Please Recommend Me a North American Kilt Maker for Alterations

[DannyBoy2k]

I've been playing the pipes for a few years and purchased my band kilt, a Melvin muted tartan, from the supplier, House of Edgar, my PM uses as he (my PM) has a small Irish and Scottish good store in town and can get a discounted price for his band members. That kilt fit very well, though it was a little long (top to bottom), which I attribute to a bad measurement by my PM when he was measuring me. So, when it came time to order another kilt in McDonald tartan (my mother's side), I used the same supplier and the same measurements minus an inch in the length.

For some reason, this one doesn't fit the same at all. In fact, the first one was so short around the waist, I could not fasten the inner apron and asked to return it. The second one, I can get on, but the outer apron is on the last hole of the straps. The outer apron buckles are much further around my backside than on my band kilt. Also, the inner apron strap is sewed on several inches from the edge of the apron whereas on my band kilt, it's sewed almost right on the edge of the apron. The inner apron strap I can live with, though I'd like to move it an inch outboard, but I just can't live with the outer apron being on the last hole and fairly tight at that. Here's a picture showing what I mean:



If the buckles where even just an inch closer to the apron, I'd be a few holes in and good to go. I'm hoping I can find a North American maker who can help make this kilt right as it's the one I'd like to wear while competing on my bagpipes. Would you good forumites recommend me someone? Inside the US would be preferable to avoid international shipping rates and customs, but I'll go just about anywhere if needed.

Many thanks!

~Dan

[denmcdough]

Bonnie Heather Greene is not only a wonderful kilt maker, but she does many kilt alterations. Look at her advertisement on the forum home page. I think you'd be pleased. She's located in NY, just out of the city.

[Ron Abbott]

it does just look as if the buckles need moved. There is certainly no big gap (or any gap) between the apron and the pleats.

[Steve Ashton]

If you could give us your location we could help better.

[gwynng]

I had a kilt altered by

http://www.thistle-shamrock.com

The alteration was fast and not too expensive. You might give her a call.

[Benning Boy]

I've recently purchased three casual kilts from Burnett's and Struth, each to be made to the same measurements, yet each fits differently. Each of the kilts was basted differently, so I'm assuming three different makers worked on the kilts. Seems not all inches are quite the same.

One of my kilts is on it's way to Bonnie Heather, based on a good review of her alterations skills here, but I'm sure there are others. Over the years I've noted several kilt makers who specifically mention alterations and repairs on their web sites.