It Has Arrived.

[Dreadbelly]

Magnus, you wear a what? 50 inch waist as I seem to recall? I know we were close in measurements. The strap system on the SWK allow it about 4 inches or so of give in either direction, so a 48 inch kilt would allow up to a 52 inch waist.

I am not terribly fond of purching from Asia my self, but I do not feel bad about this for some reason.

[Magnus Sporrano]

Magnus, you wear a what? 50 inch waist as I seem to recall?

Actually I think it's 53 or 54 waist.

On further reflection I'm thinking that I really wouldn't want a Stillwater even if they made it in my size. I'd rather support my friends here on Xmarks than offshore their livelihood to Sriram Gupta of Pakistan. There's plenty of offshoring going on in my line of work (computers) and I don't really want to contribute to that trend crossing over into the very small niche market of kilts.

[Jimmy Carbomb]

The kiltmakers that take the time to hang out on Xmarks and contribute to our community do charge more, yes. But I want to see them succeed and continue to work full-time making kilts.

LET ME LET YOU IN ON A LITTLE SECRET...

StillWater Kilts DOES post here... does post often... and prefers NOT to make XMarks a sales tool. Rather, they use this Forum to determine what they need to do in order to IMPROVE their products, make what we REALLY want, and satisfy the most ardent kilt wearers with something that's nice AND affordable.

This review of the amazing "Heavy Kilt" is a PERFECT example of what XMarks is doing for us. When you see this kilt, you won't be hesitant to buy from a COMPANY that DOES give a rat's backside what you think!!! This is StillWater Kilts niche. REAL nice kilts at a great price.

As for who StillWater is on the name list... that's going to remain THEIR business.

But believe me... with all that they're doing to improve... that should be proof enough that they're here and listening.

[Dreadbelly]

The kiltmakers that take the time to hang out on Xmarks and contribute to our community do charge more, yes. But I want to see them succeed and continue to work full-time making kilts.

LET ME LET YOU IN ON A LITTLE SECRET...

StillWater Kilts DOES post here... does post often... and prefers NOT to make XMarks a sales tool. Rather, they use this Forum to determine what they need to do in order to IMPROVE their products, make what we REALLY want, and satisfy the most ardent kilt wearers with something that's nice AND affordable.

This review of the amazing "Heavy Kilt" is a PERFECT example of what XMarks is doing for us. When you see this kilt, you won't be hesitant to buy from a COMPANY that DOES give a rat's backside what you think!!! This is StillWater Kilts niche. REAL nice kilts at a great price.

As for who StillWater is on the name list... that's going to remain THEIR business.

But believe me... with all that they're doing to improve... that should be proof enough that they're here and listening.

Jimmy, I would dare say the new Stillwater is EVERYTHING XMarks members have asked for and then some.

I can't believe I am gushing over a garmet but I am.

[Colin]

On further reflection I'm thinking that I really wouldn't want a Stillwater even if they made it in my size. I'd rather support my friends here on Xmarks than offshore their livelihood to Sriram Gupta of Pakistan. There's plenty of offshoring going on in my line of work (computers) and I don't really want to contribute to that trend crossing over into the very small niche market of kilts.

I am just curious about all these "buy from home" comments, refering to kilts made overseas. I hope to buy a traditional Scottish kilt one day. Is that not overseas? I think that if we looked hard, we would all be very hard pressed to find any product that does not contain parts made overseas, assemble with equipment made overseas, etc. Even companies like Bear and USA Kilts get there tartan fabric from a number of sources (including some likely produced overseas). You've made the perfect reference to offshoring in the computer industry. I think Jerry has done a great job of reading the posts and finding out what kilt wearers are looking for. I am not a Stillwater customer, but who knows what kilts I choose to order in the future.

Thanks you Dread for a great review of your new kilt. It has opened another possiblity for me. Maybe when the kilt is available in more tartans.

[David in Maryland]

Darn it y'all, you've done and made me order a Stillwater Heavy weight too.

[Sciuropterus]

Jimmy, it's no big deal. I have identified myself on this board in the past.

For those just tuning in, my name is Jerry, and I own Stillwater Kilts in Minnesota. I have been wearing kilts of all sorts for 6 years.

I visit (often) and post (now and then) at XMarks because of my personal interest in kilts, not to troll for customers. I sincerely hope you all like our new heavyweight kilts, a lot of effort was invested to make them a reality. If anyone has any questions about them, e-mail us thru the SK website.

Apart from the kilt company (I have previous experience in the commercial sewing industry), I am also a semi-retired journeyman sign & display artist. I have a wife and a baby on the way, my interests include motorcycles, unicycles, astronomy, martial arts (black belt in Kosen Ju-Jitsu) and rodents (I raise and exhibit flying squirrels and chipmunks)

[Magnus Sporrano]

LET ME LET YOU IN ON A LITTLE SECRET...

StillWater Kilts DOES post here... does post often...

All of 27 times? (one of those 27 a response to this)

And is that the guy who runs the company, or the people who make the kilts?

I still haven't seen anyone authoritatively confirm or deny whether or not these kilts are made in Pakistan (or what their true origin is).

Interesting article on what asian imports are doing to our kilted cousins in Scotland.

[Magnus Sporrano]

I am just curious about all these "buy from home" comments, refering to kilts made overseas. I hope to buy a traditional Scottish kilt one day. Is that not overseas?

Not if it's made in North America.

But when you think of Celtic peoples, you think of the immigrants who found a new home in North America. Or stayed behind in the Old Country. Pakistan is nothing more than a cheap source of labor that can work more cheaply than the artisans of North America and the Celtic Nations who have been keeping their art alive for centuries. That way of life is threatened by cheap labor that otherwise has no vested interest in the Celtic community other than how many kilts & sporrans can they sell.

[Raphael]

Interesting Article, and I feel bad for the SCottish Craftsman. BUT, They lost their shares of the market because of their greedy kilted cousins that wants to make a few dollar more. and I bet most of these sporrans were bought by the unsuspected tourits.