New Guy with Two Kilts

**DavidW** · 17th August 12, 02:37 PM

Hello to the fourm,

I made a first post yesterday in another part of the forum. Someone pointed out in a response a link to this area for introductions. This is mostly a re-post of my self introduction I gave there.

My name is David. I became of aware of the popularity of kilts about 3 years ago amongst the long distance hikers who think there is nothing better. Such as the people who through hike the Appalachian Trail. From there I learned of the larger interest in kilt wearing. In April I finally decided I was going to order a kilt. I had decided on ordering a USAK Semi-traditional kilt but when Rocky offered a some money off on a 5 yd wool kilt, making it cost not much more, I ordered the wool kilt instead. Stewart Hunting Modern tartan.

About the same time I became aware of the Polaris Military tartan. First through some old post on this forum and later from a few other on-line sources. 38 years ago I was crew on a submarine operating in the Pacific. But this same submarine had spent the first half of its years in service operating out of Holy Loch Scotland. Which is where this tartan design was requested in the early 1960s. I belong to a forum of former crew members, most of whom were crew when the boat operated out of Holy Loch. A few of them recalled seeing or hearing about the Polaris tartan but none recalled seeing anyone wearing a kilt made from this tartan. Eventually I found that Alexis Malcolm made kilts of this tartan and it just so happened she had enough fabric left over after making kilts for the USNA Pipes and Drum band to make one kilt and she also offered me a discount on a Hill Walker kilt in the Polaris tartan as well. A week or so after ordering the USAK I also ordered the kilt from Alexis. This kilt in this tartan appealed to me because of the the history of the sub I served on and also my last name is Walker. How could I not like a kilt called a Hill Walker. Especially when I also live in the hills too.

My biggest concern was getting the length correct. As it turned out I paid to much attention to warnings about ordering the kilt with to tight a waist. I received the USAK first and the 39.5 inch waist was to large. I had Rocky move straps and buckles to 38 inches but should have gone a little smaller. With that discovery I called Alexis and had her reduce the waist to 38 also, easy to do because she was a week out before starting on my kilt. Both kilts now fit well but in the last strap holes. Next time I will request 37.5 or maybe 37 inch waist. The waist measurement remains a mystery to me. The tape measure definitely feels snug at 38 inches but the kilts seem a little loose buckled to the middle strap holes. Which if I understand it correctly is where the kilt should be at its designed waist size. I'm pretty happy with the length on both kilts that both seem to come to the same place, top half of my knees. Shorter than mid knee cap.

I think both kilts look great and I'm pleased with the work from both makers. The heavier wool of the USAK and the lighter wool of the AMK make for a nice choice of weights. Each is a little different. The only obstacles remaining are my own about wearing a kilt out in a small community. This is not helped by my wife and son, mostly my 16 year old son, who think the kilts look OK but silly and please don't take them out of the closet again.

My reasoning for going this route was that if I purchased more expensive kilts on the first go I will be motivated to not let that much money hang in the closet and not be worn. That I will be motivated to not let that investment not be used and use that to over come any anxiety about wearing the kilt into the local public community. My son remains convinced I have a subconscious desire to get beaten up by some local folk and that if I really must wear a kilt only do it when he's not around or if attending Scottish Games festival some where. Time will tell if my kilts get worn or takes up space in the closet most of the time.

Today I found this unusual use of the Polaris Military tartan, it appears to have been posted on-line today. Maybe you will find it amusing. Or maybe maddening.

http://www.squidbeak.co.uk/blog/2012...an-shortbread/

David