Next Kilt

[James McDonald]

Ok, I know this has probably been covered many times here. I am so glad that I found this forum and the welcome I received was top notch. I do feel that my current kilt is not worthy though now, maybe for a renfair or where poeple do not know the difference, but not for a better inform crowd at a large highland games.

I do not have alot to spend at the moment, but do want a better kilt by the Houston Highland Games. I was thinking about $200 or less for the kilt, leaving money for new hose, flashes, sporran, and shirt.

Can you please recommend a decent maker since I know $200 is not much for good kilts. I do plan to save up to have a great kilt made to measure, but right now I need something fast. The games are less than two weeks away.

Also, can you suggest something based on my measurements, such as ordering the size above or below.

Measurements: Navel 39.5, Waist 38, **** 42, Drop 24

Thank you for all your help,

James

[McMurdo]

With 2 weeks time I'd say you are basically out of luck, if you really need a new kilt for the games then I'd say go over to Stillwater and pick one up it will do you well and would be I think just about the only way to get it to you on time.

[timseh]

The Stillwater heavyweights are quite nice from what I understand. I have 2 standards and am very pleased with those. In addition, Jerry's customer service is top notch.

If you need it quickly and at a good price, he's hard to beat.

[dfmacliam]

I second and third the above statements concerning Jerry. In three days after ordering.. you will have it... then you can finish out your accessories... a MacDonald in a Standard is about $100.00 with shipping, add your hose, flashes will be included with your kilt. He has sporrans, belts, kilt pins, ect. I think with a little well organized planning, you can maximize your shopping dollar and be appropriately presentable for the Houston Highland Games.

Let me add this, I had haphazardly entered into kilting and my purchases were sporadic, to say the least. If I had taken the time and talked, listened, and shopped around a little more, I probably would not have made a couple of purchases I had... I would have less kilts, and had them fitted much better than what I first assumed I was needing. I have learned, as a big guy, I have no business wearing a jeans waist kilt.. mid rise or high rise are better suited for my body type.. length is important. I have a SportKilt that is too short if I wear it where I feel more comfortable. I can say this... I am pleased with the kilts I have bought from StillWater Kilts, I have email Jerry asking for something not listed on his site, and he got back to me the same day, and in both questions... I got what I wanted.
I am currently getting a box pleat made by Steve with Freedom Kilts, he walked me through the measuring process, and questioning my measurments, when he felt they did not sound right. We did it on skype, so he could show me why and how, and pleating options. He answered questions, and corrected assumptions I had... I will say, when you are ready for the higher end kilt, contact Steve, or Matt with Scottish Tartan Museum, or Rocky with USA Kilts, or any of the other kiltmakers we have on the forum, I see them giving sound, professional advice, and working with you on your purchases.. I seen a couple offer a layaway of sorts, as long as you have it paid off before they cut the fabric, and usually they have a few months before they can start on your kilt (high demand for their quality workmanship), you can afford that top quality kilt.. and if you read past threads you can see where two of our esteemed kilties show ten styles of wearing one kilt.. from casual to formal..
This maybe more than you asked for, and if it is, I apologize. I have good things to say about what I have experienced on this forum.

[Phogfan86]

With 2 weeks time I'd say you are basically out of luck, if you really need a new kilt for the games then I'd say go over to Stillwater and pick one up it will do you well and would be I think just about the only way to get it to you on time.

***

$80. Order it today and you'll have it by Thursday.

[Riverkilt]

Do save your money for a hand sewn - nothing like it. Kathy Lare, Barb T, Matt...$200 is enough for a down payment with Kathy, not sure how Barb and Matt do their financial end. Save for the balance. You'll have a proud kilt in a few months.

And second USA Kilts for the Houston humidity. I started with casuals for the Arizona heat but found that the semi-trads were just as cool in the heat and easier to wear since I only needed the straps.

You can also show up at the Games and buy something ready to wear from a vendor.

Good luck cousin - you ain't seen nothin' yet...its a fun addiction.

Ron

[The Barry]

If you need a kilt in two weeks, SWK is the only way to go. If you need a nice kilt for $200 or less, SWK is a great choice. It won't be a hand-sewn, but it'll be nice enough to wear to the games, pub nights, etc.

[James McDonald]

Thank you for the help.

I ordered from SWK last night. Since I would rather wait until I buy a hand sewn kilt for a family tartan, I went with the standard in Black Watch. Then I went elsewhere to buy more non-white hose, highland shirt, and Sgian Dubh. I will wait until i go to the fair to see on upgrading shoes, sporran, belt, and kilt pin since the ones I have will do for now.

Thank you all for the advice. This forum has really turned up the flame on my longstanding kilt desires and really made me aware of more than I ever considered about our wonderful habit.

FREEDOM!

James

[Zardoz]

Can't go wrong for the money with SWK! Be sure and stop by the Clan MacIntyre tent at the Houston Games, they are hosting our X-Marks meetup.

You didn't mention what tartan you looking for, but if they have your tartan, you might consider a USA Kilts Semi-Trad, they are close to your price range, and great for the Texas climate.

See you at the games!