Those Five New Kilts!

**Hamish** · 6th November 06, 05:23 AM

Right then! Here, at long last, are photos of the five new kilts I brought back to England from my recent visit to Palm Springs, SoCal ('Southern California' for my British and non-USA chums). I will spread them across two or three postings as there are ten images in all.

First, the delicious USA Kilts from Rocky and Kelly (to whom I extend my renewed thanks for getting the kilts to me in Palm Springs with perfect timing). I think it worth mentioning here that the kilts were mailed from Phoenixville to Palm Springs, were immediately worn by me without having an iron put near their pleats (my hosts out there did not have an iron - "This is California. What use would we have for an iron?!!), were rolled for transportation back to England, have been hanging when not being worn since then, and still have not been shown an iron! I think that says a lot about the quality of the workmanship that Rocky and Kelly put into USA Kilts, don't you?

Both kilts are from their Semi-Traditional range. First, the 'Caledonia' tartan:

The second is in the 'Prince of Wales' tartan. Which I was inspired to own when I saw the photos of Ron's super kilt in the same tartan - thanks Ron.
This one is interesting in that I was expecting the colours to be red, black and white - and that is how they look in 'the flesh' ........ until one puts the kilt alongside a black T-shirt. Then it becomes obvious that black is not featured but a very, very dark green is! That makes sense too, as the Welsh national colours are red, green and white. Anyway, here is the kilt:

My thanks to Rocky and Kelly for being providers of such wonderful garments.
However, since the autumn/fall weather has arrived here, complete with frosts, these lighter weight kilts might not get a lot of wear now until the spring - but I'll certainly make up for lost time then!!

**McClef** · 6th November 06, 05:46 AM

Both very beautiful tartans Ham!

(Where are the pics of the other 3?)

I have a Prince of Wales on my Jonesing list!

**Hamish** · 6th November 06, 05:57 AM

Next we come to the three Utilikilts. The first of which is entirely new to me - the Corduroy 'Original' model in Tan. This is a beauty which is already getting a lot of wear here, but had none in Palm Springs as the 90ºF temperatures there were too much for corduroy! It is soft, cosy and very comfortable:

The other two new Utilikilts are basically replacements for two of the eleven in the 'Kollection' which are huge favourites, but which have 'shrunk' - just by hanging in my wardrobe over the past four or five years!! The original kilts can now be archived.

One, the 'Original' model in Tan, is not quite as the first one I had since that was in their 'Standard' style (ie: step in and zip up, with all-round pleating) which I just loved. Sadly, they now produce only the 'Neo-Trad' style, but I am more than satisfied with this as a replacement:

The second replacement is a Workman's model in Chocolate Brown. What can I say? This is the Utilikilt that seldom gets put away as I tend to wear it most mornings and frequently all day! To me this is Utilikilts' greatest success:

So, there we are folks. Five new kilts at virtually one sitting. This brings the total in my Kilt Kollection up to 72. Well, actually it is 73 - there is another fine specimen to tell you about but, as yet, I have no photos of it. Knowing me, however, that will soon be rectified; all I need is more hours in each day!!

**MacTavishOfJapan** · 6th November 06, 06:19 AM

They look like great kilts Ham especially the USA kilts, a semi trad is number one on my wants list.

Congrats on the additions Ham, they look fantastic.

**Dirk Skene** · 6th November 06, 06:36 AM

Those are all nice shots. I, like McClef, have the 'Prince of Wales' on my list to order from Rocky too. I like the pattern. The white really sets it all off well, and makes it stand out.

**Yaish** · 6th November 06, 06:39 AM

I'm right there with you on the UK Choc brown workmans Ham. I wear mine constantly.

That was one awesome looking walking stick in the first photo too! Great pictures all around. (of course)

**Tattoo Bradley** · 6th November 06, 06:47 AM

I really like them all, Hamish. But, I was particularly delighted to see the UK corduroy. I've been eyeballing that one for some time. It has been discussed more lately, which is great as it was almost never discussed before. That one is on my Christmas list.

**Panache** · 6th November 06, 06:53 AM

Hamish,

Great photos (but that's par for the course). I really think the Caledonia tartan with the lovat green is a striking ensemble (the walking stick is a perfect accessory) and the beard suits you.

Well done (as usual)

Cheers

**David Dalglish** · 6th November 06, 07:46 AM

Congratulations on the new kilts, all look great, nice photos

**Mr. Kilt** · 6th November 06, 08:33 AM

Beautiful pics, Ham! That Caledonia tartan is gorgeous. I trust you had a very relaxing holiday.

I was talking to Uncle Otto at Utilikilts when I was in Seattle, and he mentioned that he'd sent 3 kilts to California for you to pick up. My wife and I had been looking at the Corduroy kilts at the UK headquarters and thought they looked a little "skirt-like", but seeing you wear the tan one changes that thought completely. Very nice!