Fellow Xmarks tartan owners....

[starbkjrus]

I have to admit when Matt first brought the issue to my attention I was less than thrilled about it but after seeing both upclose and gallery (Ham and Ron) pictures and discussing options with Matt I too decided it was no big deal. I love the tartan and am eagerly awaiting the arrival of the kilt.

I grew up in the deep southern United States back when we had a thriving textile industry. My father was an engineer who designed textile equipment and for the last 15 years before retirement my mother was first a quality control inspector and then ran the QC department at a large mill. In my experience perfection just does not happen.

[M. A. C. Newsome]

Speaking from a kiltmaker's point of view, you honestly cannot tell in advance what is going to be "no big deal" for someone and what is going to be a major issue.

All I can tell you is that it's always smart to let the customer know up front -- before any cutting or stitching is done -- if there is anything that might be a potential problem, and see how they want to handle it.

Thanks to everyone for keeping their cool in this thread!
M

[MacWage]

Sorry for opening this can of worms from the original thread. Yet I found this discussion VERY interesting and helpful. I learned a lot about the weaving process, what to look for, and what counts as a "problem" for kilt making.

As for this particular kilt maker, I'm impressed that he/they expressed such interested in it, showing that he/they care about the product.

Despite this "problem," it is definately on my short list.

Also, thanks Matt, Barb, and other posters for the info! The depth of wisdom and knowledge on this little forum often surprises me.

[Blu (Ontario)]

I have corresponded briefly with Mr. Kirkbright by e-mail and he has assured me that the return of the weft at the selvedge requires approx. 1 inch... a function of the weaving equipment. The white stripe just happens to fall within that boundary.

I asked if it would be possible to re-center the sett so that the white stripe missed the selvedge.

He replied that it might be possible but it would mean adjusting the sett size slightly in order to fit into the 60" width... something that could be open to consideration in a future run.

At this point in time, I can only suggest that anyone considering purchasing any future run of Xmarks tartan would be well advised to do so. There is no doubt in my mind that it will be perfection.

[Moosehead]

At this point in time, I can only suggest that anyone considering purchasing any future run of Xmarks tartan would be well advised to do so. There is no doubt in my mind that it will be perfection.

Well said, Blu. Having spent the day in a woolen mill today, I can say, although it may be very technical, it ain't perfection. I'm impressed regardless.

[RockyR]

Without quoting several different people on this thread, I will say that I agree with 100% of what Matt said. I'm not trying to skirt the issue, I just don't think I need to try to re-articulate the same sentiments that Matt already stated.

I apologize if it seems like I am "promoting a certain mill" for my own selfish purposes. That was not my intention at all (I assume that I was the person Gordon was referring to on the other thread). In fact, I use / have used several mills for my wool (F&K, Batley, HOE, Strath, MM, Loch as well as a few US based mills). They each have their positives and negatives. For reasons outlined in the other thread, I thought Batley would be a good choice.

Ron... You know how much I like/respect you, so PLEASE don't take this personally in any way. There's a difference between what Matt, Barb and I notice while making a kilt and what the average kilt wearer notices. We're staring close up at the fabric for 20 + hours making a kilt and have to manipulate the material to do certain things to it to get it finished that the average kilt wearer does not do. That's where we notice things that are not perfect where you may not.

Bottom line... if the CUSTOMER's happy with the finished kilt, I'm happy. I was just discussing little technical faults with Barb on the other thread. It's not like ANYONE on XMARKS obsesses over tartan or kilts or anything... right?!?! HAHAHAHA

[Robinhood]

Is anything going to be done to make the setts the same
width from one selvedge to the other?

[Riverkilt]

I understand Rocky.

The guy wearing the kilt probably has the worst view of all.

Part of my life is staying out of black and white issues...gray is good. Imperfection is perfection.

I think if someone ever came up to me and commented on my kilt selvedge I'd fall over dead from amazement.

I also understand the kiltmaker's need for a sharp look and not taking the hit for something created at the mill level.

Bottom line for me. I got mine. I'm a happy camper. I hope this situation shakes out for the benefit of all involved, at all levels.

Ron

[Manu]

Just chiming in a little late on this one. I saw the deffect our kiltmakers were talking about, and to be honest, I dont think its such a big deal. The crafts man is always gonaa look at its art with very critical eyes, because its his creation, the customer is happy as long as he likes it. It is a small thing, and cant wait for Rocky to finish my Xmarks kilt, which would be sometime soon!!!!

[RockyR]

Just chiming in a little late on this one. I saw the deffect our kiltmakers were talking about, and to be honest, I dont think its such a big deal. The crafts man is always gonaa look at its art with very critical eyes, because its his creation, the customer is happy as long as he likes it. It is a small thing, and cant wait for Rocky to finish my Xmarks kilt, which would be sometime soon!!!!

You were the first one to pay, so yours was the first one out the door! It left yesterday.