Tips for buying my best 16oz kilt

[Snowbear]

I have been wearing a kilt for special occations for quite some time. I have a 8-yard and a 5-yard. Except for christmas, I mostly use my 5-yard since summer get over 20*C (about 70F). I've grown older now and it's time for me to actuall buy a new kilt. My family comes from Stewart, so that alone makes it hard to settle my choice. I'm then thinking of how popular the tartan is.

My main issue is what kind of material I want to use. I'm looking at the Scotweb's pages and best looking fabrics they have (in my eyes) is the ones from Loch and Batli. What fabric should I choose, and why?
Is the extra £70 worth it to get the fabric from Loch? I like the strong colors and bright look that those two gives. I would really want my kilt to stand out in the crowd of £20-kilts that rampants around the streets.

I'm looking at the Balmoral kilt. With the Value kilt the kilt with Batli costs £5 less. than the Balmoral wilt Batli. Is there a reason for this, or just the same kilt?

Last, simple question: When I'm looking at different sample pictures, I see that the patterns varies greatley in size. Is it a way to show how large squares the fabric have, or just illustrative pictures taken at random angels and distances?

[ForresterModern]

I have been wearing a kilt for special occations for quite some time. I have a 8-yard and a 5-yard. Except for christmas, I mostly use my 5-yard since summer get over 20*C (about 70F). I've grown older now and it's time for me to actuall buy a new kilt. My family comes from Stewart, so that alone makes it hard to settle my choice. I'm then thinking of how popular the tartan is.

My main issue is what kind of material I want to use. I'm looking at the Scotweb's pages and best looking fabrics they have (in my eyes) is the ones from Loch and Batli. What fabric should I choose, and why?
Is the extra £70 worth it to get the fabric from Loch? I like the strong colors and bright look that those two gives. I would really want my kilt to stand out in the crowd of £20-kilts that rampants around the streets.

I'm looking at the Balmoral kilt. With the Value kilt the kilt with Batli costs £5 less. than the Balmoral wilt Batli. Is there a reason for this, or just the same kilt?

Last, simple question: When I'm looking at different sample pictures, I see that the patterns varies greatley in size. Is it a way to show how large squares the fabric have, or just illustrative pictures taken at random angels and distances?

Some of Scotweb's images of tartans are photos, some are taken from a weaver's own website, and still others are computer generated images of what the tartan should look like based on the STA threadcounts. Specifically beware the latter, as they definitely tend to appear much more brightly colored than the actual fabric you will recieve. I have not ordered a kilt form Scotweb but have been contemplating it several times, and each time I found the fabric somewhere at a price I could not pass up to have it made up by one of our own kiltmakers here on the forum. I have several kilts in Lochcarron fabric and it is luxurious and hardy in its 16oz form. I have no Batley tartan, but in the few tartans I have considered it I did not like the coloring compared to other weavers-----too dark and almost dull by comparison---just my opinion.

Scotweb's value 8yd kilts are supposed to be built to the same construction specs as their Balmorals, just with less expensive tartans from lesser known mills. But I bet if you ask Nick he would probably tell you that there was a bit more machine sewing involved, or that they were sewn by some of their less experienced kiltmakers----thus where the value comes in.

[The Barry]

You can't, I repeat, can't go wrong with a winning combination:

8 yards of Lochcarron strome-weight tartan fabric + hand sewn (Barb T, Matt Newsome, etc).

There's really nothing better.

[Snowbear]

So pictures are really just for looking at colors. Any places to find the size of the sqares? I tend to see different sizes when I see the Royal Stewart.

I live in Norway now, so the shipping will be the same (more or less) compared to the total price. What would it cost me to get one of the experienced kiltmakers here on forum to make me a quality kilt that I can wear with pride and pass on to my children (if I get some)?

Anyone who have some knowledge and can compare the different mils based on colour and quality?

[BEEDEE]

So pictures are really just for looking at colors. Any places to find the size of the sqares? I tend to see different sizes when I see the Royal Stewart.

I live in Norway now, so the shipping will be the same (more or less) compared to the total price. What would it cost me to get one of the experienced kiltmakers here on forum to make me a quality kilt that I can wear with pride and pass on to my children (if I get some)?

Anyone who have some knowledge and can compare the different mils based on colour and quality?

Most kiltmakers will provide a swatch of material so you can see the actual color and sett. You might have to pay a few $ but IMHO that only way to go to be sure of what you are getting.

Brian

[Snowbear]

Ok, so I'm almost locked on Lochcarron. Still I need someone to make me an impressive kilt. Anyone you could recommend that still is'nt overpriced (I'm still a student) without reducing the quality? I know you get what you pay for, but somewhere there is a limit for us att. I'm mostly thinking of the style they make it. I have seen a lot of kilts, and some of them just stands out and make you instantly stop; thinking of good quality,

I'll take a look and get some swatches. Thx for the tip!

[ForresterModern]

Snowbear

Go to Scotweb's site and register, then login as a member, go to the members specials page, and look for the special they are having on tartan swatches----something like 40% off. At that price, with the exchange rates where they are right now swatches are only a few $US a piece. Choose a tartan or two or three you are considering for your kilt and order a couple swatches, maybe a couple different ones in each tartan at different price points from different mills. When you get them you will probably appreciate some of the differences between mills, fabric weights, and get a good idea of what sett size (the size of the box in the tartan plaid pattern) so you can imagine better what the kilt will actually look like.

Nothing wrong with ordering from Scotweb for your kilt either. Although a handsewn is truly the creme de la creme of kilts, if you are on a student's budget you may be better off getting a machine sewn to start out with and then save your money forr a future handsewn masterpiece when you are further into your career and can afford the additional cost.

[pdcorlis]

I strongly encourage you to follow FMs advice on swatches. There are differences mill to mill and sometimes weight to weight in the colors used in a given tartan. Its worth a bit of investment on the front end to be sure you're going to be completely happy with your new "pride and joy."

[Riverkilt]

Listen to The Barry - Find a kiltmaker, not a middleman, and deal direct with your kiltmaker. They can obtain the fabric for you and get the amount correct.

Preferable find a kiltmaker that puts their name on their work.

Traditional Kiltmakers Guild is revamping their website but there is an email for info.

http://www.traditionalkiltmakersguild.co.uk/

There are lots in the UK which is probably easier than the States.

Ron

[Laird O'the Cowcaddens]

It sounds to me that you are committed to buying the kilt and are using the Forum as a soundingboard. GOOD FOR YOU.. We ALL enjoy the opportunity to stick our oar in and ventilate, thank you for the chance. I could not have expressed the points that have already been put forth any better. YOU guys are ALWAYS on the ball.