Quality Kilts 101: Pleat Quality

[RockyR]

I have already decided to buy the Standard "IF" I bought a stillwater at all. It looks sharper to me. BUT the 24 inch length on either is too long, so....

I think you missed my question. What to do with all that extra material and what do you all think about the stillwater in general?

Bubba has said in a post somewhere that it is way too long for him also and if I remember right it would take way too much modification for him to be able to wear it.

[Dreadbelly]

Not impressed by Stillwater. No offense or anything to anybody, we are in this together, but I call them as I see them. Based on a look at the "purdy pictures" factor alone, neither one of those pictures grabs me. There are to many other kilt makers that can make a perfectly pleated kilt for a reasonably low price with out having gaps and layers in their pleating, or crooked slightly off kilter pleats. Plus, as stated in another post, they are made in Pakistan. Now, I have nothing against Pakistan, but I am a big supporter of the US economy. The kilt is obviously a "sweat shop" garmet. I hate to use that word... But look at the stitching and design. And think for a moment, about the price of the kilt and the Iron Law of Wages.

My apologies in advance for being blunt. I do that.

Mods, if this is to inflamitory, please, feel free to delete without hesitation, I won't be

[bubba]

John, on the Stillwater site they recommend hemming the Standard. Another way is run a fine zig-zag stitch and cut it off. Jimmy gave me another way using HeatnBond tape, but I'll have to try that myself before I rocommend it. Since the Stillwater isn't heavy material I suggest following their recommendation. Here's the relevant paragraph...

Our Standard & Economy kilts are made in a 24" length, and custom lengths are not currently available. These kilts are easily hemmed to any desired length, and hemming is essentially undetectable if done correctly with a machine-sewn blind hem stitch. Only on the heaviest weights of kilt fabric does a hem become visible because of the thickness, and on lighter-weight kilts a hem can add weight to the bottom edge, making the fabric hang even better, behaving like a heavier-weight fabric.
We do not offer hemming service at this time, this is best done by any local tailor/seamstress.

[Raphael]

I must say, though, that I'm not fussy about the white with black stripe material.

Casey

Is that the new Jailhouse Stewart Tartan?

[RockyR]

John, on the Stillwater site they recommend hemming the Standard. Another way is run a fine zig-zag stitch and cut it off. Jimmy gave me another way using HeatnBond tape, but I'll have to try that myself before I rocommend it. Since the Stillwater isn't heavy material I suggest following their recommendation. Here's the relevant paragraph...

Our Standard & Economy kilts are made in a 24" length, and custom lengths are not currently available. These kilts are easily hemmed to any desired length, and hemming is essentially undetectable if done correctly with a machine-sewn blind hem stitch. Only on the heaviest weights of kilt fabric does a hem become visible because of the thickness, and on lighter-weight kilts a hem can add weight to the bottom edge, making the fabric hang even better, behaving like a heavier-weight fabric.
We do not offer hemming service at this time, this is best done by any local tailor/seamstress.

Thanks Bubba, I have read that, but now I think for the money, I would rather buy a Bear 4 yard then a Stillwater 8, Reasons:

1.) I can talk or at least communicate here directly with the actual Maker of the Kilt.

2.) It's not made in Asia.

3.) Made to fit

4.) Better quality.

5.) Better Fabric.

6) Not enough savings in the Stillwater to Justify not buying a Bear.

7._____ ? Sorry Bear I forgot that one.. What was that you wanted me to say?? Do I still get the discount? :mrgreen:

Although Jerry never claimed made in the USA, it is implied by the absence of where it is made in my view. Had he been open about the Origin from the beginning it would not be such a punch perhaps.

[bubba]

John, at the prices Jerry gets you have to expect it's made overseas. I do agree with you about getting a Bear though. It's made to fit you rather than an off the rack kilt. I went and sent some fabric to King Kilts and I'm letting them make the second MacKinlay kilt for me. I want to move on to some other stuff I have lined up. The cost is very reasonable. I have to make some pillow covers for a gal that lives downstairs, finish the wifes outfit, I have parts cut for another sporran and I have enough of another tartan for 2 more kilts and I need to get the material for a jacket. I've got enough in the works to keep me busy for awhile.

[Jimmy Carbomb]

There's a new picture of an 8-yard BearKilt in the Pictures section.


Here's a fine example of how the poly/viscose can be sewn-up to where it hangs and drapes properly!

A picture speaks a thousand words.