1st time stories

[Freelander Sporrano]

Has anyone a first time story to tell

As I've said before I've only just started wearing the kilt. People here tend not to ask questions if they don't know you.They come up to me if they see me next day and ask about it.

One woman asked "The" usual question so I asked her if she wore anything under her Bunad (National costume) She puzzled this one for a few seconds and then said......"Now and again..Now and again"

[GMan]

Freelander,

When I first went public in my kilt wearing for non events, I was somewhat nervous, made sure no one in the neighborhood saw me leave, etc. When I got to my first destination I sat in my car for such a long time debating with myself whether I was doing something that should have me committed. When I gathered enough strength to go into the coffee shop I frequent (I knew that it would be a friendly environment) I was greeted with nothing but compliments, wolf whistles and the like it was a very positive feeling. I then proceeded with the rest of my day and again nothing but compliments.

The question of why I was wearing a kilt came up rather frequently, and not wanting to tell a lie I said because I can. When pressed further I also told another truth, that it was my birthday.

It was an extremely positive experience, and I did stay in friendly environs but it was well worth it. I feel fortunate that it was very positive for me, and sharing it with you and others has brought back pleasant memories.

Glen

[philbo]

There's not much to tell on my account. My first time in a kilt was at the poker table at Lance's house. He had just completed making one for me, so I decided to wear it for the rest of the evening. Many comments and jests were made all in good fun. My first time going out in public was during our first kilt night, during which we sang many songs and enjoyed many brews and captured the attention of many onlookers who weren't having nearly as much fun as we were. I ended up walking home that night (well over a mile) because of my inebriated state. That's about all there is to tell about that night, which was loads of fun, but a bit hazy in the memory banks. These days, I'm not nearly as self-consciouss as I was back then. Within just over a year, I've aquired over a dozen kilts, which I'm wearing rather frequently these days.

[Graham]

I can relate to Glen's situation in the car. I've sat in my car with a pair of shorts on the seat as a "backup" wondering if I should change into them or stay in the kilt.

I still try to avoid the city after school, school kids who hang around the mall can be quite embarrassing with the remarks they yell out, especially when they are in a group (bit like a pack of dogs).

At first I just went to all the celtic events I could find, it "justified" my wearing a kilt, even if only in my own mind.

Now of course, I don't care where I go.

[Giraffe]

My first trip out wearing my kilt was to the local mall with my two sons. The oldest is 2 1/2 years old and the youngest is 7 months. We went to the mall because they have an indoor play area and my oldest loves to climb.

Because I was there early in the morning on a weekday, there were not too many people about. I did get some stares from some women, but overall it was a positive experience.

This was actually the second time that I attempted to wear a kilt. I put it on a week earlier and was ready to leave the house (again with the boys) and got cold feet and changed into shorts.

One thing I have learned, however, is that it is easier to wear the 13 oz. wool kilt when the weather is a little cooler, ie below 75 degrees here is Denver. I suspect that my kilt wearing will diminish somewhat over the summer months and then pick up again in September.

By the way, just made plans yesterday to take my mother to Scotland next month and will definitely be wearing a kilt when I am there.

[Graham]

Whatgreat news Giraffe, I hope your trip to Scotland goes really well, what do you plan to do there and where do you plan to visit?

[Freelander Sporrano]

Hey Giraffe, Don't forget to post some pic's

I suppose my own first time out in public, was English Christmas Carols, in our local Church. (A very safe enviroment)I just went casual in kilt, and jumper. Althougth I wore flashes and ghille shoes. I got lots of positive feedback.

I've also worn,full dress in daylight for the 17th May. (Norways national day) Also very safe. No negatives at all.

I don't know about you all, but I feel that I grow 10" in height when wearing the Kilt.

However, I've Only one at the mo',and don't want to wear it out. So I keep it for church and like Graham using it for Celtic evenings ...When there is one.

[bubba]

My first time out in a kilt was a real nonevent. I ran a few errands and very few paid the slightest attention. The few looks I did get were more puzzled than anything.

[Graham]

This thread has caused me to think hard about my early experiences in a kilt. Frankly, this whole adventure has come up behind me and bitten me on the bum (so to speak) before I knew what was happening.

How can 8 yards of wool have so much power??

If someone had said a year ago that I would be buying kilts as often as I can afford it, wearing one as often as God gives sunshine and spending so much time talking about kilts on the web - well I would have have told them they were stark-raving-mad!

But all this has happened and I know you all share this same experience.

Life sure is great in a kilt.

[Rufus]

However, I've Only one at the mo',and don't want to wear it out. So I keep it for church and like Graham using it for Celtic evenings ...When there is one.

I figure that for as much money as you spend for a traditional kilt, you might as well wear it out. It's better that it be worn out, than barely worn, in my opinion. Plus, if it gets worn out, you have a good excuse to get another kilt!

Last year, I bought an expensive espresso machine. I spent so much on it, that I was skittish of using it...in case it wore out, broke, etc. Finally, my friend reminded me that I payed a lot of money to get a good machine, so I should use it for what it was intended, rather than just let it sit on the kitchen counter collecting dust...otherwise I just wasted my money. I use it all the time now, and appreciate it more than I ever would have if I didn't use it.

Just trying to help you keep perspective.