Help me get kilted in Vancouver, Canada

[agraham]

Hi all, Angus Graham here from Vancouver, Canada.

I've been to this site before but never registered till now.

OK so my sister is getting married in September to a Scottish guy, and I'm... not bridesmaid - bridesmaster I guess you'd say.
We are Graham of Montrose and he is Fyfe.
He and his best man will be kilted so I'd like to be as well.
She says "FYI Ali is getting a new tweed kilt jacket and vest rather than his black Bonnie Prince Charlie jacket, so you could get either. I suggest tweed is more modern-looking and awesome." I agree.
To be honest I've never had occasion to wear a kilt before (I took some bagpipe lessons when I was a kid but I didn't stick with it).
I probably will only wear this kilt once or twice. Who knows tho... maybe I'll wear it in my own wedding.

I found this fellow who's making kilts right here in Vancouver.
He's member of this very board and there's nothing but good things said about his work:
http://www.westcoastkilts.com
I found this thread about tweed jacket conversions. In it someone seems to imply that our friend at westcoastkilts will do that too. I found this on the westcoastkilts pricelist
Kilt jackets ‘cut-away’ $80 Is that the same thing?

So here's my situation... This kilt is $750. That's kind of a lot.
I'll probably need to spent a couple hundred on a jacket and then get it converted so we're looking at $1000. I can afford it if it's what should be done, but I'm kind of a cheap bastard. So should I:
a) spend the money and have one of these made
b) some other, hopefully less expensive, option (please elaborate)
If a), it's $80 more for box pleats. Get em?
Also: the sporran, belt, knife, socks and the rest. Is that stuff typically rented or what? If I should buy it what kind of $ am I looking at and where should I get it?
Also welcoming ideas re the tweed jacket - what kind to get and where to get it.

Thanks in advance all!

- Gus

[mull]

While I am not qualified to answer many of your questions I will try to take a stab at one.

If you really think this kilt will only be worn once, just rent. Why spend over a grand to do it right if it will never leave the closet again?

If, on the other hand, you suspect you might like to wear it more often once you have it, and you can afford it, go for it.

Joe

[Chas]

Hi Gus and Welcome,

I have just done a quick calculation and I think that he is far too expensive. For the price he wants for the kilt, you could have one made in Scotland and shipped to Vancouver. You are looking at a lot of money for very little use - not good value for money. Renting is your best option.

Regards from Norfolk, England.

Chas

[starbkjrus]

While I have never heard a bad word about West Coast Kilts (quite the contrary) that option seems rather expensive.

Steve Ashton (who also happens to own this forum) is the owner of Freedom Kilts over in Victoria and can make you a wonderful kilt for far less money. Steve's work and customer service are top notch. He can also help with jackets and other accessories.

As has been said, if you're only going to wear this once then rent but if you intend to wear if for other occasions check out the Freedom Kilts website and then give Steve a call.

He won't steer you wrong.

Good Luck.

[Raphael]

The only different is that Rob has way more experience than Steve and Rob's kilts look way better. Although I am not sure about Rob's work load.

[BEEDEE]

Depending on your measurements a second hand kilt might be an option. Look at these: http://www.ministryoftartan.com/kilts.php

Brian

[MacLowlife]

Burnett's and Struth will make you a machine sewn casual kilt in modern Graham of Montrose wool for $200. They may also have a fuller kilt available, but I suspect the casual will do for your one wearing. http://www.burnetts-struth.com/produ...oducts_id=1278 If you are getting a jacket cut down, the best bet is to start with one you already have or to find one in a thrift shop. Before paying $200 for one that will be chopped, you can look and quite possibly find a purpose-built one at a similar price. The Scotland Kilt Company, which does not enjoy a great reputation here, will sell you one for about $275. There are bound to be other options. That gets you closer to $500 instead of a thousand and you will have the kilt when the wedding is over. Do some checking, watch the clearance ads, keep your options open.

[Sammac]

Welcome from Michigan You might want to consider a 5yd kilt to save money. I bought a 5yd casual kilt from Scotweb(link is at the top) and the quality is top notch. You most likely would in the $300 range. USA Kilts, Keltoi Gaelic Clothing, and the Scottish Tartans Museum would also be worth looking at. I also have a kilt from USA Kilts and the quality is first class.

[Riverkilt]

What ever you decide I would strongly urge you to go talk to West Coast Kilts...from his website and experience its for sure you'll get the best solid advice and fair pricing. Your $750 Canadian would be about $700 U.S. Top of the range for a hand sewn kilt for sure - but the chance to work direct with a kiltmaker with such experience is a most unusual opportunity. Who knows, if you let him outfit you he might cut you some deals.

My suggestion is - whatever you decide - inlude Rob in your selection process. You can't lose. If you did have him hand sew you the kilt you'd have a lifetime treasure.

If money is truely a restriction, trot over to Victoria as mentioned.

You are wise to be starting so soon. So many folks wait then panic over last minute delivery or mourn late delivery.

At least if you choose Rob or Steve you'll be able to deal direct with the kiltmaker and not have to try to maneuver your way through a middleman.

[billmcc]

John at Keltoi (who is a member of this forum) can get you what you need for less than West Coast Kilts. see here: http://www.gaelicclothing.com/

Burnett's and Struth does sales and rentals. See here: http://www.burnetts-struth.com/index.php?cPath=55

For what little you intend to wear the kilt and jacket, you may be better off renting what you need. Most rental packages include everything you need except kilt hose.

Converting a standard tweed jacket is usually done for casual and dressy wear. People typically don't buy a new tweed jacket for conversion. Conversions are most often done on a jacket one already owns or buys used for less than $50. For a wedding, I suggest you get a tweed kilt jacket and vest.