Several Questions for a 1st time Kilt Buyer

**irishcoloradoan** · 21st July 08, 02:15 PM

Hello folks-

I've done some lurking for a bit but can't seem to find the answer to a few questions I have.

First off, I'm the owner of a second-hand kilt (not my tartan). I LOVE the kilt and wear it whenever possible.

Second off, the real meat: I'm getting married next year and would like to purchase my tartan (clarke) for something that won't break the bank. I'm also in the market for a good pair of hose, a nice sporran, etc.

I'm looking at the Frugal Corner because of their pricing. I'm a bit wary though - I've tried to contact them a couple of times (by email & phone) and never received an answer.

So for my questions:
1. Is FC a good place to order from for the price? Is the kilt something I'll be able to proudly wear at my wedding?

2. How are their sporrans? I saw a picture of one and it looked fairly small (as in you couldn't put much inside). I wouldn't mind paying a little more for the sporran if I absolutely need to.

**Jock Scot** · 21st July 08, 03:02 PM

I have no idea about the kilt vendors that you mention as I am on the wrong side of the Atlantic, so I cannot advise you on that front.What I will say is this; research, question, research again and question again and again.Then buy the very best you can afford, you will not regret it in the long run.

**gilmore** · 21st July 08, 03:07 PM

I agree with Jock. While a starter kilt might be fun for one's initial foray into kilting, it's good to have one that is well made, will last, and that you will feel good about wearing as your familiarity with kilts increases.

**Big Mikey** · 21st July 08, 03:12 PM

FC has met with mixed success with other members. Some love the products and others have had problems with communication. As Jock has said, do more research. If you particularily want Clark, check USA Kilts. They have it available in a variety of fabrics. As to sporrans, do a search on the forum for sporrans. You should come up with a WIDE selection. Here's a couple to get you started.

http://www.wyvernleatherworks.com/

http://www.thorfinnsporrans.com/

**auld argonian** · 21st July 08, 03:18 PM

I'd search the forum for some of the wedding pictures that are posted here...I might suggest that you and your intended both sit in front of the computer and look through them. That'll give you both some idea of what looks good and what you like.

I'm going to agree with the previous respondents...since it's your wedding and your family tartan, think about investing in something nice. You can always find a rental on an Argyle or Prince Charlie jacket for the event but it's unlikely that a rental place will have Clarke on hand...thus, the kilt becomes the main event.

Lots of nice kiltmakers here in the USA and several in Canada that could get you going in either Poly Viscose or the worsted wool. Again, browse the forum or get together with some of the forum members who might be having a kilt night somewhere near you...you'll get plenty of information, advice and opinions.

Best

AA

**ardchoille** · 21st July 08, 03:50 PM

Although there are many outstanding vendors out there, I felt the need to mention this.

The Scotland Yard has a time pay plan in which you can order any of their items, pay $75.00 down and then pay $50.00 or more per month until the balance is paid in full. This isn't a lay-away plan in that they will ship the items to you when the items are ready to ship regardless of your time pay plan balance.

My first time pay plan order with them was two 8-yard, hand-sewn, 13-ounce, kilts and a few other items, and this company has taken very good care of me over the years. I've had a running time pay plan balance with them for years and it's an easy way to set yourself up with a full outfit with very little money down.

Call them and see what they can do for you.

**Nighthawk** · 21st July 08, 03:59 PM

No one has yet mentioned USA Kilts? USA Kilts sells the Clarke tartan on poly viscous. I have one- it's my nice dressy kilt- and it's fantastic. Frugal Corner has the tartan as well, but it looks gaudy in comparisson to the USAK variety, which is much higher in quality.3

And congratulations!!

**Monkey@Arms** · 21st July 08, 04:13 PM

Originally Posted by Nighthawk

No one has yet mentioned USA Kilts?

USA Kilts was mentioned by Big Mikey in post # 4.

Best regards,

Jake

**Cephas** · 21st July 08, 04:17 PM

I had a good experience with FC. I purchased the FC 16oz heavyweight kilt in Clark and like the bold colours of it - what you see on their website is the colour it is. It is a nice kilt for the money - a good weight, nice swing and about 30 pleats. The downside is that it is made out of acrylic and won't last like wool or PV.

I have a sporran from them as well (s-002 on the website). The quality is okay and actually it is better workmanship than the one I paid more for from another seller...as for size my wallet, keys, cell phone, and digital camera fit in it this weekend without much trouble (not any room left but it closed easy enough).

**Nighthawk** · 21st July 08, 04:20 PM

Originally Posted by Monkey@Arms

USA Kilts was mentioned by Big Mikey in post # 4.

Best regards,

Jake

Oops! So he did! I didn't read it closely enough.

Originally Posted by Cephas

I had a good experience with FC. I purchased the FC 16oz heavyweight kilt in Clark and like the bold colours of it - what you see on their website is the colour it is. It is a nice kilt for the money - a good weight, nice swing and about 30 pleats. The downside is that it is made out of acrylic and won't last like wool or PV.

I have come to very much dislike acrylic. It snags on everything! And I have cats...