A.S. Campbell - opions

[Silent Raven]

Silent Raven, please trust that I'm just trying to help. Here are some observations that you may not have considered.

Did you notice that although the add says "wool" it doesn't say what weight? I did also notice that it doesn't have a traditional selvedge edge, but rather, a hemmed bottom (which makes me ask why?). The third thing is that their casual kilts only take measurements for Waist and Height (Height?) but not for seat or length. Which ensures you will get a poor fitting kilt for anything other than the most casual activities. Since you are considering getting a plaid along with it, I assume you are planning on attending some other types of activities?

You are absolutely correct in getting the best outfit you can afford. And I can absolutely understand the realities of living on a limited budget. To achieve those ends, I would offer the suggestion that you forgo the plaid and put that money towards the kilt, and if necessary, save a bit longer and get a higher quality traditional kilt that is made for and fits YOU and can be worn to any event you encounter.

May I ask what tartan you are you looking for? There may be more options than you are aware of.

Respectfully,

Brooke

MacMillan's son,
Sorry if what I said may have seemed harsh it really wasn't, i do respect your opinions, otherwise i would not have started this thread.

the weight depends on the tartan you select. the tartan I'm looking for is a MacPherson Dress (modern or ancient). they have 3 weights and I'm going with the 16oz. i have emailed them a few times and they said that if i would like specific measurements that i can do that if i order over the phone, which is exactly what I'm doing.

their casual kilts only have a single selvedge, while the 8 yarders have a double, something that's not super important to me (from their email message to me... "Most of the kilts are made using the "Selvedge" but on occasion they have to be made from fabric that does not have a kilting selvedge, we put that in the advert just in case" ) also the casuals only have 2 buckles and the 8yd have 3, again not that important because I don't think the 3rd buckle is of much use.

As for saving longer to get a better quality or more yardage, for me in my situation its not really possible, i am only working a seasonal job which is going to end shortly, so i have already set my budget for what i am looking to spend, to include a kilt and plaid as well as matching flashes.

again thank you for your opinions and suggestions, i have done a lot of research regarding my kilt and who i will get it from. and i was mostly just looking for what people thought of the Campbell company, as i have read to many horror stories on here of ordering from companies and never hearing from them again. Some time in the future once i get financially comfortable I would love to get a nice hand made kilt from one of the many great kilt makers suggested here on the forums.

[Jock Scot]

Of course it goes without saying that how and on what you spend your money is entirely your own affair. However, might I suggest that you consider not buying a plaid as they really are not worn that often, or mainly, not at all. As to tartan flashes, well let us say that they are not necessarily every one's idea of what flashes should be. Many would regard that both items, particularly on a limited budget, are "gilding the lilly" and are unnecessary.

[Morris at Heathfield]

I can't vouch for their customer service but, thanks to this thread, I suddenly realized who my kiltmaker was. (There's a wrinkled paper tag still sewn into the inner apron, that the kilt's first owner didn't bother to remove, but it's not clear from the tag who is the kiltmaker and who is the customer.) The kilt is definitely 8 yards, more or less, but it has two straps, not three. I have no complaints about the quality of the kilt. It doesn't fit me very well, but then it wasn't made for me. I don't know exactly when it was made, but it was since about 2000, when my band was formed. It has matching flashes. I'm not a big fan of tartan flashes either, but I imagine they're a sunk cost when you buy a kilt with A.S. Campbell (and many other kiltmakers).

[Mac Ghille Sheathanaich]

Greetings all, 2 July, 6:45amMST

for what it's worth, I have been buying kilt fabric from these folks for a number of years. I have always been treated right.

T.