Where to start? TANK quest...

[CelticRanger66]

I am for Barb. T also you won't regret it !! My Tewksbury Tank is destined to be a Family heirloom!

[jordanjm]

I ordered my tank from Lochcarron through Matt at the Scottish Tartans Museum. His Customer Service was great, his knowledge wonderful, and prices were good as well. If nothing else, PLEASE call him and talk to him about what you want.

[Fedgunner]

I asked near the same question about 6 months ago.

I had a no budget limit, get a true tank, cost be damned criteria.

I narrowed it down to Barb T. and Kathy Lare. The Scottish taylors could offer nothing over "local talent" other than import duties and VAT.

Matt Newsome should also be considered. At the time I was unfamiliar with his work. He is on my next short list.

I ended up going with Kathy Lare for the simple reason she got back to me first. In Barb's defense, she was setting up a kilt class/school at the time and had not the luxury of time to cruise these boards.

The status of the project right now is waiting on the fabric to get it's turn in the mill's production schedule. My deposit is payed now the wait.

It will be a 16 oz Brown tartan with flashes. ( I will probably have her order a neck tie as well)

I looked at the "big boys" in Scotland. They offered nothing my "top cut" couldn't or wouldn't do.

I would offer up in no particular order:
Kathy Lare
Barb Tweaksbury
Matt Newsome

I'm sure there are others, but I will own a kilt from these three.

[Cawdorian]

It will be a 16 oz Brown tartan with flashes. .

I love the Brown tartan, it is the next kilt on my wish list, probably a Matt Newsome Box Pleat. My grandmother was a Brown of Scottish descent.

Please post pictures of the kilt as soon as it arrives, I am very anxious to see it.

[davedove]

I would offer up in no particular order:
Kathy Lare
Barb Tweaksbury
Matt Newsome

I'm sure there are others, but I will own a kilt from these three.

I can certainly recommend Kathy and Matt, as I have kilts from both.

I don't yet have a kilt from Barb, so I can't comment on her work. I have only heard good things about her work, and I plan to have a kilt from her someday.

I would also add Alexis Malcolm to the list. I have two kilts from her and would not hesitate to get another.

[jmercier]

I'm new here and I see that you've made a decision already, but I'll toss this out. I cant say anything but good thigns about Terry McShane and her family over at www.kiltsnmore.com Great customer service, great turn around time (she was worried when a friend of mine ordered a custom kilt in a specific irish tartan that she might not be able to finish it within the next week and a half... my friend was ordering now in the hopes of getting it next march) and a very well made product.

Most of their buisness tends to be ren-faire goers, so they can be a little bit harder to get ahold of during some of the major faires, but the whole McShane family is a pleasure to deal with.

[Colin]

Don't rule out Rob MacDonald from www.westcoastkilts.com

The work of his that I have seen has been incredible. Do a search on the site and I would think you would find a review or two.

[ozarkjacobite]

After spending the last 3 days on his website, I'm personally going with a Newsome 5yd knife pleat. I also have some friends that have purchased kilts through J. Higgins and have been very happy with the results.

[Skweres]

i liked Linda Clifford, they go through the house of edgar but they have a great selection on everything kilt related

[wscottmac]

Great posts, lads. Really appreciate the detailed info. Eventually, I'll need to get a Barb T and Matt Newsome. For the first TANK, though, I decided to go w/ Kathy Lare. It was a very close call -- all 3 have a lot to offer.