Kilts in today's Arizona Republic

[Kiltman]

That's certainly good news. The more kiltmakers the better.

[kakkui_1037]

This appeared in the Business Section of today's (Feb 13, 2010) Arizona Republic. I'm well acquainted with this place. Graeme's a good guy. His website is listed in the article sidebar.

Here's the article: Arizona Kilts Article

Hmm, Kiltmart was contacted back around November by the Arizona Republic, but couldn't do the article because they were planning to move out of state. I guess the AZ Republic had to find a replacement.

[Riverkilt]

Ummm, Kiltmart's website says they moved to Tallahassee, Florida...seems a very weird choice. Don't imagine there was much stock to pack up and transport.

I still struggle with the concept that an acrylic garment costing $59.00 can be called "heavy," or a "kilt." But that's just me.

Graeme "Trusts only himself with making sure measuring... is done properly." Kiltmart offers waist sizes in 2" increments and never bothers to mention kilt length.

There's obviously, and thankfully, a vast difference between these two businesses.

Calling Arizona Kilts a "replacement" for Kiltmart is like calling a BMW a replacement for a tricycle.

[ForresterModern]

There is another operation in town that does not have a good reputation.

The Highland Games will be February 27-28 at the Steele Indian School Park next to the VA Hospital on Central and Indian School.

Interesting---If I remember correctly that should be very close if not right across the street from Kiltmart. That is also the park where the two news choppers went down a couple years ago.

The other operation, beside Kiltmart and Graeme, that I knew of when I was there a couple years ago was a solo piper who basically sold wares out of his house north of town, and from a tent at events, to supplement his piping income. Is that the same one you are thinking of?

I will have to miss it as I am now moved to KY and, even though I still own a home there, do not plan a return to phoenix anytime soon.

j

[kakkui_1037]

Ummm, Kiltmart's website says they moved to Tallahassee, Florida...seems a very weird choice. Don't imagine there was much stock to pack up and transport.

I still struggle with the concept that an acrylic garment costing $59.00 can be called "heavy," or a "kilt." But that's just me.

Graeme "Trusts only himself with making sure measuring... is done properly." Kiltmart offers waist sizes in 2" increments and never bothers to mention kilt length.

There's obviously, and thankfully, a vast difference between these two businesses.

Calling Arizona Kilts a "replacement" for Kiltmart is like calling a BMW a replacement for a tricycle.

Well its the truth. Kiltmart was contacted back in November, so there was several months before they actually found a new business to write about. I doubt the Arizona Republic could tell (or care about) the differences you itemized.

[azwildcat96]

All I can say is that it is a pleasure having Graeme and his shop here in Arizona. I had serious concerns about measuring myself for a kilt, and ordering one from a website in another time zone. Not to mention shipping fees, and currency conversion rates, etc.

I wanted an 8 yard kilt in a particular tartan (which happened to be available in 16oz only). After looking around on-line, I realized that what I wanted was a lot of $$$ to spend on something that may not fit right!

I'm not sure I will stop at one kilt either. I'm still waiting for my first one to be finished, and already trying to decide on what the next one will be.

[Sionnach]

Well its the truth. Kiltmart was contacted back in November, so there was several months before they actually found a new business to write about. I doubt the Arizona Republic could tell (or care about) the differences you itemized.

Kakkui 1037, my curiosity is piqued-how is it you know this info? Are you in the news business?

I made a visit to Kiltmart almost 2 years ago. I have to say that i was not impressed. I haven't yet been out to see Graeme but his rep precedes him to be sure.

Regards,

[NewGuise]

According to that article,

Eight yards of wool are required to make a traditional kilt and while sizes and styles vary, Niven was quick to point out that "no proper kilt maker will make one with less than five."

The acceptable variety of styles clearly doesn't include the 4-yard box pleat. And here I've gone and put in an order for another one of those, obviously from an improper kilt maker who seduced me into thinking that he did really fine work ...

[where's that "sarc mark" when I need it?]

[Spartan]

Wow!! That snuck up on me!....and they moved again too...wonder what they'll do for parking over there...

So far have been to Phoenix games at Central High, Mesa Community College, and Hance Park...now here. Everything changes.

I don't know what they are going to do for parking. I know what I am going to do. I'll park in a commuter park & ride lot, and take the light rail!

[Spartan]

Ummm, Kiltmart's website says they moved to Tallahassee, Florida...seems a very weird choice. Don't imagine there was much stock to pack up and transport.

I still struggle with the concept that an acrylic garment costing $59.00 can be called "heavy," or a "kilt." But that's just me.

Graeme "Trusts only himself with making sure measuring... is done properly." Kiltmart offers waist sizes in 2" increments and never bothers to mention kilt length.

There's obviously, and thankfully, a vast difference between these two businesses.

Calling Arizona Kilts a "replacement" for Kiltmart is like calling a BMW a replacement for a tricycle.

I'll second Ron's comments. I hadn't realized that Kiltmart had moved. They, for the most part, are a joke. (I say for the most part, because I have purchased some things from them, but only because I could go in and examine the goods.) In Phoenix they were located on Central Ave, just south of Steele Indian School Park in a pawn shop. The kid who worked there knew nothing about kilts. And they are a sponsor of XMTS?