Scotweb's "8yd Balmoral" vs. their "Artisan Hand Sewn by D.C. Dalgliesh"

**unixken** · 3rd February 13, 01:49 PM

In a few weeks (when my income tax refund arrives), I will be ordering at least one, possibly two, 8 yard kilts from Scotweb. I already have one of their 8 yard Balmorals, in addition to one of their 5 yard casuals (also by Balmoral), and I am thoroughly satisfied with the quality of these Balmoral-produced kilts. They make a fine product.

This time around, I'm going with a D.C. Dalgiesh weave (the others were Lochcarron fabric). In addition to the Balmorals that I own, I've looked at Scotweb's Manley-Richardson and "Essential" lines (I'm expecting delivery of a 5 yard "Essential", tomorrow - Thanks again, Nick!) But only yesterday did I notice they offered an "Artisan Hand Sewn by D.C. Dalgliesh" line of 8 yard kilts. As it works out, an 8 yard kilt made from the same fabric, is the same cost for either the hand sewn kilt by Dalgliesh, or the partially machine-stitched Balmoral.

As I think it wonderful that Nick/Scotweb have kept the Dalgliesh mill in operation, I would love to see the Dalgliesh facility keep a bit more of my cash than they might otherwise, if I ordered only the fabric from them and had the kilt produced by another manufacturer.

I already know of the high praise given to the DCD fabrics. Does anyone here own one of the "Artisan Hand Sewn by D.C. Dalgiesh" kilts, who can speak to the quality of it's construction?

(Nick, if there is any insight you could offer, feel free to chime in. I welcome your comments!)

**Downunder Kilt** · 3rd February 13, 02:57 PM

Years ago Scotweb did have completely handsewn kilts on offer at no extra cost. and later they had the handsewn option (for extra cost). I cannot see that option in their Balmoral range since they became affiliated with D C Dalgliesh. At the time when they were offering the no surcharge on completely handsewn, I purchased a kilt, a custom weave (D C Dalgliesh), but have no idea where the kilt was actually made though it was handsewn. It has stood up to the rigors just as well as any of my other fully handsewn kilts. Personally, if you have the option of purchasing a handsewn V a mixture, for the same cost, I would go with the handsewn, a true tank

**unixken** · 3rd February 13, 04:38 PM

Originally Posted by Downunder Kilt

Personally, if you have the option of purchasing a handsewn V a mixture, for the same cost, I would go with the handsewn, a true tank

I'm certainly of the same mind, Downunder. And, as mentioned, I like the idea of supporting Dalgliesh a bit more than with just the fabric purchase alone. Scotweb has repeatedly shown me outstanding customer service, so they've earned my business. And Nick has gone above and beyond to preserve D.C. Dalgliesh as a mill for small run tartan fabrics (like the ones I've selected for the next one - or possibly two - kilts.) If the folks at the mill can produce a quality kilt, then hey, everyone wins. And that's what I'm hoping to hear.

**unixken** · 6th February 13, 03:34 PM

I'm waiting for my income tax rebate to arrive so that I can place my order, and I think I'm experiencing a pre-jones jones.

**MacGumerait** · 6th February 13, 11:09 PM

Originally Posted by unixken

Waiting for my income tax rebate to arrive so that I can place my order, and I think I'm experiencing a pre-jones jones.

Haaaa ! Unixken , I think you have coined a new term " pre-jones jones " !

I share your experience with Scotweb , I have an 8 yd kilt in their Balmoral line of kilts and it's superb . I have also ordered other items from Scotweb and their service has always been first rate . I have no experience with DC Dalgliesh regarding kiltmaking , but I would think that you would get a quality kilt in the end , given they are owned and connected to Nick and Scotweb .

My best to you on your new kilt / kilts . I am sure that Scotweb or DC will take good care of you .

Mike

**creagdhubh** · 7th February 13, 06:02 AM

Well done, Ken! I'm sure the rabble is looking forward to the photos.

All of my (Macpherson and Chattan) 8-yard kilts; with the exception of one, which is a heavyweight House of Edgar, are completely handsewn, made of heavyweight tartan from either Lochcarron or D. C. Dalgliesh and I find all of the aforementioned fabrics to be superb. I currently have a kilt (heavyweight tartan from D. C. Dalgliesh) on order with our own resident and expert kilt-maker, Barb Tewksbury...so much like you, I'm jonesing big time!

Kind regards,

**unixken** · 8th April 13, 04:06 PM

Just a quick update to say I did receive the first two of three hand-sewn kilts by D.C. Dalgliesh, and I can not recommend them enough! I had opportunity to wear one of them Saturday night, and they are outstanding! I am so glad I opted to go that route!