The New Stillwater Kilts

[Geoduck]

I'm with you, Jeff. Part of why I love the kilt is supporting a known artisan. We're already pretty much doomed to purchase clothing stitched up in Asia, Central America or a "free-trade zone," so I want my kilt $$$'s going to the artists, even if you can get an affordable knock-off somewhere else.

[Jimmy Carbomb]

So, once AGAIN I say... let's get a domestic maker that has the time to find the sources that allow us to have the kilts made for these prices. The material is ALREADY readily available at the right price. The buckles are ALREADY available for the right price. If the sewing needs to be done at a low "piece" price, they are available... and I know of three right here on the East Coast. Those in Massachusetts and in North Carolina have out-of-work "spinners" all over the place. Many have joined together to offer their services at unreal prices on a "piece work" basis. It's better than unemployment wages. These "Right To Work" groups are findable on the internet.

IF we were talking about a hand-sewn authentic traditional kilt in wool... I agree 100% with the need to be careful. That's why I will ONLY buy them from a trained, certified and accredited maker and company. We're talking about an inexpensive alternative for those that aren't loaded with disposable cash. The alternatives under a fin are VERY limited. If you can afford to turn your nose up at a company that has figured-out a way to provide a nice kilt for a nice price... more power to you. If you're one of the many that just doesn't have that kind of money, but really want to wear a kilt... well, here's a wonderful place to get what you want.

Bash away boys! You're just knocking a company that's trying to provide you with what you've been complaining about. A nice kilt that you can knock around in, look pretty good in, and not go broke buying!

Unbelievable.

[macgreggor]

As a first time kilt buyer (almost) I am of the opinion that a inexpensive, nicely made kilt is much better than a shoddy knock off or, even worse, no kilt at all. Already I can feel the need for a custom made in the future. But for now I will be delighted to spend a little of my hard earned cash for a reasonable kilt. I can feel a Bear in the future though!
MacG

[Iolaus]

Jimmy's pretty much nailed it.

I'm a student with only so much discretionary income. I was introduced to the idea of kilting through UKs, and have two of them, but if I want to expand my collection to traditional styles, I'm going to have to watch my pennies.

[Alan H]

Couple of things...

I have a Stillwater "Standard" Black Watch and I really like it. I'm wearing it right now. Jerry was excellent about communicating about the fit and so on. He swapped out the first kilt he sent me (I tried it on and left the basting stitches in it) for a better-fitting one. Jerry is all right and I like the kilt I got from him. At $75 plus shipping it was a deal. For the same kilt in a heavier weight, 8 yards of cloth with nicer buckles $100 is a truly great deal.

But hang on....you can get a Philabeg from Rocky at USA Kilts for $110. http://www.usakilts.com That's a nice kilt and Rocky and Kelly sew 'em up right there in their shop in Pennsylvania. That's a good deal!

You can get a 4-yard poly-vis Bear (if you wait 6 months!) for $150 Canadian, which is about $115 US dollars. http://www.bearkilts.com

You can buy a really nice Pittsburgh dress kilt for $110
http://www.pittsburghkilts.com/dress.shtml

and they're stitched up by Jeff, personally.

So this is a tough one. All of the people involved here are decent people, making a decent living but not getting rich any time soon by selling kilts. I'd prefer a non-sweatshop-made item, you know? But then Jerry was good to me, and "Pakistan" does not NECESSARILY translate to "gross human rights abuse sweatshop".... although it might translate to that.

I have no answer for this dilemma, except byuy a kilt from all of them!

That means if I'm gonna walk my talk I need to order a kilt from Jeff pretty quick, here! Aaaack! A non-tartan kilt!

[Iolaus]

How easy would it be to take it in an inch or two, if I was to be successful at dropping 15 or so pounds.

Hey!! It could happen!

[Thistle Stop]

How easy would it be to take it in an inch or two, if I was to be successful at dropping 15 or so pounds.

Hey!! It could happen!

I don't know how likely it is for a guy who's planning to 'skid in sideways - Chardonnay in one hand - chocolate covered strawberries in the other' at his own funeral to drop 15 pounds en route... But just in case you do, most traditional-style kilts can be adjusted by several inches. If just tightening the straps isn't enough, you can move them back (on the right side and on the under-apron).

[Iolaus]

I don't know how likely it is for a guy who's planning to 'skid in sideways - Chardonnay in one hand - chocolate covered strawberries in the other' at his own funeral to drop 15 pounds en route... But just in case you do, most traditional-style kilts can be adjusted by several inches. If just tightening the straps isn't enough, you can move them back (on the right side and on the under-apron).

Thanks ...and the quote's more about attitude, not diet. ;) Through diet and exercise, I've lost 35 pounds and 3 inches off my waist since last June, not for health, but because I didn't want the weight to get in the way of enjoying life, and it was starting to. I "plateaued" a few months ago, when I started cheating, but I'm re-evaluating my current "Cheating mode" because I still want to drop (or "re-distribute" ) that last 15 pounds. If I do, My waist will definitely shrink, 'cause that's where most of it is left.

[Doc Hudson]

Iolaus,

Here is a cheating suggestion for you.

Declare one day of each week as cheat day. Six days shalt thou diet, and on the seventh day, thou mayest cheat.

Just don't let the cheating get out of hand. A modest amount of sweets, a little bread, and some small servings of other forbidden goodies. Use the discipline you've developed the other six days to keep from eating a whole cake and three loaves of garlic bread with cream cheese and ice cream. As we used to say when I was a kid, be a good Methodist, moderation is all things. Of course these days I'm an Episcopalian.

It is fun because it give you the thrill of cheating, but it doesn't totally ruin discipline by making it clandestine and sneaky. And it helps get through the bad times of the diet by giving you something to look forward to doing.

Good luck with the diet. I need to get back on mine. I lost 40 bounds, but have regained half of it.

[Magnus Sporrano]

Declare one day of each week as cheat day. Six days shalt thou diet, and on the seventh day, thou mayest cheat.

When I was averaging 3 to 4 pounds of weight loss a week, this is exactly what I did. The cheating wasn't wild and crazy, but like I could have pizza or something more decadent than my usual veggie wraps for lunch.

When I switched jobs last summer my whole routine got royally screwed up and I've put 45 pounds on since then.