Hello all!

After lurking for a little while, I have decided to join the ranks of the kilted! Actually, it did not take too much persuading, as I am a fairly independent sort and the posts and accolades on this forum and other for the kilting way of life were more than persuasive.

My initial interest in wearing a kilt came after we attended the Bristol Renn Faire (IL-WI border) for the first time back in mid-August. At first I thought it might be fun just to be part of the festivities in some kind of costume (hold on, I have already seen the light and error of that opinion from my lurking!), and thought that a kilt would be more fun and unusual than the rest of the participants in chain mail, armor, leggins, etc.. I then looked into where to buy a kilt in this area, and used my favorite tool, Google. In doing so I found links to much more about kilts than I could have imagined, particularly how comfortable they are and people's challenge to the "trouser tyranny" (which I am not sure is really a coordinated movement so much as peer pressure).

Anyway, I became very intrigued about jumping into kiltdom, and
in keeping with my habit of jumping head first right into whatever I decide to do, I decided to order 2 kilts. Now I did want to get a kilt quickly (i.e. instant gratification!), but I did not want to go completely overboard, so I settled on a standard Stillwater Nightstalker kilt for a more traditional/formal kilt and a Sportkilt in gun metal grey as an everyday informal kilt. I have received both already (only ordered them last Fri) and am very pleased. While I don't know how the SW stacks up to a higer quality custom kilt, I am very pleased with it for an initial purchase and believe that it will stand the test of time. The only change I will be making is to remove the lower buckle on the right side. I was not sure why there were 2 on that side and only one on the other and after reviewing some of Matt's posts here and on his blog, I see the that there is no real necessity for it. I will wear this for the first time this weekend at the Chicago Celtic Festival. Anybody else going?

I am also happy with the Sportkilt, though tomorrow will be the first time I will have a chance to wear it. I plan on wearing it home from the gym. I expect that I may get some comments, although when you work out in the early morning, most people tend to be rather quiet.

Anyway, sorry for the log intro. I already feel like know some of the members personally from reading through all of the forums, such as Hamish, a fine gentleman, and I aspire to be the Chicago version of him, Graham, who I would love to visit in Tasmania, Matt whose knowledge about Scottish history and clothing seems unrivaled, Doc who appears to be a fellow Heinlein admirer and devotee, and all of the other wonderful and regular contributors.

I look forward to beginning this journey!

RJI