Hoots mon

So, for the past couple of years, when there's been a Crimbo do, a wedding, or we've gone to a ceilidh (reasonably regularly at the Ferry, this year), I've worn the off the peg cheap kilt that I've got.  Well, with having a little extra cash due to an investment policy paying out, I've bitten the bullet, and today I went and got measured for a made to measure kilt.

I'd planned on getting Morrison Hunting Ancient, but when I went into the shop and was asked if I knew what tartan I wanted, I forgot to mention the "Ancient" bit, and was presented with two Morrison Hunting tartans. Well, colour me confused, as I really liked the Modern one, which I wasn't aware of initially.  For what it's worth, the Ancient looks like the Modern only a bit faded, so they weren't that different.  The modern tartan, the colours a a bit bolder and darker, and considering my current one is Black Watch, then you'll get the idea that I like dark tartans.

So, the choices.  Well to start with they do three versions of any kilt.
Version 1 is the "value" kilt.  Basically same material is used, but only 7 yards instead of 8.  Only two buckles instead of three, so there's no "seat" measurement, and apparently it hangs quite differently if you know what you're looking for. (I wouldn't).
Version 2 is the "traditional" kilt.  Full 8 yards, three buckles, attached with material, so they can be adjusted by approx 2" if I suddenly beef up. (the value one, the buckles are attached with leather, and if you suddenly beef up, well, you're stuffed as there's no way to alter the buckle positions.  The pleats in version 2 are machine stitched and not hand stitched (although both ARE hand made).
Version 3 is the all singing all dancing most expensive option.  It's basically option two, although the pleats are hand stitched and not machine stitched.  Apparently this means that as well as being able to relocate the buckles, if you had to, the stitching could be unpicked, and the kilt basically re-made using the existing material, to fit your new beefy/skinny (delete as applicable) physique.  It would also mean you could pass it on like an heirloom, and it could be remade to fit the recipient.  This off course comes at a cost.

Since I'm highly unlikely to be passing it on, but do want to build in some kind of midriff expansion safeguard, I went for Version 2.

You might think that's it, but no.  Having decided on the kilt, there's then the option to "pleat to the set" or "pleat to the stripe".  Pleating to the set, means it's pleated in such a way that you can see the pattern of the tartan on the pleats, the same as on the apron.  Pleating to the stripe, means that at the back of the kilt, you see the same colour of stripe running down each pleat, so if there's a white stripe running through the tartan, you'll see the back as vertical white stripes. (google it, an image will explain better than I can).

Finally, it's get measured up, and then try one on that's a close fit, so they can check the length.  A measurement, a wee walk up and down to see how it's hanging, and a decision that "we need an extra 1/2".  This length is a bit short, but an inch would be too long and look daft".

And that's it.  Pay a deposit, and wait for the shop to get it from their factory. 12 weeks, but apparently that's including a margin for really busy times - run up to Christmas etc, which is ironic, as I ordered it now, so I'd have it in time for Christmas nights out.  Then when it comes in, it's back to the shop to check it fits correctly, and that's that.

Who'd have thought buying an article of clothing could be so involved!?