Depending on the exact rank you would like to be, any of the above options would work.  In the Scottish look, the rules for class are the same as any other culture.  The obvious difference is that the men wear a kilt instead of pants and a woman adds a sash to her outfit.    For the peasant look, as a man it typically includes the shirt, kilt, sash, and accessories.  Women's costumes include either the maiden look (pictured above) with cinch dress and chemise, or the wench look (cinch vest, shirt, skirt, bloomers, hat, and sash).  In the merchant look, the man adds a jerkin or doublet.  Women merchants can range from the front laced bodice with epaulettes and peplums with blouse and skirt to a dress equal to the nobility.  In noble looks, the man will usually add a doublet made from a very nice material, such as velvet.  The woman will wear a very nice hoop skirted dress.  Another option for women is to make one or more of her pieces from the plaid material for instance, a plaid cinch vest or plaid underskirt.  For more detailed information on the classes, reference our other pages.

What Plaid?

If you are of Scottish ancestory, you are welcome to bring in your clan plaid which we can make into a kilt or sash, however, it is not necessary.  A fact which few people realize is that clan plaids were not established until the 18th Century.  Before that, people simply wore the plaid woven by the women of that area, using the colors and wools available to them.  In looking for the plaid for your outfit, we suggest that you look for a medium weight fabric with muted tones.  Remember that you are trying to duplicate a home dyed and woven fabric.  A printed fabric will not work, it must be a woven plaid or the fringe will not look good.Washing the fabric you choose will also change the color tones, so if you are trying to match an outfit to the plaid, you will want to wash the plaid before shopping for the other fabrics.

How much fabric will I need?

This is one of the few questions that is very hard to answer without a specific idea of the outfit you want.  Generally speaking, the following amounts can apply.  It is suggested that you have a preliminary meeting with one of our staff prior to purchasing fabrics.
NOTE:  All amounts are given assuming that the width of the fabric is 44/45 inches or wider.  It is always better to buy too much fabric than not enough.  Matching fabrics is difficult at best and impossible at worst.  These amounts do not apply for specialty styles.  Matching stripes and patterns may require more fabric.  Very small sizes and larger sizes may want to contact for recommendations.
For fabric amounts not listed, look on the page which describes the class you have chosen.

Kilt: 6 to 10 yards
Sash: 1 to 2 yards
Glengarry: ½ yard
Slop hat: ½ to 1 yard
Shirt: 4-6 yards

How soon can I get the finished outfit?

The typical time given for any building project is four to six weeks from the time we recieve your deposit and fabric.

How much is this going to cost?

Cost, again,  is one of the few questions that is very hard to answer without a specific idea of the style of the outfit you want.  The cost can range from as little as $100.00 to more than $5,000.00. A final cost of $8,000.00 is not unheard of.  The difference is often made in the number of pieces you want, trimming and any hand work necessary.  After having your first meeting you will have a better idea of what the finished garment will cost.  It is helpful for you to come into the meeting with some idea of what you would like to spend.

Do I need to come in for a fitting?

Fittings are essential.  The only way to ensure the overall comfort and attractiveness of the garment is through fittings.  There are usually 2-5 fittings for a noble gown over the course of construction.

What else do I need to do to get my outfit made?

You'll need to schedule to have a  preliminary meeting with us to talk about your outfit. This is where the decisions will start being made: what it will look like, what features it will have, basic color scheme, trimming ideas, fabrics needed.  The meeting is a first step.  After the preliminaries are discussed, you are free to do further research, look at additional pictures or movies. This is also the time to begin looking for fabrics and trims.  After fabrics are selected, a second meeting is scheduled.  In this meeting the definite plans for construction are determined.  By the second meeting you must know what you want.  This is the time that a final sketch may be done and measurements are taken.  The estimated building time is started from the time we receive fabrics.  After construction has begun, you will be called in for fittings.  The number of fittings can range between 2-5.

What should I do now?

The best place to start is with a little research.  With a base of knowledge to utilize, you will find the building process less intimidating.  After some initial research, schedule a meeting and begin.  Don't feel overwhelmed by this list of questions.  It seems like a lot of work only because it can be.  The best way to save time is to research.  Have some idea of what you're looking for before you go fabric shopping it will save time in the long run.

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