The OUTRAGEOUS Price of kilts!

[LordKiltClad]

Robin,
your beautiful pieces of art that adorn the bottom right corners of so many kilts are worth their weight in gold. I honestly would have paid more if you asked it.

Same goes for all the kilt makers. I can see why and how such things are worth what they are.

Dread's head gear, Freelander, Turpin, A_Hay, etc's Sporrans, Cavs leather, etc, etc, etc, etc. All worth every penny spent.

[Robin]

I think the main drive of all craftsmen (kiltmakers, leather workers, cooks etc.) is the love for what they make...or do. Not all have to like it, but a happy customer and the knowledge you made something with love for someone who appreciate it...is awesome. We need money to live, but it's not the reason we do our thing I guess. It's nice to make nice things...it really is (and learn from mistakes once in a while)

[Doc]

Thanks for that Alan, I am a kiltmaker also, although I don't like it as a job because I can't support my family on just kilts, I have to contract sew and work part time in a bicycle shop, both jobs average about 10.00 hr gross. I can't afford a web site, advertising, etc. on those wages. I count on word of mouth. I also deal with some peaple who would like the order and then carp at the price. My prices are very competitive with most other kilt makers. If you want If you want top quality at a buget price, find some material on sale, spend 4.00 on needles and thread and make it your self! If you haven't noticed these same kilt makers offer a ton of free help to those on this board who ask, and that is time not sewing. They don't have to do that. Alan dos not have to spend 30-60 hrs writing his instructions, Steve, Rocky, Mat, Barb etc don't have to help at all but they do, but at what cost, time away from sewing, time away from family. So thats my .02. If you happen to see a Lemurian Kasual Kilts, it's one of mine. And thats why you wount see a lot of them.

[Weasel Mender]

As a craftsman (Blacksmith) I understand what love of the work is all about. we have a saying:
"Only 2 blacksmiths ever went to he** one hit cold metal the other one didn't charge enough"It is my belief that many kilt makers are in the same danger as the second smith...What I am saying is that I will always be willing to pay a quality price for a quality product!

[emolas]

Well put Alan.
When I first began my foray into kilts, I was initially shocked at the price of a good kilt. However, I never thought that the kiltmaker was 'ripping people off' because I researched the amounts and prices of the fabric involved. Until I started reading Barb's book, I wasn't fully aware of the TIME involved even though I kinda figured it would take a while. I agree that a good kilt is an investment and worth the money spent.

[morrison]

Now possibly for a coup de grace, let's not forget the acumen acquired over the repetitive cycle of kilt making. The closer ties to suppliers, gained through long time business dealings. Then there is the expanded knowledge and tricks and jigs learned, techniques learned and applied that others have not yet learned. The makers also attend kiltmaking and sewing seminars and classes to continually upgrade their skills in the craft. I'd suggest that those schoolings aren't always free! I know it aint rocket science, but I don't sew kilts. So, it rocket science to me.
I need a brain surgeon.
:food-smiley-002:

[turpin]

I am in total agreement on the kilt-makers time. Anyone who has read The Art of Kilt Making knows there is a lot of time involved, not only in sewing, but in ensuring proper measurments from the customer, finalizing the order, ordering cloth, cutting, layout, pleating, finishing, shipping. All take time, all necessary for a quality result and a satisfied customer. As for the weaving, forget that there are farmers involved who raise and shear the sheep, spinning, carding, fulling(?), dyeing, before the thread even gets to the looms. Then, the set-up for the run, finishing the selvedge, and all that subsequently takes place between that and sending cut cloth to the kiltmaker. I like having an inexpensive kilt to knock about in, but I truly appreciate what goes into my favorite part of kilting. My favorite knock-about kilts are those woolies I have gotten used that have been softened by wear.

And thanks for recognizing the time and steps involved in making a good sporran. While not in the same league as a good kilt, none of us wants to put out less than a quality product and that takes time. And we make mistakes (At least I do - just ask Big Mikey about ol' number 13) that have to be redone.

[ccga3359]

My kilt makers work for a pittance, It is the honour of making my kilts that drives them.

[arrogcow]

In response to the idea that worsted wool has to be that expensive, I did a quick google search. I have been able to find non tartan suiting worsted wool (10-11 oz) for as little as $0.88 (that's 88 cents) per yard for wholesale prices, and the average price is about $10-15 retail. Yes setting up a complicated sett is more difficult than a solid (though I found non tartan plaid at these prices), but really 4-6 times harder? And yes some tartans are only woven in small, special order batches, but the 10-12 common tartans (BW, Royal Stewart etc.) have no excuse for the price you have to pay for them.

Again there are many people I have talked to that want kilts, but can't get around the price (and seem less interested in acrylic or PV for what ever reason). A significant price reduction due to fabric would get many more people into kilts causing more fabric to be needed.

Adam

[Perldog007]

I am in full agreement Alan. When I ordered from Steve at FK I thought I was getting a bargain for quality work. Especially considering Steve's engineering and military background.

Now that I have sat down and tried to assemble a kilt, I think the price is a steal. Sure it is alot of money for a guy who who is basically employed as a box lifter and hurler of ephitats, but I could go back to being the perldog (web coder) if I was consumed with desire for the cash.

Almost anybody could find a way to make more scratch if that was their obsession.

I think we need more kiltmakers, and more kilted folk to at least attempt to roll their own so we can appreciate them. After my disaster with a UK, this kilted lunatic will do all he can to support kiltmakers.

Also we have to be thankfull to the SWKs' and UKs' of the world. They do put people in kilts, and that is what it is all about. But Kiltmakers are a treasure.

There are other garments if you can't stand the price. But only a kilt gives you the kilted experience. And only a kiltmaker can give you the best experience.

I am saving for the day when I can order my tank in my family tartan ( a special run of course) . By then I may consider hand sewing it myself. If I do have it made, I will not complain about paying a quality price for a quality product.