I guess that one of the factors that I've been wondering about has to do with the price of the fabric....with all of the computerization of the weaving process wouldn't you expect the price of the raw material to be more reasonable? It's not like this stuff is still being woven on hand looms in the Highlands by native craftsmen (or crafts-wimmens), I'm sure that it's done in plants where they just have to change a couple of variables to go from one tartan to another. I accept the premise that wool can be priced in the "premium" range...and that wool blends come in a bit down the scale and so on through synthetics but is this a "we'll charge what the traffic will bear" attitude on the part of the weaving companies or is it snob-appeal or what?

I also accept the fact that the cost of a quality item is based on how much skilled labor is going into it...I certainly understand what kind of work goes into a hand made item and why some items HAVE TO BE done by hand in order to be done right. I don't see that any of the prices of any of the kiltmakers that I've seen discussions about here are the least bit out of line with the reality of producing a very special item. I have to admit, though, that the cost of the fabric sort of blows my mind.

best

auld argonian