Special Weave... not so cheap, is it?

[Paul]

One other option, if you are willing to tolerate a machine sewn kilt or pay extra to an internet vendor for a handsewn: Several months ago I was investigating an unusual and rare tartan not on the standard rolls of any mills production inventory. Tartanweb at that time had their 8yd traditional heavyweight machine sewn kilt in any tartan (emphasis mine) for around $326 plus shipping. I contacted them by email asking if that included a special weave, 16oz Ancient Red Douglas. Their customer rep returned my email and said that even though it was a special weave they would honor that price, plus shipping (about $38US). I ordered it, and have been waiting for it to arrive since mid May, knowing that the special weave was likely to delay the process by 3-4 months. You can also pay extra for a handsewn deluxe 8yd as well.

Tartanweb, and their sister site scottishkilts, have since raised their prices across the board, some more than others, but Tartanweb still lists their Standard machine sewn 8yd kilt in any tartan at around $388US (Scottishkilts is more like $406) plus shipping. You would have to contact them directly to see if they would honor this price for YOUR special weave, but if so make sure you get it in writing. Good deal in my book. I have two other Scottishkilts/Tartanweb machine sewn kilts and they fit great and are well made, as best I can tell, similar to virtually all my other kilts.

Good Luck. PM me if you need more specific help. And, NO, I do not have stock or other personal investment in Tartanweb or Scottishkilts----this is my honest opinion of their offereings and workmanship.

Paul, obviously in your situation, being in the UK you have VAT to add into the equation which will significantly increas the price some.

Thanks for your help - and thanks to everyone else.
I contacted Bruce once more and he had his made by DC Dalgleish. He doesnt recall the exact costs but said there was a flat rate for starting the weave and then a cheaper price per yard. This is probably how it worked out cheaper overall.
I'll get in contact with them as soon as I have the money