Quote Originally Posted by manavark View Post
I ask for a Mackenzie Modern, not an expensive cloth 8 yr , and they both told me I was looking at 3 to 5 month turn around. Sounds like a lot for a garment that I will wear 2 times.
Larry, did you specify the weight of the tartan? Was it 18 oz, 16 oz, 13 oz, etc? What is your hip measurement, since that is one of the deciding factors in how much yardage you would need? How did you want it pleated? The cost of the fabric can be the biggest outlay. Did the kiltmaker have the fabric on hand, or was he/she going to have it order it in and was it available immediately through the weaver? And honestly, a 3-5 month turn around is not that unusual for a bespoke garment. Remember there may be others ahead of you in the queue. This is different than walking into a department store and buying off the rack. The first time I started looking into having a kilt custom-made, I was also in a bit of sticker shock. But I then started doing some research -- much of it in threads on XMarks -- and I developed a greater appreciation for bespoke. I still only have one kilt, because that is all my budget will permit right now, but I don't feel it was overpriced. I am sorry that you feel you were treated differently.

As for wearing the garment only 2 times...well, how often you wear it is up to you. When I got a kilt for my wedding, I could not see that I would be wearing it much beyond fancy events. But heck, it was my wedding and an outlay of funds was okay for the special day (we spent a lot on her dress!) Since then, I have found more opportunities to wear it, so the cost-per-outing has decreased, and my appreciation of the garment has increased. I am not saying that this would also apply to you, but it has been my experience.