Where to start? TANK quest...

**Riverkilt** · 23rd August 07, 09:12 PM

Just to point out that Kathy Lare trained at the Keith Kilt School in Scotland. I'd guess the two top of the line hand sewn kiltmakers in the States would be her and Barb T. and maybe some folks flying beneath the radar.

Ron

billmcc · 24th August 07, 03:59 AM

Originally Posted by wscottmac

Thanks, guys. Would you mind pointing me in the right direction (i.e. their websites) as to how to contact these folks?

Alexis Malcolm's website is here:
http://www.alexismalcolmkilts.bigstep.com/homepage.html

Kathy Lare's website is here:
http://www.kathyskilts.com/

**M. A. C. Newsome** · 24th August 07, 04:21 AM

Originally Posted by davedove

Don't forget the kiltmakers here in the States. Kathy Lare and Alexis Malcolm both make wonderful kilts. I've got one from Kathy and two from Alexis. Plus, if you use them, you don't have to deal with duty fees.

Of course, if what you want is a Scottish Made kilt, you'll have to go to Scotland for that.

Not neccessarily. There are a lot of kilt retailers in the US that don't make their kilts in house but that order their kilts made from Scotland. So you can get a Lochcarron-made, or House of Edgar-made, or Strathmore-made kilt from a US-based supplier, if that is what you want.

Frankly, it doesn't really make a difference to me whether the kilt is made in Scotland, or the USA, or Canada, or Australia, etc., so long as it is made well. But I know some people just like the idea of having a "made in Scotland" kilt, so I just want to point out that this is available in the US, if that is what you are after.

Of course, actually going to Scotland would be more fun, if not a lot more expensive!

Matt

**Rampant Lion** · 24th August 07, 07:13 AM

Originally Posted by irishrob

Celtic Craft Center has a shop in Palm Springs as well as Scotland. I have two of their "tanks" and they have a lifetime guarantee to adjust the size, in case they shrink or expand while in the closet. I wouldn't hesitate to use any of the suggested kiltmakers who are mentioned in this forum. When in doubt contact the person who recommended him or her.

Best to you

Rob

I too, have a kilt made by the Celtic Craft Centre and I love it. But since you're in Florida and they're in California it might make going through them a little difficult. When they were still in San Francisco, when you ordered a kilt it was made in Scotland and sent back to the US. Their website is here.

**JRB** · 24th August 07, 08:23 AM

I just wanted to point out another talented kilt maker in the U.S., Ann Stewart. She is semi retired now and has closed her brick and mortar shop but still takes kilt commissions.

**wscottmac** · 24th August 07, 08:57 AM

Y'all are great! Thanks for all the good ideas. Matt -- you're right. I'm not concerned where it's made. Frankly, I kinda like the idea of supporting a Stateside kiltmaker. I was in the HOMELAND in July and it was very expensive - about $2 to the pound. But, you just can't get haggis like that over here! Or kippers... or Tennents on draught... or sheep in the road.... or herry coos.... ah, the Highlands!

**Cawdorian** · 24th August 07, 09:36 AM

I've got to put in my $.02 cents worth here, my favorite kilt is my 16 oz, 9 yard Ancient Lamont kilt made by Lochcarron of Lochcarron fabric. It is a very well made high quality kilt. I bought it from my favorite Scottish merchant Matt Newsome at the Scottish Tartans Museum.

You cant go wrong with a Lochcarron.

**kiltedsawyer** · 24th August 07, 05:51 PM

Try Sir Robert, that's where my House of Edgar tank came from, it'smy only kilt, but seems well made, and from what my wife tells me, a great deal.

**Phil** · 25th August 07, 04:24 AM

If I was you I would buy local. All the kiltmakers recommended here have a reputation to keep so if you have any problems they will sort it out. Made in Scotland is no guarantee, I had a kilt made by Kinloch Anderson in Edinburgh and quite frankly it was c**p. I paid extra for a hand stitched job and you could see all the stitching - I could probably have done a better job myself. And the pleats didn't sit right and caught the apron. So don't assume they are all as good as their adverts make out! I won't recommend any because everyone who replies tells you a different one so what help is that?