My first real Kilt...so many questions

[chasem]

Hi guys. I have been a Utilikilt guy for a few years now. I want my first fancy pants nice tartan that I can slap on for "nicer" occasions. I work in the theatre and as a result know a lot of costume makers. They said they can make one no problem and I think this is a good way to have my own on the cheap. Here is my question?
I am in Chicago now and I have never experienced this kind of cold? How heavey to too heavey for wintertime kilting? I would like to wear the nice wool all year round but if it is going to be wool, I see this as my winter time kilt answer.

Nothing is really too heavy, generally speaking. For winter-wear, I'd suggest a minimum of 16oz material. Of course, anyone who owns one here would tell you that anything heavier is certainly great as well.

The forum has a lot of information on this but I will ask again. Where is the best place to get this kind of Winter weight wool fabric? Do I have to order online? When commissioning someone to do it for me, how much fabric should I order, I am assuming extra is safe. How much extra?

Any kiltmaker can handle it, or nearly any shop that deals in Scottish stuff. Scotweb is a decent place to order from, and offer a discount for xmarks members (their banner is that one on the top-right).

In your opinion, should I utilize the costume designer or the local lady I know that is Celtic and has a side business making kilts? By asking someone who does not have a lot of experience with this particular garment am I asking for trouble?

The local kilt-maker is probably the better option, generally speaking, as she'd already have knowledge of how to make a kilt. However, the costume designer seems to have a lot of experience making stuff, if you got her to do it, I'd recommend picking up The Art of Kiltmaking by Barb Tewksbury.

Pretty much anything you need to know about having a kilt made, and it would be ideal for someone who has sewing experience, in making sure they get all the intricacies of a kilt. There's more to it than one would think (ie: it's not just cloth wrapped 'round )