Greetings from the Space Coast of Florida

**John Henderson** · 15th July 14, 06:40 AM

Hi,

I've been aware of xmarksthescot of years, and have come here from time to time looking for some information, but only joined yesterday.

My son and I sported our Henderson kilts (Sport Kilts) out in public for the first time at Grandfather Mountain this past Saturday. You are definitely not very self-conscious wearing the kilt for the first time at a Highland Games, but afterwards, my wife wanted to go directly to a decent restaurant in downtown Asheville without stopping at the rental cabin first, and I could either go with some horrible-looking drawstring shorts and kilt hose, or put the kilt back on. Being forced to walk around a crowded downtown area in your kilt is kind of a baptism by fire. Several people will mention directly to you that they like your kilt, but you'll also overhear people talk to someone else in their party about the man in the kilt. All that I've actually heard was encouraging, though.

I just got my 15 year pin as a member of Clan Henderson Society. I've been wanting to get a kilt as long as I've been a member, but the $300+ was hard to swallow (and at what they cost now, I wish I had bought on then.) Now with a wife, two kids, a dog and a house, it's even harder to spend the money. I had been collecting a sporran, kilt hose, flashes, balmorral, clan badge, kilt pin and other items over those years.

Upon attending the Dunedin Highland Games a few months ago, I realized that several other clan society members (including the president) were wearing Sport Kilts. I figured if they were good enough for them, it was good for me to get started, so I ordered kilts for my son (seven) and me. (If you want a Henderson tartan, your choices are limited).

I am also a piper, having started just over three years ago. I do not have time to participated in a band, and do it for my own enjoyment (and it's a connection to my departed father, who was also a piper for many years, but put the pipes away when I came along). However, I intend to try my hand at competition next year (aiming for Central Florida in January), which has accelerated my need to get kilted to meet the highland dress requirement for competitors.

I have thoroughly read The Art of Kiltmaking through twice. I am really chomping at the bit to start one myself, but just buying the cloth is still a big purchase when I have some other priorities in the upcoming months. More specifically, I am convinced of the advantages of the four yard, box pleated kilt described in the book's supplement by Matthew Newsome. Especially for the warmer weather here in Florida.

So I guess that's a good introduction to who I am and why I am here. I have a couple of questions to ask in the appropriate places (which is why I finally joined.)

John

**GMan** · 15th July 14, 08:02 AM

Welcome John, you are for sure in the right place with many knowledgeable and understanding people.

**Father Bill** · 15th July 14, 08:10 AM

Welcome to the "Great Rabble!"

**Half Scot Half Pole** · 15th July 14, 08:31 AM

Welcome, John. I wear a kilt everywhere here in the San Luis Valley Colorado except for the nearby town of San Luis, CO, where I'd probably get into a shoot out, no lie.

**KiltedCodeWarrior** · 15th July 14, 08:42 AM

Welcome John from another member on the Space Coast. We are in the Melbourne area, near Pineda causeway. Maybe we can get some people together for a kilt night at some point.

KCW

**Kiltedjohn** · 15th July 14, 08:52 AM

Welcome from across the pond, the West Midlands of England. I understand your feelings about venturing forth kilted in public. If, like me, you really love wearing it, your confidence will grow each time!

**Hawk** · 15th July 14, 09:02 AM

Welcome to the XMTS Community John......good to finally have you on this side of the "keyboard". Looking forward to having you here and also your contributions of photos and feedback.

Hawk