Lightweight Poly viscose tartan on Ebay (caveat: too light for kiltmaking)

[usonian]

Ebay seller the_world_of_fabrics has double-width poly viscose tartan in a few different setts (nothing exotic - Black Watch, Royal Stewart, Thompson Caramel, and some fashion setts) for GBP 3.99/meter. They do describe as lightweight, but mention kiltmaking as a possible use. In my case I had a backup use in mind in case it turned out to be too light, so I took the plunge and bought some Black Watch sight unseen.

It arrived today and I have to say, it is too light to be suitable for kiltmaking. If I had to guess I'd say the weight is 8oz, compared to the 11ish ounce Marton Mills PV I've handled.

It's nice fabric, though, and will make a nice table covering and/or backdrop when vending at shows. I may also make a full length, bias cut waistcoat out of some of it. So, nice tartan fabric at a good price (even factoring in overseas shipping, I don't think you're going to find PV tartan for much less in the US) but too light (in my limited experience/opinion) for kilts.

[Bearded Man Brew]

Thats too bad. I always have a hard time justifying buying online. Have you bought other tartan online from other sources. If so, where did you go. I am trying to justify making one from a real tartan material, just wrestling with the cost at this time.

Thanks

[Geoff Withnell]

Our esteemed host, Steve Ashton, of Freedom Kilts has supplied me with tartan material.

[usonian]

I had to request a price sheet by email and order by phone (they don't do online transactions) but my experience dealing with Marton Mills directly was very pleasant - I ordered both 16 oz wool and some PV. House of Edgar was also very accommodating when I contacted them via e-mail about getting a few swatches of wool tartan that weren't available in their default swatch list.