Greetings one and all!

I am new to the forum, and wanted to say hi, before I throw myself into my request for help.ith:

I am British, a 1st generation Scot currently living in Lethbridge, Alberta, Canada, and I study pre-medicine at the University of Lethbridge.

I have been a keen kilt wearer since I was 16, buying my first kilt from Geoffrey Tailor (Royal Mile) in 1991! (I saved up for months to afford it!) I wear it regularly - or at least as often as possible. I used to farm in the UK, back in the day, and I was often seen wearing a kilt around for the ease of movement, and (no joke intended) the ease of wrestling sheep on the moors.... (for legitimate farming reasons!!!!!!)


Now to my request for advice or help. I turned to this website after contacting Robert MacDonald, Kiltmaker on the west coast of Canada, who is a thoroughly decent chap, and he suggested I should stick a post up on here -- as, it seems, that you are all (according to him) equally thoroughly decent people!



I am currently trying to beg a 'relatively' inexpensive tweed kilt suit for a fundraising event in Lethbridge, Alberta (Canada), or, really, any dark full weight wool kilts! It is my intention to raise money for male-related cancers through the wearing of a kilt for an entire year (as I walk and run a lot in the city - plus the fact that I am actively involved in many social events for the university and other extra-curricular activities, there should be a considerable awareness raised). It ought be noted that the temperature in Lethbridge AB is below -20 for about 4-6 months of the year, and it is hellishly windy! (hence the desire for wool, and full weight!) The fundraising will be facilitated through a professional cancer fundraising organisation, The Canadian Cancer Society.


As I am trying to draw attention to male-cancers (and so wish to focus on younger men - to make them mindful of its proclivity), raise funds, and popularise kilt wearing, I wanted to find traditional -yet 'cool' kilts to wear for the year (and by that I mean full weight, wool kilts, not the utili-kilt and lightweight-acrylic-wool breeds -- which are 'cool' but not quite the sort of thing I am looking for).


As my district tartan is pretty much bright orange, and I am looking for something that would be more 'cool' and less 'in-yer-face'. I am currently discussing with Howie, of 21st Century Kilts about his products, as his blend of modern and traditional would be very striking here, and an aid to my desire to increase the awareness level of male youth in Alberta (though he is proving almost impossible to get a hold of!). However, since discussing my plans with Robert, it seemed like a wise idea to post on here!


I am keen to find a darker - even 'dirty/earthy' in colour - tweed. something less bright and flamboyant as than the traditional tartans. The tweed kilt suit has become much more popular recently; and I think the kilt, worn 'down' for everyday use with with jumpers, mixed jackets, shirts, and waistcoats, the darker tones, greys, navys, browns, and dark greens would be perfect for daily use. 'cool' wear. (Swatches of awesome tweed in the photobucket link below.)

I am looking to source 1 or more 16oz, full length (8yrd) kilt(s) in a dark and subtle tweed, or a dark, and not so 'in-yer-face' tartan for the year long activity; an old kilt, ex-hire kilt, whatever; something spunky and interesting though that would suit being dressed 'down' -- perhaps 'moody' would be a better adjective. (I will attempt to find a few photos of the sort of 'look' that I am wishing to achieve).

I am looking to acquire several kilts throughout the year; but I am looking to start March 1st, and thus need at least one more suitable kilt in order to start. As a fourth year student, I have limited funding at any one time, and must work to supplement my meagre student loans; and thus my widow's mite is limited in its ability to procure pretty much anything right now!

I am also looking for a plain, but robust 3" dark brown kilt-belt and non-flashy buckle. You will notice the sporran on my photographs below. This was made by my father, who was a saddler and leather smith in the UK. The chain for the sporran was my first dogs choke-chain, and the buckle for the leather part of the sporran chain was also made by my father. Sadly, he came down with rheumatoid arthritis 6 years ago, and is now unable to sew wool - let alone leather! My kilt accoutrements are very profound elements of my family

I cannot start the fund raising in earnest, until I have more than one kilt (as the laundry of a kilt is no easy task - as you know; thus I cannot wear one kilt everyday for a year, as I will need to be able to change into something whilst the only one I have is in the cleaners!).

I have been offered the services of an amateur kilt maker (here in Lethbridge) who is happy to volunteer her time as a donation. However, I am having difficulty locating suitable 16oz tweed for her to make the kilts from. Moreover, the material seems to be incredibly expensive here - and though there is cheaper stuff on Ebay, I am unfamiliar with who or what is good or bad (having never bought material from Ebay - or anywhere else, for that matter - before!) Also, my friendly kiltmaker is also going to school, and would not be able to finish anything before the end of March; which, as I am keen to start March 1, is too late.

Whatever you can offer, or whatever help you may be able to provide in assisting me with my plans, I would be very appreciative. Please feel free to contact me by txt, e-mail, or IM with any suggestions that you may have for my proposed fundraising event - your opinions are profoundly welcomed.


I will try to attach photos of me and my 20 year old Geoffrey Tailor kilt (in my regional/district tartan (Roxburgh Red)) taken this year on Burns' Day, and at an evening Church fundraiser and some random others

Again, hi! and sorry for such a long and boring post - heres the link to the photos (I am not authorised to post photos yet):

http://s297.beta.photobucket.com/user/shedlock2000/library/Kilt Interests


I thank you for your time, and I look forward to your advice.

P.S. Where do people stand in regard to Howie's pockets? The chap from Freedom Kilts in Canada has a nice nifty in-apron pocket..... I think I prefer Howie's for their stark modern look......



Steve Firth


***-403-393-9891
steven.firth@uleth.ca
shedlock2000@gmail.com