The expense of kilts!

[Alan H]

Just look for the Do it Yourself forum, here on X Marks. The thread with the link is "stickied" right at the top. You can also search down through the forum posts and find a few where guys make X Kilts. Take a look at what they've done.

IMHO, Lithium grease + X-kilt = WIN!

But don't try that with your Locharron tank!

__________

EDIT...ha! Never mind!!! Go to it! Ha. I've created another monster! My evil plan is coming to fruition!

[frank_a]

I got it Alan, already printed off and in my man bag about to hit the road to the house. I'll take a look at it when I get time, probably tomorrow or Friday, as I have major projects ahead of me at home today and tomorrow.

By the way, I am right in the middle of restoring a 1947 Old Town canoe. That will take me a lot longer than learning to make a kilt!

Enjoy your evening sir, and thanks.

Frank

[Pleater]

Even ordinary fabrics seem to last quite well as kilts as long as they are not too lightweight for the task.

As long as the stress and strain is taken by the reinforcings and linings the structure seems to be very easy on the material.

Anne the Pleater :ootd:

[gremlin078]

I am also surprised at the expense of kilt wearing. This is compounded by the fact that the only place to find them where I live is at a Highland Games from a vendor who is never from anywhere close. I've tried Ebay with mixed results. I've found that this is definately the "buyer beware" realm. I have gotten lucky a couple times though and for example gotten a beautiful homemade sporran from a maker in Australia for a vey reasonable price. I have several contemporaries,an original Utilikilt and 2 PVs. I'm saving my pennies to be able to buy a wool kilt. I just haven't decided yet whether to go the whole 8 yd or would a lesser one better suit my needs/budget. I'm only an occasional wearer right now..

[David Thorpe]

...the only place to find them where I live is at a Highland Games from a vendor who is never from anywhere close...

Au contraire, mon frer. There are several excellent kilt-makers just a click away, right here on Xmarks. I can recommend USA Kilts and Bonnie Heather Greene without reservation based on very positive personal experience, and there are quite a few more here besides them.

[madmacs]

I had a very easy time dealing with Bonnie via just email (I hate phones) so I'd definitely recommend her.

Isn't Kathy Lare in NM?

[frank_a]

I'm getting measured for my new semi-trad (MM PV) at USA Kilts Saturday morning on my way down to see some friends in MD. I'm pumped! Pics maybe by late October, early November sometime.

Frank

[Deirachel]

Just to point out again the price of a kilt isn't really that expensive when you actually think about it.

Matt's 6 yard Heirloom kilt (highest price on his site I could find, used his site because I am saving for this kilt), made to measure for an average sized person, of a CUSTOM weave (if you so choose):

US$635
Amount/Length of Use: AS many days as you have left/Pretty much forever, as long as you take care of it.
Type of Use: However you want to, see the "10 Looks" thread.

Men's Warehouse Tuxedo rental

Cost: US$59.99 MINIMUM
Amount/Length of Use: Once/a few hours at most.
Type of Use: Formal Events

If you do 10 events, you've paid for the kilt. Twice more for a mid-range jacket/coat. Twice more for belt and sporran for a more simple choices. Once for hose, if you don't knit or know someone who does. 15 formal events in your life and you've paid for a really great kilt and a good kit. I'm in my early 30s and I've already done 7 formals (three proms, four evening weddings). And that doesn't even include MY OWN or my daughter's weddings.

Using a different item of clothing.

Dockers
Cheapest I've ever found: US$20, normally $45
First price is 31 pairs, second is 14 pairs.

Most men get one average a pair a year or more and they last about 3-5 years. The kilt, properly handled, will be something your descendants can wear 200 years from now.

[frank_a]

Good point Deirachel. Problem is I'm 60 and close to a low budget retirement. Bottom line is I better get what I can while I can. So what got me into this kick was an inexpensive acrylic kilt. PV next (by the holidays this year), then a tweed jacket and waistcoat (probably next spring, and by the way, no Prince Charlie for this guy!), then a wool kilt (probably next summer). Problem is now I've gotten into this Scot heritage is that one generation back from my Campbell lineage is Wallace. And I am partial to red. I'm in trouble...

Frank

[usonian]

Just adding to the chorus that if you can weld, you can sew, and you can save quite a bit of money by making your own kilt(s). Check out the X-Kilt directions, and if you get emboldened there poke around the forums here for tips on shortening thrift store jackets, and check out Barbara's book too. Wool tartan from Marton Mills is quite reasonably priced, and even factoring in the cost over overseas shipping plus a few other bits and bobs (and the one-time purchase of the book) you can have yourself a traditional 8-yard kilt for under $200 (plus sewing time, of course.) The kiltmaking forums here are an invaluable resource.