Alan's new kilt

[longforgan]

Hi kilted brethren! I don't know if this merits a whole new thread but my first kilt arrived today from Scotland! It's a six-yard, 14oz, in Sutherland Muted tartan. It arrived at my mailbox which is located in a local sports shop. The staff were all there and I opened the package right there in the store. They consented to me putting it on right there in the store. Was I excited! Buying a pair of even expensive slacks just doesn't compare to the thrill of receiving an new kilt! Boy now I know what you lads have been talking about when you tell about the comfort of a kilt. Up to now I have been making do with a homemade which did not fit perfectly. This new one just feels so good! I walked off down the street to show it off to my Scottish friend who owns the Celtic store, and then down a couple of blocks to my favourite pub to celebrate a little! I must praise the supplier here. It is Houston Kilt Maker in Paisley. They have an extensive catalog and seem to be a totally professional organization. Ken was decent and really helped me get what I wanted. He seems to prefer to do business on the telephone. I would recommend Houston. Now I look forward to my USAkilts Philabeg which is in process. Why don't you veteran kilt-wearers share with us your thrill on receiving your first kilt? - cheers- Alan

[Hamish]

.................................................. .................................................. ............. Why don't you veteran kilt-wearers share with us your thrill on receiving your first kilt? - cheers- Alan

Alan, it was in 1949 ............... my memory does not go back that far!!

On the other hand, I still get a tremendous thrill every time I receive and put on a new kilt - 55 years and 40 kilts later!

[Raphael]

When I got my Sport Kilts in 96, I didn't think much of it. I wore it for a couple of times, mainly after my bike races. Then it was shelved for 4 years before my wife donated it to salvation army.

Last Year, When I was surfing for website about Highlander: TV Series, I stopped at the Utilikilt Website and I recieved my First UK 3 weeks afterward.

It was very exciting for me. I took it out of the package and put it on immediately. I put my boots on and off to do my business.

It was a thrill and a half. It was a very exicitng time. People were looking, but I didn't care because I was feeling the draft and it was Hot that day. I wore it for a week straight before I tossed it in the washer. Before long, I phoned up Uilikilts to order another one.

But my third kilt is even better. It was a 4 yarder from Bear Kilts in Black Watch Tartan. Till this day, it remains to be my favouite kilt. The feeling is different when I am in my Bear. It took my appreciation of kilts to a different level. It is light wieght but doesn't feel like it. I have more compliment when I am in my Bear than my solid colour kilts!

[Ugly Bear]

There's really not much to tell about my first kilt. It was a basic black Utilikilt in October '02. Freedom, yes; gutsiness, yes; draftiness, yes; but aside from that it wasn't that big a deal.

Then, after a few more casual kilts, I got a MacGregor dress kilt. THAT'S when you notice the difference. Having a kilt with some actual weight in it ... the difference is like between handwriting and calligraphy. The character is completely changed.

Since then, I've looked for more weight in my kilts -- heavier material, deeper pleats, and wool when I can get it. It's practical, with winter coming up, but it also changes your character. Puts blood in your mouth and hair on your chest.

[Riverkilt]

My first kilt was a Utilikilts Camo Original...it took 11 weeks to get to me...by the time I got it I was more pissed than excited...still struggle with the concept of paying up front for a very long wait.

Fortunatly, jones time from UK has been less since then, although I'm in my 8th week of jonesing for my carmel workman's now and UK HQ says it'll be longer due to a redo or something.

When my Freedom Kilts and Pittsburgh Kilts came in with a short jones it was very exciting when they arrived...a real high for me. Have developed a traditional coming out for each new kilt. Take the new kilt on the hike to the Horseshoe Bend Overlook on the Colorado River.

That "ceremony" feels right and also lets me get a break in period for each kilt, experience how it handles in the wind.

Right now I'm really juiced up waiting for my new Macdonald Lord of the Isles tank coming in from Kathy's Kilts. She said she's almost done and will mail it to me Friday. My first tartan other than Sportkilts, and my first tank. Imagine I'll wear that for about three days straight!

Ron

[macwilkin]

My first kilt was way back in 1995, although I had always wanted a kilt since I was little (I told our Presbyterian minister when I was 3 that I wanted to be "King of Scotland" when I grew up! :mrgreen -- the kilt was an army surplus Black Watch of Canada (made in Glasgow) -- a REAL tank, heavy as a horse blanket -- I wore it as part of a WWI British reenactment group that I was a part of! The best part of it was, I paid $80 for it -- $80!!! Still can't believe that!

Several years before at the local army surplus and militaria store, I got to try on a Cameron Highlanders of Ottawa officer's uniform, complete with Cameron of Erract kilt -- that set the little wheels in motion in my skull, scheming to get one.

In the 1990's I bought two more kilts; one in ancient Gunn, and one in modern Gunn -- I sold the ancient Gunn not too long ago, and then ordered an Ancient Cumming Hunting/Buchan District from Hector Russell in Toronto.

Now, I'm slowly saving for the next one -- will it be Argyll District, Nova Scotia or Ancient Baird? Decisions, decisions.

Incidently, my adviser at university bought my old Black Watch kilt -- better fit for him! :mrgreen:

Cheers,

T.