Starting a kiltmaking business

[Frank McGrath]

My ex-wife believed that everything one wrote on Legal pads was just that. Legal. So , stock up on legal pads.




No. really. She even said this in court. It's been 28 years. Thanks be to God.

[Downix]

Speaking of fabric reminds me, when I began the research I also researched what it would take to weave my own fabric. Sadly for the volume I anticipate, it would not be worth it. But if anyone wants my research,let me know.

Altho I've found that it is quite relaxing to operate a loom.

[tripleblessed]

While I never intend to be inappropriate or step on toes, I seem to accomplish that with uncomfortable regularity. Would it be acceptable to suggest a thread in the kiltmaker's forum where those who have the expertise and desire to make
for others but not yet an ability to be an advertiser could post their willingness?
Most will go with known businesses and in particular, our advertisers, but it would be nice to have the option of supporting someone on the forum. I will,
hopefully, be fortunate enough to someday own a Tewksbury tank and a Newsome box pleat, and maybe clan Chattan from Wally, but those are long lines, with biiiig jones ticking clocks.

Just a thought. Mods remove if necessary, and apologies if warranted.

[artificer]

While I never intend to be inappropriate or step on toes, I seem to accomplish that with uncomfortable regularity. Would it be acceptable to suggest a thread in the kiltmaker's forum where those who have the expertise and desire to make
for others but not yet an ability to be an advertiser could post their willingness?
Most will go with known businesses and in particular, our advertisers, but it would be nice to have the option of supporting someone on the forum. I will,
hopefully, be fortunate enough to someday own a Tewksbury tank and a Newsome box pleat, and maybe clan Chattan from Wally, but those are long lines, with biiiig jones ticking clocks.

Just a thought. Mods remove if necessary, and apologies if warranted.

Hi tripleblessed, there actually IS a partnership/ad level (and accompanying forum space) for these individuals already.

From the link HERE:

"The Member Public Profile Ads
"Artists & Craftspersons"

These Ad spaces are a part of the Forum Members Public Profile. The Ad can be seen in every post they make.

Artists and Craftspeople will be required to be active member of the forum."

It's a very reasonable level of partnership $/month. You get to help keep X-Marks ticking and advertise yourself in the "General Advertiser's" section of the forum.

I'd heartily encourage ANYONE who takes commission work (even if they don't advertise such a fact) to contact Steve and help support the site you are drawing your business from.

[ChattanCat]

I've been trying to stay out of the discussion as I am a part time kiltmaker. I consider kiltmaking a hobby that I enjoy and really like to make kilts for those who really like a tank! The material is all from Scottland from mills like Lochcarron, Strathmore, DC Dalgliesh, etc. and it is a joy to work with. The material makes the kilt, and you really want to focus on the material (ie. 13 59 16 oz for a tank).

All of my kilts are not advertised but I get referrals from word of mouth (advertising). Really nice to know that your product speaks for itself, of course Barb T. has taught me and I really appreciate her help and she really is the best.

All I can say is do what you like and do it well. The rest takes care of itself, of course as a hobbyist, it is not my day job and that relieves a lot of the pressure to produce.

P.S. I would be honored to review anyone's hand made kilt if they will review mine in return. This may require some rebuild but hey, how do you know what is underneath!

[Barb T]

Wally - I firmly believe that what you do is professional kiltmaking. Referring to it as "just a hobby" doesn't do justice to your level of professionalism. In my estimation, you have a kiltmaking business. It's just a part time business. You and Matt and I have similar part-time, professional businesses.

When my husband was doing critical care EMT work on a volunteer basis, he pointed out that it was absolutely wrong to say that the paid ambulance services were "professional" and that the others were "volunteer". They all were trained to perform identical services, even though only some of them were paid for their work. The correct distinction was between paid professional and volunteer professional EMTs. The same thing applies to kiltmakers, in my estimation.

[tripleblessed]

Artificer, thanks for the post, and for the link. I have SOME knowledge in a
lot of disparate directions, but computers elude me. I might never have found it.

[Downix]

Ok, got my new loom... over the paniced "I was joking" from my wife. Now to figure out how to weave....

[Downix]

Ok, on a more serious note. Alan's discussion of what needs to be done in regards to a garment is mostly accurate. I did note a few loopholes in the laws which can simplify your life.

1) The interior tags do not necessarily have to be tags. The care instructions, garment info, material content can be placed using a specialized stamp instead of on a tag within the garments. So it would be stamped on the inside instead.

2) Hang tags are necessary, but do not have to be complex. Using a home printer and some card stock you can get some professional grade hang tags. Use a thread pulled out of a piece of scrap to attach it to the kilt.

[kc8ufv]

1) The interior tags do not necessarily have to be tags. The care instructions, garment info, material content can be placed using a specialized stamp instead of on a tag within the garments. So it would be stamped on the inside instead.

Actually, over the last vew years, all the tshirts and underwear I have bought have had this stuff silkscreened inside. Soo much more comfortable/less hastle than a tag that loves to make me itch or have it removed, or both