Not real kilts?

[richardljohnson]

I'm floored and counting the change in the sofa. Thanks for the info. I'm also wondering how they can sell it for that price?
For a casual kilt this is a find that doesn't come along often.

Richard-

[highlandtide]

Hey Robbie-

I think you have a paralax error b/c of the way he has his knee up. I think if his knee were down you would probably see a nice sett matching at the apron. As for the straps I am not sure...

[Dakotan]

FINALLY! Critique from a REAL SCOTTSMAN! Welcome Robbie!
And actually, that's not me, lads! (You'd then see the cane I require to walk!) The pic is from Stillwater's own website.
Now… an "expensive" kilt versus a "real" kilt isn’t really what I thought we were getting at. I still maintain that an inexpensive kilt can still be a real kilt.
I most assuredly know the difference between my Stillwater and an “expensive” kilt... which is why I try not to stand right next to our Pipers, and their Scottish, Worsted Wool, 8-yarders!
Although my 7-yard Stillwater kilts certainly didn't come from such lineage, few (if any) notice the differences that Robbie has. They definitely do just fine for me, and I have received many compliments; happily most of these coming from the ladies!

Having only owned a few velcro closure SportKilts up to this point, the strap and buckle system was uncharted territory for me.
And Robbie is quite correct. The first thing I found was that the kilt WILL pull across the lower stomach if the strap is tightened only one notch too tight.

The sett on my Stewart carries nicely, and is virtually perfect, but it isn't quite as well done on my Black Watch. However, it's still more than passable.
I wore the BW to my bible study group, and then to our Irish Club's music night last night, and assumed that the pleats were going to be a mess, but they are quite crisp, and not even in need of a touch-up.
I have to give the acrylic material used in these kilts a bit of credit. I really didn't think it would hold up this well.

These kilts hit me at mid-knee, and although the wonderful book So You're Going To Wear The Kilt defines this as too long, I find it to be just right, and more personally comfortable. My SportKilts, which hit me above the knee, where So You're Going To Wear The Kilt says a kilt should, just didn't feel right to me. For the sake of my own peace of mind I'm willing to look a bit silly to an actual Scottish person!
By the way, if you haven't already gotten a copy of So You're Going To Wear The Kilt get one! I haven't had time to do much more than skim my copy, but I've learned a lot already and been quite entertained in the process!

All in all I'm quite pleased with my Stillwater Kilts and the material they're made from.
To be dead honest I'm not really sure I'd want to own an "expensive" kilt. That first splash of Guiness would make me ill! I like knowing that I can wear my kilt care-free, and simply throw it in the washer when it needs to be. Besides, how many dry-cleaners in South Dakota are going to know how to properly press a kilt!? ….or possibly even recognize one!

Take Care Lads! - Dakotan

[bubba]

As for spills, one word. ScotchGuard

[Graham]

Dakotan, do you mind me asking what you paid for your Stillwater kilt?

They look good, even tho the range of tartans is limited.

What reaction did you get at your Bible Study group?

[Nick]

I discovered Stillwater a few days ago, and was very impressed. I'm thinking about getting one, but first I want to lose wieght (I have been for a while, and I don't want to buy a kilt and then have it be to big in a few months). I emailed them, and they said the only length avaliable is 24", which is a little inconvenient, because my ideal kilt length is about 22", so I'll have to hem it ( I know a kilt shouldn't have a hem, but I'd prefer a hem you'd have to look for to see to a kilt that's too long).

[al' Sporrano]

My four penneth, for what it's worth.

I do believe you would see the quality in a traditonal 8yd plaid kilt against anything else, but I also believe that the likes of Bear make a good casual alternative which is definitely wearable. Having not seen one in the flesh, the photos look fine to me.

I have just the one kilt and I paid £300 for it, or thereabouts. It stands up to almost anything, never seems to crease and spillages tend to lie on the wool surface and can be soaked up very easily. I'm mainly talking beer here.

I've had it cleaned just the once, at someone elses expense, after a waitress spilled a glass of beer over me in an Edinburgh restaurant. It cleaned beautifully.

The photo of the real kilt is very impressive and seems to have all the required elements to be considered a kilt. I will have to rely on you guys to tell me how it is for real. (No pun inteneded).

My second kilt will be from the same kilt maker as the first. I'm also considering a Breacan, but have been slightly put off by some dissatisfied customers over at Tom's. At least I can nip up to Edinburgh anytime and see for myself.

Bear et al. Keep up the good work. You will find that perfect product which will put the trad. kilt makers to shame. Then EVERYONE will buy them and you'll make pots of dosh. When that happens, the beer is on you!

Al

[Graham]

I'm jealous Al, I wish I could 'nip up to Edinburgh' to check out a kilt.

[Dakotan]

I believe you’re fully correct Al. I can’t say that a Stillwater will stand up to the all around quality of a hand-made 8-yarder from a crofter in Inverness or Edinburgh, but it was never meant to… even though it does do one devil of a fine imitation! I kid you not gents.
I am in NO financial position to have a $300 - $500 kilt crafted for me…. Which is why I was so surprised when the first 7 (or so)- yarder from Stillwater showed up. Maybe it’s just inexperience on my part, but this is what I thought a kilt of a more expensive nature would look like. It’s details may not stand up to very close scrutiny, but you’re not going to do any better for twice the $75 price.
FOR THE RECORD, I have NO connection to Stillwater Kilts other than as a customer. I wish I did! Maybe I could get a discount on the Black Stewart!
Egads! Somebody else on here needs to get one of these kilts and verify my statements! I feel like a lone voice in the woods! Just e-mail Jeremy at sales@stillwaterkilts.com .

Graham, my attire was actually very well accepted by my Bible Study group! It is made up of some of the people from the Chronic Pain Support Group I attend, and they are a truly good lot. I was late, and that night's group was made up of myself and 5 women. After the initial compliments and inevitable questions subsided we went on as usual, and then I headed off to our Irish Club’s music night.
This was really the first night where I actually noticed that most people really don’t pay that much attention to someone wearing a kilt; or just give a friendly greeting.
The only people who took real notice were the 2 lasses tending bar, one of whom immediately came over to strike up a conversation with me, and was soon joined by the other! I think I got the best service in the pub all night. Gotta love it! It’s good to be Kilted!

[bear]

Bear et al. Keep up the good work. You will find that perfect product which will put the trad. kilt makers to shame. Then EVERYONE will buy them and you'll make pots of dosh. When that happens, the beer is on you!

Al

Al'
I might just have that very design.
I just received my first batch of worsted marino wool from a local weaver. It's the Maple Leaf tartan.
It's selvedged very nicely and refuses to crease, even a little bit.
I'm going to make it in an 8 yard Classic Cut or a 6 yard Grizzly Cut. (The Grizzly Cut needs more fabric for the doubled front apron.) I'm tempted to go for the Grizzly Cut because the apron fringes will be much fuller with wool and the double rows of fringing will look awesome!
The way this stuff flows over the hand, it's got to make a very comfortable kilt. Combined with my 'tapered in the waistband' styles, it might just be the most comfortable kilt around. That's the goal, anyway. Bear Kilts has always been first and foremost about comfort.
I can't wait to see what an 8 yard wool Bear Kilt feels like. If I have it done in time for Kilts Night, I might just take it outside for a spin and see how the pleats rise.