best bet

[BronxKilt]

This is my first post in this particular subset of this website.

I have decided to make the plunge and get my first "tank" or at least my first made to order tartan kilt.

I have 3 UK's that are languishing in the closet because they were EBay purchases to quell the jones. (although I rather like my workman’s, I may keep it around for my carpentry lessons) I have one UK made to order and it fits well enough to qualify for semi-daily rotation. I have a Freedom Kilt (casual) that I am working hard and an R-Kilt that is still the leader in the wear board. I love the kilt lifestyle and would love a kilt for Christmas, Easter, New Years and any other fancy event (weddings) I may be called upon to attend.

I have decided on the NYC tartan, having ties to both NYC and 9-11 (and not wanting to answer the question as to why I chose Grandpa's tartan over Grandma's) for my first Tank.

My question to the multitude (and I am fully aware that my mileage may vary from the replies) is:
*Should I go whole hog and go for an 8 yarder? or can I get away with something less yardage that is promised to "look almost the same"
*Should I get a package deal, or shop severalty for each components
*Who is the best provider of package deals?
and
*about how much should I be paying for a first "Tank"?

I am appreciative for any and all feedback. I don’t want to start a war of who is the best, but I would like to hear other people’s opinions on suppliers. This is going to be a rather large investment, and I want to do it right. I also want to have this puppy by T-Giving, or at least Christmas. So I suppose I should act quickly.

Help.

Bronx Kilt

[Tattoo Bradley]

Get in contact with the lady ... NOW!

[Panache]

Don't forget Rocky Roeger at USA Kilts www.usakilts.com and Matt Newsome
www.albanach.org

Both are gentlemen well respected by the members of this forum. Both were very helpful in answering my questions when I ordered by first custom kilt earlier this summer. I went with Matt for my Galbraith Ancient 5 yard knife pleated (which should be completed in the next few weeks!) I'm now saving for my next kilt from Rocky.

You can't go wrong with either one of them.

Cheers

[Rex_Tremende]

Who is selling the NYC/Tunes of Glory tartan? I'm kind of interested in that one.

You may also consider some of the responses I received when I asked a similar question in another thread.

Thanks,
Rex in Cincinnati

[Tattoo Bradley]

Don't forget Rocky Roeger at USA Kilts www.usakilts.com and Matt Newsome
www.albanach.org

Both are gentlemen well respected by the members of this forum. Both were very helpful in answering my questions when I ordered by first custom kilt earlier this summer. I went with Matt for my Galbraith Ancient 5 yard knife pleated (which should be completed in the next few weeks!) I'm now saving for my next kilt from Rocky.

You can't go wrong with either one of them.

Cheers

But of COURSE! Quality all the way around

[mexpiper]

My first tradditional kilt was made for me in Scotland, and it is the NYC Tartan.


I ordered it from a shop in Canada. It is a causual kilt, no one can tell the differance and is in the lighter weight (100% wool). The tartan was produced by Lochcarron. I wanted a heavier weight, but the salesman stated for our weather for the highland game season, this is what he wears. It cooler and not as bulky. Thats a good salesman.... he could have had me spend much more money.. but asked when i would mainly wear it.

Shop around.. listen to what your fellow xmarkers say, than make your choice.


http://www.lochcarron.com/tartanstrome/N-R/nyc_r.jpg

mexpiper

[Blu (Ontario)]

If by "tank" you're refering to the standard little kilt, then I would suggest that an 8 yard kilt may be more versatile for year round wear in the NY state climate... esp. so if the fabric is going to be 13oz or less. The extra fabric makes a big difference in the winter.



.

[Scotus]

If you're going to go more traditional, go with full eight yards (which may be slightly less or more, depending on your size). You'll want to stick with 13 or 16 oz wool. Anything less doesn't look right. Another route might be a four yard, box pleated kilt from Matt Newsome. For an eight yard, you can expect the price to begin at about $500.00, and they go upwards from there. This is only based on personal experience. I haven't been checking prices lately.

Scotus

[Riverkilt]

Follow Brad's advice,

Ya gotta go with a hand sewn traditional. It'll last a lifetime and be handed down with pride.

Kathy can find the tartan and weight you want. She'll only charge you part down to do that and won't ask for the rest until she's ready to ship..

Don't forget the flashes.

Warning...once you get a hand sewn you'll be spoiled for life too.

Kathy's sewing up my fifth hand sewn from her now...I'm sold on her craftsmanship and credentials.

That's her work in my avatar, you can see bigger pics of her work in my galleries. She sewed my Macdonald Lord of the Isles, Macdonald of Kingsburgh, Cameron Black and Red, and X Marks tartan kilts.

Ron

[Rob Wright]

I have 2 traditionals from Kathy, love love her work. You can't go wrong.

Rob