Your Experience with Sandy St. James?

[jhockin]

http://lmgtfy.com/?q=Sandy+St.+James+%2B+kiltmaker

[Clayton]

Appreciate the cheek, jhockin, but Google doesn't yield too much. So far, I've only seen one photo of a kilt from Sandy. I just want to learn as much as I can before I shell out 400 bucks.

[sydnie7]

http://lmgtfy.com/?q=Sandy+St.+James+%2B+kiltmaker

One result is this thread. . . personally I'd look elsewhere but at least you are looking/able to make an informed decision.

[artificer]

One result is this thread. . . personally I'd look elsewhere but at least you are looking/able to make an informed decision.

Yikes! That is a situation I'd certainly think twice (or thrice) about before wading into.

After a certain point any savings is outweighed by the massive frustration and killer jones.

ith:

[Ozark Ridge Rider]

If you're taken with Armstrong, you might also look at Murray of Atholl and Gunn or even Shaw. They are pretty similar except for the arrangement of the red stripe. One of those might be easier to find.

[MacMillans son]

I would completely agree with Artificer. The link above indicates that the person in question is not a kilt maker, but rather a kilt middleman. Not a crime for sure, there are other reputable vendors on this site who farm out their kilts as well. However, it sounds like the person in question is less that reputable in his business practices relative to his communication and customer service. I would look into using one of the many well supported kilt makers on or off this site who come with great recommendations. I can personally recommend Bonnie Heather Greene (banner on the bottom of the page), Kathy Lare (not a member here but very well regarded) and my newest kilt maker, Paul Henry who is a member here but not an advertiser. Those are my first hand recommendations, but there are many others here and elsewhere who come highly recommended without any of the poor practices noted about the person you inquired about. The prices of all the people I mentioned are going to push your budget out to between $500-$600 but the knowledge that you will have a great kilt, hand made by the person who you are dealing with, and without any problems, worries, or concerns, is well worth the extra cost

Best of luck!

[rondo]

Murray of Athol is available in PV from USA Kilts... a Semi-Traditional is sharp, I have 2 of Rocky's kilts and am pleased with the quality, price and service.
Rondo

[BCAC]

I would completely agree with Artificer. The link above indicates that the person in question is not a kilt maker, but rather a kilt middleman. Not a crime for sure, there are other reputable vendors on this site who farm out their kilts as well. However, it sounds like the person in question is less that reputable in his business practices relative to his communication and customer service. I would look into using one of the many well supported kilt makers on or off this site who come with great recommendations. I can personally recommend Bonnie Heather Greene (banner on the bottom of the page), Kathy Lare (not a member here but very well regarded) and my newest kilt maker, Paul Henry who is a member here but not an advertiser. Those are my first hand recommendations, but there are many others here and elsewhere who come highly recommended without any of the poor practices noted about the person you inquired about. The prices of all the people I mentioned are going to push your budget out to between $500-$600 but the knowledge that you will have a great kilt, hand made by the person who you are dealing with, and without any problems, worries, or concerns, is well worth the extra cost

Best of luck!

I agree with MacMillan's Son. It's not worth buying a "cheap" kilt from a middle man and buying problems. Buy one from a kiltmaker. It will probably be more expensive but you will have less problems (and probably a better kilt).

I'm biased. Paul Henry is my kiltmaker (he's a magicien!) and he will be for the rest of my life, but there are others. Most (if not all) of them are able to arrange payment details to make it easier for the customer. Some let you pay half up front (which gives them enough to order the tartan) and the rest when the work is finished, which makes it a bit easier on the old bank account.

[creagdhubh]

I would completely agree with Artificer. The link above indicates that the person in question is not a kilt maker, but rather a kilt middleman. Not a crime for sure, there are other reputable vendors on this site who farm out their kilts as well. However, it sounds like the person in question is less that reputable in his business practices relative to his communication and customer service. I would look into using one of the many well supported kilt makers on or off this site who come with great recommendations. I can personally recommend Bonnie Heather Greene (banner on the bottom of the page), Kathy Lare (not a member here but very well regarded) and my newest kilt maker, Paul Henry who is a member here but not an advertiser. Those are my first hand recommendations, but there are many others here and elsewhere who come highly recommended without any of the poor practices noted about the person you inquired about. The prices of all the people I mentioned are going to push your budget out to between $500-$600 but the knowledge that you will have a great kilt, hand made by the person who you are dealing with, and without any problems, worries, or concerns, is well worth the extra cost

Best of luck!

Excellent advice, Brooke!

[TheOfficialBren]

If you're taken with Armstrong, you might also look at Murray of Atholl and Gunn or even Shaw. They are pretty similar except for the arrangement of the red stripe. One of those might be easier to find.

Plus 1!!

As a Shaw, myself, I am admittedly biased but I absolutely love this tartan and much prefer the deeper colurs of the "modern" colour scheme over the lighter "ancient" colour scheme. At the top of my list is a Shaw pleated to the red stripe n the deepest, richest, and darkest colour scheme possible. I very much love darker pallates.



Great choice, though. Armstrong is one of my absolute favourite tartans to look at. It is lovely!