Quote Originally Posted by Barb T.
Self-taught shouldn't be held against someone. It's the quality of the product that matters. If someone is making a product that looks like a kilt should, has all the interior construction that a kilt should have (e.g., the steeking mentioned above, which isn't obvious from the outside of a kilt), and is beautifully made, who cares how he/she learned the craft??
Well said. If you're mechanically inclined and have a knowledge of the fabric and an advanced knowledge of sewing techniques (and are VERY patient), you can make a very nice kilt without being a certified kiltmaker. If the finished product is virtually indistinguishable between 2 kiltmakers (one certified, 1 not), does it really matter?

Some people that claim to be "certified" or taught from the "old masters" may not be. What's to stop someone from SAYING that they're certified when they're not? I'm not pointing at anyone in particular, just bringing up a point. I can tell everyone I went to college. I can show you a degree... but until you call up my Al Mamatar and check with the Registrar's office to see that I graduated in 1999, you don't know for sure.

*soap box mode off*

I started sewing after we founded the company. I started with casuals (that was all we offered). I designed them the most logical way I could with my limited knowledge (at that time) of "handsewn kilts". Next we made "Traditionals" (now called Semi Trads) and my level of skill increased. I figured out more and more little "tips" and perfected that model. When I got good enough and saw enough wool kilts, I tried my hand at a Premier. The more kilts I made the better I got.

Going to a "kiltmaking school" will teach you how to make kilts the way your instructor made them. Doing it yourself and figuring out every little detail yourself gives you a certain uniqueness. While you ARE re-inventing the wheel, you have a chance to pick up on something that was missed by others or to re-invent a certain aspect of the kiltmaking process to save time or money.

If you order a kilt from a store, chances are, they'll just order the kilt from the mill. The mill pieces the kilts out to local ladies (and men) who make them for the mill. Are they certified? Possibly. You'll have to keep making calls and going up the chain to get to the individual who made it and ask them questions about their background.

If you order a kilt from a smaller company, you get the story, but still can't be 100% sure it's accurate. Your best bet would be things like the BBB or the valued opinion of customers "in the know" like we are here at XMARKS.