Found my tartan- where to go from here?

[Dalmore]

Hi all.
Not sure if this is the correct forum but here goes....

I'm not making a kilt myself but I would like a kilt maker to do it for me.
I just recently came across a registered tartan that was created by a master weaver for my family surname. It is registered with the Scottish Tartans Authority and the ferret shows the tartan on their site- it's quite pretty.

I found the tartan through a google search but can't find out anything about the master weaver herself. No email address, or otherwise at all. I guess she and her family had this tartan registered many years ago and they now sell neckties & scarves done in this tartan on their website. Locharron of Scotland produces the material.

I'm guessing I need to order the material myself from Locharron and then get a kilt maker to create it for me? Is there any useful advice anyone can offer before I make an expensive and embarassing mistake?

[Galician]

Any good kiltmaker should be able to get the material for you. If they're a member of the TA, the instructions for the weave are given. If it's a rare tartan, you might have to go with whatever mill produces it, unless you want to go for a special order.

[auld argonian]

I'd just contact some of the kiltmakers that are here on the forum and ask for an estimate. I'd think that they have somewhat more efficient channels for getting the material than most of us individuals. Provide whatever links to the fabric that you've found and let the pro's do the rest.

Best

AA

[James MacMillan]

I would say that in most cases it is best to settle on the kilt maker first. Most have had experience working with mills or obtaining fabric.

We have several kilt makers named here and posting here as well.

Kathy Lare, Matt Newsome, Steve Ashton and Barbara Trewsbury to name the first that pop into my head. There are many more.

Sometimes I wish we had an extensive listing of Kiltmakers.

[Dalmore]

Thanks for the advice everybody!

Should I continue try to contact this mystery master weaver? Their website said that the tartan is registered for anyone with my surname to use. Still, for me it's kind of a respect thing. I'd like to at least contact them and let them know that I am using it. Also, I have some plain ol curiosity about why the choice in color, pattern, etc.

[macwilkin]

Thanks for the advice everybody!

Should I continue try to contact this mystery master weaver? Their website said that the tartan is registered for anyone with my surname to use. Still, for me it's kind of a respect thing. I'd like to at least contact them and let them know that I am using it. Also, I have some plain ol curiosity about why the choice in color, pattern, etc.

Contact Brian Wilton at the STA; he may be able to put you in touch with the tartan's designer.

T.

[Dalmore]

Thanks, I'll do that!