Just a thought: it's not how many kilts you have...

**djweso** · 13th February 06, 06:49 AM

As a newbie to the boards, I admit that does seem like there is an awful lot of talk about new kilts being purchased and credit cards being used. I won't say that I ever felt like less of a member for only owning one kilt. You guys and gals have made me feel very welcome and a part of the forum. Whether true or not it seems that the longer you've been here (or the higher your post count) the higher your kilt count. So there is a certain amount of esteem that comes with it.

As a little bit of background, My wife is a full time volunteer with Americorp (like a domestic peace corp) and I am a stay at home dad, although I work part time to supplement our income. I only own one kilt, it was a gift. I am thinking buying one more sometime in the next 6 months but that may be a pipe dream ;). My mother has also promised on as an incintive for me to get down closer to a healthy weight.

I only own 3 pair of pants that I wear regularly. So that number of kilts would not be that out of sink with my pants. Also I haven't had a pair of pants, I usually spend less than $40 on a pair, last for more than a year in a long time. My UK however, is going on 4 years (I posted earlier that it was 4+ but was corrected by my wife).

My point is don't be too hard on yourselves because you aren't effecting me negatively. However, it is something to keep in mind, so that it doesn't get out of hand. Alan your post was eliquent and well thought out. Also appreciated. WOW am I looooong winded.

toadinakilt · 13th February 06, 07:51 AM

sweet

**Pleater** · 13th February 06, 08:20 AM

Originally Posted by djweso

As a little bit of background, My wife is a full time volunteer with Americorp (like a domestic peace corp) and I am a stay at home dad, although I work part time to supplement our income. I only own one kilt, it was a gift. I am thinking buying one more sometime in the next 6 months but that may be a pipe dream ;). My mother has also promised on as an incintive for me to get down closer to a healthy weight.

I decided to make kilts as I thought they would be easier to reduce in size as I am losing weight and circumference - 10 inches of my waist in one year!! When I said I had nothing to wear, I was lying - I had shoes, socks, sandals and a sarong - oh - and a watch.

Now I am sewing new kilts and adjusting older ones every spare minute. It takes time, but not a lot of money, even though I make a traditional style kilt, I use all sorts of different materials, most not traditional - or traditional only by accident. I found the 7 yard poly cotton kilt is 'hodden' colour only after I had it almost complete, and had worn the Black Stewart for some time before I saw the tartan on line.

Although there is a lot of chat - and ribbing - about the buying of new kilts and waiting for their arrival, I think there is a sneeking admiration for those who set about learning to sew in order to make their own rather than shelling out the money to buy one.

**Livingston** · 13th February 06, 08:47 AM

Yeah, what djweso and pleater said. I, too, have just one kilt and now the DW is thinking of us making a new one. Seeing everyone's posts about jonesing for this or that order has me seeing green that I can't just go out and order a new Walker, US St. Andrews, US Army, Stewart of Appin, MacDougall, MacGreggor, Black Watch etc. (and possibly in that order :smile: ) Something about maxing out the CC for too long. Oh well stuff happens. I actually enjoy hearing all the good deals everyone finds and hope that I will run across a deal for a kilt on my wish list. But, I think I need to get the rest of the more formal outfit first, evening sporran, better belt, either an Argyle or PC jacket. Now if I can get the VP of finance at the house to turn loose the purse strings a little....

**Bob C** · 13th February 06, 08:55 AM

I applaud Alan's initial post in this thread. I have two kilts - an expensive tank and an Ebay special. I have no intention of buying any more.

I think it's great that some of you invest so much in the hobby. I'd hate for observers to be scared off from wearing kilts because it looks like you need a second mortgage to pay for them, though.

**Manu** · 13th February 06, 09:07 AM

Sometimes it just seems that people have no other interests in life besides buying more and more kilts. I dont know anybody personally here but thats the vibe I get off from a lot of the guys here. I guess people just have different priorities...

**NewKilt** · 13th February 06, 09:21 AM

An excellent post, Alan. I completely agree with what you said. I have just as much respect for the guy that has only one kilt as the guy that has 40 or more.

My count is reaching 14, but only because I've went the less expensive route - Stillwaters, AK's and UK's. But, I have great respect for the guy that elects to go with a traditional, taylored, made in Scotland kilt, and sticks with this type, and may only have one or two.

The only reason I've went the less expensive route is because I'm kilted full-time, and wanted to have a wide variety. I hope my posts have not seemed like I'm bragging, because I nerver intended them to be such.

I celebrate with others their kilt purchases, whether it is only one or several, because we all celebrate our right, and our choice to wear these wonderful garments.

Darrell

**bubba** · 13th February 06, 09:30 AM

I'll wait and see what Stillwater comes up with in additional heavyweights but next year I do intend to get a traditional 8 yard 16 oz in MacNeil of Barra. I'm not really planning on more than a few more before I say enough. As others have said, I do want a variety since I wear kilts full time. There's no kilt race going on, get as many or as few as it takes to make you happy, you're still one of the kilted and welcome here.