Kilt hose observations

[Alan H]

I think it's probably best if I took a break from these sorts of discussions. While I do state my opinion strongly, I definitely do NOT mean disrespect to folks who see things differently from how I do.... Chef for example, in this thread, and also beloitpiper. I understand how it might be hard to see that, but I'm serious. I can disagree strongly with someone and still respect them! There have been others with whom I've disagreed strongly in the past few weeks, the same goes there.

I've had a chance to present my views several times on these sorts of topics, and that's great. It's time to go comment on something else for a while!

[Abax]

I hate to provide my explanation of what I understand Alan to say after he's sworn off any more posts . . . but here goes.

I have belonged to clubs where some members are so infatuated by the topic that it consumes them. All their time, their energy and their resources are directed at the topic. These same people have said - often in a very direct fashion - "If you can't afford [this activity], then get out." Their standard of how much money anyone should spend on the clubs topic was always far above most people's standards, and they looked down on anyone else who couldn't or wouldn't spend the same. Certainly some of this behavior was motivated by a desire to validate their own behavior, perhaps it was motivated by some form of snobbery (which is rude and off-putting whether you apologize or not).

I understood Alan to warn us away from extreme behavior where someone might say "If you can't afford [this activity], then get out." I didn't see his reference to various charities as chiding, but rather an explanation of *his* choices so you don't think badly of him when he declines a "you have to pay to play" mindset.

Abax

[Highland Logan]

Here is a very good Black Tie Guide, it sites many reasons why people want you to dress correctly before you show up to a function, and reasons why people don't. I exspect people to show up dressed correctly, and I do my best to do the same. If you plan to attend a black tie affair, you should know the rules. And the first rule is don't make excuses for being turned out incorrectly. People well spend thousands of dollars on rims for their cars, and even more on stereo gear, but then expect to waltz into a fancy dress function in nothing but black pants (even black jeans), their best boots and a baggy shirt. Does it make me a snob to think this person put his priorities in the wrong order? Sure he may have saved a baby seal, and nursed a kitten back to health, and then fed all the starving people in South America, but at the end of the day what does that have anything to do with ruining the night of others showing up looking like a fashion mistake. What if I too saved a seal, fed some people, but rather than by some rims with my extra, got nice clothes for the right occasions, and learned proper etiquette, and then went down to the local hang out, or car show... well I would be the laughing stock, people would ask me for drinks and snicker. So what should the rim fellow expect when he shows up to the ball? Should people feel bad because he spent his money on other things, should they scuff the toes of their shoes so he don't feel too bad? Why should they, he didn't feel to bad about being selfish enough to think he could have his cake and eat it too. He showed up improperly dressed at an event where gentleman have brought their wives hoping for a little fantasy night out in a high society setting. maybe they should ask if he is the valet.

Frank

[SteveB]

To all:
This is a kilt Forum. I tend to pretty much limit my discussion to kilts, and related accessories. So for the initial topic here - Kilt Hose -
Not going to any Scottish oriented faires, has limited my scope of purchases of kilt related material to the internet. I have several pairs of hose. Two cream coloured, and one green coloured pairs of knitted wool hose from Scotland. They are my favourites for wear with a tartan kilt, flashes and jacket and tie, and well shined belt, sporran and shoes. The lesser quality hose that I was disappointed in, are reserved for wear with my self colour casual kilts, golf shirt and steel toed athletic sneakers. My work uniform utilizes denim trousers, other than at work I am in a kilt.

The budget issue. I am saving for each piece of a full formal kit. I am acquiring it one piece at a time. I tithe to my church, and support other charitable causes. I also serve as an officer on the boards of several charitable organisations. The pride I take in the work(s) that I do, are reflected in being THE kilted guy on the board. For many people the kilt is now a part of my identity in those efforts. I wear the kilt with respect to its heritage, as well as to the signature that is me.
A tartan fabric has been waiting to become a kilt in my home for some time now, and it will wait longer as my priorities are to such causes as fundraisng for the Unitarian Universalist Service Committee's Save the Darfur program, The Unitarian Universalist Association of Churches campaign for Social Justice, my American Legion Post's welcome home program for returning veterans of the war on terror. I also juggle that with being President of two national genealogical lineage societies, and the treasurer of yet a third. I serve on committees for my church, and teach in its Religious Education program. With one of the youth groups, I assist in a food program for area homeless. My spouse and I are involved in many community service activities. Yet I still find time to post on X-Marks, and enjoy the diverse opinions expressed here.
off of
We now return to the original topic - HOSE.

[Chef]

Very well said Frank!

Thanks for the link as well.

[fluter]

There are some things in life that we learn simply to accept, as an alternative to going screaming yellow bonkers. One of the things I have come to accept is that somehow, the very idea of a $200 "pair of socks" has a distinct tendency to put Alan over the edge.

Alan, it's just a suggestion, but perhaps you could think of it as
$200 "pair of socks"


But seriously: suppose that Alan or Ken made that pair of socks. How much would they cost?

I have finished one very rustic-looking knee sock, with a second in process. I predict that when I'm finished, I'll have about $4000 worth of time in them, if those were "billable hours." Before anyone says it, no: I'm not doing this to save money. I'm doing it because I enjoy it, and I'll have something I like at the end of the day.

But it do add a little perspective; and it leads me to recognize explicitly that there are opportunity costs in doing (whatever it is) myself. Furthermore, it makes me very, very open to the idea of paying a real artisan a couple of bills for some gorgeous tartan kilt hose, let alone $48 (the price went up) for some Lewis hose at the STM shop.

[Jack Daw]

Well, the things that justify the expense of tartan hose is that the hose are: distinctly designed; well made; made to last; thicker; warmer; more beautiful; and, VERY visible.

[Alan H]

I only blink twice at the cost of the socks. OK, maybe three times. Honest. I well understand why hand-knit hose costs what it does. In fact, it ought to cost more, and well done tartan or argyle or diced hose look just great. No, its not the socks, at least not this time.

It was the $2500 shoes made from 200 year old leather retrieved from a shipwreck that did it this time..

But enough, already. Y'all should continue to talk about hose in this thread as that's what it's supposed to be about

[beloitpiper]

It was the $2500 shoes made from 200 year old leather retrieved from a shipwreck that did it this time..

That's something we can agree on. The shoes look good, but not $2500 good! Plus, why would you want 200 year old leather?

[MacMillan of Rathdown]

That's something we can agree on. The shoes look good, but not $2500 good! Plus, why would you want 200 year old leather?

First, those shoes really don't impress me. They look like something Bobby Jones might have worn, albeit with little steel spikes on the bottom.

Second, from personal experience I can tell you all that 200 year old reindeer leather shoes don't shine as well as 30 year old calf-skin leather shoes.

Third, in my experience the only time someone has been told "if you can't afford a Rolls-Royce get out of the Club" is when they have made themselves so thoroughly obnoxious about other Club members buying cars, rather than wearing hair shirts and saving the rain forests, that they are no longer welcome.

Forth, could we all PLEASE refrain from trying to gallop our favorite hobby horse to the top of our personally perceived "moral high ground"?

Thanks.