I had a chance to spend last Sunday at the Gig Harbor Renaissance and Fantasy Faire, in Gig Harbor, Washington. Kiltwise, there were a lot of somewhat sad-looking feile beigs and a kiltmaker who was very nice, but hasn't a clue how to make a traditional kilt. On the other hand, a wool-mix "kilt" from him is $35. *ahem*. For a beater kilt, they're worth it, and his kilt skirts were quite nice.
I spotted a couple of very nice "real" kilts, and had some good chats with the owners....a sweet Irish National from Hector Russel and a very nice Clan Cian...A MacDonald of the Isles......does it say something about me that I can remember the tartan, but not the guys names? *LOL*..OK, "Kelly" was wearing the Irish National!

I only saw three or four members of Clan MacTablecloth, saints be praised. I checked in with all the bodice-making ladies I found at the faire and got tips on making one for my Lady, if I ever get around to it. I've a notinon to make a MacNaughton bodice for her, and apparently mathcing the tartan can be a stinker.

I scored a three-dollar cheapie sgian dubh, which I was completely jazzed about. For three stupid dollars, it's really a pretty nice looking little knife. However, the guys at Southwest Airlines opened my luggage and stole the sheath....not the knife, the sheath. GRRR....so now I have to make a new sheath. I also snagged a small supply of very nice cast bronze buckles for kilt straps at giveaway prices. Yay! I also managed to resist dropping $280 on a sweet, live-steel basket hilt claymore with a blackened basket. It was nice, but I stood firm...*sigh*

I wore a USA Casual in Ramsay Blue, and got a number of nice comments on the kilt. It was about 95 degrees in the hot sun, and I was blessing the lightweight material, while all the wool-clad guys were probably roasting.

If you're in Washington State and have the chance, the Gig Harbor Renaissance and Fantasy Faire is going on the next two weekends, and it's fun. Check it out.