Kilted Spills and Mishaps

[James MacMillan]

Several years ago – about 20 – I was stationed in Okinawa, and one Saturday I decided to visit the Nakagusuku Castle ruins. I was kilted, as was my habit whenever I could get out of uniform. There are some long and sort of rough steps, some close to two stories tall. Most people touring the place don’t bother climbing to the top. But being a robust young Marine, in a country where the Marines had defeated the imperial might of the Japanese Army, I started climbing to the top. About 2/4 of the way up I took a tumble and fell all the way down to the bottom.

I was black and blue for days. Almost every part of my body had a scrape. But more important, I had a huge tear through about eight pleats in the back. A quick visit to sickbay got my cutts and bruises treated, but I was at a loss as to what to do with my kilt.

I should mention that my command of Japanese was pretty good then. The barracks had what we called Momasans, sweet little old ladies that we paid to do our laundry. I had befriended one, and had met her family, been to her house, and taken her and her family out to eat. I felt like she was a grandmother or aunt.

She took that kilt home with her and a week later brought it back to me. She had mended it by hand! Using very fine thread, of different colors, matching the sett, she had hand sewn it back together.

Picture in your mind sewing a piece of yarn back together so that the mend isn’t visible. She would not allow me to pay her! I had never seen, nor have I seen since any sewing that matched the care and delicate hand that that little Okinawan Lady displayed. I wish I still had that kilt to show off her handy work. But even the best, most expensive, kilts eventually wear out.

Yoshiko Mirutsu was, and I hope still is, the best seamstress I have ever seen!

[Riverkilt]

One time, at work...

I leaned back too far in my chair and went over backwards kilted. USA Kilt casual I think. The apron flew up, but I had on my tartan boxer shorts. The door to my office was open but by the time anyone came down the hall I'd managed to clamber out of the chair and right myself.

Ron

[Arlen]

She took that kilt home with her and a week later brought it back to me. She had mended it by hand! Using very fine thread, of different colors, matching the sett, she had hand sewn it back together.

Picture in your mind sewing a piece of yarn back together so that the mend isn’t visible. She would not allow me to pay her! I had never seen, nor have I seen since any sewing that matched the care and delicate hand that that little Okinawan Lady displayed. I wish I still had that kilt to show off her handy work. But even the best, most expensive, kilts eventually wear out.

Yoshiko Mirutsu was, and I hope still is, the best seamstress I have ever seen!

This is a wonderful story.
Thank you for sharing it.