Local made or import from Scotland?

[Tobus]

Query them about stabilizers and interfacings.

This needs to be emphasized. If you don't know what these are, here is a thread where I discovered (to my extreme dismay) that my "made in Scotland" kilt did not have a stabilizer. And it will hopefully explain why it's so important.

That thread is precisely why I will never, ever buy another kilt from someone if I can't speak directly to the kilt maker.

[creagdhubh]

That thread is precisely why I will never, ever buy another kilt from someone if I can't speak directly to the kilt maker.

***

[Father Bill]

I'm much happier with the kilt made by Keltoi after he measured me himself than I am with the one made in Scotland after they measured me... and I then had to wait and hope they got it right... which they didn't... and John had to rebuild it for me. Always better when you can look the kiltmaker in the eye, and more to the point s/he has to face you and stand behind their product when you try it on and stand in it.

I'll work with John again. I'll not order from away ever again.

[seanachie]

I'm much happier with the kilt made by Keltoi after he measured me himself than I am with the one made in Scotland after they measured me... and I then had to wait and hope they got it right... which they didn't... and John had to rebuild it for me. Always better when you can look the kiltmaker in the eye, and more to the point s/he has to face you and stand behind their product when you try it on and stand in it.

I'll work with John again. I'll not order from away ever again.

I think the good Reverend is correct here. John Hart is a wonderful kiltmaker, takes great pride in his work and quality of product, extremely helpful with questions and a very nice guy. This in no way disparages any other kiltmaker here or elsewhere but he is in your general area. The technical issues with kilt construction such as stabilizers, pleats properly cut out etc. are all part of my kilts from Keltoi.

[JohntheBiker]

Matt:

Cairngorm has a kiltmaker on staff and I can attest that she does quality work. She just adjusted my "best" kilt, which she made for me years ago, and I am delighted by the outcome. They have knowledgeable staff, first rate service and a reasonable turnaround on the order. You could do a lot worse going elsewhere.

John Hart at Keltoi was also mentioned in this thread. He's less than an hour away in Kitchener and he'll do a fine job as well (I'm awaiting delivery on kilt from him in the next week or so).

[matt.mackinnon]

Matt:

Cairngorm has a kiltmaker on staff and I can attest that she does quality work. She just adjusted my "best" kilt, which she made for me years ago, and I am delighted by the outcome. They have knowledgeable staff, first rate service and a reasonable turnaround on the order. You could do a lot worse going elsewhere.

John Hart at Keltoi was also mentioned in this thread. He's less than an hour away in Kitchener and he'll do a fine job as well (I'm awaiting delivery on kilt from him in the next week or so).

It always seems to happen this way. You look and look but just can't seem to find what you are looking for. Then you commit to something and other options suddenly spring up around you like magic. I have phoned Cairngorm and expressed my concerns and have been asked to speak with Darren the owner tomorrow. I will see what he has to say on the issue. If I can't seem to get a solid answer (as prices for what I want seem to change from moment to moment). I guess if I can't get an agreeable solution, then I will just have to cancel the order and go with another kiltmaker.

[tulloch]

I think, as with any good, made-to-order, garment if you can go and talk with the tailor and be measured and do a fitting when it is nearly done then it is better than sending out for it. My band has its kilts made in Scotland by a Scottish firm, with a local "Scottish" shop as the agent. The last one they had made, despite measuring by the shop owner, went back and forth to Scotland four times! I vote get it made by a local, well-trained, maker.

[madmacs]

I have one scottish one new york. I never actually spoke to my NY one (was all email)... Would have to say it's pretty good though...

Do you need a scottish made kilt? No
Are there people in scotland making bad kilts? Yep
Are there people in north america makimg bad kilts? Yep

I chose my kiltmaker, not my kilt first...