Been waiting almost a year!

[frank_a]

I ordered a new casual vest and waistcoat from a small shop run by a great kiltmaker here in NYS. The thing is I ordered it a year ago. I keep getting told she gets continually ignored by the shops in Glasgow because she is small and does not order much. Their priority is big orders, like pipe bands and the such.

Is this really the case? Are the shops across the pond experiencing the same skilled labor problems we are in the states to the point that they cannot handle all the orders, including from small shops? I look at some of the larger shop web sites that suggest they would have special order jackets and waistcoats in anywhere from 4 to 12 weeks.

I am a patient sort of fellow and believe in helping small shops when I can. I have to figure out whether to leave my order with her (I've put $200 U.S. down), order something different from somewhere else, get my money back and try and get better service from a larger shop, or just get two different colors, one sooner than later?

It is very perplexing, as I do not want to lose a friend. Any advice greatly appreciated.

Frank

[revdpatience]

I found myself in a similar situation, having been measured for and ordered a Lovat green tweed Argyll jacket and waistcoat from a smaller shop in Irvine, California while I was there on a business trip last year. It seriously took seven months from the day I ordered it in October until it finally arrived in May.

Because I have the opportunity (and obligation) to attend several black tie/kilted events each year, I got frustrated that I didn't have the kilt jacket for the November formal event, then for the Christmas party, then for New Year's Eve, then for Burns night ... you get the picture.

So I went ahead in March and ordered an ex-hire black Barathea silver-button Argyll (BBSBA) jacket and waistcoat from J. Higgins. Seriously, I think I had the jacket in three or four days! It was certainly affordable (compared to the "custom" lovat tweed) and the service can't be beat.

So I was properly attired for the March formal event, at least, and the May formal event. The tweed jacket and waistcoat arrived while I was out of town for the May event.

And, to give the original shop due credit, they sent me a pair of the kilt hose I prefer as a thank you for my patience -- and the tweed Argyll jacket fits like a dream. I wore it to the opening ceremonies of the Wisconsin Highland Games this past weekend.

WI Games 20180901 Hotel.jpg

So I guess your patience is being tested a little more severely than mine was, but I'd offer an option for you to consider, which is to check out ex-hire jackets in the meantime.

[frank_a]

Nice jacket!

[frank_a]

I found myself in a similar situation, having been measured for and ordered a Lovat green tweed Argyll jacket and waistcoat from a smaller shop in Irvine, California while I was there on a business trip last year. It seriously took seven months from the day I ordered it in October until it finally arrived in May.

Because I have the opportunity (and obligation) to attend several black tie/kilted events each year, I got frustrated that I didn't have the kilt jacket for the November formal event, then for the Christmas party, then for New Year's Eve, then for Burns night ... you get the picture.

So I went ahead in March and ordered an ex-hire black Barathea silver-button Argyll (BBSBA) jacket and waistcoat from J. Higgins. Seriously, I think I had the jacket in three or four days! It was certainly affordable (compared to the "custom" lovat tweed) and the service can't be beat.

So I was properly attired for the March formal event, at least, and the May formal event. The tweed jacket and waistcoat arrived while I was out of town for the May event.

And, to give the original shop due credit, they sent me a pair of the kilt hose I prefer as a thank you for my patience -- and the tweed Argyll jacket fits like a dream. I wore it to the opening ceremonies of the Wisconsin Highland Games this past weekend.



So I guess your patience is being tested a little more severely than mine was, but I'd offer an option for you to consider, which is to check out ex-hire jackets in the meantime.

I have two kilt jackets, tailored from old Harris Tweed regular jackets. They do fine, but do not have matching vests. Plus, they fit my "less money is better" philosophy.

I'll be retiring in three months and wanted to get this new informal jacket before my salary is cut, but that doesn't look possible. In fact, this lady I'm dealing with has my good tank, which needs another strap (long story) and needs to be taken in.

I have all the black tie stuff. As a member and long time officer (Secretary) of the St. Andrews Society of Albany (NY), we have at least three formal occasions each year - Burns Nicht, St. Andrews Nicht and the Past Presidents dinner.

My other kilt jackets are a brown tweed and a gray one. They look and wear fine, but I would dearly like a matching jacket and waistcoat such as you display. I'll keep after it somehow I guess.

Here's my oldest son and I before a Clan Dinner, night before the local highland games...

Frank

[revdpatience]

Looking sharp, Frank!

Hope your new jacket and vest get sorted sooner rather than later, then.

[frank_a]

Looking sharp, Frank!

Thanks! I wish my wife would have noticed the 1/2 keg off to the left of me before she shot that pic!

We don't usually have a keg out front...

Frank

[Father Bill]

Thanks! I wish my wife would have noticed the 1/2 keg off to the left of me before she shot that pic!

We don't usually have a keg out front...

Frank

Here you go - Keg unidentifiable.