New devotee in Chi-town!

[KiltedCodeWarrior]

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

[Riverkilt]

Welcome aboard,

You're off to a wonderful start. Don't stop now. As Ham says, "Everyone needs another kilt." At least, I think that's what he says....its my excuse anyway

Ron

[GMan]

What a wonderful journey you have embarked upon.

WELCOME!

[davedove]

Welcome aboard. I'm originally from Illinois, but not Chicago. I'm from way downstate.

[MACKAY]

Glad to have you here .. you are off to a fine start and it seems to me you have a great attitude toward wearing the kilt already! Sort of like swimming in cold water ... better to jump right in rather than one toe at a time.

Brian

[Cawdorian]

Welcome to the forum, you will fit in well here!

Jim

[Bill]

Welcome to the forum! Somehow I think you'll do just fine in the mix.
A Stillwater kilt is a fine choice and yes they hold up well IMHO.

Slainte'

Bill

[auld argonian]

There must be something about that Nightstalker tartan that appeals to guys from Chicago...you're the third person besides myself that I've read a post from in the past couple of days that has gotten the Nightstalker from Stillwater. We could start Clan Nightstalker around here!

Best and welcome to the forum!

Argonian

[KiltedCodeWarrior]

Thanks for all of the welcome wishes. I agree that just jumping in is the best way. In that light, I thought I would let everyone know how the first day went. I did my normal workout at the local YMCA early this AM and took my SK to wear back home after the workout. No questions or looks at the Y and I was feeling pretty good as I climbed into my truck and headed abck home. My oldest daughter (4.5) saw me come in and said I had on a nice pretty dress (she is way into dresses herself). I laughed and told her it was a kilt and that was the end of that, watching Higgly town heroes on TV was mor interesting than what Dad was wearing.

I then went upstairs to get dressed for work and my wife saw me for the first time (I had not mentioned my intent to wear the kilt today), and she gave me a slightly odd look, but just asked if I had worn it home from the Y and let it go at that.

So far a pretty low key response, and I was feeling great, but really did not see what all the buzz was really about for a man to wear a kilt. Then I got dressed, kahki trousers, and loaded the kids up to take them to school. As soon as I got back into my truck, I KNEW what all the buzz was about. I could not believe how constricted I felt! And while I only had the kilt on for maybe 45 minutes, I realized that during that entire time, I had not had to, ahem, "fix" or "adjust" myself, but as soon as I sat down wearing pants, I had to make sure everything was "arranged" to provide room and comfort. What an eye opening experience!

Well, got to run. I need to start thinking about how to convince my employer to allow me to wear a kilt to the office. Being one of the largest financial institutions in the world, I may run into some corporate resistance, but headquarters is in the UK, so I might have some advantages there. I have to believe that there is at least one person at HQ wearing a kilt to the office.

Later,
RJI

[KiltedCodeWarrior]

auld_argonian

I am up for it! Even if it is just getting together kilted somewhere for drinks.

Was the other one the gentleman that mentioned being at the Renn Faire in Bristol recently?

Are you going to attend the Celtic fest this weekend in Grant Park?

RJI