Here's to our Wizard!

[pdcorlis]

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]

Woohoo!

[Big Mikey]

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]

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]

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

[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.

[macwilkin]

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

[Retro Red]

I'll join in the accolades. When my wife & I visited Steve last September he made us feel very welcome, was a gracious host giving us the grand tour at his fine new business establishment...



...& he was kind enough to organize a kilt night with the local Rabble as well. I've always appreciated Steve's wizened, experienced & sometimes humorous input to this forum.

And if that wasn't enough, he makes a great kilt! (And his lovely wife makes a marvelous kilt shirt, too, as the pic below illustrates.) Just wish you weren't so far away, Steve!




WARNING:

I believe you are correct, Todd, that certainly looks like Kokopelli. My brother plays the Native American flute & goes by the name of Locopelli. Part of his stage patter is that everyone has heard about his famous brother, but has anyone ever heard him play? No-o-o-o!!! He's the Milli Vanilli of the flute world! So, my brother goes around proving that the Pelli's really can play the flute.

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!

[SteveB]

Phil,
It should be obvious to all that it is a calling to Mr. Ashton. Just look at the X-Marks clan badge, not just the art, but the production, order taking, distribution, and trying to keep jonesing X-Markers posted on the progress.

Genius Level

Slainte

[KiltedKnome]

Please, guys....

I have to live with The Wizard. This is going to go to his head, and he will be insufferable!