Strathmore Woollen Mill

**raibeart_dubh** · 19th June 09, 07:25 PM

How does Strathmore compare to other tartan mills in terms of quality? I have seen/own kilts made from Lochcarron, House of Edgar, Marton Mills, etc. But I have never personally seen or handled cloth from Strathmore.

**ForresterModern** · 20th June 09, 08:15 AM

I have two kilts in my two family tartans from Strathmore, 13 oz Forrester Modern and 16oz Forrester Hunting Modern (review to come in the next day or so). The fabrics are fabulous, in my opinion comparable to either Lochcarron or HoE (as I have other kilts in Lochcarron 16 and HoE 13 and 16 oz tartans) and to a custom 16oz Dalgleish I had made up some time ago. A notch above Marton Mills Jura, which is the other 16 oz I have. Strathmore has an excellent hand and finish and good kilting selvedge. As I do not sew I can not speak to its "sewability" characteristics, but it has lovely deep colors and so far has worn well without pilling or other issues. Hope this helps.

Addend.: I have a few pieces left over from the recent 16oz handsewn I just got, and can send you a pice if you would like to feel the 16 oz. I don't have any 13oz scraps, unfortunately. PM if interested.

**Riverkilt** · 20th June 09, 09:31 AM

You just can't tell. I have Strathmore, House of Edgar, Dalgliesh, and Lochcarron kilts and it'd be like a Coke Pepsi test to try to figure out which was "better"

My Royal Air Force tartan kilt was hand sewn by Kathy Lare from 16 ounce Strathmore fabric.

My Leatherneck tartan kilt was hand sewn by Kathy Lare from 13 ounce Strathmore fabric.

Don't think you'll have any worries. Strathmore is a respected mill and the choice for the military theme tartans.

Ron

**raibeart_dubh** · 20th June 09, 11:13 AM

Thanks for the repsonses guys! And thank you ForresterModern for the offering of a swatch. I don't think it'll be necessary though, between you and Ron I found out what I wanted to know. I was just kind of curious because I haven't heard many people talk about Strathmore fabric. They have a couple of tartans I want at reasonable prices so I'll probably give them a shot based on both of your testimonials.