My new Graham semi trad=100% awesome

**ratspike** · 22nd August 14, 06:52 PM

About three weeks ago I started cooking up a devious plan to surprise my wife with a vow renewal for our anniversary, which is coming up in a bit over two weeks from today. As a typically clueless husband I'm a fail at remembering little details like "Mom is as Scottish as the day is long." Grandma was a Graham, granddad was a Hamilton, and came to the US when she was really young. How did I miss that? Since my wife has always felt a connection to the Graham side of the family, and she LOVES the tartan, I thought having a kilt made would be a fun surprise to go along with everything else. I knew I wanted PV, and with USA Kilts' stellar reputation it was a decision that made itself.

I sent Rocky a few PMs with questions that I really shouldn't have needed to ask. I've done the measuring bit a lot, I know how kilts are supposed to fit, and how to wear them. This was the first time someone else was making a kilt for me though, so I guess that's why I felt like I had no idea what I was doing. How high do I want to wear it? What if I measured my waist wrong or my bum in the wrong place? I must've spent an hour with the tape, checking and double checking, then checking again. Rocky was awesome, and when I thought I was certain I wanted to wear it on my hips like I usually do, he gave me very good advice to the contrary. I'm glad he did, because the end result is fantastic. My kilt shipped out a day ahead of schedule and arrived today, two days later. For now I only have photos of the kilt without me in it, but I should have a little something to share after September 9th.

I'm completely thrilled with it! The tartan is beautiful and the fabric swishes nicely. I'm not even going to compare it to wool, because IMO it's apples to oranges. It was a little bit rumpled from being packed up, but a few quick passes with a steamer and the wrinkles were gone. They would have fallen out on their own, but I was antsy to take some photos.

The workmanship is outstanding. The stitching is dead straight and the pattern lines up on the belt loops, buckle tabs, waistband and fringe just like it should.

But the real question, how does it fit? Perfectly. It looks fantastic and I'd be lying if I said I didn't twirl in front of the mirror at least a half dozen times. Rocky's suggestion to have it sit higher than I'm used to was solid and I'm glad I listened. Good call for sure.

So to sum it all up, I couldn't be more thrilled with my USA Kilt and will continue to enthusiastically recommend Rocky and his crew. I'm super stoked to wear it for my anniversary and I know my wife will be totally blown away. Rocky, please pass along my thanks to whoever made my kilt, and let them know they're awesome!

**Dughlas mor** · 22nd August 14, 07:01 PM

Very nice indeed! The semi-trad is a great deal. Looking forward to seeing "live" pics.

**McMurdo** · 22nd August 14, 07:07 PM

From another Graham I approve of the new kilt wear it well.

**ratspike** · 22nd August 14, 07:09 PM

Thank you! I will indeed.

**TheOfficialBren** · 22nd August 14, 07:51 PM

Ratspike, your review echoes my experiences, too. That's why I've been a repeat customer!

**RockyR** · 22nd August 14, 08:26 PM

@ratspike - Glad to hear you're so pleased and that it fits so well (and that you are pleased you followed the advice I gave). The name of the person who made the kilt is written on the care sheet that came with the kilt. It was PROBABLY Ian as he's been doing the majority of the Semi Trads lately.

Enjoy the vowel renewal!

**kiltedtom** · 23rd August 14, 07:46 AM

Ratspike,

The kilt is great!!! I love the colors. Enjoy wearing it, and congratulations to you and your wife on an apparently wonderful choice in spouses.

Best wishes for your future together,

Tom

**rtown** · 24th August 14, 08:09 AM

Looks amazing. Thanks for sharing the photos.

**kiltedtom** · 8th September 14, 01:52 PM

Ratspike,

It turns out that my maternal great grandmother was a Grames, a variation of Graham. Looking at the pics of your kilt makes me want to get one. It is beautiful!!! Not sure when your vow renewal is to take place, but best wishes to you and your wife.

Tom

**ratspike** · 8th September 14, 04:48 PM

Originally Posted by kiltedtom

Ratspike,

It turns out that my maternal great grandmother was a Grames, a variation of Graham. Looking at the pics of your kilt makes me want to get one. It is beautiful!!! Not sure when your vow renewal is to take place, but best wishes to you and your wife.

Tom

Then I'd say that's a fine reason to get one for yourself! You won't be disappointed.

The Big Day is tomorrow, 7pm. All the details are nailed down so hopefully the surprise will go as planned. I'm getting pretty nervous but it's going to be awesome.