One kilt convert and two possibles...

[mugman]

Hi. I'm back.
Just a short story of a few weeks ago...
I took a short break from things, and an old pal stayed for a few days. He arrived in a kilt (active convert) as I'd already won him over on the idea. First thing he said was 'You're right Pete, these are much better for driving in'. Sadly, I was in old trousers as I'd been sawing chipboard, and all the sawdust that it generates.
During his stay we took off for a day visiting, amongst several places, a tourist village on the outer edge of Devon. We came across a craft centre, and stepped into a silk printing establishment out of interest - both in black kilts.
As we were the only ones in there, the proprietor was immediately interested...him being in the fashion trade, I suppose. 'Why the kilts?' he asked in a friendly way. 'No reason', I said - 'Just something I wear.'
'They look great' he added, and called his wife across. 'Look, (can't remember her name), they're wearing kilts...just because they can.' She was quite impressed I think.
'Are they easy to come by?' he asked. I said to try ebay for a first one, and see how you take to it. I do believe he might, he was that enthused.
After my pal had returned home, I went back to the South for a few days to catch up with some old acquaintances. I wore a kilt most of the time.
One visit was to my old boss from London ad agency days. We've kept in touch for many years, but he knew nothing of my kilt wearing. I arrived in my black kilt. A very matter of fact chap.
'Well, well.' he said 'is that a kilt?'
Both him and his wife were very positive (why wouldn't they be?).
'All the pleats at the back are to make it warm' she said.
'I do use a nightshirt' he said...inferring that he's not unfamiliar with skirtish stuff.
I drove him off to a local pub for a pint and ploughman's lunch, and he could see that no-one was taking any notice of my kilt. Deed done.
It wouldn't surprise me if he doesn't give one a try. His wife was quite encouraging towards the idea. You never know...
So, those are my good deeds done for this month.

[Departed Member]

Top man! Out of interest, I remember from years back, the Cornish Nationalists (or whatever they called themselves!) adopting a plain black Kilt as part of their (hate to say this word!) uniform. Saw quite a number back in the seventies, though. Has anyone ever asked if you're Cornish, by any chance?

I know plain black Kilts have become a much more widespread 'fashion item' (Ouch! Another word I hate, loathe & detest - "fashion"!) throughout the UK, and are very high on my personal 'wish list', and not just purely as an excellent formal alternative to the dreaded tr*user! (Inspiration from Cessna there, of course!). One other query, if I may? Wearing plain black Kilts, do you ever get any of those stupid questions that Kilts of the tartan variety occasionally attract?

[cessna152towser]

Merlin, I've certainly found that an all black kilt draws only a small fraction of the attention that a tartan one attracts and is far less likely to tempt people to ask you if you are a "true Scotsman" under the kilt. I've not been asked if I was Cornish.
Mugman, you are a superb ambassador for the cause of kiltwearing, keep up the good work!

[Departed Member]

Merlin, I've certainly found that an all black kilt draws only a small fraction of the attention that a tartan one attracts and ....

Thanks, Cessna! I was rather hoping that'd be the case!

.... and is far less likely to tempt people to ask you if you are a "true Scotsman" under the kilt.

Although, to be honest, I've only ever had the odd veiled reference to the contents (or otherwise!) of one of my 'traditional' Kilts!

[mugman]

I have a mixture of kilts now - mostly tartanic - but my two plain black ones get the most use now. I never really feel quite so at home in a tartan, though I do wear them too of course. Black is easy. It infers nothing. It's just a kilt, end of story. I can't remember anyone asking if I'm Scottish when in black (and no, Merlin, no questions either about Cornish connections). The 'Black Shadow' one that I bought from one of our American friends is now a shade too big (or I'm losing some podge at last!), but not overly so. It just needs taking up a couple inches sometime by my 'treasured' alterer up the road. 'Black Shadow' is another usable very subdued pattern which doesn't say 'Look at me!' That's how I like it now.

[Uncle Al]

I have a mixture of kilts now - mostly tartanic - but
my two plain black ones get the most use now.

Mugman;

I do hope you mean 'Tartan-ish' because we don't want to be
sounding like Titanic. That would really help to 'sink' our cause.

(Sorry--couldn't resist the word play.)

Uncle Al
Duncanville, TX

[crfriend]

Hi. I'm back. [...]
Just a short story of a few weeks ago...
'Why the kilts?' asked in a friendly way. 'No reason', I said - 'Just something I wear.'
'They look great' he added, and called his wife across. 'Look, (can't remember her name), they're wearing kilts...just because they can.' She was quite impressed I think. [...]
I drove [my old pal] off to a local pub for a pint and ploughman's lunch, and he could see that no-one was taking any notice of my kilt. Deed done. [...]
So, those are my good deeds done for this month.

Welcome back, Mugman, and may I add BRAVO! Well done!

This is precisely how progress is made -- by setting a stellar example, and by pointing up that it's (1) perfectly acceptable, (2) comfortable, (3) good looking, and (4) a conversation starter. We should all be "practicing what we preach"! My hat's off to you, sir!

[mugman]

Mugman;

I do hope you mean 'Tartan-ish'

Uncle Al
Duncanville, TX

Out of interest, I searched 'Tartanic' and got a short but groovy dose of pipes and drums music.
I searched Tartan-ish and was asked if I meant 'Tartan-Irish?'
So the choice is yours. Either way, the only sure way to sink us is to adorn our gentlemanly garb with tinsel, fairy lights and a mere dusting of glittery fake snow in a few weeks time.
I'm hoping to get one of the cast of 'Mama Mia' to switch me on.
I expect the word I was looking for was Tartanificational.

[Departed Member]

I expect the word I was looking for was Tartanificational.

Anything! - as long as you don't call it "plaid"!