Here's to our Wizard!

**pdcorlis** · 4th August 08, 09:04 PM

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.

**sharpdressedscot** · 4th August 08, 09:11 PM

Woohoo!

**Big Mikey** · 4th August 08, 09:13 PM

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.

**The Wizard of BC** · 4th August 08, 10:05 PM

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.

**Bugbear** · 5th August 08, 05:42 AM

Thanks Wizard for all the explainations and information you post, as well.

**Birddog** · 5th August 08, 06:18 AM

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.

**Riverkilt** · 5th August 08, 07:17 AM

This guy??

**Panache** · 5th August 08, 07:21 AM

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

**macwilkin** · 5th August 08, 07:24 AM

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