Problems with Cilt coming apart

**Mel1721L** · 7th November 14, 08:30 AM

I sent my Powell of Wales cilt back to The Welsh Tartan Centre in Swansea because the tartan at the top was distorting and the stitching was straining to the point where daylight was showin through. I thought from reading other posts that there was no stabilizer sewn into the cilt. This was the response I got after they'd had it back almost 2 weeks:

Hope you are well, apologies for the delay in replying, but I sent your Cilt away to those who made it after carefully studying it myself.

I have made hundreds of Cilts in exactly the same way as this and indeed my own casual Cilt is of the same construction. Not once has it been suggested that there is anything missing inside Mel.

The consensus is that Cilt is being worn too tight? The reasoning behind this is that the stitching throughout the back of the Cilt is stressing, and exaggerated in the part you can see when you hold it up to the light as you asked me to do. The tartan is also being distorted for the same reason.

Can I ask you to measure your tummy at the widest point for me and be honest with us and let us know how many times the Cilt has been worn?

Now my waist fluctuates about 2 inches and I've probably worn this cilt about a dozen times. What is the rabbles opinion on this? Can a kilt/cilt be done up too tight? Should it matter how often I've worn it? Isn't that what its for?

**guardsman** · 7th November 14, 08:42 AM

Interseting , I personally would get a 2nd opinion from a kiltmaker , may cost , but youll have your answer . I live in south wales and havent used the tartan centre . Question , who actually made it ?

**bwat** · 7th November 14, 09:11 AM

Am I right in thinking this cost you just under 250 quid? Also you've worn it a dozen or so times???? That's just not right.

I wear my kilts without a belt so they're tight enough not to slip down but I wonder, how can we wear our kilts too tight? Wouldn't that cause real discomfort?

I'll stick to my ex-hire 99 quid medium weight wool kilts and my 50 quid polyviscose kilts; nobody I know can tell the difference. I don't think I'll be spending big money on a kilt until I get a chance to have a face to face with the kilt maker, either that or I get that kilt making book and do it myself.

**Mel1721L** · 7th November 14, 11:24 AM

Originally Posted by guardsman

Interseting , I personally would get a 2nd opinion from a kiltmaker , may cost , but youll have your answer . I live in south wales and havent used the tartan centre . Question , who actually made it ?

It would be difficult to get a second opinion, as I don't live in the UK. They are still deciding what to do.

**Mel1721L** · 7th November 14, 11:29 AM

Originally Posted by bwat

Am I right in thinking this cost you just under 250 quid? Also you've worn it a dozen or so times???? That's just not right.

I wear my kilts without a belt so they're tight enough not to slip down but I wonder, how can we wear our kilts too tight? Wouldn't that cause real discomfort?

I'll stick to my ex-hire 99 quid medium weight wool kilts and my 50 quid polyviscose kilts; nobody I know can tell the difference. I don't think I'll be spending big money on a kilt until I get a chance to have a face to face with the kilt maker, either that or I get that kilt making book and do it myself.

It cost me over £300. I haven't had any problems with the pv or acrylic kilts, they are all worn in the same way. Sometimes with a belt, sometimes without. Obviously if it was done up too tight it would be uncomfortable. I think they are trying to wiggle out of doing anything about it. If they do, I will not be buying any of the things I was planning to.

**Tarheel** · 7th November 14, 12:39 PM

Terrible problem for you Mel. I wear my utility kilt (waaayyy too tight and belted) when I work in it. I don't have the situation you're having. The material and stitching should "breathe" because of the construction and it doesn't seem to be the case with your kilt. I believe our Professional Kilt folks may have some ideas.

**Stitchwiz** · 7th November 14, 01:00 PM

You explained very well, to us, how you wore it and how your other kilts are worn, with no issues. Be prepared with measurements for the other kilts, as well, when you are talking to them.

You are articulate, just use the 'kill them with kindness' attitude and ask them how they are going to resolve this.

If they are still beating around the bush, nicely, ask if they or their kilt maker would be willing to pay for another kilt maker to solve this. Since you have had this problem, tell them that you have been checking around. You know what needs to be done, their own kilt maker should be able to do what Steve did, evaluate the kilt and fix it - let them think that you think that perhaps their kilt maker is using inexperienced apprentices... I would bet that they are just being cheap and not using proper techniques, but give them the 'out' to save face.

If you aren't getting any where, still be kind, and let them know that future purchases are in question if this can't be resolved to your satisfaction. Future money can talk for you.

Remember, 'honey draws more bees than vinegar.' Give them every opportunity to save face and fix this for you.

Good Luck

**The Wizard of BC** · 7th November 14, 02:25 PM

Perhaps you could send them a link to the appropriate pages of "The Art of Kiltmaking". This is the recognized and standard reference book which I and many other kiltmakers use for Traditional, hand-sewn kilts.

The co-author was trained in the classic style at Gordon & Sons so is Scottish trained. Elsie is respected all over the world.

This would give the Wales Tartan Center are reference to what you are talking about and give credibility to your words in a nice way.

**davidlpope** · 7th November 14, 02:51 PM

Why not just ask them to unstitching the lining and take a photo which you can post here online. Why all the mystery? The kilt is either made correctly or not. All it takes to find out is a seam ripper...

**Mel1721L** · 7th November 14, 03:31 PM

Originally Posted by Tarheel

Terrible problem for you Mel. I wear my utility kilt (waaayyy too tight and belted) when I work in it. I don't have the situation you're having. The material and stitching should "breathe" because of the construction and it doesn't seem to be the case with your kilt. I believe our Professional Kilt folks may have some ideas.

If it was made properly, surely it wouldn't matter how tighly it was done up?