Yes we can acknowledge UK and AK for getting the ball rolling on Contemporary kilts ...Bravo.
However for the same money as a UK workmans and in some cases the same wait time, some of us independent kilt makers can offer a tailor made kilt that is built to last a long time. I'm also able to offer a tailor made leather kilt, with the current exchange rate about a $100 cheaper than a UK.
But given the last few weeks with the heat I will admit to the sweatshop. It's been tough staying cool! Given that I am my own marketer, designer, cutter, buyer, seamstress, shipper etc. I set up my own booth at fairs and sell the product, tear down in the pouring rain with water above my blunnies (that was last weekend) Drive home and catch a few hours sleep and sew for 14 hours the next few days and try and fill the orders. then start all over the next weekend.
Then I don't have to produce 4 kilts an hour 6 days a week ...I'll let the big guys do that.
I sure am having fun though... I really am. Each kilt is unique to the person I'm building for and to have that personal contact with the customer is awesome...Especially when they let you know it fits like a kilt was meant to... Oh I have made a couple of mistakes but I was able to fix them without too much inconvience to the customer.
Yeah and meeting with other kiltmakers is a blast too. 'cause we see the details that each one puts into their work. Artisans with fabric. Oh and if you talk to us independently we will tell you the differences between our kilts what features are better the way we build them and the fact that we build them, not someone else who works for us or whom we contracted out to.
Ron thanks for your keen eye on the flashes didn't even click that I needed a left and a rught for the leather triple flashes. Ya learn something everyday.
Cheers
Robert