My wife has- and I blame the pregnancy hormones- demanded that I wear a kilt this year at faire. The problem is, I don't have one, don't have the money to get an accurate one (and I am NOT wearing one of those Catholic-school-girl skirts they call kilts at museum replicas!), so I need suggestions. Being Éireannach, I do not wear kilts. Having massive legs that grind stone into talcum powder between them and chafe, I do not wear kilts. Having skin so pale Mouse could shine a penlight on my calf and use a magnifying glass to hone the reflection to carve Chairface's initials on the moon with the resulting laser, I do not wear kilts. However, I have a wife who is pregnant with our first-born, and managed to simultaneously melt my heart with the pout she gave me, and put me in fear for my life with the THOU SHALT NOT DISOBEY MY COMMAND, MONKEY! fire in the back of her eyes. So, suggestions?
And for reference, just need the kilt, not all of the accouterments.
Why did I get singled out...*sigh* I own a penlight as well! *cue The Tick theme* Might I recommend a Martin Tartan? Fun to say, fantastic pattern
Try USAKilts, bro... ask for Rocky. He's the owner so you should get results.
You might also take a look at Stillwater Kilts. They have a vast array of kilts available from the most basic/economical to premium materials/historically accurate. Great customer service and reasonable prices too.
http://www.stillwaterkilts.com/index.html
A second vote for Stillwater! I ordered my $80 kilt on a Friday, it was in my mailbox on Monday.
I have no advice to offer regarding where you might find your kilt Breandan, but let me be the first lady in our realm to lift a glass and cheer for the latest kilted lad in our midst! Huzzah to you and a most especial Huzzah and thanks to your wife and Kilt Muse Extraordinaire! :)
what's your waist size? if youre not concerned with what tartan it is, hubby bought a too large (36 maybe?) kilt in McLeod Ancient and we need to be rid of it...
Quote from: batninja on September 25, 2009, 01:04:42 PM
A second vote for Stillwater! I ordered my $80 kilt on a Friday, it was in my mailbox on Monday.
A third vote for Stillwater. I got the whole package: kilt, shirt, sporran, socks and flashes - everything except ghillies - for what most kilts cost elsewhere.
http://www.sportkilt.com/index.php?afid=1003
Good prices, machine washable, HUGE choice of tartans, we got one each for all the kids, this is what Kevin wore as Prince James last year.
As a fore-warning to the rest of us dewds. The real question is..........Do you plan to wear it the "traditional" way?
Celtic Croft maybe able to take care of you, also... kilts-n-stuff.com
bell- I wear 38 jeans, so it might work, especially if I drop a little pudge
Herc- nope, I chafe and I work in a blacksmith shop where slag and sparks can rebound upwards, so its boxer-briefs for me ;D
Wouldn't a kilt violate the "no flowy clothes near the forge" rule? I mean, if sparks flew, wouldn't you want more than boxer briefs? Just asking...:)
and btw, Catholic School skirts are actually better made than a lot of kilts I see out there. I should know. I wore one for 12 years ;)
So Breandan will need a asbestos underoos?
Breandan, tartan or solid? Traditional or modern?
I have a black Sport kilt. 38"
Don't forget to show us a pic in your new kilt!
Being Irish, Having massive legs and pale skin are all good reasons to wear a kilt! ;D
I'd normally recommend USA Kilts, but with faire 2 weeks away, go with Stillwater, they are fast and reasonable. You can call them if you have questions about sizing etc... Jerry uses TARDIS technology for shipping, so your kilt will be in the mail before you finish the order.
http://stores.channeladvisor.com/Stillwater-Kilts/Store/Category.aspx?&Page=2&Sort=1&catid=2629
A couple thoughts, your jeans size is not your kilt size, traditional kilts are worn around your 'true waist' at or above the navel. Stillwater's site has a measuring guide.
Don't for get a belt and sporran if you don't have something that would work.
Check this thread for a lot of info; http://www.renaissancefestival.com/forums/index.php?topic=687.0
Holly: but, if I used common sense, you'd loose the entertainment of seeing me run by your booth aflame, a human tiki-torch for the amusement of all ;D
Herc: ::)
Mac Kee: has to be traditional, I work for the faire ;)
Make that another vote for Stillwater. I've purchased three from them on separate occasions and always received them within a week. Also I can testify to their selection, not many people keep size 50 kilts in stock. ???
