Just graduated High School

[Homer]

Seeing all this free time rolled out before me after graduation ceremonies on the 9th, I have decided to try and go kilted all summer since attending a military college in August will limit my kilted time; uniforms do that. Dry cleaners will make a fortune off me. Any advice on keeping them fresh over long periods of wear? (The kilts in question are a USAK Casual and an unknown origin box pleat)
Also I'm in the market for a day sporran. Thanks all! See you at Molly Maguire's.
P.S. In college I'm signing on for bagpipe lessons, anyone feel like they'll have any words of wisdom for me since I haven't the foggiest idea about them? Price, Care, Playing? I'll take it all. I believe the pipe band at Valley Forge practices there, so wish me luck!

[Spartan Tartan]

First, congratulations!

Second, whereas will you be going to school in the fall?

Finally, I would find a way to lay them out each night so they can air out. That should allow you to wear them a couple more times before having them cleaned. Enjoy you summer of "freedom". Be sure to take some pictures of your adventures!

[Nighthawk]

First, congratulation! Second, a USA Kilts casual won't need dry cleaned. It's machine washable. Enjoy your summer! Take lots of pictures!!

[Homer]

Valley Forge Military College. And I will be sure to do just that.

[Nighthawk]

Valley Forge Military College. And I will be sure to do just that.

Good for you! I look forward to seeing pictures of it.

[GMan]

Congratulations!!

Yes USA Kilts are great to keep clean.

[PGH]

Valley Forge Military College. And I will be sure to do just that.

The Washington Memorial Pipe Band practices at VFMA&C every Monday evening from about 7:30pm until 10:00pm. The band also does a couple of tattoos with the college. If you're interested in hearing more, please drop me a PM. FYI, you don't have to wait until August to get started learning the bagpipe with the band. Group lessons are free.

Here's the band's website http://www.wmpb.org/

Here they are with the VFMA band http://www.youtube.com/user/Washingt.../9/-G9tg0KM9wg

[Mike_Oettle]

Hi, Homer, and congratulations.
In my country we would say you have matriculated, rather than graduated. The “grad” word we reserve for bachelors’ degrees and above. But having your matric is an important step.
I would second the advice about getting fit. The military will make you run, run and run some more. If you can’t keep up, you might have to drop out!
And joining the academy’s pipe band will at least give you an opportunity to go kilted (some of the time) in uniform.
Yes, find yourself a first-class teacher and learn as much as you can in the time you have available.
All the best in your studies.
Regards,
Mike

[Ryan Ross]

Congratulations, on your graduation! I recall recieving my first kilt as a graduation present, nine years ago. Bravo for getting started early!

Secondly, even with wool kilts, dry cleaning is a very bad option. The solution used will degrade the leather straps over time, but more importantly, the film left by that fluid will cause your kilt to soil more easily in the future- don't ask me exactly why, but that's what I've heard from several good sources. Wash your kilts in a bath tub or other basin large enough to accomodate a kilt; line dry. Don't bother with any special soap; shampoo, or my favorite, dish soap, will work just fine.

And always keep your hose clean too, lest you scare all of the ladies away!

Other than that, just follow the good advice provided by the gentlemen above me.

[Nick the DSM]

I'll be doing the same soon, mate! Good luck!