Canadian Provincial Tartans available at Fabricland

[Dixiecat]

This just posted on the highland dance board I frequent:

http://www.dance.net/topic/8392457/1...html&replies=9

Complete with pictures of the tartans. Also posted were images of fashion tartans that look pretty smart. If you don't happen to be near a Fabricland maybe you can convince a fellow X-marker to help you out. I'd offer, but Fabricland is a 'western' chain and isn't found in my neck of the woods.

[MacHummel]

I'd be careful with using that stuff it is really not a great quality and I know for a fact my machine chew it up

[jhockin]

of course, fraser & kirkbright always seem to have the Provincial tartan, in 100% wool; a wee bit more expense, but a full 60" wide , and also one could them them in kilt weights. I've been pleased with their products; just got some (more) 16oz Macnaughton
( see: http://www.wooltartan.com/tartans4.htm)

[slohairt]

It is featherweight tartan (7-8 oz.). I used it once for a kilted skirt I made for my 4-year-old daughter, but, even then, it was just barely adequate.

[The Wizard of BC]

I'll second slohairt's observation that the fabrics carried by Fabricland are indeed very light.

At first appearance they seem to be good fabrics but as soon as you pull a bit off the bolt you notice that the weight is only suitable for accessories.

You could use it for a vest or bows or table decorations at a party but I would not use these fabrics for a Kilt.

[Dixiecat]

Just checking the posting and someone mentioned that they've actually seen samples of these fabrics and that it's good quality.

I've seen and heard many of the members here purchase their kilt fabrics from Joanns or Walmart. 'm sure these fabrics are no worse than those ones. The post clearly states that it is light-weight suiting. Just offering up the information that Fabricland is offering all 10 provinces, which include the hard to find Saskatchewan and Manitoba tartans, plus Cape Breton and Maple Leaf I thought I was doing a service for those who might possibly be looking. No need to tear this post down or use it to promote other businesses.

[McMurdo]

I was at a party on Canada Day, this gentleman made his own kilt from the Fabricland fabric




While it is not in the same league as a Barb Tewksbury or a Matt Newsome it is passable, of course it was not that windy that day.

[Doftya]

A quick question on this issue. My wife works at the local Fabricland. I was looking at these materials today, and they carry both a 100% cotton (brushed) which looks warm but really is lightweight. They also carry a PV version of the material which would wear much better than the cotton. I also noticed that the tartans, while similar, were different, usually the cotton having a much smaller sett than the PV. Would the PV be acceptable for an amateur kilter, or would the cotton be better/easier? It would be a hand stitch project.

[The Wizard of BC]

DixieCat, I'm sorry, you think someone was tearing down your post. But I don't see where anyone was.

I was simply stating that I would not use fabrics from either Fabricland or other chain fabric stores. These stores usually don't have the option of picking the fabrics they carry. The fabrics usually arrive in a big truck from the head office who bought the off runs or excess from weaving mills. Not always but on average.

I have found some good buys at these stores for vests and other accessories. And as was stated these fabrics would be perfect for accessories and decorating.

But 6-7oz fabric is just not what I want to make a Kilt from. Nor is it what I would want to wear.

Even the lightest of the accepted Kilt fabrics is 12 oz.

As for what is labeled P/V at Fabricland I would not use it either. I have had Fabricland P/V side by side with P/V Kilt fabric and the stuff from Fabricland felt like pajama fabric.

So, get your Provincal Tartan if you would like a vest, tie, or table runner but save your pennies for good quality Kilt fabric if you want to make a Kilt.

And let me rant a little more on this subject if I may......

Let's say you wish to make your own Kilt and don't want to pay $300.00 for 16 oz. Scottish Wool.

Consider 12oz P/V from the UK. The price for the four yards of fabric will be between $65.00 and $96.00 depending on your source.
You will invest almost $300.00 in labor to hand-sew a decent Kilt.

Isn't 1/4 of the total cost of your Kilt worth the small effort to contact a Kilt fabric retailer?


OK, I know that some will always buy only the least expensive thing when presented with options. Yes, some will make Kilts from fabric from almost anywhere. And for some only the cheapest fabrics are suitable for something they will make themselves. I don't know why, when quality fabrics are readily available and not really as expensive as some seem to think.

I guess it all comes down to how do you want to describe the Kilt you made yourself.

"Hey, I made this. Doesn't it look great?"
or
"I made this and it was really cheap."

Each must make up their own mind.

[Doftya]

Thanks for the info!