A suggestion on the chafing problem. I've heard Body Glide is great, but I can never find it in the places that are supposed to have it. I will testify to the effectiveness of Speed Stick Antiperperant.
the undies are one-part chafing, one-part working for faire and being required to cover the nethers, and ten parts trying to keep me danglies from catching fire ;D
Therefore, they are mandatory
Quote from: HollyAtFairyEffects on September 25, 2009, 02:29:37 PM
...
and btw, Catholic School skirts are actually better made than a lot of kilts I see out there. I should know. I wore one for 12 years ;)
Pictures? ;D ;)
I have seen the effect that Holly can have on men, and I want to make a floating balloon sign to follow her around that says, in bright, glowing neon colours-
HAPPILY MARRIED
If, for no other reason, than to prevent men from ingesting flies from gaping mouths, and to keep Mark from smashing his (or my) hand while smithing when she walks by... she accounted for one thumb and two wrist casualties last year ;D
Quote from: Breandan on September 25, 2009, 04:49:08 PM
I have seen the effect that Holly can have on men, and I want to make a floating balloon sign to follow her around that says, in bright, glowing neon colours-
HAPPILY MARRIED
If, for no other reason, than to prevent men from ingesting flies from gaping mouths, and to keep Mark from smashing his (or my) hand while smithing when she walks by... she accounted for one thumb and two wrist casualties last year ;D
Sounds like she's one of those
Dangerous Beauties you sometimes hear about ... :o ;D
BTW: Doing a Google Search, I found that you
can get
Fire Resistant Boxers (http://www.galls.com/goid/style.html?assort=clearance&style=UA676). ;)
so glad i found this since alot of my friends have been trying to get me in a kilt, now i have some better suggestions than the ones i have been getting.
A couple very large notes that I am sure you as a smith are aware of, but would feel remiss if I didn't note:
1. THE KILT MUST BE NATURAL FIBER OR MOSTLY NATURAL FIBER! poly-fiber has a nasty tendency of melting, which is worse than smoldering.
2. A great kilt can be done fairly inexpensively, if you have access to a decent fabric store and a good stout leather belt (depending on your size 2"-3" in width would be best). No sewing, just get 5-9 yards, pleat up and go.
Stillwater's heavyweights work great. I have 2, both wool. Another worthy source is The Celtic Croft (http://www.kilts-n-stuff.com/). They are certainly much easier to wear than the great kilt, which, if you are smithing, you would probably want to bustle.
Good luck, happy kilting!
Quote from: dbaldock on September 25, 2009, 04:32:58 PM
Quote from: HollyAtFairyEffects on September 25, 2009, 02:29:37 PM
...
and btw, Catholic School skirts are actually better made than a lot of kilts I see out there. I should know. I wore one for 12 years ;)
Pictures? ;D ;)
I, um...*cough* concur.
Okay, so far in my searching I have found one Black Watch kilt in cotton, and one green kilt in wool, both expensive. Would prefer the latter, but the wife says to mug someone to come up with the $122, and I prefer to put people into jail, not join them there. So... any other sites that sell inexpensive kilts in fabrics that won't turn me into a tiki torch?
I swear, it's a pain in the !@#$ finding kilts on a budget.
Belle, what's the fabric of the kilt you have?
As someone who's been on the receiving end of a bad experience with poly fibers, I must agree wholeheartedly- ALL NATURAL FIBERS.
I've done the tiki torch thing. Not fun.
SMOKIN'! There is my two cents. Go buy yourself something nice with it.
Quote from: Breandan on September 25, 2009, 04:49:08 PM
I have seen the effect that Holly can have on men, and I want to make a floating balloon sign to follow her around that says, in bright, glowing neon colours-
HAPPILY MARRIED
If, for no other reason, than to prevent men from ingesting flies from gaping mouths, and to keep Mark from smashing his (or my) hand while smithing when she walks by... she accounted for one thumb and two wrist casualties last year ;D
lol. It's not my fault that the blacksmith shoppe is on the way to the privy! And if Mark just happens to be smithing when I stop by, it doesn't hurt to wave to the poor man, does it?
"but the wife says to mug someone to come up with the $122, and I prefer to put people into jail, not join them there"
Breandan Lad, Jail is not a place to be enterin' wearin' a Kilt!!!
Quote from: HollyAtFairyEffects on September 25, 2009, 10:46:25 PM
Quote from: Breandan on September 25, 2009, 04:49:08 PM
I have seen the effect that Holly can have on men, and I want to make a floating balloon sign to follow her around that says, in bright, glowing neon colours-
HAPPILY MARRIED
If, for no other reason, than to prevent men from ingesting flies from gaping mouths, and to keep Mark from smashing his (or my) hand while smithing when she walks by... she accounted for one thumb and two wrist casualties last year ;D
lol. It's not my fault that the blacksmith shoppe is on the way to the privy! And if Mark just happens to be smithing when I stop by, it doesn't hurt to wave to the poor man, does it?
Well, it doesn't hurt
you, but apparently Mark and Breandan both may bear the scars of your effect. ;) :D
Quote from: Breandan on September 25, 2009, 06:53:02 PM
Okay, so far in my searching I have found one Black Watch kilt in cotton, and one green kilt in wool, both expensive. Would prefer the latter, but the wife says to mug someone to come up with the $122, and I prefer to put people into jail, not join them there. So... any other sites that sell inexpensive kilts in fabrics that won't turn me into a tiki torch?
