Kilt and jewellery crossover!

I love being a one-stop-shop for all things kilty related! I had the fun of outfitting a gentleman with a kilt, and fly plaid, as well as an original fly plaid pin and kilt pin before Christmas. I love the zen of stitching, and I get such a kick out of helping someone realize the perfect outfit!

The MacKay Modern tartan, with garter flashes

Sterling silver fly plaid brooch and kilt pin. These were both based on the clan crest, which features an upheld dagger, with the motto “with a strong fist” and the kilt pin was don'e deliberately to match the fly plaid brooch. Both have been subtly oxidised in selected locations to highlight the texture and levels in both pieces.

Since the client hadn’t worn full dress before, we had a bit of a fashion show before he departed (yes, I work at home!). He looks pretty spiffy in all the trimmings!

An outfit to last for ages! I love it when a plan comes together! Want your very own kilt? Or clan jewellery to add to an existing outfit?

Fly Plaid in MacPherson tartan

So, as I recently talked a bit about different plaids that can be worn with kilts. I had occasion recently to make one for a client, so here it is….Fly plaid in MacPherson tartan…..

Frequently a fly plaid is a square of fabric with a fringed edge. I like a bit more definition, so I add some pleats in one corner

And here it is in action at a recent wedding!

Looking for a fly plaid of your very own? Get in contact, and let’s talk!

Anatomy of Highland Dress

I like a good kilt (as some of you may know!). Although there’s more to dressing the part than just a kilt, so here’s a (very) brief primer on some other aspects of highland dress.

For gents, sometimes they wear trews (tartan pants), but most often it’s a kilt, which comes in different styles (I’ll talk a bit more about this another time). In addition, often a full plaid, fly plaid or belted plaid is worn. A full plaid is also a Piper’s plaid.

Pipers plaid-notice how long it hangs at the back-it has almost as much cloth as a kilt!

Credit: pxfuel.com

A fly plaid is a smaller version of the pipers plaid, meant to be worn over one shoulder, and secured often with a large brooch. Men’s highland jackets often have a shoulder strap that helps keep the plaid in place.

Fly plaid example.

Photo credit: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Fly_Plaid_Final.jpg

In addition, one might wear a belt, sporran (man purse!), sgian-dubh (most often a blunted short blade dagger), knee socks known as kilt hose, flshies (or garters, usually in matching tartan), kilt pins and clan badges.

Women tend to wear kilted skirts rather than the more traditional kilt, but I think a hostess length kilt is a lovely thing (I guess I have to feel that way:). However, women do often wear a tartan sash, or a larger plaid, again, often secured with some kind of clan -related motif.

So, hopefully you understand a bit more about the complete outfit. Have a special event coming up or want to give a special gift? A kilt is a beautiful thing, and will last a lifetime!