Kilt Collection

What would you call a collection of kilts that are not all the same plaid? Traditionally speaking, probably a skirmish, so from now on that is what I will refer to my collection as. (Friends, you have no idea. The same day I decided to show off my kilts was the same time I came up with that joke!) 

I have a confession to make. I am not actually of Scottish descent. However, I love the culture, history, and the land itself to justify (at least to myself) having a few of these in my wardrobe. If you've seen some of my older posts you know that I already have a plaid skirt that I made in my collection but I'm going to be attempting to focus today on the labeled kilts in the closet. 

I picked up my two wool kilts thrifting online, mostly by browsing all the time looking for colors I would wear in my size (heavily estimated). I thought briefly about getting a men's kilt and originally did not want to go that route since my measurements do not fit those parameters very well. 

My first addition is originally from Jedburgh Kiltmaker's, a company based out Jedburgh Scotland which looks like it may still be in business, but only locally since I could not find a website for them. I love the emerald and ruby contrast, and got a bit of formal school vibes with the pleating. Once it arrived, I really got the school vibes since this is really skirt like. It has a side zip and button closure, so it may technically not be a kilt. However, for the purpose of today, I'm going to count it. I looked for a while to see which clan this tartan was associated with and I did not come across anything that looked close enough to it that I would be comfortable saying "That one!" so no idea friends. Sorry, I tried a little to find it. 

The second kilt to come into my wardrobe was one I actually made. I wanted one, but was not able to get it in time, so I used the pictures to copy it somewhat with what I could find locally. Since of course, I had to have it RIGHT AWAY. I used Simplicity 8746 with modifications to begin with. I made it longer, since I wanted something that sat at my true waist, and I added pockets because everyone needs pockets. Some of us just simply cannot rock a sporran and I am one of those people. I finished it with a couple faux leather buckles and now I can have a neutral toned kilt, with pockets. I did not really look into what clan this tartan was associated with, and honestly after looking it doesn't look like anything more than a modern plaid print. I could be wrong though. 

My most recent addition is another thrifted gem, this time from Glenisla Ltd which is a small bespoke kilt making company based outside of Glasgow. I tried to figure out which clan this tartan most closely resembled and I think it look like a type of MacKenzie Dress tartan. I could very well be wrong, please feel free to correct me in the comments if you are so inclined friends. This one is so new to my collection that I have only worn this out once. This one is actually a mens kilt I believe, I did have to move the buckles since I'm more curvy than the original owner. 

I love all three of my kilts and gets lots of wear out of them this time of year especially. If you've been on the fence about trying one, I highly recommend picking up one used. There are some truly amazing color palettes from various clans that would fit in with any wardrobe. Plus wool is very warm, even if your shins are out!

I hope you're all enjoying the autumn weather as much as I have been and putting down projects to look at the leaves. Until next though friends, it's back to the sewing room.