Received my Stillwater Heavyweight - X Marks the Scot

David in Maryland · #1 04-12-2005, 01:49 PM

I ordered my Stillwater heavyweight Thursday and received it on Monday. My wife is the one that opened the package first and picked up the kilt. She commented on how heavy it is. Being a person who believes in only 13oz or greater 8 yard worsted wool kilts, I was a bit apprehensive about ordering this kilt, even after reading Jimmy's reviews. I immediately compared it to my 8yard wool kilt, both had about the same number of pleats, both have the tapered aprons, both with sewn down pleats. Both are heavy. So far I am impressed. I put on the Stillwater, and notice the differences. It does not feel is nice as and comfortable as wool, nor does it hang like it. I then take a look at the bottom. The bottom is just cut, not turned up and sewn like my "tank". Maybe that is why the kilt does not move like a traditional.

Would I wear this kilt to the pub? Yes. Would I wear this anywhere else? No. If the bottom edge was done differently, I would be more inclined to wear it out to more places.

So for $100 bucks I am satisfied with the kilt. Would I buy another one, no. I would use the money to go towards another "tank".

g koch · #2 04-12-2005, 05:03 PM

Your Traditional has a hem?

Blu (Ontario) · #3 04-12-2005, 06:18 PM

According to the Stillwater website, the bottom edge of your new kilt has not been cut. This is the "selvedge" where the threads of the fabric return 180 deg. back into the cloth. This is a good thing. I have heard of people completely re-building a traditional kilt to shorten it and maintain the selvedge rather than having it hemmed.

Iolaus · #4 04-12-2005, 07:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Blu (Ontario)

This is the "selvedge" where the threads of the fabric return 180 deg. back into the cloth. This is a good thing. I have heard of people completely re-building a traditional kilt to shorten it and maintain the selvedge rather than having it hemmed.

This would be a good point to include in an FAQ.

David in Maryland · #5 04-12-2005, 07:31 PM

I have posted pictures of what the underside of my traditional 8 yard looks like compared to the Stillwater. The Stillwater has a ragged bottom edge that looks like someone took scissors and cut. I don't know if you can tell the differences based on the pictures my crappy digital camera took.

Blu (Ontario) · #6 04-12-2005, 08:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by David in Maryland

I have posted pictures of what the underside of my traditional 8 yard looks like compared to the Stillwater. The Stillwater has a ragged bottom edge that looks like someone took scissors and cut. I don't know if you can tell the differences based on the pictures my crappy digital camera took.

You're right... not too clear, but I'll take your word for it. Maybe the kiltmaker got the cloth turned around the wrong way.

If it's bad enough... talk to the vender about it. Maybe he's got a quality control problem to work out.

BTW... do the pleats hang straight at the back or do they curl? Just curious.

Good luck

David in Maryland · #7 04-13-2005, 06:52 AM

Quote:

BTW... do the pleats hang straight at the back or do they curl? Just curious.

Good luck

On my 8yard wool the pleats hang down straight. On the Stillwater, I have to check every so often to make sure the pleats did not fold up and have to pull them down straight again.

For $100, I am not disappointed in the Stillwater Heavyweight. Unless somebody is inspecting the bottom edge of the kilt, no one is going to notice how the edge looks. It is not a nice crisp straight edge. It is also going to take some getting used to acrylic versus wool.

Jimmy Carbomb · #8 04-13-2005, 08:10 AM

Your "traditional" has a rather substantial hem on it which is NOT normal!!! If it had been made FOR YOU, it would (should) have had a selvedged hem. Atleast you know that if you grow three inches in old age, you can let-out your kilt.

The StillWaters DO have a selvedged hem. Not being able to view your specific kilt, it may just have some loose threads, which I get sometimes when I even buy wool. It's a matter of a little trimming on the thread. For $100, I would be more than happy to do that task.

You've made one GREAT point in the post that I don't think you even realized. We're in NO WAY comparing a StillWater Kilt to an authentic, handsewn traditional kilt. That's unfair to ANY kiltmaker with casuals. We ARE comparing StillWater kilts to the alternatives available for the same cost. There are GREAT casual tartan kilts out there for close to the same money, and others that don't even come CLOSE.

You've just pointed-out that there's a three buckle kilt available that's perfect for the Pubs, Festivals, Games, or knocking around. That's a nice alternative!!! Will I continue to wear casuals with velcro... yup. I love the things. But the StillWater's are a GREAT alternative when I'm feeling a little more dressy.

Nice review buddy!

phil h · #9 04-13-2005, 09:18 AM

thanx for the review

Iolaus · #10 04-13-2005, 04:48 PM

I just got mine today, and I can see what you mean about the rough edge.

I put a couple of clearer pictures in my album.

Also, I'm not happy with the "pre-snagged" condition of the front apron, not to mention other minor blemishes. I think maybe Stillwater does have a QA problem. I made a small album here - http://tinyurl.com/5g7w3 - check it out; if any one wants a better close-up (I've got high-res photos), let me know which one to post to my gallery. Since I don't have anything to compare it to, I would appreciate someone letting me know if I should consider this acceptable.

BTW, It's a lot thicker than I anticipated. It seems like it will be VERY stiff, not "swishing" like people discribe, even after the tack treads are removed. Also, within a couple of minutes, trying it on in the bedroom, I felt sweat starting under my shirt, around the top of my hips. I'm thinking of trading it back for a standard, they're lighter, right?

All in all, I'm really not sure about this purchase.