Problems with Cilt coming apart

[Mel1721L]

Thank you all for your advice. Another email will be on its way in the morning.

[The Wizard of BC]

Mel,

In the second printing of "The Art of Kiltmaking" you will find.

On pages 91-92 the section on "Steeking",
pages 93-94 the section on "Attaching the stabilizer",
and 94-98 the sections on "Applying the apron canvases".

[Mel1721L]

So, they maintain it's my fault for wearing it too tight and intend to do nothing except return it.

[davidlpope]

Sounds like a good reason to avoid the Welsh tartans centre going forward. Much better to deal directly with the kiltmaker, instead of a middleman. Sorry.

[Mel1721L]

Sounds like a good reason to avoid the Welsh tartans centre going forward. Much better to deal directly with the kiltmaker, instead of a middleman. Sorry.

Oh definately. An expensive lesson. I'll never deal with them again, thats for sure.

[tpa]

Mel, if this is them, you can post a review on google+.

[Jock Scot]

Playing Devils advocate here, just what do we expect for £300? Not too sure what that is in Dollars, but say 1.50 Dollars to the £, so 450 US Dollars? So going on the information at hand. My answers in brackets(JS).

Do we expect a "tank" for that price ---£300/450USD?(JS: No)
Does the wool tartan used come at a premium price?(JS: No idea. What weight is it supposed to be?)
What then does one expect for £300/450 USD?(JS: A servicable kilt---but not a tank-- that should stand reasonable use for a good length of time)
Will "corners" be cut at that price?(JS: I would expect so)
What "corners" might those be?(JS: No idea)
Is the price charged, £300/450 USD acceptable for what was provided?( JS: I don't think so, on the evidence provided)
How much "normal" wear should one expect from such a kilt?(JS: Worn twice[ approx. 6 hours per time] a week for two years?)
Are we being reasonable with our expectations? (JS: I think so?)

I am not really qualified to answer those questions from a kilt making perspective, but as a potential customer, I get a distinct feeling that someone is overcharging for the quality of goods provided. Perhaps I am wrong?

[Calgacus]

If the item in question is what I think it is, it's a 5 yard 13oz 100% wool kilt. Maybe the OP can confirm whether it is hand stitched or machine stitched, but as it is described as a 'casual kilt' I'm going to assume machine stitched.

Now, I can buy a machine stitched 8 yard 13oz wool kilt here in Aberdeen for £350, from the largest kilt retailer in town, so I'd say the OP paid pretty much the going rate, or maybe a little more, given that his is a 5 yard kilt. £425 gets me an 8 yard 16oz hand stitched 'tank'.

So, for £300 I'd expect a properly constructed quality garment that isn't starting to fall apart after a few wears.

As an aside, the seller's website currently lists the 5 yard casual kilt at £249, so did the OP pay over the odds, or does he actually have something other than a 5 yard casual kilt? Either way, I'd expect a properly constructed garment for that amount of money.

[Mel1721L]

Sounds like a good reason to avoid the Welsh tartans centre going forward. Much better to deal directly with the kiltmaker, instead of a middleman. Sorry.

I will do next time. They have now agreed to a full refund minus postage.

[Mel1721L]

If the item in question is what I think it is, it's a 5 yard 13oz 100% wool kilt. Maybe the OP can confirm whether it is hand stitched or machine stitched, but as it is described as a 'casual kilt' I'm going to assume machine stitched.

Now, I can buy a machine stitched 8 yard 13oz wool kilt here in Aberdeen for £350, from the largest kilt retailer in town, so I'd say the OP paid pretty much the going rate, or maybe a little more, given that his is a 5 yard kilt. £425 gets me an 8 yard 16oz hand stitched 'tank'.

So, for £300 I'd expect a properly constructed quality garment that isn't starting to fall apart after a few wears.

As an aside, the seller's website currently lists the 5 yard casual kilt at £249, so did the OP pay over the odds, or does he actually have something other than a 5 yard casual kilt? Either way, I'd expect a properly constructed garment for that amount of money.

I think the price showing may not include VAT? In any case I paid over £300 including postage to Spain. They have now asked for my card details to issue a full refund minus carriage. If they do issue it, I shall then think about getting an 8 yard done elsewhere with the same tartan.