Buying fromTartan Web

[KiltedDawg]

X Markers,
I am looking to add to my kilt collection two family tartans. The tartans are not massed produced (Lockhart & Payne), so they are not readily available here in the US. They are, however, available from one of the sponsors listed on this site. Has anyone purchased a kilt from Tartan Web before? If so, how is thier quality? Will I get hammered on customs? And finally,what is the turn around time to complete and ship?

Your thoughts and comments are appreciated. Go Dawgs!

[M. A. C. Newsome]

This is not about Tartan Web, per se, but just about a few comments I've seen recently about this or that tartan not being available in the US and having to be ordered from Scotland.

All of the quality tartan suppliers in the US get their cloth from the same mills in Scotland that produce it for the Scottish shops. If a US store isn't willing to order something for you that they might not normally stock, that's just poor customer service on their part.

For instance, I can get either of those two tartans woven for you and made into a kilt. Just because they are not stocked on the shelf doesn't mean they are not available here in the states.

I'm not trying to dissuade you from buying from Tartan Web -- just pointing out that the availability of these -- or any -- tartans is not necessarily as limited as you might think.

[KiltedDawg]

Matt,
I appreciate your input. Are custom woven tartans a great deal more expensive than those tartans traditionally stocked by kilmakers such as yourself?

Just wondering.....

[pdcorlis]

I can only speak about my experience with Tartan Web. I ordered a 5 yard kilt in 16 oz. ancient caledonia tartan by Lochcarron. I had several questions that were all answered promptly and directly. I ordered the kilt as a birthday present for myself - so wanted it on a specific date. The kilt arrived on the date promised and was perfect in every way. It was machine sewn but the pleats were not oversewn so it looks, for all the world, like a hand sewn kilt. I'm sure I paid a duty charge but it was no more or less than other vendors from across the pond. Its usually around $30 or so.

I hope that helps and I also hope others that have ordered will share their experiences as well. The more we know about vendors and sources helps us make informed decisions.

[M. A. C. Newsome]

Matt,
I appreciate your input. Are custom woven tartans a great deal more expensive than those tartans traditionally stocked by kilmakers such as yourself?

Just wondering.....

The Lockhart is one I can actually get from stock in a 12 oz range, so as long as you wanted a lighter weight kilt, standard pricing would apply. If you wanted the Lockhart in a heavier weight wool, or the Payne in any weight, it would have to be special woven for you.

Cost would depend upon the amount of cloth needed for the style of kilt you wanted. Here is how the price would be figured if you bought from me (other kilt makers may vary). I charge $65/yd for custom cloth, plus $220 for the CMT (cut, make & trim of the kilt).

So, for instance, a 4 yard box pleated kilt in the Payne tartan, heavy weight wool, would run you $480.

Aye,
Matt

[Colin]

I have purchased two kilts from Scottishkilts.com (a part of TartanWeb). I bought a handsewn (premier) 16 oz in the Jura range, and it is outstanding. This year I bought a 13 oz Lochcarron (ALL Tartan range) in the machine sewn (standard). I am disappointed that it did not have the reverse pleat with the under apron (as is usually standard on 8 yard kilts), but the kilt has quickly become a favourite of mine.

There has been complaints of communication issues in the past, but I am one of the fortunate ones. I have always had great service from David and Iain and crew. They have even called me a few times to discuss orders and such.

The price is good and the quality of the product is also good. For what is it worth, the Lochcarron wool is spectacular! I was hesitant to go with the 13oz, as I had ordered the 16 but the mill was out of stock and it would have added months to the order, but I love the 13oz Lochcarron wool. Best kilt material I have worn yet.

Pardon the poor quality cell phone photo, but here is a pic of the two kilts. The 16 oz handsewn on the left and the 13oz machine sewn on the right.

[Riverkilt]

For sure you don't need to do business with a business. You can go direct to the craftsman. Kiltmakers like Kathy Lare, Barb Tewksbury, Matt, and many more can order up the material for you. It gets shipped to them in the quantity needed and they sew it up for you. You'll know your kiltmaker and chances are your kiltmaker will put their name on your kilt. I like that better than getting a kilt from a faceless person contracted with a retailer.

I can only speak for working with Kathy Lare, but I'm sure the others are equally good at finding tartans and presenting the prospect with a complete list of choices of what is available from what mill in what weight for the tartan they seek.

Ron

[Colin]

Guys, I am sure you can all appreciate that the original question was about a specific vendor (and forum sponsor) and theirproduct. If anyone has input to share about that vendor please do.

However maybe the suggestions of other kiltmakers can go to PM or another thread please.

Thanks

[TJP33928]

Hey Dawg,
I received today my fourth kilt from www.Scottishkilts.net (Tartanweb). I ordered a 5yd Irish American in January, 2 Polyviscose 5 yd in March and most recently a 8yd Standard in the Grey Auld Langsyne Ordered October 20th. They are beautiful kilts at reasonable prices. Tartanweb is fairly easy to deal with. Sometimes there is a bit of a delay in communication, but they do respond. I have dealt with John Paul via telephone on a couple of occasions and he is knowledgable. If you order a jacket go up one size from your American size to get a better fit as they are a bit snug. I have friends in Glasgow who know the city well and they are in a good area, so not a fly by night. The Polyviscose kilts were a bit smaller for a size 34 than the wool kilts, but I have also gained a few pounds over the summer. It works in opposite in Florida than up North! I will try to post some pics soon. I hope this helps. Customs has not been an issue, because the declare it at $200.00 maximum cost, but who knows maybeI will get hit someday and send regular mail which seems to bypass customs better than UPS, DHL or Fedex.

Tim

[Daaaaang]

Tim, how long did it take for them to ship your jacket(s)? I ordered one two and a half weeks ago, and I'm not sure if I should be worried.

Thanks,
Matt!