Should kilts come with basting stiches?

**Downunder Kilt** · 28th June 10, 05:23 PM

I have recently received two kilts from two different makers. One was from Matt Newsome, the other Scotweb. The one I received from Matt had basting stiches and although had been folded in a box for delivery just needed a quick steam and press and it was tickity boo. The other from Scotweb had no basting stitches and was sent in a soft parcel (It was the second time I had received the kilt in this way as I had to return it due to a problem)

In order to steam and press the the kilt, I had to put the basting stitches in it myself, and after an hour of toil I finally had it the way it should be. I queried Scotweb's retail manager as to why no basting stiches and he replied that as they received a large number of kilts in each delivery they all held each other in place. Not really the answer I was looking for.

**Danwell** · 28th June 10, 06:38 PM

I think this ties in nicely with Brice's thread regarding the price comparisons.......it really goes to show that you get what you pay for. Would you have happily paid another $10 for better packaging and basting stitches?

**piperdbh** · 28th June 10, 07:18 PM

Yes, a kilt should come to you with basting stitches.

**Whidbey78** · 28th June 10, 07:19 PM

Originally Posted by Danwell

I think this ties in nicely with Brice's thread regarding the price comparisons.......it really goes to show that you get what you pay for. Would you have happily paid another $10 for better packaging and basting stitches?

I agree. It doesn't say anything either way about the craftsmanship of the kilt, but as far as I'm concerned something I order isn't mine until I take it from the package. When I do custom work(though it is of a different nature) I take the time to make sure it will arrive at the customer in the same condition--or as close to the same condition as possible--as it leaves my shop. My job isn't done until the UPS guy gives me the tracking number AND I pass that info on to the customer. If they don't take the time to prep it for shipping it makes me wonder when they think the job is done.

I'm pretty sure I don't like their explination. Just because McDonald's gets burgers frozen and in boxes doesn't mean you should get it cold with cardboard stuck to it.

Ultimately though, if you're happy with your product and it's well made, even if you had to touch it up a lot, that's the main thing.

**Ancienne Alliance** · 28th June 10, 11:59 PM

Originally Posted by Danwell

I think this ties in nicely with Brice's thread regarding the price comparisons.......it really goes to show that you get what you pay for. Would you have happily paid another $10 for better packaging and basting stitches?

You get what you pay for is a universal fact .

Best,

Robert

**Downunder Kilt** · 29th June 10, 12:02 AM

Originally Posted by Danwell

I think this ties in nicely with Brice's thread regarding the price comparisons.......it really goes to show that you get what you pay for. Would you have happily paid another $10 for better packaging and basting stitches?

Yes.

**Chas** · 29th June 10, 02:52 AM

Originally Posted by Danwell

I think this ties in nicely with Brice's thread regarding the price comparisons.......it really goes to show that you get what you pay for. Would you have happily paid another $10 for better packaging and basting stitches?

I don't know if this is all the same thing. I have seen military kilts with 4 or 5 rows of basting shipped in quite rubbishy packaging. Ron says that his Kathy Lares are well packaged and have no basting. The end result of both will be a kilt that requires only the minimum of attention before wearing.

A year ago January, Frugal Corner had a free shipping sale. I took advantage and they shipped 2 kilts to me in the UK. One was their lightweight and the other their heavyweight. Both had 2 rows of basting stitches. The lightweight was $60 and the heavyweight was $90 - the customer service was built into the price.

Regards

Chas

**Riverkilt** · 28th June 10, 08:44 PM

Don't know if it means anything. I've received 11 hand sewn kilts - ten from Kathy Lare and one from Celtic Croft. None arrived with basting stitches in them. I don't see the need for them for shipping if the kilt is well packed. But - what do I know?

**Colin MacBean** · 28th June 10, 09:13 PM

Originally Posted by Riverkilt

But - what do I know?

Besides the fact that you have purchased over 67 kilts?

**seanachie** · 28th June 10, 09:50 PM

Originally Posted by Downunder Kilt

I have recently received two kilts from two different makers. One was from Matt Newsome, the other Scotweb. The one I received from Matt had basting stiches and although had been folded in a box for delivery just needed a quick steam and press and it was tickity boo. The other from Scotweb had no basting stitches and was sent in a soft parcel (It was the second time I had received the kilt in this way as I had to return it due to a problem)

In order to steam and press the the kilt, I had to put the basting stitches in it myself, and after an hour of toil I finally had it the way it should be. I queried Scotweb's retail manager as to why no basting stiches and he replied that as they received a large number of kilts in each delivery they all held each other in place. Not really the answer I was looking for.

Have you sent Nick a message? He is pretty active on this board and his firm is a forum sponsor. I make no judgement on this right or wrong, I don't have the facts. But I have found sometimes sending a PM helps in this situation. I have not purchased from Scotweb but Nick has always been cordial in the few PMs we have exchanged.