Question from a Friend: So Cal (USA) kilt makers

[crboltz]

Dear Rabble
I have a friend who asked me about getting a new kilt for himself. The lucky guy has lost a significant amount of weight -- but doesn't want to alter his original kilt. I recommended most of the sponsors here, but ideally he would like to find someone in Southern California who can make him a kilt in the MacDonald of the Isles tartan (he might have the fabric, I don't know). I'm a little hesitant to just "google" search for So Cal kilt makers because anyone can hang a sign that says they make kilts, but it takes a master to do so well. I'm assuming he wants a local-ish kilt maker so that he can go to them and be measured etc. instead of sending measurements by Email -- He is very tall, and wants to be assured that he won't get something that looks like a "mini-kilt" on him.

Anyway, in my attempt to help the world be more kilted, I humbly ask for help.

Cheers
Chris

[sydnie7]

Have him talk to the Blandfords at http://www.blandfordimports.com/default.asp in Redlands. My sister (who is quite the seamstress in her own right) deals with them frequently.

[Ayin McFye]

Dear Rabble
I have a friend who asked me about getting a new kilt for himself. The lucky guy has lost a significant amount of weight -- but doesn't want to alter his original kilt. I recommended most of the sponsors here, but ideally he would like to find someone in Southern California who can make him a kilt in the MacDonald of the Isles tartan (he might have the fabric, I don't know). I'm a little hesitant to just "google" search for So Cal kilt makers because anyone can hang a sign that says they make kilts, but it takes a master to do so well. I'm assuming he wants a local-ish kilt maker so that he can go to them and be measured etc. instead of sending measurements by Email -- He is very tall, and wants to be assured that he won't get something that looks like a "mini-kilt" on him.

Anyway, in my attempt to help the world be more kilted, I humbly ask for help.

Cheers
Chris

We're not all lucky to live near an accomplished kilt maker so sometimes it's best to be willing to purchase one online from one of our reputable artisans. Barb T, MAC Newsome, and Kathy Lare are 3 examples of kilt makers on this list that can make custom work and are extremely good at what they do. they might not have a shop for you to walk into and get measured but that sure doesn't mean that are some of the better kilt makers out there.

I wouldn't constraint yourself to only finding a kilt maker in SoCal or you might be cutting your self short on quality. (There may be good kilt makers in SoCal, I have no clue, I'm just saying that there may not be also)

Good luck!

[Wompet]

Elsie Stuehmeyer, the kiltmaker who taught Barb, is in California, but I forget where.
I can look up her address and post/PM it, if Way2Fractious doesn't beat me to it.

[Monkey@Arms]

Elsie Stuehmeyer, the kiltmaker who taught Barb, is in California, but I forget where.
I can look up her address and post/PM it, if Way2Fractious doesn't beat me to it.

I believe she's in Northern California.

Best regards,

Jake

[Tattoo Bradley]

I understand the desire to get measured by the maker. BUT, if you deal with any of the kiltmakers famous on the boards, they'll send you specific instructions on how to measure.

[Riverkilt]

If he's concerned about top quality and a well trained kiltmaker he can go to the Kiltmaker's Guild site http://www.traditionalkiltmakersguild.co.uk/about.htm and review their qualifications. Then checking the contact list of members of the guild he'll see that Kathy Lare in Albuquerque www.kathyskilts.com is the only American member of the Guild. Credentials can't get any better than being trained at the Keith Kilt School and being an active member of the Kiltmaker's Guild.

He's also welcome to review my album of her work.

Not saying other apprenticed or self-trained kiltmakers can't make a great kilt, just saying Kathy was trained in the traditional ways and adheres to the Kiltmaker's Guild requirements....which seems to be what your friend was seeking.

Ron

[NRU235]

While at the recent San Diego Highland games in Vista, i had the opportunity to view the kilts made by the "Celtic Crafts Centre". They recently moved from San Francisco to Palm Springs.
Their kilts looked quite good to my untrained eye.
Perhaps someone else could lend their opinion of this manufacturer?

[Riverkilt]

Welcome NRU235,

I doubt them folks would/could introduce you to their kiltmaker(s). The guys are noted for their often long tall stretching of information. My last encounter with them at the Phoenix, AZ highland games I asked after a naval themed kilt pin. (I'd bought a USMC themed kilt pin from them the year before). I was told with a most authoritative air that "they don't make them" which is of course not true at all. Naval themed kilt pins are made, just not sold by their firm. Think I've read that some of the tartans they sell seem to have "multiple" clan affiliations.

Do a search on this board for them and you'll find more than enough posts to form your own opinion and double check my aging memory.

Ron

[Rex_Tremende]

Someone here once recommended Garrett Barreth of White Thistle Kiltmakers, but the website is no longer up and working, and I haven't found any other references for him specifically besides a single photo. I believe he was in California maybe around the Lodi area.

Good luck,
Rex.