Marton Mills wool

[David Thorpe]

Is Marton Mills wool tartan fabric worsted? Anyone have any experience with its quality? Looks like it is considerably less expensive than Strathmore or Lochcarron.

[Paul Henry]

Marton Mills is a very source of slightly more commerical fabrics, with many different types available. Their Jura range is perfectly good, and am I happy to use it without any quality problems, I do prefer Lochcarron or Dalgliesh ,if i am given a completely free choice, but the Jura range is a good sensible collection . It is a bit cheaper than the others, but over the last year or so the difference is not as great as it used to be. I'd certainly say to give it a go witout hesitation

[denmcdough]

Not sure if it's worsted, but it is fine material. I have three kilts in this material, and I'm well satisfied.

[ForresterModern]

MM Jura is worsted the same as basically everybody else's standard wool tartan material. They are a UK but not Scotland based weaver (as is Batley), which IMHO means little. I have several kilts in their Jura range of tartans which, as also described by Nick Fiddes on Scotweb's site, are ever so slightly coarser to the hand than the best Scottish weavers (HOE, Lochcarron, Dalgleish, and Strathmore--I have kilts in tartan from all of them as well to compare to), good depth and breadth of colors, and have a cutoff selvedge, which in most cases is quite good but can be variable in its quality from piece to piece and run to run. I have had no problems with any of the tartan from their mills, and consider it a good product at a reasonable price that will suit the vast majority of folks seeking kilts. They have a long list of available tartans, and their fabric is generally readily available (rarely on backorder for long). From more than an arms length away I think very few people would be able to tell the difference between their tartan and those from the scottish mills. Combined with the breadth of tartans available and cost for level of quality, I think they area great place to start for most folks getting into kilts for the first time but still desiring a traditional wool heavyweight tartan kilt. The rest of us kilt snobs may dote on the color depth or hand or traditional selvedge or available colorways of the scottish weavers, and rightly so, but in all honesty the differences are really only evident to the educated and observant. I think that the heavyweight HOE Nevis class of tartans is of similar quality with similar cutoff selvedge, slightly more vivid colors (IMHO) and essentially comparable in cost, and could be a reasonable alternative depending on your desired tartan and how you fancy the colors available in that tartan. As always, if colors are important to you by all means order some swatches and compare both colors and fabric feel and weight.

I have not and would not hesitate to order a wool tartan kilt in Marton Mills Jura (or HOE Nevis, for that matter), if that is within your price range and they have the specific tartan you are seeking in colors you consider acceptable. If you do I hope you are satisfied as I have been. Good luck in your endeavors.

jeff

[BEEDEE]

I have a kilt in MM Jura made by Rock at USA Kilts. It's just fine for me.

Brian

[David Thorpe]

Thank you all for sharing your experiences... very helpful.

[John_Carrick]

I have one kilt in a 16oz Marton Mills cloth (Grey Heritage). Very smart, sturdy and uncreasable but a bit more scratchy than my other kilts which are Lochcarron, but wear it all the time.
John

[Dale Seago]

I have one kilt in a 16oz Marton Mills cloth (Grey Heritage). Very smart, sturdy and uncreasable but a bit more scratchy than my other kilts which are Lochcarron, but wear it all the time.
John

I agree with you and others who've commented in this vein. I have one also, 16oz Douglas Grey Modern from Marton Mills. I also find that it has a coarser feel than my other kilts, which are all either Lochcarron or Batley fabric. That doesn't make me like it any less or wear it any less, however -- it's a fine kilt and I'd have no qualms about buying/wearing others in Marton Mills wool tartans.

[berserkbishop]

Marton Mills wool is fantastic for the price in my opinon. My best kilt, hand made by my grandmother, is crafted from the stuff and it is comfortable and sturdy. I say go for it.

[Aspiringloser]

Marton Mills makes it possible for the not so rich people (me) to be able to get decent cloth to make a fine kilt from. You can not go wrong purchasing from them.