any help and advice.