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

**Blu (Ontario)** · 13th February 06, 08:55 PM

The way I see it, I have so far purchased 3 genuine 8 yard traditional kilts which, looking at dollar for dollar value, would probably be worth 15 or more cheap kilts. I would much rather have the quality than the quantity. There is a huge difference! I own a couple of cheap kilts and they are OK... but I see them as more of a novelty item. As a starter kilt or a knockabout they're fine. But if you own 5 or more cheapies, you could have had the Real McCoy.
IMHO

blu

**Hamish** · 14th February 06, 06:24 AM

OK Guys, I can see that I should not, in future, mention my Kollection. That I have done so in the past has been due to the encouragement I have received from kind and interested posters here and on other forums over the years.

Fair enough, I admit now to collecting kilts (but only those that I can wear. I've no interest in amassing them for the sake of it or in picking up historic relics or tartan skirts on Ebay). I did not set out to start a Kollection - it just happened with the passing of time - and don't forget, at the age of 70 this year, I have had a LOT of time in which to develop my interest if not to make my purchases! I am very fortunate in that I am a single man with no dependents; my home has been paid for for several years, and I am receiving a pension which allows me to indulge myself in what has now become a major interest in my retirement. I certainly have a life, and a very contented one, outside of the world of kilts with numerous friends who have no interest in them whatsoever. I guess they consider me to be a somewhat likeable eccentric!

To those who are just starting out, those who have prior responsibilities, those who are students and, indeed, those who are happy to have a one and only kilt, let me say this: I have been where you are. It is only in comparitively recent years that I have been able to spend as I now do and, believe me, I am very much aware of that chunk of good fortune.

My Kollection is actually looked upon by some of those 'in the know' as a fairly unique record of the way in which the kilt has evolved from the traditional kilt (all that existed a few years ago) over the past seven or eight years, and is continuing to evolve. That is why I do not dispose of any that I perhaps can no longer get into, or are showing signs of wear and tear. Two well-known kiltmakers, one here and one in North America, have expressed serious and sincere interest in acquiring my Kollection as a whole - not individual kilts - when 'The Time' comes. One in particular would display the entire Kollection.

For the average kilt wearer, especially those who do not wear them daily, I agree wholeheartedly: the number of kilts hanging in your wardrobe really does not matter. Be content with what you have - I was, and I am.

**Paul Henry** · 14th February 06, 06:41 AM

I've only got one kilt, and very recently at that.
I'd love to have a few more , but that will happen in time, I;m saving already.

The thing that is important is that we ENJOY wearing them, whenever we can, and if that isn't everyday, that is ok, I know that I would not be able to throw my pots in one- even if I'd like to. I;ve had the chance over the last few days to wear it almost constantly,and it just feels so comfortable.
I'm not sure if I could cope with the problems of choice that Hamish must have to content with, but I admit to being a little jealous!!

**Pleater** · 14th February 06, 07:12 AM

No Hamish No!!!

A little light would go out of our lives if we were no longer able to get a vicarious kick out your unalloyed delight at the aquisition of another kilt and the chance to see it presented to perfection by A National Treasure - thats you, by the way.

Its not haw many kilts you have, one or one hundred, it is how much you care for the one you are wearing at any time.

**porrick** · 14th February 06, 07:24 AM

Originally Posted by Pleater

No Hamish No!!!

A little light would go out of our lives if we were no longer able to get a vicarious kick out your unalloyed delight at the aquisition of another kilt and the chance to see it presented to perfection by A National Treasure - thats you, by the way.

Agree.

Being one of the newbies who says "thank you, Alan" for starting this thread, I must clarify that I really enjoy hearing about and viewing other people's kilt collections. So do not stop referring to collections and numbers.

The important thing for me (and probably a few others) is that there is no pressure to acquire a large(r) number of kilts - which I feel this thread has clarified.

**Colin** · 14th February 06, 09:36 AM

Originally Posted by Hamish

OK Guys, I can see that I should not, in future, mention my Kollection. That I have done so in the past has been due to the encouragement I have received from kind and interested posters here and on other forums over the years.

Don't stop mentioning your kollection Hamish! I love hearing about the excellent kilts you have added. Besides I am willing to bet that you will only add quality kilts to the kollection. To me your kollection is almost a public service. If anyone is thinking of purchasing a kilt you likely already have one or have dealt with the firm. This is invaluable information from someone who is extremely qualified to comment on opinions of the company and product.

I probably would have been content to just keep buying PV kilts to fill up my closet were it not for me seeing the quality of traditional kilts that you and Dave were wearing last summer.

It is people like yourself that actually have the ability to comment on kilts objectively as you have so many in such a wonderful variety.

I just object to the "race" mentality that some think exists on this forum. I only wear my kilts part time, so there is no desire for me to try to catch up to you with kilts, or with Graham for posts.

**NewKilt** · 14th February 06, 10:13 AM

Originally Posted by Hamish

OK Guys, I can see that I should not, in future, mention my Kollection. That I have done so in the past has been due to the encouragement I have received from kind and interested posters here and on other forums over the years.

I'm planning on doing the same. I will no longer post about how many kilts I have, what I'm buying, what they are, and how much I'm jonsing. I been buying several to replace SportKilts that I had. I've enjoyed reading these type of posts, but at the same time, I don't want to leave the impression that I am some sort of a kilt maniac, or bragging about what I'm able to buy.

Darrell

**bubba** · 14th February 06, 10:31 AM

And just what, may I ask, is wrong with being a kilt maniac??

**cavscout** · 14th February 06, 10:32 AM

Excellent reminder Alan.

While I'd love to have a key to the kilt store and be able to wear whatever suits my mood, I've adopted a strategy based on lifestyle and function. I have divided my needs and desires into several "sections" and will fill those sections with a kilt as time and money (and wife

) allow.

1st was a simple kilt to get used to wearing one and introduce my wife to the idea for a small cost. Sport kilt was my choice but knowing now what I have learned here I should have gone with a Stillwater economy.

2nd was a utility style kilt to allow me comfort while working in the yard or for camping and hikeing. Starteed with a UK but didn't care for the weight of it so sold it to buy a PK. Probably the best move I've made as this would have allowed me to buy a great PK and a second USA Kilt for the same price but the wife wanted to pay some bills that month

3rd was a basic kilt to be appropriate to work or informal social events. USAK was the easy pick here.

The only other area which I need / want to fill is a more formal kilt which I want to be a traditional in my family tartan.

Everything else is gravy after that.

**davedove** · 14th February 06, 10:46 AM

I would have to say that to a newcomer to the board, some of the kilt collections would be a bit intimidating.

I'll admit that I probably jumped into the kilt buying a little too quickly, and I've got the credit card bills to prove it. Of all the kilts I have, I only wear one or two with any frequency, some others hardly ever, and a few not at all. Now, I've imposed on myself a restriction to not buy any more kilts until I see if I can lose some inches. I do have a few tartans I would really like now, but I'm waiting. Of course, that also gives me a chance to fill out my accessories. And when I do decide to buy some more kilts, I'm going for the traditionals.

It's not how many kilts you wear, it's how you wear your kilts.:grin: