CON...SIS...TAN...CY!!!

[Calico Jack]

I'm not allowed to sell, resell, or promote any kilt company until December 1995.

Hey Jimmy, I'm a little confused....If my math is right, that is 8 years and just about 9 months ago. What's the deal?

[Jimmy Carbomb]

Repurcussions of a drug-riddled youth.

CJ you pain in the...

I went back and edited it for those who got to my "flashback" too late. 8)

Now, draw me another Guinness.

[Jimmy Carbomb]

BEYOND THE CONSISTANCY...

There's an issue with sewing straight and the ability to monitor tension in the machine. When both are NOT done properly, pleats will "wander" on the kilt.

Look at a wool traditional. Does it have pleats that are as straight as a board? Do these pleats hold when walking? Do they return "home" when you stand still? Kilts have a rigid look.

Look at a Poly-Viscose. Do the pleats wander inward and outward? Do the pleats look straight across, or do they zig-zag in every direction? Do they return "home" or do they need ironing when you breathe on them? Kilts don't look like an accordion.

Look at a traditional kilt's front apron. Is it folded around the body? Does it have an even taper that's accentuated with the body? Does it pull-out at the bottom, or does it lay flat? Kilts lay flat and hold the line.

Look at a Poly-Viscose. Does the apron fold out on the apron edges? Does it pull at the hips so that there's a definate stretch in the apron? Kilt aprons are APRONS.

I have YET to see one BearKilt that would not hold the pleats straight across. I've even stopped ironing mine! The sewing takes them RIGHT WHERE THEY NEED TO BE... and that's a 4-yarder! The aprons lay flat on the body while they taper around the legs. It's TRULY an art and a skill to sew slowly and accurately enough to get Poly-Viscose to do that!

Simply put, here's a guy that's doing what the UK won't! It's one thing to sew-up the material, and it's another to do it in a way that makes it look RIGHT!!!!!!!!

You guys just can't imagine the difference until you've seen them mixed with other kilts. As I'm out at the Festivals, the concerts and the conventions, I get to see a TON of kilts. I'm posting this from EXTENSIVE experience and observation!!!

[Andrew Breecher]

I'll agree 100% with the statement that Bear's pleats don't wander. I wore my 4-yard Bear kilt in the harshest conditions for five months, and never had to iron the pleats. At first I thought I had to, and was worried about them. No problems. Every time they started getting a little "soft" (from constant wear in humid conditions), the next time the kilt got wet the pleats returned to where they were supposed to be. No curling, no losing the pleats. I have a Sport Kilt as well which I wore on a two-week hike. After that it might as well have never had pleats. Now I won't even wear the SK anymore because I know how terrible it is in comparison.

Now I just have to wait for the 8-yard kilt I ordered from Bear since my 4-yard one is pretty worn....

Andrew.

[Colin]

I have three kilts from Bear now, and I have never had a problem with the pleats wandering. My oldest kilt still goes in the washer and dryer, and with a little shake, the pleats are like brand new. That's just the 4 yard Canadian tartans. My 4 yard and my 8 yard Clan tartans are even better. The pleating on the 8 is absolutly amazing, and I would be willing to wager that it could not be matched by any other kiltmakers using the same material. This is where true quality comes into play.

[Hamish]

Bear, all this is praise indeed.

I have held back in sending you an order because of the hassle of importing into the United Kingdom but, since I am coming over to be with you guys in Vancouver next August, I am wondering: how much notice do you require so that I can bring one home with me?

Your need for my measurements before the end of this year would not be unreasonable, I imagine!!!

[bear]

Bear, all this is praise indeed.

I have held back in sending you an order because of the hassle of importing into the United Kingdom but, since I am coming over to be with you guys in Vancouver next August, I am wondering: how much notice do you require so that I can bring one home with me?

Your need for my measurements before the end of this year would not be unreasonable, I imagine!!!

Hamish,
I just found this thread again and noticed I hadn't answered your question.
I would like you to PM me your measurements, as per the instructions on my site. I have a special fabric put aside just for you and your Kilt Kollection that will be above and beyond anything you may decide to purchase from me.

[Mychael Sporrano]

Hey, I'm holding on the runway for a Cape Breton myself. Atleast I know it will be awesome when it gets here.

My wait is a few weeks shy of the 6 month mark for the pair of kilts that I have on order- one an 8 yarder, the other a grizzley cut. "Awesome" will certainly make the wait worthwhile!

Mychael

[Hamish]

Hamish,
I just found this thread again and noticed I hadn't answered your question.
I would like you to PM me your measurements, as per the instructions on my site. I have a special fabric put aside just for you and your Kilt Kollection that will be above and beyond anything you may decide to purchase from me.

Wow! Terry, that sounds intriguing. Now you've really got my mind working overtime - and just when I'm late getting off to bed, too

I'll get the PM off to you over the weekend, as I have just drunk three-quarters of a bottle of Champagne to welcome 2005 and I wouldn't trust my measuring abilities just now!

Every Good Wish to you and yours for The New Year, and

[Riverkilt]

Hope one of those swigs of champagne was to celebrate your 1000th post

Ron