Hello from Eugene, OR

**SteveB** · 26th December 07, 05:52 PM

Nigel,
The thrifty would be a great starter kilt. I am enjoying mine more each time I wear it. I believe what your father is really saying is more along the lines of ARE YOU REALLY READY TO STAND OUT IN THE CROWD? That being said, way back when the Earth was flat, and I was a teenager, I was real tall and very thin. A friend was the Bass Drum player in a pipe and drum band. He convinced me to join not for my musical ability (I have none), but to be the carrier of that rather large drum. The band marched kilted. My first day kilted to school for the dress rehearsal of a performance raised some comments that I had prepared for. The first in the peer group was "why the plaid skirt?" It took many explanations of the kilt. I still had to deal with a few bullies that referred to it as girls wear, and that those who wear it are somehow inferior. After several competitions our recreation center band had beat out many high school bands in competition. (including my own school) I was the only band member at the school. The final competition was hosted by my school, with demonstrations during the football team's halftime break. The bullies were sure shocked to see the State Champions on the field all in kilts.
For your father, there is a growing trend in the upper Western states for men to be kilted in offices and in leading businesses. I visited Portland with thousands of other Unitarian Universalists for the Church's General Assembly. Over half of the local representatives (Oregon, Washington State, Northern California) were kilted! There were only a handful of us from the East that were kilted, but the numbers are growing.
My Avatar is how I generally dress for Church each Sunday, and is close to how my grandson dresses for Church as well.
--- Steve

**Nigel** · 26th December 07, 06:03 PM

Thanks for the story, Steve! I can see that...would certainly look good, and great that you got educated about kilts. I don't think I'll have a problem with bullies - I'm a pretty big guy, and I know how to shake off any ill feelings with a look. Quite charismatic, if I do say so - not to be bigheaded, but merely what I've observed from my interactions with people.

I'll tell him about the kiltmen in office, here in the PNW (pacific northwest).

That church outfit looks great! I can see it in a congregation (I used to go to church, and had a congregation that varied between 110-300 people each Sunday.)

**Bugbear** · 26th December 07, 06:09 PM

Welcome from the cactus patch. I figure you'll find a way to end up in a kilt, so good luck.

**macwilkin** · 26th December 07, 06:11 PM

Nigel,

You might mention to your father that there is an Oregon State Tartan:

http://www.caledoniansociety.com/origindex.htm

http://www.oregonscottish.org/tartans.htm

http://www.district-tartans.org/oregon.htm

And, for good measure, the Oregon State Defence Force has its own pipe band:

http://www.smt-net.com/~thepiper/

Regards,

Todd

**Kiltman** · 26th December 07, 08:51 PM

welcome from Eastern Washington State.

**Nigel** · 26th December 07, 09:58 PM

Spokane, eh? I have a friend (the seamstress) who used to live in, and is currently visiting Tonasket. You might've not heard of it - I heard it's close to Spokane, though. Thanks for the info and pics, cajunscot! However, my dad's not real big on the whole "state pride" thing and I happen to think (no offence to anyone here) that the Oregon tartan is hideous. I don't really like any of the state tartans, though...I've been looking for a nice dark blue-themed one with some purple. If anyone knows of such a tartan, I'd love it if you would post.

Thanks!

**Marshal Moroni** · 26th December 07, 10:45 PM

Greetings Nigel,

We all have come to our kilts by different paths. I am a 51 year old High School Science Teacher, who has been kilted for about 6 months. Every chance I get I wear one of my kilts. As a matter of fact I'll be visiting family in Eugene in a couple, of days and plan to do so kilted. We will be on our way to Richland to visit my son, his wife and twin granddaughters. This son wears a kilt also, but my other sons do not (yet).

Kilts are very comfortable and actually fit the male anatomy better than trousers.

As to SWK's Thrifty Kilt, well they are quite comfy, but are very light. Based on the weather reports, you may want to bump up to the Standards. They are heavier and have better features. Though I admit I started with a Thrifty, but I have pretty much confined it to around the house status since acquiring some other kilts. Another option is Frugal Corner, 16 oz kilts, they have a wider selection of tartans. The Pride of Scotland and Clark/Clergy are quite nice and might do for you.

SWK's service is impecable.

Hope your Dad will "see the light" and allow you to give the kilt a go...who knows perhaps a Father / Son pair of Thrifty Kilts would be a good way to go.

Cheers,

**Nigel** · 27th December 07, 12:15 AM

That'd be great if we could both get kilts...but, due to his work, he is definitely never going to get one. He works as a professional car stereo installer in his own business, and he wouldn't be either comfortable with (some parents have kids in there - when he bends over inside an engine bay or what have you, well...) or want to wear a kilt. I may be able to convince him to let ME to, but I can guarantee that he never will.

Good to hear that SWK's service is outstanding. From what I've read, he has some form of instantaneous matter transmitter.

How is Frugal Corner's customer service and shipping time? I checked their website, and the tartan patches' links don't go anywhere. However, the Clark Clergy, Scottish National, and Pride of Scotland (yes, I like muted purple) seem quite beautiful. Thanks for showing me the site!