Carry on up the Khyber

[sebastian Inkerman]

terrribly bad form to reply to one of my own posts I know.

I thought I should share the link for the kilt and ask whether this tartan and weight of cloth would be acceptable for the unit or not. The good thing is price and the fact that it can be washed, the bad thing is it's acrylic, only 24" drop and lightweight fabric.

SCOTTISH BLACKWATCH TARTAN KILT W38 NEW KILTWEAR

[Mr Peter Harrow, Esq]

According to the Major you need something which states it is at least an 8 yard kilt, anything less will not be suitable, the ones which do not state this are 5 yarders, basically 'costume' kilts.

You need to go the whole 8 yards.

[Capt. Dirigible]

According to the Major you need something which states it is at least an 8 yard kilt, anything less will not be suitable, the ones which do not state this are 5 yarders, basically 'costume' kilts.

You need to go the whole 8 yards.

But surely  we are putting together 'a costume' aren't we? It's not a real regiment ergo we don't need to go for absolute authenticity. As long as we all look the same that should be enough, no? Both my Black Watch kilts were bought from shops that sell Highland clothing and accessories and cost me about £40-£50 each some seven or eight years back. I can't say for sure they're not full 8 yard kilts (although I doubt it) but look the part and serve their purpose. A full 8 yard kilt can work out quite expensive and I'm reluctant to buy a third BW kilt when I already have two perfectly servicable ones.
Some people are talking about buying specific boots but if it's only the toe caps that will be showing under the gaiters surely any pair of plain, black boots would suffice?

[Dr cornelius quack]

Ooooooh! These last few posts take this conversation into interesting waters.

I await developments with great interest.

Are colours going to get nailed to masts?
Will we end up with a dogma in a manger?

Careful folks, very careful.

[Capt. Dirigible]

Ooooooh! These last few posts take this conversation into interesting waters.

I await developments with great interest.

Are colours going to get nailed to masts?
Will we end up with a dogma in a manger?

Careful folks, very careful.

I sincerely hope that nothing ends up nailed to a mast!

[sebastian Inkerman]

I don't really mind. I was just asking for financial reasons. I didn't want to open a can of worms on this.

If the cheaper kilts are acceptable then so be it. If already purchased kilts are OK then, again, so be it. Likewise if 8yd kilts are going to be the accepted norm then fine. I just wanted to know where the line was being drawn as regards authenticity.

[Dr cornelius quack]

Me too, Captain.

I only make comment as I hope that this doesn't become a clash between authenticity and fun.
Seen that happen too often elsewhere.

Down with the shackles of conformity!!

Or, at least, a great big wet raspberry to them, anyway.

[Capt. Dirigible]

I hope that this doesn't become a clash between authenticity and fun.

Well, quite!
As I say..we're 're-creating' a uniform of a fictional (comedy) regiment (albeit one based on the look of real uniforms of the time period). Maj. T has been good enough to give us links  and advice where to get the appropriate correct looking tunics, hose and gaiters (for which I for one am extremely grateful) and other accessories at reasonable cost and if we're all buying from the same suppliers we should all look the same. Maj T. has also said that those of us with kilts in certain tartans would also be acceptable. As long as they aren't of the quality of the sort of kilt that comes with an outfit like this I don't see a problem. Mine may not be the full 8 yards but it's woven wool and pleated (and purchased in Scotland) so it should be suitable for this particular project I would hope.

[Angus A Fitziron]

terrribly bad form to reply to one of my own posts I know.

I thought I should share the link for the kilt and ask whether this tartan and weight of cloth would be acceptable for the unit or not. The good thing is price and the fact that it can be washed, the bad thing is it's acrylic, only 24" drop and lightweight fabric.

SCOTTISH BLACKWATCH TARTAN KILT W38 NEW KILTWEAR

Not wanting to influence anybody, my woolen kilt has a 23 1/2" drop, but I am a puny 5' 9", so you will have to decide how it will fit. A too short kilt is a mini skirt! It seems to be well pleated but I guess the pleats may not be as deep as on a woolen kilt, however, the materials clearly will hang differently. All said, it could look the part and this is about fun. For me, wearing a kilt is all about carrying it off with style - you need to be comfortable and confident to do that. If it worries you that it may be the wrong length, shape, hang, etc., then maybe you will not be confident enough to carry it off, particularly if this is your first venture out of trousers. Put it on and ask yourself, "would I wear this down to the shops?" If so, then it is probably fine.

