New Kilt Advice

[Spartan]

Steve,

I just got my first tank, and I would second the recommendation of Kathy Lare for a wool, hand sewn, 8 yd kilt. She's reasonable, and not very far from you in Albuquerque. Just down the road, so to speak. You'll get an absolutely top quality kilt.

She did my first tank in an Episcopal Clergy tartan. You can see it in this thread >> http://www.xmarksthescot.com/forum/m...x.html?t=45799 If you scroll down far enough in the thread, you'll find the pleat shot.

Check Riverkilt's personal profile and his photo album for Kathy Lare kilts. He has several made by her, as well as several made by USA Kilts. You can check with him about MacDonald tartan kilts -- he's a Mac Donald.

[davedove]

You'll find that the prices for kilts are pretty comparable among the different kiltmakers. The real cost is in the material and that doesn't vary much for a particular tartan. If it's uncommon for one it's uncommon for all. Any reputable kiltmaker will fit your needs, just shop around.

When comparing prices though, be sure to remember that any from overseas won't have the shipping and duty costs included in the price. So, what looks cheaper on the posted price may wind up costing more after those costs. Or it may not, just be aware.

[Kilted in Maine]

Steve,

Don't take this the wrong way but you must decide what you want first in order for others to give you some direction.

In your initial post you indicate you want a "Tank" but later say you don't care if it is hand or machine sewn.

A "Tank" by definition is the following:

A 'TANK' is defined as an eight-yard, wool, hand-sewn, traditional kilt. ie., "It's built like a tank." (coined by Jimmy Carbomb c.2005) - See FAQ section

If you truly want a "Tank" there are many vendors both retail and independent that could assist you here. But you must realize you are investing in a "top of the line" quality product. Looking for a "deal" for that type of investment may not be in your best interest.

Now, if you are looking for a machine sewn kilt, there are also many vendors that advertise here and finding a deal for this type of product may be more feasible.

Lastly, you could also consider a 4-yard box pleat hand-sewn by Matt Newsome.

So, as I indicated you really need to narrow down what you want in order to receive some productive advice.