I swear, it's a pain in the !@#$ finding kilts on a budget.
Belle, what's the fabric of the kilt you have?
You just need to adjust your idea of a budget! 122 bucks is dead cheap for a wool kilt! I assume thats a Stillwater heavy, a nice product.
You might look at Buzz Kidder, they do a 10 oz. Army Cotton Duck Canvas kilt sewn in a traditional style.
http://www.buzzkidderoriginals.com/canvaskilts/canvaskilts.htm
$122 also pays my electric bill, so the kilt takes a number :D
Quote from: Breandan on September 25, 2009, 11:48:18 PM
$122 also pays my electric bill, so the kilt takes a number :D
Breandan - I understand and appreciate your budget priorities. If it at all possible to make this happen, console yourself with the knowledge that a good wool kilt can last several years with proper care. I've never worked as a blacksmith, but promise you that kilts feel great in the warmer weather you are likely to experience the first few weeks of TRF. :)
I concur. I have only ever worn a kilt once, and decided to do it "traditional" style....I found out that while I used to raise an eye at men in plaid skirts, come that hot day, rocking back and forth, women have had men fooled fo the longest time, us in our pants sweating up a storm and them in their air conditioned skirts! Now, I am a believer in kilts....though I fear me bonnie knees.
Breandan, if you absolutely cannot afford new, and none of those offered by members here fit, perhaps you might look into Ebay or some such site. Like Escher said, look carefully at the fiber content and be aware it's more risky buying from these kinds of sites...but you could come away with a bargain. Something to consider anyway.
In all honesty what I NEED is a leather kilt, what I can AFFORD is a plaid McTartan scrap to wrap around my waist :D Pregnant wife and the bottom falling out of the domestic executive protection market means a $50-$60 budget for loin wrappings. If I can't find one that is A) affordable and B) not going to melt to me like I was wearing glad wrap, then I will forego the experiment and keep wearing my pants ;)
Then again, I recall an incident a few years back where I got set on fire even wearing pants and was so startled I forgot English. For those attending, just in case this incident repeats itself, "Cac Naofa! Tá mo bhríste trí thine!!!!!!" is not Irish for "yay! this is fun!" ;D A kilt might just make it that much more entertaining for the ladies.
Quote from: Breandan on September 26, 2009, 10:57:11 AM
In all honesty what I NEED is a leather kilt, what I can AFFORD is a plaid McTartan scrap to wrap around my waist :D Pregnant wife and the bottom falling out of the domestic executive protection market means a $50-$60 budget for loin wrappings. If I can't find one that is A) affordable and B) not going to melt to me like I was wearing glad wrap, then I will forego the experiment and keep wearing my pants ;)
Then again, I recall an incident a few years back where I got set on fire even wearing pants and was so startled I forgot English. For those attending, just in case this incident repeats itself, "Cac Naofa! Tá mo bhríste trí thine!!!!!!" is not Irish for "yay! this is fun!" ;D A kilt might just make it that much more entertaining for the ladies.
Well, in that case ... don't forget the
Fire Resistant Boxers (http://www.galls.com/goid/style.html?assort=clearance&style=UA676)! ;) ;D
0
Quote from: Breandan on September 25, 2009, 11:48:18 PM
$122 also pays my electric bill, so the kilt takes a number :D
A friend of mine in Dallas is selling a green Stillwater for $90
http://www.xmarksthescot.com/forum/swk_solid_green_heavyweight_42-t53231/index.html
Quote from: Breandan on September 26, 2009, 10:57:11 AM
Then again, I recall an incident a few years back where I got set on fire even wearing pants and was so startled I forgot English. For those attending, just in case this incident repeats itself, "Cac Naofa! Tá mo bhríste trí thine!!!!!!" is not Irish for "yay! this is fun!" ;D A kilt might just make it that much more entertaining for the ladies.
"Holy ****!" "My trousers are on fire!" Faaantastic! Could I ask you the proper phonetic spelling of Cac Naofa for pronunciation and what dialect it was said in?
"kak neefuh! Tah muh vree-shtuh tree hin-eh!" (very roughly, lots of subtle inflections get lost in phoenetics), and it's Ulaid dialect (Ulster dialect), which is one of the more widely-spoken dialects among the diaspora.
Quote from: Breandan on September 27, 2009, 09:58:37 PM
"kak neefuh! Tah muh vree-shtuh tree hin-eh!" (very roughly, lots of subtle inflections get lost in phoenetics), and it's Ulaid dialect (Ulster dialect), which is one of the more widely-spoken dialects among the diaspora.
Thankee sai.
