Finding the right kiltmaker

**CDNSushi** · 16th September 08, 02:44 AM

Having ordered my share of yardage from this year's X-marks tartan run, I have been thinking about what to do with it once I get it. Of course, my first idea was to sew my own, and I still might but if I chose not to, it would be really helpful to have a list of kiltmakers that would include the following data: where they are located, what their price is when you supply your own fabric, and what their average turnaround time is.

I have been able to ascertain little bits and pieces here and there, but I wish there were a more comprehensive list to look at. For instance, I know that Matt Newsome has prices on his website for both fabric-included and fabric not-included kilts, along with an idea of what kind of turnaround time you might be looking at. On the Wizard's site, I also know the price for sewing a kilt without fabric, but I didn't see an average turnaround time.

Can anyone help volunteer some information? Or maybe point me in the right direction if this has been discussed in the past... I really didn't know what to even search for with this.

**Jock Scot** · 16th September 08, 03:00 AM

I am not trying to be cleaver here, but are you looking at just North America, or, are you looking at the whole world for your information?

**CDNSushi** · 16th September 08, 03:16 AM

Not at all, that's a very legitimate question -- and I suppose I should have clarified it. I am not limiting my search to North America... That is the reason why "location" would be good to know -- whether you have to pay in US dollars, Canadian dollars, pounds, euro or what have you, plus shipping becomes an issue as well.

Having said that however, I don't think I've seen any kiltmakers based in Scotland yet, for instance that would be affordable enough to send fabric to and then have the final product shipped back.

But I, for one, would have few qualms about sending my fabric to Pakistan, India or China if I knew the tailor I was dealing with was reputable.

**M. A. C. Newsome** · 16th September 08, 04:15 AM

Another consideration is that this year's run of X Marks cloth is poly-viscose, and that may also limit your kiltmakers. Not every kilt maker wants to work with non-woolen cloth (I don't). I'd start by looking at those kiltmakers who work with PV material. USA Kilts and Canadaian Casual Kilts come to mind.

Matt

**Barb T** · 16th September 08, 04:30 AM

Good point, Matt. I don't work with PV, either.

**RockyR** · 16th September 08, 05:27 AM

Since it was asked and lots of people have PM'd me, it may be easier to just announce it here:

We (USA Kilts) do work with PV. Cost for labor on a Semi Traditional kilt is $175. Cost of labor on a Casual is $90. We ARE going to be stopping our "made from customer supplied fabric" service in the future, but WILL accomidate this run of Xmarks tartan PV.

I'll figure out how much cloth is needed if you send me your measurements and whether you want it done to SETT or STRIPE (I know the sett size is going to be 6" to 6.2" wide)

BTW, we're located in Phoenixville, PA.

PLEASE NOTE: Contact me BEFORE you order the cloth and just have it sent here. I need to know what's coming and have orders for everyone if they do have the fabric sent here.