One of the things you have to watch with an acrylic kilt is its inflammability and to miss out on the delight of warming your nethers against an open fire by wafting the hem of your kilt in front of the grand fireplace!

[Capt. Dirigible]

One of the things you have to watch with an acrylic kilt is its inflammability and to miss out on the delight of warming your nethers against an open fire by wafting the hem of your kilt in front of the grand fireplace!

Not to mention a possible build up of static!! Afterall, you don't want all the hairs on your legs standing on end!!

[Mr Peter Harrow, Esq]

Just be grateful its the hairs on your legs!

I nearly got suckered into ordering an unsuitable kilt because it failed to specify the length of cloth used.   

Looking around a bit I was able to get an 8 yarder for the same price. I am no stickler for accuracy (this is hysterical and not historical reenactment after all), but I suppose a 5 yarder would look okay on normal parade, inspection parade may be a bit more difficult if you have less material to hoist up. You woudn't want to go off half cocked when the rest of us go off fully cocked, so to speak.

An excellent thought on the acrylic, have to be careful roasting the old chestnuts on an open fire. Will have to make do with a warm air vent.

[Danbury Shakes]

An excellent thought on the acrylic, have to be careful roasting the old chestnuts on an open fire. Will have to make do with a warm air vent.

Carry on Marilyn

[Lady Abigail]

Oozlum bird as a mascot?

On this subject, anyone fancy a mad bantam cockerel or a crazy black & tan cocker spaniel?

[Capt. Dirigible]

I have a question regarding the gaiters. I notice they are a sort of off-white, almost cream coloured canvas. Can they (should they) been worn as is or should they be whiter? Maybe using a sort of Meltonian plimsole whitener? I'm aware that in the army boots have to be bulled to a glass like sheen...brass has to be highly polished..so should the gaiters be 'whiter than white'?

[OswaldBastable]

I have a question regarding the gaiters. I notice they are a sort of off-white, almost cream coloured canvas. Can they (should they) been worn as is or should they be whiter? Maybe using a sort of Meltonian plimsole whitener? I'm aware that in the army boots have to be bulled to a glass like sheen...brass has to be highly polished..so should the gaiters be 'whiter than white'?

blanco perhaps?

[Danbury Shakes]

Oozlum bird as a mascot?

On this subject, anyone fancy a mad bantam cockerel or a crazy black & tan cocker spaniel?

Well, they'd have to at least buy me dinner and a movie first.

[Capt. Dirigible]

I have a question regarding the gaiters. I notice they are a sort of off-white, almost cream coloured canvas. Can they (should they) been worn as is or should they be whiter? Maybe using a sort of Meltonian plimsole whitener? I'm aware that in the army boots have to be bulled to a glass like sheen...brass has to be highly polished..so should the gaiters be 'whiter than white'?

blanco perhaps?

Is Blanco an actual product? And if so is it still made?

[OswaldBastable]

I dont believe they make it anymore but you can get similar replacement products such as this stuff

 http://www.sofmilitary.co.uk/reenactors/select.asp

[Capt. Dirigible]

I dont believe they make it anymore but you can get similar replacement products such as this stuff

 http://www.sofmilitary.co.uk/reenactors/select.asp

Ah-ha!! Thanks for that Mr Bastable.

[sebastian Inkerman]

Gaiters, eBay, £15. size 11. The same seller also has size 9 on a seperate auction.

Auction here

looks like it could be a regular thing too.

[ladyelsie]

Hello  chaps. Tinker here using Lady Elsie's laptop so please accept my apologies for any confusion.  - Further apologies for not being on for a little while - I am away recceing the two hotels being considered for new year.

