No pithy subject, just a comment and question

[GMan]

Hell-o all,

When I first joined this group, oh those many months ago, a strange thing happened to me. I learned a lot, and I thought that I knew a lot of Celtic History and about how to properly don the kilt. Boy was I mistaken, I find the more I read the less and less I know about those things I took pride in knowing (or what I thought I knew) beforehand.

So at this season we all sit back and take notice of things that we are especially fond and appretiative of, I want to thank each and everyone of you for all that you have done for me in more ways than you have known. I have been able to wear a kilt with more confidence and joy, expressing my pride in it and in everyone here.

With that said, I also want to ask in what ways have you increased not only your knowledge, but how has your kilt wearing increased because of this board?

[Southern Breeze]

My experiance pretty much mirrors yours. As for the kilt wearing,well I wear it more because I've learned what is worn for formal, informal and casual occasions. I've also learned about all the inexpensive (relativly) alternatives to the traditional kilts. That in turn lead to daily,instead of occaisonal wearing.

[cormacmacguardhe]

Well, I certainly learned a lot of things that I did not know, also learned a lot I did know was not right. My kilt wearing has increased from once a year at the Highland Games, to a couple of times a month now. It would be more, but as of this moment I only have the one sportkilt, am working on increasing my wardrobe.

[Big Dave]

I've learned so much from everyone on this board, and I thank you for that. I went from knowing next to nothing about cilts, the history of, and the wearing of them. I only wore my UK sometimes when I first got it for the first 6 months, then after reading all the experiences from people on the board, I realized that I shouldn't care what others think of my cilt, and to wear cilts with pride. I haven't worn pants in two months and I have no intention to go back to them. Within the last month, I've ordered two more cilts and started to get rid of my pants. Theres no turning back now!!!

[philbo]

I think I learned more about people than I did about kilts. There's a huge variety of kilt-wearers out there from many different walks of life and different heritages as well. No matter what our differences, we all seem to have a similar sense of pride in our kilts.

Another valuable thing I learned here was how to handle various social situations, from hostile confrontations to stupid questions. I like to read all of your different examples and take whatever lessons I can from your behavior. Thanks to all for sharing your adventures!

[mbhandy]

I feel that I have learned a lot from all of you about wearing a kilt and I hope to learn more about making kilts. It's just after midnight here and I have to get up early. So no matter What? Wear You Kilt With PRIDE...

MrBill

PS Getting closer to Sun. Whats under your Tree?

[MacMullen]

Likewise! When I first logged on here I didn't know what a sporran was, and now I've made one. I had no idea how to wear a kilt, in fact, I was thinking that flannel shirt material would make a fine kilt, if I couldn't find other suitable material, but then, I realized that if I did that, I could never show my face on here again.

I'm glad to have learned a lot about the classic kilted look, as I'm a big fan of traditional clothing, whether it be a kilt or a three piece suit, and why it's worn like it is.

Thanks to everyone here for helping learn the ropes.

[Ranald]

Hell-o all,

When I first joined this group, oh those many months ago, a strange thing happened to me. I learned a lot, and I thought that I knew a lot of Celtic History and about how to properly don the kilt. Boy was I mistaken, I find the more I read the less and less I know about those things I took pride in knowing (or what I thought I knew) beforehand.

So at this season we all sit back and take notice of things that we are especially fond and appretiative of, I want to thank each and everyone of you for all that you have done for me in more ways than you have known. I have been able to wear a kilt with more confidence and joy, expressing my pride in it and in everyone here.

I have to agree with Glen here, also to your question.
I found Hamish's web page and gallery about a year before I joined this board and your right what you said on another thread the seed took about a year to come to fruition.
Because of this board and the fine people that make it so, I now wear kilts everyday (my choice).
I never realised there was so many people that would be in favour of the kilt, boy was I wrong.
Also I have learned a lesson in human nature and that lesson continues, the flip side of that I have also learned alot about myself and how I react with others.

[Cawdorian]

Participation on this forum has been a great experience. I have learned a lot of Celtic history, a bunch of Scottish history, a great deal of information about tartans in general and about kilt styles (thanks Matt) and greatly enhanced my knowledge of the correct modes of highland dress (thanks Ham).

I now wear my kilt with great confidence understanding it's wonderful heritage and have increased the frequency of wearing the kilt.

I have enjoyed the lively discussions we have here and learned to handle almost all of the social situations and questions one encounters while wearing the kilt.

It's been a great experience, I am sure 2006 will be even better.

By the way, I also learned that I don't have enough kilts!

[Graham]

Good thread Glen, It's great to read this review from everyone, and it highlights how necessary it is to stop and look back at where we have come from and where we are heading in our kilted experience.

For me it's always a neverending balancing act to keep things in perspective.
It's easy to spend too much time and money on what is basically just clothing, but otoh, if this kilt is to be worn, it must be worn well.
Kilt wearing does very easily dominate much of every day, even when I forget about what I'm wearing..I will be reminded by a comment, a stare or a new challenge in wearing the kilt.

Overall, my self confidence has grown, I'm happy and comfortable in wearing the kilt 98% of the time. My enjoyment of life in all it's aspects has increased just because of the kilt.

I too am grateful to be part of a community here on xmarks, diverse as we are, from all corners of the globe, that shows me that there are quite a few others who feel the same way I do about this beautiful garment.

I received a really nice comment at a business breakfast, a lady i know well, a client of mine commented on how (in her opinion) few could really wear a kilt well, and that I had succeeded in "pulling it off".
While I joked that I had no intention of pulling off my kilt, I was pleased that she could see that kilt wearing can be successful, socially and in business.

Thank you all for helping with that success.