New Kiltmaker?

[Wompet]

My advice is to stick to one or maybe two things and do them really really well. That way, people will want what you have to offer.

Now, I'm looking at only making hand-sewn, traditionally-cut, wool kilts and kilted skirts. Especially solid colours, although tartans would be part of it. Hand sewn sporrans and garter ties (fingerwoven). Possibly jackets. Handknit hose.

It looks in your initial choice of products, you'ld be following Barb's advice. I just did a quick surf through the Canadian listings of the North American Kiltmakers Directory, and I didn't see any solid/unpatterned wool kilts. Or handsewn sporrans, fingerwoven garter ties, or handknit hose, for that matter . Of the members here, the Wizard and RKilt make non-traditionals and Bear and MacHummel work with non-woolen fabrics. We (your target market) have expressed interest in handknit hose and garter ties, and everyone knows you can't have too many sporrans.

Sure, go for it. One piece of advice I can think of is to not take too many orders at once, and be realistic about completion times. If you overestimate the time and get a product done early, customers are pleasantly surprised. If you underestimate they will become frustrated.

Overestimation - also known as the Scotty factor:

"How long to re-fit?"
"Eight weeks. But you don't have eight weeks, so I'll do it for you in two."
"Do you always multiply your repair estimates by a factor of four?"
"How else to maintain my reputation as a miracle worker?"

Kirk and Scotty in Star Trek III

Good luck with your decision. And if you decide to go ahead, the line forms behind the kilted dog.

[bangkok kilt]

Moosehead,

My support would be that I think many members of the forum would be looking to buy from within the ranks as opposed to going to some large anonymous company for a kilt. I would love to be able to have a kilt made from someone on the forum.

[MacWage]

I'll be a pess.-> note-> Matt and Barb have other jobs too. The kilts are not primary income. Others->?

How can one make a small fortune in Kilt making . . .?
Start with a big one!
(Stolen from Briggs Cunningham, who was talking about car racing.)

I'll be an opti.-> If you can figure out how to pay bills, cover costs, and create your own nitch, you'll have the time of your life.