I had some spare material from my Modern MacDonald traditional kilt and I was pondering the idea of making matching kilt flashes. I stopped by the local tailor and inquired about it. The nice lady gave me an estimate of "I don't know, maybe about $12" for 4 flashes and I left about a 1/8 yard of scrap material with a single flash to use as a template. It was a plain flash with a split end and stiff backing.

I told her it was no hurry and left a phone number for her to call when they were ready. So, about 2 months pass. I go by today and inquired, because I had not heard anything. She starts in about "it's been so longgg..." and I reminded her I had left a number that she had never called. She pulled out the zip-loc bag and there were 4 pristine MacDOnald flashes and my solid one with the remaining fabric... so far so good. I also saw my note with my cellphone number and "call me when they are ready" on it... no biggie.

I looked at them and none of them matched. Hmmm, that one is on me, I guess. I had never mentioned having them match. Otherwise, they looked great. So I asked her how much I owed her. She pointed out the backing, which was much nicer than that on the sample. She said it cost her $10 for 2' of the backing. Then she tells me I owe her $25. I pointed out that she had quoted me $12. She scoffed and told me how much work and expense went into them and she said, "I should be charging you $50 for all the work these took." I was stunned.

So, I figured we were in a negotiation and I offered her $20. She replied, "I think $4 each is very fair." I said, "Okay, that would be $16, I agree." She looked shocked, like I had just slapped her in the face. She said, "No, it is $25, that is it!" "I tired to explain that $4 each for 4 flashes was $16 and I would give her that. I laid the $20 down and she starts in about how I am short changing her. So, I said, "Fine, you say $4 each for 4, I'll give you $5 each for 4, that is $20 total, including tax." I stacked the very crisp, mismatched flashes up in front of her and put the $20 bill next to them. "Which do you want?" I asked.

She took the flashes.

Fine. I walked out. I lost the fabric and now I'm pissed off. I wasn't looking to rip anyone off. Someone please tell me, am I the one that is screwed up here?

Anyone know where I can get some off-the-rack modern MacDonald tartan flashes?