National Occupational Standards for Kilts

[macwilkin]

I don't see what the fuss is about. It's a trade association, not the government, trying to maintain standards of kiltmaking.

Spot on. No one's rights are being "violated", and no need for another Boston Tea Party.

T.

[Bugbear]

I don't have any problem with what they want to do; it would probably be for the best.

I feel confused and discouraged with the implication that there are kiltmaking secrets that are not known by our kiltmakers here in the US that have not been trained in Scotland. Something doesn't feel right here and I can't quite place it, but I've come across that notion here and in a few other threads; not directly in that artical. That is that there are "age old secrets" that only the masters in Scotland know...

[Phil]

What's wrong with trying to establish a standard? It's nothing to do with "Scottish" or "American" but a method of manufacture using specific material. If you buy a pair of Levi's jeans that's what you are entitled to get, not some "knock-off" from Pakistan or China and the same goes for kilts. Maybe most contributors here know the difference but many others don't. And they get their "authentic Designed in Scotland kilt" home only to find they could spit peas through it, doesn't look as good as their wife's cheapest skirt, is a fire hazard and creases permanently whenever they sit down. So what do they think? Yes they think Scottish kilts are a load of c**p and that's the last time they'll make that mistake. There is no reason why anyone cannot be certified as making kilts to the authentic standard and we know all the kiltmakers here who already do that.

[Panache]

I see no problem.

If there are set standards for something to be called a "Traditional Scottish Kilt" it doesn't mean that there can't be other types of kilts out there. But it would help give buyers a clue that if a kilt didn't have that label then it may not adhere to those standards.

As gilmore was noting this isn't an entirely new idea. Champagne and Cognac come from only certain regions in France. This doesn't mean that there are not some wonderful sparkiling wines and brandies to be enjoyed from elsewhere.

Cheers

Jamie

[davedove]

no need for another Boston Tea Party.

Oh man, now I have to wash off the face paint.

[macwilkin]

Oh man, now I have to wash off the face paint.

But look at it this way: you can go back to the tavern and drink more rum! :mrgreen:

Todd

[McClef]

It's important that good kiltmakers know their onions!

[Riverkilt]

This appears to be a different effort from the Traditional Kiltmakers Guild.

http://www.traditionalkiltmakersguild.co.uk/about.htm also see the more about us link and the product link.

Neither of the ladies listed in the article is a member of the Traditional Kiltmakers Guild, even though that Guild is now open not just to Keith Kilt School Graduates. They do promote the Scottish Qualifications Authority standards for kiltmaking.

As mentioned, there are many different ways to sew up a kilt, from on line suggestions, to Barb's book, to what is taught in kiltmaking school.

The Keith Kilt School was itself an effort to standardize the Traditional methods of kiltmaking when it was formed.

A tough job, standardizing a garment amid a fashion boom.

Ron

[KellyCH]

Look at it from an economic standpoint. This wouldn't be happening unless the demand for kilts in the marketplace made it profitable for suppliers to offer garments considered kilts (either less expensive replicas of traditional-looking kilts or contemporary designs) at price points below those of bespoke kiltmakers. Now, were I a kiltmaker, who had invested the time in learning how to do it right, I'd be worried about the competition at lower price points, and I think it makes perfect sense for them to seek an AOC (using the French term for wine, cheese, etc.) for, say, "Traditional Scottish Kilt", which could only be used on kilts made in Scotland according to the requirements for the designation.

But for the rest of us, the good news is that the number of people interested in wearing kilts is such that opportunities exist, and have been seized, by manufacturers aiming for a lower price point who make no such claim of "authenticity" (whatever that means). Further, the emergence of contemporary kilts and the success of their manufacturers means that the kilt continues to evolve, just as it has in previous centuries. This is a good thing, because anything which ceases to evolve has become a period piece destined to be marginalised and eventually relegated to the history books.

So, best wishes to the traditional kiltmakers in establishing a brand for their work, and hurrah for the fact that demand for kilts has created a market for suppliers for all kinds of kilts at all price points which sustains a community of suppliers who continue to innovate and, in doing so, broaden the options available to those who consider the kilt something to wear everyday.

[Gunnar]

"There is a certain length it should be. It must be about an inch and a half from the floor when you are kneeling and it is pleated to the pattern that is in the kilt itself."

Then he says that there were only military kilties which had they're kilts pleated to the stripe. So.....it ain't the traditional way for a non-military person to pleat they're kilt to the stripe?