Ebay seller the_world_of_fabrics has double-width poly viscose tartan in a few different setts (nothing exotic - Black Watch, Royal Stewart, Thompson Caramel, and some fashion setts) for GBP 3.99/meter. They do describe as lightweight, but mention kiltmaking as a possible use. In my case I had a backup use in mind in case it turned out to be too light, so I took the plunge and bought some Black Watch sight unseen. It arrived today and I have to say, it is too light to be suitable for kiltmaking. If I had to guess I'd say the weight is 8oz, compared to the 11ish ounce Marton Mills PV I've handled. It's nice fabric, though, and will make a nice table covering and/or backdrop when vending at shows. I may also make a full length, bias cut waistcoat out of some of it. So, nice tartan fabric at a good price (even factoring in overseas shipping, I don't think you're going to find PV tartan for much less in the US) but too light (in my limited experience/opinion) for kilts.
Thats too bad. I always have a hard time justifying buying online. Have you bought other tartan online from other sources. If so, where did you go. I am trying to justify making one from a real tartan material, just wrestling with the cost at this time. Thanks
Our esteemed host, Steve Ashton, of Freedom Kilts has supplied me with tartan material.
Geoff Withnell "My comrades, they did never yield, for courage knows no bounds." No longer subject to reveille US Marine.
I had to request a price sheet by email and order by phone (they don't do online transactions) but my experience dealing with Marton Mills directly was very pleasant - I ordered both 16 oz wool and some PV. House of Edgar was also very accommodating when I contacted them via e-mail about getting a few swatches of wool tartan that weren't available in their default swatch list.
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