No pithy subject, just a comment and question

[Graham]

Good thread Glen, It's great to read this review from everyone, and it highlights how necessary it is to stop and look back at where we have come from and where we are heading in our kilted experience.

For me it's always a neverending balancing act to keep things in perspective.
It's easy to spend too much time and money on what is basically just clothing, but otoh, if this kilt is to be worn, it must be worn well.
Kilt wearing does very easily dominate much of every day, even when I forget about what I'm wearing..I will be reminded by a comment, a stare or a new challenge in wearing the kilt.

Overall, my self confidence has grown, I'm happy and comfortable in wearing the kilt 98% of the time. My enjoyment of life in all it's aspects has increased just because of the kilt.

I too am grateful to be part of a community here on xmarks, diverse as we are, from all corners of the globe, that shows me that there are quite a few others who feel the same way I do about this beautiful garment.

I received a really nice comment at a business breakfast, a lady i know well, a client of mine commented on how (in her opinion) few could really wear a kilt well, and that I had succeeded in "pulling it off".
While I joked that I had no intention of pulling off my kilt, I was pleased that she could see that kilt wearing can be successful, socially and in business.

Thank you all for helping with that success.

[Eujeankilt]

Whew, where to begin? Before this summer, I knew nothing about kilts. After getting my first UK in July, I searched the net for kilt info. It took me a month or so to come here, but it's been a treasure trove. I've always had an affinity for things Scottish, so kilts just seem a natural.

Like many have already said, I've learned about kilts and accessories and all about Scottish culture and history. And like Graham said, I've learned more self-confidence. And like Ranald and philbo, I've gotten to know more people who wear kilts and our similarities and differences. The kilt ties us all together.

Thanks Glen for a great question. Happy Holidays all.

Dale

[Valencian Kilted]

It's difficult to say, but I would point out that now I know why those kilts I saw in Glasgow were soooo expensive at first sight. I couldn't understand why a piece of clothing would be so overpriced to my eyes. Now I know it and understand it. It's a passion. It's the rolls royce of clothing, to my eyes!, and everybody knows why a RR is so expensive!

Anyway, the best think I learned here was that what really matters is not the kilt, it doesn't matter if it's knive or box pleated, to the sett or to the line, with 13 or 23 oz. of wool or pv,... the really important of a kilt is the wearer. A kilt itself is not much more than a piece of clothing, but linked with the wearer,... whoa! there's the power that we all look for!. And there's the power that everybody must see on us!

The best I've discovered here is that we are all a powerful big clan, guys!

¡Salud! and "Bon Nadal"-"Feliz Navidad"-Merry Xmas.- Joyeux Noël- Buon Natale....!!!!

T O N O

[Prester John]

Well, in the midst of all these seniors, I'm nothing but a frosh.

I'm still yearning for the first kilt, and hoping it will be a tank, but in any event, I've made my sons alllllllllllll want kilts right now!

[Macman]

I'd been wearing a kilt traditionally several times a year for over 30 years before I found X-Marks through Steve at Freedom Kilts. This site has opened my attitude towards kilt-wearing, and I've gotten rid of a lot of old prejudices about how kilts "should" be worn, what they should be made of, etc. Now I've wear my kilts out and about quite a lot, and in a far greater variety of ways, and it's because of the encouragement and the examples of the people on this site. I can say that all of you at X-Marks have had a huge impact on my kilt-wearing. Thank you!

[Nick]

The more you know, the more you know you don't know.

I've learned a lot about the kilt and kilt wearing since I joined, and a lot about a LOT of different things. And since I'm not going to stop watching XMarks, I know I'm going to keep learning!

Felix dies Nativitatis
Nick

[Alan H]

Before I discovered X Marks:

1. I could pronounce the word "kilt" but had no clue what it meant besides some checked cloth wrapped around some guys archibald.

Now that I've been here a year I own five kilts, have made one, am making another one, will make ANOTHER one shortly after that and was intimately involved in the process of creating and producing a new tartan.

2. Before I came to X Marks I knew that Scotland was North of England and had a pretty coastline.

Now I'm a member of a clan association, can properly pronounce the word "Culloden", know the difference between a plaid and a leine, and have attended a summers worth of Highland Games.

The list goes on............. not to mention the brothers that gather at the Devils Canyon Brewery on the last Friday of every month for kilts and Scottish Ale.

[NewKilt]

When I joined Xmarks in August, I had just ordered 2 SportKilts. I had no knowledge whatsover about diffrent kilt styles, materials, tartans, and Celtic history. While I still have a great deal to learn, I want to thank everyone hear for contributing their knowledge, opinions, and expertice.

I am disabled, so it is realatively easy for me to wear a kilt everyday. But Xmarks has given me the confidence to wear the kilt in public, anywhere.

As it has bonded men for centuries, it still bonds us today.

Darrell

[GlassMan]

Welcome aboard NewKilt! As a fellow disabled kilt-wearer I can agree with you that kilts are great to wear.