Reputation... is it worth it?

**Rob Wright** · 20th June 09, 12:59 PM

Like everyone else said, go for it. I have three kilts from Kathy lare who is a Keith Kilt School graduate, you will not be disappointed.

Rob

**Paul** · 20th June 09, 01:08 PM

Originally Posted by Highlander31

I agree. If you can verify the quality of her past work, and if you can confirm with some of her previous customers that she has kept her promised delivery dates, then go for it.

Good idea. Shes shown me about 5 kilts - examples shes done in the past with different requirements - 5yard, 8yards, millitary pleats, pleat to set and stripe.
I'll see if I can find anyone whos bought one but she said her business was in Wales before she moved up here recently so it might be difficult.
I think I'll go for it once I can choose my requirements. I think I'll get an 8yard, 16oz, 3 straps and her stuffs mainly hand-sewn where possible. Black cotton lining with canvas. She gives flashes complimentary too

I'll contact her this week to arrange it all unless I see somewhere more local for around the same price as she's quite a bit away!

**Paul** · 20th June 09, 01:11 PM

Originally Posted by Erisianmonkey

If I understand you correctly, you personally know that the kiltmaker in question can make what you want for less than Scotweb or Heritage of Scotland, and it will be a quality kilt. If that is correct, by all means get the less expensive kilt. From what I've read of Scotweb, their kilts are certainly worth the price that is paid for them, but I don't think that Nick and crew would begrudge you buying a less expensive kilt from someone you know personally.

Okay, I'm not being absolutely clear here. If quality is verifiably equal, I should think that no, reputation would not be worth it. Besides that, there isn't anything to stop you from getting a kilt from Scotweb or someone else later.

True, true. I dont personally know her but I know someone who knows her and has had other tartan gear made by her (not a kilt though). The stuff I've seen that shes made definetely seems good and she made flashes for my friend for free because he supplied the tartan

**dfmacliam** · 20th June 09, 01:27 PM

A kiltmaker ,working on their own, does not have the overhead of a big company., so they do not have to charge as much as the big boys. Its been mentioned on this site, numerous times, some of the best work, comes from the bedroom kiltmakers. I say, if you like her work, and as you point out.. she has the qualifications, why not support her business. I have nothing against the bigger companies, but sometimes ,we get a more personal touch, when we work directly with the kiltmaker ,themselves.

**ForresterModern** · 20th June 09, 02:36 PM

I agree with teh rabble, and KFCarter specifically. If you have seen her work and have knowledge of her past successes and direct contact with her, then she has a REP with YOU, and that is all that matters. If she can gdet the tartan, do a quality kilt, get it done on your needed time frame, and at the quoted price (if that is acceptable to you) then you have found your kiltmaker and deal. Even better is she is nearby and can get very accurate measurements and fit the kilt to you when it is done, in case there adjustments to be made. You won't get that from any online retailer, unless they happen to be nearby as well., but probably not even then.

No brainer.

**Heming** · 20th June 09, 02:52 PM

[rant] Let's not forget that even the big guys of kiltmaking are actually quite small businesses, and knowing how tight the margins are in the tailoring industry I'm guessing each sale is just as important to Scotweb or Geoffry (Tailor) as it is for an unkown (yet) kiltmaker on the move up. It's no wonder many tailors and kiltmakers have other jobs on the side - there just aren't enough customers to pay everyone's bills. I've been planning for years to maybe start a small knitting/sewing business as half of my (modest) income, but I just can't say for sure that I'll survive the first year of it.

We can't all support every kiltmaker/tailor out there, but I think it's important to remember that the only criteria for choosing your provider should be quality of product and quality of service. A hand made garment is expensive because it's made by hand, for you, and e.g. a quality suit jacket will have interfacings that cost a lot more per yard than the main fabric. Find someone who delivers what you want when you want it, with a big smile, and support them. If you think the price is steep, ask them what you're paying for. Good service also means educating your customer! [/rant]

**Paul** · 21st June 09, 05:37 AM

Ok I've decided to place my order tomorrow
She says the kilts she makes are teflon coated... which she says is just to stop easy spillages on the kilt. This is a good thing, right?

**KFCarter** · 21st June 09, 05:48 AM

Originally Posted by Paul.

Ok I've decided to place my order tomorrow
She says the kilts she makes are teflon coated... which she says is just to stop easy spillages on the kilt. This is a good thing, right?

I haven't heard of wool being teflon coated, but that doesn't mean that it doesn't happen... others will know.

I do know that the PolyViscose made my Marston Mills is teflon-coated and it is a fine material in its own right, but it is different from wool.

Might want to clarify with her exactly which material (and from which mill(s) she's using as that can have a big impact on the price).

**Paul** · 21st June 09, 06:39 AM

I could find this on it:

http://www.xmarksthescot.com/forum/c...67/index3.html

**Paul Henry** · 21st June 09, 06:44 AM

Marton Mill "jura" range is teflon coated, it's perfectly fine fabric, but is a little "harder" that others, not neccessarily bad, but it doesn't have a soft touch.It is also amongst the cheaper tartan weavers.