First kilt

[gu3]

As I type this, I am wearing my first kilt, a USA Kilts Casual Kilt in American Heritage tartan. Since I am a novice kilt-wearer, I won't attempt a proper review. I will just convey my experience.

I mentioned in my introduction to the forum that after this year's highland games I determined to own a kilt before the end of summer. Browsing many kiltmakers' websites, I had to rule out several right away. In some cases, the cost was too high for something I regarded as experimental. In others, the standard kilt length would have been too long for my stature, and I was not about to attempt hemming a kilt. After considering the options, I settled on USA Kilts. Why? Because USA Kilts offered a custom-measured kilt at a reasonable price, and because they came highly recommended by many X-Markers, including other kiltmakers. I placed my order and waited the promised 8-9 weeks.

About the wait: Some X-Markers jones aloud here on the forum. It's good to vent, and it's more than a little amusing to read.. I, on the other hand, spent two months quietly, anxiously rocking back and forth, wide-eyed and white-knuckled, hoping beyond hope that Rocky were more like Scotty than like Geordi. (Star Trek fans will understand.) Turns out, he was more like Geordi; my kilt arrived 8 weeks later almost to the day. But you gotta respect a guy that meets his deadlines.

I pulled the kilt from the box, wrapped it around my waist, lined up the velcro closures (no strap-and-buckle closure on the Casual Kilt) ... and darn if it didn't fit like it was made just for me. It falls precisely at the top of my knee, something I was worried about. The attention to detail is impressive. Things I probably would not have thought of had they not been there, I noticed because they were, such as the symmetry of the pattern on the apron, with that white stripe perfectly centered (and in the back, too), the matching belt loops (who thinks of that?), and position of logo patch at the bottom right of the apron, well-balanced in relation to the pattern. Pleated to the white stripe, if I have correctly learned the terminology from my betters here on the forum, the stitching down each pleat fold is nearly imperceptible, its that close to the edge. (Is this the Perma Pleat™ system?)

I read elsewhere here on the forum that Rocky and Kelly have taken on additional help. I don't know if it was the luck of the draw, or if it was that that he knew I was a first-time kilt-wearer as well as first-time customer, but I was pleased to note from the packing slip that Rocky himself made my kilt. A skilled craftsman, this one is. It's a beautiful garment that I am proud to wear. Thanks, Rocky!

[McMurdo]

Congratulations on the new kilt.

[fudgeman]

Congrats. Now we need to see the obligatory photos.

[ChattanCat]

Whahooo, another kilted has arrived in KCMO!

[auld argonian]

I'm glad to hear that your experience has been positive. Like a lot of us here, you decided to dip your toe in the water by ordering a USA casual rather than diving in head first and dropping large bucks on a tank and not knowing whether or not you were going to really like kilt wearing.

Now ya gotta get out there. ...and we want pictures.

As to the jonesing, I try to resist verbalizing it as well...sometimes that's not easy. Remember, though, the words of Mr. Spock:

"After a time, you may find that having is not so pleasing a thing, after all, as wanting. It is not logical, but it is often true."

So look out fer yer local kilt nights and let us know how your adapting to "This Kilted Life."

Best

AA

[billmcc]

... the stitching down each pleat fold is nearly imperceptible, its that close to the edge. (Is this the Perma Pleat™ system?)

Yes, that is the Perma Pleat™ system. Congrats on the new kilt.

[Spc. Scott]

Congratulations on the new kilt!

[ChattanCat]

Yes, that is the Perma Pleat™ system. Congrats on the new kilt.

What is the Perma Pleat™ system?

[RockyR]

When we sew down the VERY edge of every single pleat all the way to the bottom. This keeps the pleats in there "permenantly"... hence the "Perma Pleat" system.

[Sionnach]

Congrats on the new kilt. My first was a Utilikilt- I love it. My second was made by Rocky and I love that one even more. I haven't sent him a photo yet, but you can see it in my avatar. (All apologies-if you read this-, Rocky, I'll send it over sometime.)

Todd Mitchell