Roll Tide

**Cranky** · 5th December 12, 04:55 AM

(I've been a lurker for ages.)

I operate a silkscreen press here in Alabama. Some years ago, waiting for ink to dry, I was reading Sir Walter Scott and it got me to wondering how much more comfortable I'd be if I only had a kilt... After years of wondering, I've finally got a Stillwater thrifty headed my way.

I figured anyone wearing a kilt will be asked questions and so I ordered the Black Watch tartan as the other tartans I have no attachment to. I'm a history buff and I can tell some great Waterloo stories, so Black Watch is great.

I'm already getting all sorts of remarks from friends and family who cannot wait to see me in a "skirt" but who DO NOT want to see my junk (or so they say).

Anyway, I ordered the cheaper model for obvious reasons. I'm a newbie. And it will be worn VERY casual as this is an art studio where getting ink on ones clothes is not uncommon. I did not get a sporran as I felt that may get in the way and the traditional socks are out of the question in this climate. I don't get much air circulating nor do I plan on wearing it outside the studio and my home and so I am not concerned about drafts giving me any "Monroe moments" but I'm wondering if a makeshift kilt pin might be a good idea? Should I practice bending at the knees? LOL

Not sure when the kilt will arrive but I am in the midst of a huge silkscreen project and cannot wait to try it on.

**KenB** · 5th December 12, 09:47 AM

Welcome from Presqu'ile.

When working about and in danger of getting my kilt soiled, I wear a chefs apron as it covers the kilt very well. I have white and black aprons. These can be found at culinary supply stores - cheaper there than at boutique shops.

As for hose; there are a number of lighter weight hose available. I suspect some members here from the southern climate can direct you.

**sydnie7** · 5th December 12, 10:23 AM

Your mention of a "makeshift kilt pin" implies a misunderstanding. Forgive me if you already know this, but a kilt pin does not "pin the kilt together." Rather, it is fastened only to the outermost apron and its weight assists in keeping that apron in place.

Some utility kilts (canvas, very modern styling) do have "modesty snaps" that essentially turn the kilt into a very loose pair of cargo shorts, but that is completely different from the kilt pin.

Definitely practice bending at the knees! There was a recent thread here on the topic, can't recall any key terms for searching but think about how scantily-clad cocktail waitresses "dip" when serving drinks. That is your guide LOL

Welcome to the rabble and have fun -- the addiction is just begun!

**thescot** · 5th December 12, 10:39 AM

Since I am near you--right next door, so to speak--welcome. You'll find the kilt you ordered quite comfortable, but I found them to be very light in weight, and you don't get the feel of a kilt wearing one of SW's "thrifty" kilts. the thrifty is a really good choice for events that may lead to soiled kilts; don't want to ruin a $400 with axle grease or mud, know whatta mean? But to get the feel and look of a "real" (sorry, can't think of a better word) kilt, you'll want something heavier--and soon.

Not complaining, but warning you that you may well find yourself addicted and start purchasing all manner of things like sporrans, kilt hose, bonnets, jackets, etc.

So let me offer a bit of unsolicited advice: purchase the very best you can afford, and if you can't afford a good item now, save until you can. One very fine sporrant that lasts through the lives of your grandchildren is better than a dozen cheap ones that won't. And a good, custom made, wool tartan kilt should last a very long time! If you "outgrow" it over the years through expanding horizons (aka, waist lines), you may well be able to have a quality kilt maker let it out some, or you can add the extension straps that have proven very helpful.

Kilt hose and shirts and such are not so important I don't think. Even the best hose and shirts will wear out in the heel or cuffs, so you can purchase several of medium grade hose or shirts and do fine. A good kilt jacket, should you decide you need one, will be another thing to purchase carefully and well. Get it a bit loose, just trust me on this! If you are ordering, do not order to fit. It will almost always be too small. Ha. A jacket that is a bit large is OK, but one that is a bit small is horrendous!

Good luck, and keep us posted. You do know that we require pictures, right?

**Chas** · 5th December 12, 11:11 AM

Hello Cranky,

Welcome to XMarks from the other side of the Atlantic in Norfolk, England.

Regards

Chas

**piperdbh** · 5th December 12, 11:57 AM

As a former silk screener, I'd caution you against wearing the kilt in the shop, especially if you store your screens on the floor. Screen wash and Knock Out might cause some other problems you didn't plan on.

**tulloch** · 5th December 12, 02:03 PM

Welcome from the highlands of Central Massachusetts. Your Thrifty will give you a little of the look of the kilt but a heavier, traditionally-made garment will feel different. It is not uncomfortable in the heat because you get the movement of air from below. A sporran will hold your front apron in place for most purposes.

**JohntheBiker** · 5th December 12, 02:45 PM

from Toronto, Canada

**TheOfficialBren** · 5th December 12, 03:09 PM

Welcome from California!

**Cranky** · 5th December 12, 03:18 PM

Thanks very much for the warm welcome, everyone.

Originally Posted by thescot

Since I am near you--right next door, so to speak--welcome. You'll find the kilt you ordered quite comfortable, but I found them to be very light in weight, and you don't get the feel of a kilt wearing one of SW's "thrifty" kilts. the thrifty is a really good choice for events that may lead to soiled kilts; don't want to ruin a $400 with axle grease or mud, know whatta mean? But to get the feel and look of a "real" (sorry, can't think of a better word) kilt, you'll want something heavier--and soon.

Not complaining, but warning you that you may well find yourself addicted and start purchasing all manner of things like sporrans, kilt hose, bonnets, jackets, etc.

So let me offer a bit of unsolicited advice: purchase the very best you can afford, and if you can't afford a good item now, save until you can. One very fine sporrant that lasts through the lives of your grandchildren is better than a dozen cheap ones that won't. And a good, custom made, wool tartan kilt should last a very long time! If you "outgrow" it over the years through expanding horizons (aka, waist lines), you may well be able to have a quality kilt maker let it out some, or you can add the extension straps that have proven very helpful.

I am a Georgian by birth, I grew up in Marietta. I agree 100% that buying quality goods is well worth the added expense. I've never worn a kilt before so I figured the $30 for a "studio kilt" that I know will inevitably get ink spots and emulsion smudges was a decent investment. If I like the feel of it, and I expect I will, I'll definitely grab a real kilt and all of the accessories that come with that. But a "real kilt" I would not risk getting ink on!

Originally Posted by thescot

Good luck, and keep us posted. You do know that we require pictures, right?

I'll post pics, for sure. I fear the wrath, already, though, LOL.

Originally Posted by piperdbh

As a former silk screener, I'd caution you against wearing the kilt in the shop, especially if you store your screens on the floor. Screen wash and Knock Out might cause some other problems you didn't plan on.

Great to hear from a fellow screener - What sort of problems?

Originally Posted by sydnie7

Your mention of a "makeshift kilt pin" implies a misunderstanding. Forgive me if you already know this, but a kilt pin does not "pin the kilt together." Rather, it is fastened only to the outermost apron and its weight assists in keeping that apron in place.

Some utility kilts (canvas, very modern styling) do have "modesty snaps" that essentially turn the kilt into a very loose pair of cargo shorts, but that is completely different from the kilt pin.

Definitely practice bending at the knees! There was a recent thread here on the topic, can't recall any key terms for searching but think about how scantily-clad cocktail waitresses "dip" when serving drinks. That is your guide LOL

Welcome to the rabble and have fun -- the addiction is just begun!

I didn't know until last night that the pin was basically just an anchor. I'll have to get a drink this weekend and study the waitresses to, uh... perfect my style.

Thanks again, y'all!