Falling markets and the effect/affect to the kilt.

[Jack Daw]

I'm really hesitant to say this because I split my life between Scotland and Canada, but I have to say: buy the tartan fabric in Scotland and have your kilt made by the best kilt-maker you can find in your own country.

In other words, buy the highest quality raw material and retain talented craftspeople to make your kilt. The result will be support for the best mills in Scotland (and a guarantee of fine fabric for the future), and local artesans will soon have apprentices for our kilts yet to come.

Two words: Kathy Lare.

[Big Homestead]

Thanks everyone for your input!

[NewKilt]

Nanook,

I really enjoyed reading your well organized, and well thought out post. I think that the global economic crisis that we are facing will most certainly have a negative impact on the mills as well as the kilt makers.

If we could take a cross section of kilt buyers, including XMarkers, those of us who purchase kilts are going to be hit buy the same unfortunate repercussions as any other consumer. We will still wear our kilts, but may put off that purchase of a new 8-yd, 16 oz, wool kilt that just a month ago we fully intended to buy. Indeed, it could even work in reverse, in that we try to sell off some of our most expensive kilts, because the money is needed in order to pay the rent, or meet some other expense.

I'm not trying to spread gloom and doom - just trying to look at the situation realistically.

Darrell

[MacMillan of Rathdown]

Well argued, Nanook, although I really don't agree with much of what you've said. But then that's part of the "science" of economics.

When referring to "quality kilt makers" I wasn't referring to the Mr. Geofferys of this world, but to the bespoke end of the trade. It is true that the last 20-30 years have seen a number of these shops close, but the usual reason is a lack of people willing to learn the business and carry on the trade, not necessarily a decline in customers. In economically "down" times those who have money continue to consume products, be it bottles of champagne or hand sewn kilts. The only difference is that I tend to go through a lot more champagne in a decade than I do kilts!

As far as the cost of kilts being cheaper ten years ago, well last week I paid about GBP 125 more for a kilt from Stewart Christie in Edinburgh (my tailor) than I did for my last one bought from them in 1998. I'm sure my next one will cost even more.

[macwilkin]

Two words: Kathy Lare.

Also Matt Newsome and Barb Tewkesbury.

T.

[McClef]

I know that VAT isn't charged on exports but the reduction from 17.5% to 15% for domestic purchases might have a slight effect over here.

However a saving of £2.50 per hundred pounds of pre tax value isn't going to have a massive effect on making kilts cheaper really.

[Jack Daw]

Also Matt Newsome and Barb Tewkesbury.

T.

Yes, there was certainly no intention to take away from their craftsmanship. As a matter of fact, I hope to rely on the former's skills in the near future.

[NewKilt]

Although we've been talking about buying fabric in Scotland and having the kilt made locally, I think we also need to remember the kilt makers/sellers that pay to advertise on XMarks since there advertising dollars support the success and membership growth of this wonderful website.

Over the last 2 weeks I've purchased an Ancient MacRae Hunting wool kilt from Stillwater, and a polyvicose semi-traditional Isle of Skye from USA Kilts. Fortunately I had the money to do so. Just my 2 cents worth. I could have bought the Isle of Skye in a 16oz wool 8 yard machine sewn from scottishkilts.net for about the same money due to their current sale. I knew this before I made the Isle of Skye purchase, but elected to support Rock and Kelly.

Darrell

[Standard]

As for me, looking into my next kilt purchase at this very moment. Even in these depressed times there is no arguing with the value of a quality handmade kilt.