Special Weave... not so cheap, is it?

[Paul Henry]

I've used Dalgleish for special weaves and am very happy with the fabrics, and would use them again without any hesitation, for specials they usually weave it single width for smaller runs, only going double for longer lengths.
But I'd have to say if it is a special weave you want, then the way it works is simply that you will have to pay a little more for it. Paul if you want to ask anything from me, who at least lives this side of the pond, and has dealt with them, you send me a message!!

[Paul]

One other option, if you are willing to tolerate a machine sewn kilt or pay extra to an internet vendor for a handsewn: Several months ago I was investigating an unusual and rare tartan not on the standard rolls of any mills production inventory. Tartanweb at that time had their 8yd traditional heavyweight machine sewn kilt in any tartan (emphasis mine) for around $326 plus shipping. I contacted them by email asking if that included a special weave, 16oz Ancient Red Douglas. Their customer rep returned my email and said that even though it was a special weave they would honor that price, plus shipping (about $38US). I ordered it, and have been waiting for it to arrive since mid May, knowing that the special weave was likely to delay the process by 3-4 months. You can also pay extra for a handsewn deluxe 8yd as well.

Tartanweb, and their sister site scottishkilts, have since raised their prices across the board, some more than others, but Tartanweb still lists their Standard machine sewn 8yd kilt in any tartan at around $388US (Scottishkilts is more like $406) plus shipping. You would have to contact them directly to see if they would honor this price for YOUR special weave, but if so make sure you get it in writing. Good deal in my book. I have two other Scottishkilts/Tartanweb machine sewn kilts and they fit great and are well made, as best I can tell, similar to virtually all my other kilts.

Good Luck. PM me if you need more specific help. And, NO, I do not have stock or other personal investment in Tartanweb or Scottishkilts----this is my honest opinion of their offereings and workmanship.

Paul, obviously in your situation, being in the UK you have VAT to add into the equation which will significantly increas the price some.

Thanks for your help - and thanks to everyone else.
I contacted Bruce once more and he had his made by DC Dalgleish. He doesnt recall the exact costs but said there was a flat rate for starting the weave and then a cheaper price per yard. This is probably how it worked out cheaper overall.
I'll get in contact with them as soon as I have the money

[Heming]

Special weaves are usually single width. I was quoted £28 per meter single width at Dalgleish. It's the most affordable I've found, and I will at some point order from them (but I'm saving up the cash first).

[andyfg]

I have just ordered from Dalgliesh. Special order heavy weight. £28.00 a yard. I have another kilt in their heavyweight special order and it is very nice fabric. But, as you say, not cheap! 10-12 week weaving time.

[Nighthawk]

Yep. I got a kilt made from the Colorado state tartan. No, it is not cheap- but it's oh so worth it!

[Jaggy thistle]

I had a kilt made in a special weave for an extra £50 Why do the weavers when they get a special order do they not weave some extra when the loom is set up ?

[Paul Henry]

I had a kilt made in a special weave for an extra £50 Why do the weavers when they get a special order do they not weave some extra when the loom is set up ?

It's a really nice idea, and I'm sure that some weavers do exactly that, but think about how many hundreds or even thousands of tartans are available in a selection of weights , and the variation in sett sizes , and hard or soft finishes... it really wouldn't be economic for weavers to hold such stocks , as realistically who knows when they would be able to sell them again...

[andyfg]

Update on my order from D.C. Dalgliesh. I order 9/29/09. Delivered to Ithaca NY 10/16/09. That is an amazing turnaround. Just over 2 weeks. The tartan is beautiful. It's a christmas present, so I will not be making the kilt until after Dec 25, but I will post pics then.

[dfmacliam]

Sounds great... I know several of our kilt makers like using Dalgliesh ... One day no time soon, I may have to get him make me a Cleghorn tartan... To pay hommage to my Scottish roots.