Ulster is the dialect I'm learning. One of these day I may actually complete the book.
So have you decided on a kilt yet? Its getting awfully close to the wire.
After paying bills and a lead-foot-induced ticket, won't be happening for a few weeks, but if I can, I want to get that green wool Stillwater ;D
I've been shopping as well and having little luck with natural fibers unless I want the black watch tartan. As of right now, I need pants or a kilt or something due to Mark teaching me to forge weld last year and the resulting number of small blackened holes over my thigh...
I did find some great heavy wool fabric, several tartans available including a few I've never seen before at Jo Ann's out by Deerbrook (I think its called Jo Ann's, Chelle gets dress stuff there). You have to pick through and be careful because the actual wool bolts tend to be mixed in with stuff that would not react quite so well to fire. If I could find someone to convert said fabric to a kilt, I'd be set, but moving around the forge, bending, moving heavy stuff around, I'm not sure I trust the "just pleat it up and wrap a belt around it" approach.
Just out of curiosity, don't y'all wear leather aprons that would protect the kilt?
Now this is just my two cents, so feel free to dismiss it, but as a daily kilt wearer (Yes, daily, seven days a week) and an engineer in the oil and gas industry, I've learned that though I feel the kilt is the greatest garment ever designed, and that every man owes it to himself to own at least one, there are places that a kilt just does not belong/work. For example, around any rotating machinery, a chemical plant, nuke plant (inside the secured area), crawling around in the attic, gymnastics class (if traditional), and I would most likely include around combustibles if not wearing a 12oz duct cotton kilt or some type of protective over garment. Again, just my thoughts.
We do wear aprons, but slag can bounce back up under them ;D
The forge is in the Scottish Court area, so...
QuoteWe do wear aprons, but slag can bounce back up under them Grin
The forge is in the Scottish Court area, so...
Do not forget the wonderful sprays of red hot molten flux while forge welding, actually usually while someone else is forge welding and your standing in the wrong spot / holding their work piece, since it tends to spray away from the one who actually did the strike.
I went with Stillwater because of the recommendations here, thanks guys, this was the easiest web shopping experience I've ever had...
Wednesday night: Measure myself according to their instructions.
Thursday morning 8:30AM (payday) ordered a green wool kilt.
Thursday 8:35AM got confirmation email that order was received.
Thursday 10:30AM got a shipping notification.
Saturday 2:00PM: Trying on kilt and discovering that they actually run a little larger than I expected (but not so much so to merit a return). I'm just going to need a belt, especially if I lose my usual 10 lbs during faire.
Quality seems great other than the leather belts, which seem a little thin, but I'm a leather worker and a little bit of a leather snob as far as quality so I realize I have to let that go...
Quote from: Singed on October 03, 2009, 03:31:01 PM
I went with Stillwater because of the recommendations here, thanks guys, this was the easiest web shopping experience I've ever had...
...
Quality seems great other than the leather belts, which seem a little thin, but I'm a leather worker and a little bit of a leather snob as far as quality so I realize I have to let that go...
You're right, their belts do leave something to be desired, but they are cheap. Dennis Thatcher of Thatcher's Leather Artistry made the great belt that I normally wear. Throw in the beautiful thistle buckle I got from Scott Shoppe shop and I'm not sure whether the kilts look good or if the belt is just so great it overwhelms any imperfections they might have. Dennis is over at LARF if you want to make a side trip to get one of his fine and inexpensive belts, don't know where to find Scott Shoppe until Scarby.
Quote from: Breandan on September 25, 2009, 12:03:06 PM
My wife has- and I blame the pregnancy hormones- demanded that I wear a kilt this year at faire. The problem is, I don't have one, don't have the money to get an accurate one (and I am NOT wearing one of those Catholic-school-girl skirts they call kilts at museum replicas!), so I need suggestions. Being Éireannach, I do not wear kilts. Having massive legs that grind stone into talcum powder between them and chafe, I do not wear kilts. Having skin so pale Mouse could shine a penlight on my calf and use a magnifying glass to hone the reflection to carve Chairface's initials on the moon with the resulting laser, I do not wear kilts. However, I have a wife who is pregnant with our first-born, and managed to simultaneously melt my heart with the pout she gave me, and put me in fear for my life with the THOU SHALT NOT DISOBEY MY COMMAND, MONKEY! fire in the back of her eyes. So, suggestions?
And for reference, just need the kilt, not all of the accouterments.
Okay, some hints.
Have the wife teach you how to do "the tuck". Women learn this at an early age. I don't go regimental, just with normal underwear, but sitting on a cold concrete bench can be real interesting. Same thing for sitting down at a bench.
I'll stop by the forge and see how you made out.
I don't wear a kilt either but my wife is irish/scottish. Ha!
good luck and you will be comfy I am sure. :)