Reputation... is it worth it?

**Rex_Tremende** · 20th June 09, 12:03 PM

Most of us are concerned over dealing with a kiltmaker we don't know and have never met, conducting business nearly in the blind. I'd say you're in an enviable position to deal with someone who's work you can inspect, get personalized attention, get what you want faster, and at a lower cost to boot.

Now, for having asked our opinion, the cost to you will be to post photos and a review when the deed is done.

Good luck,
Rex.

**Merlin** · 20th June 09, 12:33 PM

Go for it... I know a leather worker that can make some things at a fraction of the cost as well. I know him, I trust him and I've seen his work so I dont hesitate using him.

**BroosterB1** · 20th June 09, 12:58 PM

Think Globally, buy locally. All thing equal I would rather buy from the smaller merchant that the larger, nothing against the guys you mentioned, but the deal to the smaller kiltmaker is a a bigger matter than to the "Scots-web" or Heritage of Scotland. If the skill and craftsmanship are the same then the difference is the love she puts into her work. I'll take the love everyday.

**Fit2BKilted** · 24th June 09, 12:32 PM

...and praying for a referral if the product is good! ;-)

**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

**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).