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08-04-2008, 10:04 PM
|  | | | Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: Coeur d Alene, ID
Posts: 4,435
| | | Here's to our Wizard!
Here's to our one and only Wizard of BC - Steve Ashton. 
I had the good fortune to meet Steve at the Spokane Highland Games. Now one of the things I didn't truly appreciate about our man from BC is his absolute commitment to on-site education of the the kilted public. Every time I walked past the Freedom Kilts tent he was patiently - and - resolutely explaining why the engineering of a traditional kilt requires it be worn at the waist, or just where the waist is actually located on the human body, or what those loops on the back of a traditional kilt are were designed to do, or any number of other facts to raise the general level of kilted knowledge.
Now, if you think I'm having you on - think again. I'm serious. I gained a whole new level of respect for his devotion to the kilted world. I'm sure the same can be said about Matt, Rocky, Jerry, and our other XMarks masters that make and sell kilts in the public arena - it just hadn't dawned on me until Saturday. Its obviously not just a paycheck - its a calling. So really, Here's to all the fine vendors that go beyond the call of duty.
You all Rock the Kilted World.
__________________ Phil in Idaho "Walk Tall, Walk Straight, and Look the World Right in the Eye."
That Great Celtic Philosopher Val Doonican |
08-04-2008, 10:11 PM
|  | | | Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: NC
Posts: 1,595
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Woohoo! 
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'Cause every lass goes crazy 'bout a sharp dressed Scot!
Kilted metalhead!
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08-04-2008, 10:13 PM
|  | Registered Hobbyist | | Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Lotusland, Canada
Posts: 1,618
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I feel compelled to reply to this post. I heartily agree with all Phil said. Steve, with great patience, elevated my level of knowledge when I first contacted him as a customer. I occasionally visit his shop, just to chat and learn. I have posted many times singing his praises as a craftsman and I am a repeat customer. More importantly, Steve has become a dear friend. He opens his home to me whenever I vist and he has accepted me as I am. The kilt wearing world would be a little less bright and a little less fun without him. Thank you Steve, for what you do as kiltmaker, XMarker and friend.
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Gentleman of Substance |
08-04-2008, 11:05 PM
|  | | | Join Date: Sep 2004 Location: Victoria, BC, Canada
Posts: 3,020
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Phil, It was a great pleasure to finally meet you. I will treat your Hand-tied fly fishing Kilt Pin as a treasure.
Mikey, you are, and continue to be, my friend. I may not have sent you your X Marks Badge yet but please know that I have not forgotten you.
Other than that, what else can I say, guys? Thank you.
__________________ Steve Ashton
www.Freedomkilts.com
2nd Laird of Lochaber
Skype (webcam enabled) thewizardofbc
I wear the kilt because: Swish + Swagger = Swoon. |
08-05-2008, 06:42 AM
|  | | | Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Desert SW USA
Posts: 10,917
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Thanks Wizard for all the explainations and information you post, as well.
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…
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08-05-2008, 07:18 AM
|  | Has not logged in for 1 year | | Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Peyton, Colorado
Posts: 297
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Wait a second...HAND TIED FLY FISHING KILT PIN??? Now I need to see that! I've been a fly angler and tying my own flies (when I have the time) for about 13 years now. Love that idea.
I'm still fairly new, but Steve has always been gracious in his answers to newbies like me, and I know I have learned from him. The next time I take a trip to WA to see family, I will have to make a side trip and see the shop.
__________________
-Keeper of the Labradors, Defender of the Hounds-
-For those who have fought for it, freedom has a flavor the protected will never know.
Anonymous US Marine-Vietnam-
Ask about the Bullet Kilt Pin |
08-05-2008, 08:17 AM
|  | | | Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: Page/Lake Powell, Arizona USA
Posts: 12,029
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This guy?? 
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Ol' Macdonald himself, a proud son of Skye and Cape Breton Island
Lifetime Member Scottish Tartans Authority, Owner Freelanders #4 & 5 PhotoBucket Album "I'll have a kilt please, a nice hand sewn tartan, 16 ounce Strome. Oh, and a sporran on the side, with a strap please." |
08-05-2008, 08:21 AM
|  | Retired Forum Manager
Gentleman of X Marks | | Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: San Jose, California
Posts: 8,781
| |
Phil,
You are only focusing on Steve's nice aspects. What of his legendary crankiness? His weird Engineer need for perfection? His coffee addiction? 
Having had the pleasure of chatting with Steve on a fairly regular basis, you are right, he's a great guy.
Cheers
Jamie
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-See it there, a white plume
Over the battle - A diamond in the ash
Of the ultimate combustion-My panache
Edmond Rostand |
08-05-2008, 08:24 AM
|  | Retired Forum Moderator
Forum Historian | | Join Date: Jun 2004 Location: Southwest Missouri
Posts: 9,712
| | Quote:
Originally Posted by Birddog  Wait a second...HAND TIED FLY FISHING KILT PIN??? Now I need to see that! I've been a fly angler and tying my own flies (when I have the time) for about 13 years now. Love that idea.
I'm still fairly new, but Steve has always been gracious in his answers to newbies like me, and I know I have learned from him. The next time I take a trip to WA to see family, I will have to make a side trip and see the shop. | See my review and picture of my "Rob Roy" in the kilt accessories section, Birddog. If you are an angler, you NEED a flypin!
Steve: Is that a Kokopelli kilt pin I see? There is a hilarious song written by Arizona folksinger Dean Cook about the "humpbacked ol' galoot" and how he is everywhere in Arizona, from coffee bars to used-car dealerships! 
Regards,
Todd
__________________
Alba nam Buadh (Well done, Scotland)
Associate member, the Transvaal Scottish Regimental Association
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08-05-2008, 09:01 AM
| | | | Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: Coeur d Alene, ID
Posts: 4,435
| | Quote:
Originally Posted by Panache Phil,
You are only focusing on Steve's nice aspects. What of his legendary crankiness? His weird Engineer need for perfection? His coffee addiction?
Having had the pleasure of chatting with Steve on a fairly regular basis, you are right, he's a great guy.
Cheers
Jamie | Every rose has its thorns
Cheers!
P
__________________ Phil in Idaho "Walk Tall, Walk Straight, and Look the World Right in the Eye."
That Great Celtic Philosopher Val Doonican | | |
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