How do you deceide....

[Fedgunner]

On which Kilt maker?

The wife has authorized my use of my yearly bonus for the purchase of a Brown tartan "tank". (First year that I can remember that the money wasn't to be used to fix something in the house)

By reading everyone's reviews of various traditional kiltmakers, one would think any would do.

I plan on using this kilt to begin the path of replacing my suit, i.e. adding an Argyle jacket, formal sporran and the like as funds become available.

[RockyR]

On which Kilt maker?

The wife has authorized my use of my yearly bonus for the purchase of a Brown tartan "tank". (First year that I can remember that the money wasn't to be used to fix something in the house)

By reading everyone's reviews of various traditional kiltmakers, one would think any would do.

I plan on using this kilt to begin the path of replacing my suit, i.e. adding an Argyle jacket, formal sporran and the like as funds become available.

I'll excuse myself from replying to the first part of your post, but will address the second...

That's how I started... bought a kilt and got more and mroe of them. Work you way into it slowly by buying 1 accessory at a time (or more if funds allow) and you'll soon find yourself without a suit. I haven't worn a suit to any "dressy functions" in years b/c anywhere you can wear a suit, you can wear a kilt and jacket just as easily.

[Panache]

Fedgunner,

I recommend using this forum as a resource. Search the various forums and individual members galleries. Read about people's experiences with the different kilt makers. Use the links to check out the kilt maker's sites. Then contact people by PM if you have specific questions or want a recommedation. That is what I did for my first custom kilt. I went with a 5 yard knife pleat from Matt Newsome (who is the currator of the Scottish Tartan's Museum as well as a forum member). But I had some really good reviews for Kathy Lare and Rocky and Kelly at USA kilts. A year down the road and I am now looking forward to my first USA kilt*.

Take a look at our advertisers: The Kilt Store offers a discount to members of X Marks the Scot (as well as whole kilt packages), The Celtic Croft does full traditional kilts as well.

There's a lot of good information to be found here. Take your time, read lots, and ask questions.

Cheers

Jamie

* One warning: The more research you do, the bigger your Kilt Wish List will grow. I'll have a USA Kilt, but still don't have a Freedom Kilt or Union Kilt...and Robert just showed off one of his R Kilts that he mailed off to a friend of mine...the list just keeps growing... sigh!

[davidlpope]

My $.02- Check out the House of Edgar heavyweight tartan range. They are the only mill that I know of that makes the Brown tartan in a 16oz fabric. If that's to your liking, I'd recommend a custom-tailored kilt by Matt Newsome of the Scottish Tartans Museum in Franklin. I currently have 2 5yd. knife-pleated kilts and a 4yd. box-pleat, all in heavyweight wool. You can't beat this option for comfort, craftsmanship, and customer-service. Matt is by far the best supplier of Scottish goods I've run across.

David

[Kid Cossack]

At the risk of sounding silly, what, exactly, is it that you want? You mentioned a Brown tank. As used here, "tank" is just about a term of art, per Jimmy Carbomb. A 'TANK' is defined as an eight-yard, wool, hand-sewn, traditional kilt. ie., "It's built like a tank." (coined by Jimmy Carbomb c.2005) http://www.xmarksthescot.com/forum/f...q#faq_faq_abbr

Eight yard, handsewn, Brown kilt? Sixteen ounce weight? I'd take my time about this. It's one thing to choose a casual kilt maker more or less on a whim, but I'd spend time before I decided on who would make my tank.

Price wouldn't be too too important to me. If the difference between maker A and maker B was a hundred dollars, or even two hundred, but I preferred the more expensive, I'd go with them.

I'd talk with (at least via e-mail or PM) the kilt makers I was thinking of, and see who I felt most comfortable with, and (hopefully) someone who was close by, for fitting.

Me, I'm waiting for my first tailored, worsted wool tartan kilt. I chose Rocky and Kelly at USA Kilts to make it, based on my extreme satisfaction with the poly-viscose kilts I've ordered from them (blue Ramsay semi-trad, Army semi-trad, Farquharson casual). Mine's not a tank, but a five yard 13 ounce Leatherneck tartan kilt . . . but still.

Best of luck to you. I think the rabble here will help you with information and suggestions.

[Big Mikey]

Just as the Kid said, do research. I have just ordered a tank and I spent 8 months reading, talking to makers and other members before committing. I would recommend going with a maker that you can visit to ensure the proper measurements and for fitting. In all likelyhood, this is a garment that will last a lifetime so do not rush. McMurdo, a forum member, is wearing a kilt that was his father's, it's 54 years old!

[Fedgunner]

I was going to try to quote, but gave that up as a bad job.

By "tank" I am referring to the one kilt if you are going to spend your stash on.. It has to be right.

I have other kilts. This one one would be the "dream kilt"

I have read all the threads.... It is kinda like a gun magazine... they never met a kilt(gun) they didn't like.

This is to be my dress kilt. I will own more... but not this nice.

The Brown tartan is rare,(in regards to production) Celtic croft will make me a trad for $725... fat tax included... Is this my best optiion?

I hope you see my quandry...Other than $25 non-trads, no kilt maker gets a bad review around here.
This will be my only shot at this.... I have grandchildren that will need money for education. I really need to get this right the first time.

Josh at NeoKilts will get my money again, as will Jerry at Stillwater, the folks at UK will even see me again... But this kilt... It needs research. This is my first step on the path....

Ye ken I can nae afford to fook it oop?

[Caradoc]

Ye ken I can nae afford to fook it oop?

That's the defining question that caused me to go with Celtic Craft Centre for my wedding kilt.

They were the *only* kiltmakers I spoke to who offered a "lifetime fit guarantee."

They hadn't expected an 8" change in waistline in under a year, but happily took the kilt back for retailoring for the mere pittance of shipping costs.

[turpin]

Double post

[turpin]

We have a forum member Barb T, who wrote "The Art of Kilt Making". Hamish recently received one of her kilts. As owner of 75 kilts, he would know quality. Check out his thread "My First Tewksbury". I have one of Barb's kilts as well. For the quality and detail she puts into her work, you won't find a better kilt at any price.