As I type this I am wearing my third kilt. This is a 5-yard, knife pleated kilt made of 13 oz. wool from the Strathmore Woolen Co. of Scotland. It was hand-sewn by one of America’s (and probably the world’s) foremost tartan scholars, Matt Newsome. Matt runs a blog of all things kilt/tartan related and is the curator for the Scottish Tartan Museum in Franklin, NC. He specializes in 4-yard box pleat kilts, which were the first tailored kilts produced (before tailored kilts men just wore a very large piece of woolen cloth that they merely folded and belted on). However, as this was my family’s tartan, I wanted what has come to be more traditional-the knife pleated kilt. My family (when they were still in Ireland) belonged to the Cian clan (pronounced Key-an) and have the distinction of having one of the few original Irish tartans (most other Irish tartans are based on pre-existing Scottish tartans). So, without further ado, here’s a couple of pics:
09/11/2007 at 9:19 pm Permalink
Congrats, way to go, whoooopeee. Seriously the kilt is awesome and having the family tartan and all the history is like being connected to all those who paved the way at whatever the cost. As the generations go and a new one takes the lead, heritage and a sense of belonging are more important. Only when you gather with the old saints that have gone on before you will you be able to fill in all the details that thread you to them just like the fabric of your kilt. Won’t it be incredible to hear their voices,their accents and their passion as it ties them from their footsteps to your generation? Wear your family tartan as your name, with pride.
25/11/2007 at 11:17 pm Permalink
Very cool, who knew you could look so cute in a guy skirt. Darling baby.