It arrived - and here is my 'Review'!

[Hamish]

Having, at last, had an opportunity to give my new Freedom Kilt a full day of wear, it seems appropriate and timely to give my assessment of it.

Firstly, Steve completed working on it a week or two earlier than I was really expecting and so that was a plus point. He also kept me informed of the various stages of its progress during the final week or two and then, miraculously, he had it delivered here in the UK just a few days after mailing it in Victoria, BC. He must have friends in high places!

Although superbly and securely packed, the Charcoal, poly-cotton, 'Casual' Freedom Kilt was a little crumpled on arrival and required some careful pressing before I could wear it - but NOT before I tried it on! I know I should not be surprised but this garment fits like a glove and is supremely comfortable. I had selected the filigree style for the buttons and silver for the logo colour, both of which I felt would co-ordinate well with the dark grey kilt. Choosing the pockets was simple: two deep, trouser-style 'slash' pockets hidden just behind and under the aprons, and a single rear pocket, with the logo on the button-secured flap.

The fabric, being poly-cotton, has a very slight stiffness to it, which is only to be expected, but this will soften with wearing and after a wash or two. To be honest, I shall be a little wary of putting this kilt in the washing machine in spite of that being recommended! The hang of those 2½" deep pleats is currently so close to absolute perfection that I will be afraid of ruining them in the wash but, in reality, I have every confidence that Steve's workmanship is such that they will stand any amount of washing yet retain their appearance. I also felt somewhat wary of sitting for any length of time, fearing that unwanted and ugly creases would mar and upset the pleat hang - but I need not have worried. Sitting in the car for two 30 minute journeys this morning, at the lunch table and here at my computer this afternoon has created no such eyesores, and I now recall Steve stressing to me the superior crease-resistant properties of the poly-cotton fabric over the pure cotton, when I was giving him my order. In spite of the 'newness' of the fabric, the swing factor of those pleats is as close to that of a good medium weight woollen kilt as I have known. Top marks, Steve!

This is a casual kilt but is one that I, who am not known for 'dressing up' my casual kilts, would be pleased to wear with a tie and jacket - all I need is the occasion!

It is so obvious that he has put a great deal of careful thought and preparation into the design of his kilts, and this is reflected in Steve's impressive attention to detail which is evident in the cutting, the stitching and the finishing of this, my first - but certainly not my last - Freedom Kilt.

Thank you Steve, and I cannot wait for the business cards to arrive which will help me spread the gospel of The Freedom Kilt!

[Manu]

Awesome review Ham!!!!! Now I want to get one more than ever. Lets see...if I dont eat for a couple of weeks maybe...

[flyv65]

Thanks Hamish-now *everybody* will want one of these kilts before I can afford one! Buy the time I save up, it'll take a year or two.

Bryan...poverty forces patience...

[KiltedCodeWarrior]

Thanks Hamish-now *everybody* will want one of these kilts before I can afford one! Buy the time I save up, it'll take a year or two.

Bryan...poverty forces patience...

Patience is a virtue, my son.

[bubba]

Patience my ***. I'm gonna kill something. (from my favorite poster picturing two vultures sitting on a dead tree limb)

[Graham]

Great review Hamish, I hope my FK is done before the rush of orders comes in.

I was thinking about what great kiltmakers we are associated with here in America and Canada.
They have taken something from their Scottish roots, and then customised it to suit, making a cheaper, tougher and more day to day garment.

(a bit like they did with the English language:mrgreen: )

I sometimes think that those on the other side of the pond may well save the kilt from a wedding and pipe band sort of endangered list.

I'm glad you're happy with your FK.

[GMan]

Hamish,
Congratulations on your new addition to your every growing Kilt Kollection. What an awesome review, but somehow I wouldn't expect anything less from you.

Now have you had to have an addition to your house to make room for this growing kollection?

[Hamish]

Hamish,
Congratulations on your new addition to your every growing Kilt Kollection. What an awesome review, but somehow I wouldn't expect anything less from you.

Now have you had to have an addition to your house to make room for this growing kollection?

Thanks Glen, and no, I've not yet had to add an extension to the house. However, I have had to invest in a couple of wheeled garment rails (such as one sees Staff using in clothes shops when bringing in new stock!). This means that my guest bedroom is now rather cramped and future visitors may have to crawl under, or climb over, these racks to reach the bed!!!

[Hamish]

They have taken something from their Scottish roots, and then customised it to suit, making a cheaper, tougher and more day to day garment.

(a bit like they did with the English language:mrgreen: )

Oh, VERY good Graham! That really made me laugh aloud! I don't know about the "day to day" bit though - I still prefer our more civil(ised) style of language! ;)

I sometimes think that those on the other side of the pond may well save the kilt from a wedding and pipe band sort of endangered list.

Don't forget our own Howie (TFCK) Nicholsby, Graham, who was doing that before any of the guys over there got started!

I'm glad you're happy with your FK.

That I certainly am, my friend. That I am!

[Graham]

Sorry hamish. I forgot Howie (TFCK) Nicholsby, having never dealt with them.
The oversight had NOTHING to do with my going into his shop and being totally ignored because they didn't realise how famous I am.

I have forgiven them.

I bet if freelander went in there, they would give LOTS of attention!!:mrgreen: