Stillwater = Value

[Panache]

A new member (l'esprit) posted some questions about finding a reasonably priced kilt for her fiancee.

http://www.xmarksthescot.com/forum/s...ad.php?t=23788

I posted a lengthy answer strongly suggesting she look at Stillwater Kilts.

I wanted to show that I do practice what I preach and encourage those newbies and lurkers out there who haven't taken the plunge and bought their first kilt that one can be had without breaking the bank.

I have had a SWK Standard Hunting Mcleod for the better part of the year and it is the kilt I wear most often. It is comfortable, looks nice, is washable, and gives me the sense of security that if something unfortunate happens to it I can easily replace it. I have worn it to Highland Games and Scottish Country dancing and never felt it looked bad compared to the other kilts around me. As I said on l'esprit's thread, it isn't as nice as my 16 oz. 5 yard handsewn kilt, but it's a very good kilt for the price.

I've had a bee in my bonnet to get a red tartan kilt. My son Sinbad chose the Royal Stewart tartan for his Sport Kilt and I thought it handsome. I decided I wanted one too.

I ordered online from Jerry last Wednesday at noon (PST) and received my shipment at 2:00 on Saturday. Here's what I got:

1 Royal Stewart Standard kilt $80
1 Set of Royal Stewart flashes $5
3 pairs of off white blend kilt hose $15
1 Brown fur day sporran $36
1 kilt hanger $4

I am very pleased with my purchases. The kilt is well made and good looking (I think one of the reasons that Royal Stewart is so common is the simple fact that it is a very striking tartan). Wearing all that vibrant red takes a little getting used to, but I like it. The leather on the sporran is thick and pliable (thicker than the black braided sporran I bought from SWK last year). I like the antique finish on the chains and tassels caps. It is subtle and classy but doesn't seem too dressy for a daywear sporran. The hose were from his closeout specials, if they have blemishes or imperfections they aren't readily apparent. I am tempted to order another set to try to dye them like Cavscout has done with ecru hose.

Here's what it all looks like



View of the SWK Standard's pleats



Brown rabbit fur day wear sporran



Socks and Flashes




The sporran didn't come with a belt or chain so I was motivated to use Phill's advice on leather dyeing. I turned a light tan belt from the clearance rack at Target into a nice brown belt that matches fairly well with the sporran and belt (as well as my brown Freelander sporran ). The belt, dye, and wax polish came to under $19 and I have supplies for the next project to boot.

This is my 5th order from Stillwater kilts and I highly recommend them to someone who wants a kilt and all the basic accessories but is hesitant to take on a huge investment in them.

One last note, it sure is worth the $4 to have your kilt actually stay on a hanger!

Cheers