Where to buy fabric

**katmills2005** · 21st November 06, 03:47 PM

I'd like to make my daughter and myself skirts and maybe other items to match the kilt my son has. Problem is, I haven't found the right fabric at any of the local fabric stores and the few places I have found it on line wanted quite a lot of money for their cloth. Any suggestions on where to find some resonably priced, light weight Gordon cloth?

**MacWage** · 21st November 06, 06:31 PM

Do you want Gordon modern regular?
Gordon ancient/faded?
Dress Gordon?
Red Gordon?

There are a few choices. Gordon is one of the most common tartans, and also worn by a famous Highland regiment (at least historically, I'm not sure what is happening right now-> they are doing strange things-> I'm sure CanjunScot and others could enlighten us quickly).

A decent Gordon modern is the PV carried by USA Kilts (made by Marton Mills). Rocky or another kilt maker may be able to get you some. Also both The Scottish Tartan Museum in Franklin, NC (an X Marks sponsor) and The Scottish Weaver (who carries -stock- a light weight plain weave that might make a decent skirt-> NOT and X Marks sponsor) can get some worsted wool from numerous mils and in numerous weights.

**auld argonian** · 21st November 06, 06:40 PM

I can see why ebay isn't as viable an option as it might be: there's some NASCAR guy with the surname of Gordon and when you search for Gordon fabric, you get a whole heap of fabric with pictures of his race car on it.

Best

AA

**gilmore** · 21st November 06, 08:47 PM

My experiences with buying tartan on eBay have been fairly horrible.

Of the three pieces I have received, two were not as advertised, both were significantly more lightweight. The latest was advertised as 14 ounces per yard, but when I got it, I discovered it is only 7.9 ounces/yard, and the seller, some one doing business as Goban062302 out of Livingston, New Jersey, refuses to refund my money, so we are battling it out in Paypal.

In the event you find something on eBay in the UK, watch out. The British sellers often do not tell you until after you make a winning bid that they refuse to ship by surface post, which would be cheaper, but insist on shipping by air freight, which is usually doubles or triples or more the cost of the material.

Once you receive material from the UK, you are also liable for customs, which can be rather high. This was discussed on another thread here that you could search for.

I don't know what a solution is. If you find a reliable source for quality wool tartan at reasonable prices, please let us know.

**Kilted Taper** · 22nd November 06, 03:23 AM

Gilmore-

That's a shame that you have had such bad experience. I'd have to say that mine has been the complete opposite. I too have had three purchases via eBay for wool, from 2 sellers (both in the UK). Fabric has been as advertised and even more beautiful in person than on the computer. Never once had to pay customs charges, and shipping was quite reasonable considering the weight of the packages. I guess it's like any eBay acution however, and the buyer should do their research and take caution.

katmills2005:
If eBay isn't an option, you may also want to keep an eye on The Scottish Weaver and their remnants page.

**millar** · 22nd November 06, 05:54 AM

you might also try www.hamiltondrygoods.com they have some wool blends and they say they have some gordon?

**MacWage** · 22nd November 06, 06:38 AM

Also,

Do you want/must have worsted wool?

Or will "saxony"/fuzzy normal wool be OK?

The second is MUCH cheaper, but doesn't look as good in a kilt-esque garment, or wear as well. It makes a HUGR difference on where you can/want to get fabric.

In your area, I'd also contact Mary Jo's up in Gastonia, NC and see if they have anything (only applies to "fuzzy wool").

I still say that PV is a good option.

**katmills2005** · 22nd November 06, 12:59 PM

Actually, it doesn't need to be wool for what I'm wanting to do with it. I am wanting something very light weight, cotton would be fine, just so long as the tartan patern is right. (Gordon Modern)

Most of the events we go to are in the summer. I live in the south and heat is a real factor. And since I'm not looking to make a historical garment as I would wear for SCA, I don't think wool is needed.

Hope that helped.

**CameronTaylor** · 22nd November 06, 02:24 PM

Write or call James at Sportkilt and find out if he can send you some of their lightweight fabric, which considering your location and needs sounds like a god match.

CT - and he's a nice guy to boot.

**gilmore** · 22nd November 06, 04:07 PM

Originally Posted by katmills2005

Actually, it doesn't need to be wool for what I'm wanting to do with it. I am wanting something very light weight, cotton would be fine, just so long as the tartan patern is right. (Gordon Modern)

Most of the events we go to are in the summer. I live in the south and heat is a real factor. And since I'm not looking to make a historical garment as I would wear for SCA, I don't think wool is needed.

Hope that helped.

Have you looked at The Scottish Weaver?http://www.thescottishweaver.com/woolplaids.html

They have a Gordon that looks like a modern in 10/11 ounces/yard wool, 60'' wide with selvedge, for $35.95 a yard. They also have tartans in cottons, synthetics and blends that I did not look through.

Everyone who comments on it seems to say that it is not the weight of the wool fabric that causes a person to heat up in a kilt in the summertime. In fact, they all say that the lighter fabrics are less suitable because they tend to wrinkle more and loose their shape in the heat and the humidity.