Wool fabric costs

**MacSpadger** · 6th March 11, 06:12 AM

I have made one kilt before, from 18oz material bought cheaply on Ebay. Although I didn't pay much, the fabric was very high quality Ministry of Defense material destined for The Highlanders regiment. Sadly, The Highlanders ceased to be. Fortunately for me, I got a great deal.

I now have the urge to make my second kilt and I am staggered at the costs of 16oz material. I have looked at the Marton Mills Jura range, but unfortunately they do not have the tartan(s) I want.

Other outlets seem to be charging a price that is only so much cheaper than actually having a kilt made that it hardly seems worth the effort to DIY.

Do any forum members have any experience/recommendations for good UK based woolen kilt material suppliers that just might provide great value?

Or do I just have to grit my teeth and decided to DIY or just go to a kilt maker?

**Paul Henry** · 6th March 11, 06:25 AM

I'd be happy to talk you about fabric availability and so on. I'm a kiltmaker based in London , so perhaps as we are at least in the same country it might be a little more relevant.
There are not many weavers to choose from really.
Marton Mills is good( slightly hard ) fabric at a competititive prices but limited ranges,
DC Dalgleish . probably my favourite cloth, but can be expensive, although they will happily do special weaves.
Lochcarron a very wide of tartans, but a bit more expensive, some of their select ranges are great but at the top of the price range.
House of Edgar, again a wide range and some unusual tartans, middle to top prices.

**xman** · 6th March 11, 10:32 AM

For DIY finding something from Marton Mills is really your best bet. Otherwise you, bite the bullet and pay the higher costs.

**MacSpadger** · 7th March 11, 01:36 PM

Originally Posted by xman

For DIY finding something from Marton Mills is really your best bet. Otherwise you, bite the bullet and pay the higher costs.

Yes, reckon you're right. I got the Marton Mills price list today, it was a real eye opener. I thought I might go for another tartan just because of the price range, but when I asked about that one there isn't enough left to make a kilt! A new weave takes 12 weeks from date of order, so I might have to think again.

Anyway, they're response was fast and friendly and they are sending some fabric samples so I can see the product for myself. If the quality of fabric matches the service, I might consider the 12 week wait.

**llyd** · 7th March 11, 02:22 PM

I will be alot better at this before I tackle high dollar tartan...it is sooo satisfying to make a kilt and then soak up the attention while wearing it.

**Hothir Ethelnor** · 7th March 11, 02:23 PM

Well if Marton Mills stocks your tartan they are definitely the best price. I have had to wait twice now for them to reweave something because they ran out of stock early but it's better than paying a large amount for the cloth.

**Paul Henry** · 7th March 11, 04:16 PM

I spoke to Marton Mills this morning about the delay in an order, I place one order last week and was told 10-12 weeks. when I got the confirmation it was for 16 weeks.
It seems that they are very busy weaving and all the looms are flying, but they are looking into getting another one working.Still it is frustrating when a waiting time is extended.
They are however easy to work with and friendly as well, the cloth is fine to work with, and certainly a very good one to start with