Authenticity issues:  We are not in the game of being authenticity nazis as far as the 3rd Foot and Mouth go.  The guidelines exist as they are because for no additional cost the kit can be authentic and allow people to use it for historical features (e.g. the camp at Crich this weekend past which we enjoyed thoroughly) if they so wish.  It is advice and the guidelines are there to actually save you money not spend it for you.  If you have no interest in attending the odd "authentic" event then don't worry about it.  I like to be frugal so kit that will do two jobs rather than one appeals to me.

Why did I say 8 yard kilts rather than 5 yards?

I will admit to being a traditionalist but would stress that with careful shopping it is possible to find an 8yard kilt at a very reasonable price (indeed I have posted links to them at £40).  Online you get rubbish sold at a high price to the unsuspecting as well as bargains to be found.

I am pleased that UK steampunks wear clothes rather than costumes. If you can get it right for the same cost then why not? It is not something to get hung up on and quibble about but I do hope we are trying to at least make an effort to be true to the source material and not just do a bit of fancy dress.

My main objection to 5yard kilts (especially ones which are too short for the wearer) look a little too much like gym skirts rather than kilts. They don't hang right and they certainly don't move right. Nothing to do with authenticity but everything to do with aesthetics.  Trust me gentlemen when I say the ladies find an eight yard kilt sexy and a five yard kilt comedic. (Angus you will support me on this I am sure.)

Now if someone already has a kilt then I am not going to say they shouldn't wear it, quite the opposite.  However if someone is going to buy a kilt then I would very strongly advise them to buy one they will feel good and look good in (even if it is an extra £10) rather than buy one which they will be unhappy with in the longer run and will end up buying another.  To me it is a false economy.

The question to ask is:  do you want to look good in the kit or do you want to look as though you are wearing a one off fancy dress?  The Carry On people generally went to a lot of trouble to get costumes and sets right (on a very limited budget).  I would sooner look like we are trying rather than just playing the fool.  You can wear good kit, look good in it and still be funny.  With careful purchasing it should not cost any more than nasty fancy dress.

I hope I am making myself clear.  It's a difficult argument to put into words without people feeding back and I am very tired right now.

There was a guy at the SWF who was wearing a girls tartan gym skirt like a miniskirt kilt.  Personally I found it very distasteful.   There is no way I would have stood alongside him purporting to be a "brother highlander" for a display or gathering and there is no way whatsoever that I would "parade" with him at a fund raiser on an army base.  That is my personal view and choice.  However someone wearing a five yard kilt because they already have one or an acrylic one rather than wool - these are minor issues that would not be an obstacle.

If anyone wants me to try and explain further then simply ask or pm me.

Historical and military notes about the kit:
Boots during the 1890s were cleaned and polished but not bulled to a shine so don't worry about that.
Blanco is not still produced but there are modern substitutes.  In the short term though I would suggest leaving them the colour they are when they arrive.

I will factor in a workshop on "recreating the 3rd foot and mouth" at the Asylum where we can get together and discuss this and see examples of kit.  I will be wearing my uniform tommorrow at Festival of History and will take pics to put up here for reference.

Don't sweat it chaps. it's just a bit of fun but it can be quality fun instead of just silly if we want.

Tinker

[Mr Peter Harrow, Esq]

A thought given the fact it is currently tipping down. We will be expecting to parade in all weathers, what about wet weather gear. Major, you have seen my black Inverness raincape, Mister Antony does a matt black polyester version for £30 and it can be used for evening dress and covering other quality clothing so can be used in 'everyday' life. They are designed to be worn with kilts and look very good with them. All we would then need is a waterproof cover for the pith, which we can figure out.

[Countessa Lenora]

Dear Mr Shakes,

I will be inspecting all the troops in person to make sure they are all 'regimental' and conform to standard. Along with,  what I am sure, will be a bevvy of willing volunteers.

Lady Elsie.

When I can get across the pond I will be more than pleased to help with the inspecting 

[Mr Peter Harrow, Esq]

When we all get too old for this we will have to take up Dad's Army re-enactment.

[sebastian Inkerman]

Don't think it hasn't been mooted before. Some friends of mine were planning a nice sedate dad's army style lrp event at one point.