Sandy St. James?

[Chukta]

Anyone buy a kilt from Sandy St. James? His prices are absurdly low - $360 for an 8 yard wool kilt, made in Scotland. I just wonder if anyone has bought a kilt from him, and about the quality, workmanship, etc.
Thanks,
Chuktaith:

[Riverkilt]

Well, he is up front about being a "kilt distributor" rather than a kilt maker.

And, the promise is

made in Scotland, hand sewn by professional guild certified kilt makers.


If its true about the guild, and maybe the Scottish Qualification certification could be a very good thing.

I've emailed my kiltmaker, who's an active member of the guild, to see what she knows and will share if others don't come forward with good info.

By making that statement it certainly sounds like he's endeavoring to market quality kilts - something pipe bands would be most up on.

[denmcdough]

Chukta,

I know you're disappointed in my post about Tartanweb, as you were about to purchase one from them. Check out Glenisla. Peret Reid will be starting up his busines by the end of January.

Also, Wally Catanach in State College, PA is superb! As is Bonnie heather! Both are forum members, by the way!

[Piper]

I've never bought a kilt from Sandy, but I have dealt with him for a vest. Excellent prices, good quality. He can sometimes be tough to get in touch with, but once you get him on the phone, be forewarned, he loves to talk. He's not a piper himself, but is very supportive of pipes bands.

[Irish Jack O'Brian]

Well, the price does seem good, and you get a free vest with kilt! What is the vest made of?

[Riverkilt]

Looking at the kilt photos on his webpages the waist tartan does not match the kilt tartan on the apron. Obviously it can't match all the way around, but better kiltmakers will match the waist tartan in front. Just a kind of a possible red flag to consider along with the lower price....especially since "that look" displayed on the web pages.

[SlackerDrummer]

Looking at the kilt photos on his webpages the waist tartan does not match the kilt tartan on the apron. Obviously it can't match all the way around, but better kiltmakers will match the waist tartan in front. Just a kind of a possible red flag to consider along with the lower price....especially since "that look" displayed on the web pages.

Those are the $65 tartan skirts. There are no pictures of the kilts.

[Riverkilt]

Aye, fooled me good. They're the only pics on the kilt page.

Even on a tartan skirt would think it'd be a mark of quality to match the tartans on the front waist band.

Now wonder why no finished kilt pics....curiouser and curiouser.