UPDATE: The Cargo Kilts shop in Melville closed in 2013. Sniff.
You might remember my post from a couple of weeks ago about the the Fête de la Musique. It featured Cargo Kilts, the new Scottish kilt shop in Melville. In that post I wrote:
I know these kilts are made for men but I kind of want one for myself.
A few days later I received a message from Sean, the manager of Cargo Kilts:
Very kind comments made by you about our new store, but I need to correct you. Kilts are Unisex, AND, we have been known to make mini-kilts for ladies. Come in for a measurement sometime…
It just so happens that my birthday was approaching. What better gift for myself than a mini-kilt?
Mini-kilt.
I should mention that I am part Scottish. My grandmother’s name was Frances Colquhoun Wellford, Colquhoun being a Scottish clan name. My father’s first sister was also named Frances Colquhoun, but her nickname was Heather. (Confusing, I know. This is how our family works.)
Heather died tragically in her early 20s, not long before I was born. I was named for her. Heather is also a flowering plant that grows on the Scottish moors.
Clearly, I was destined to be kilted.
A couple of Saturdays ago, my friend Ruth and I rocked up to the shop to order mini-kilts. First we had to choose our tartans.
Sean, all kilted out, explains the different tartans. I’m sure you won’t be surprised that Sean, a South African of Scottish descent, plays the bagpipes.
Each clan has its own tartan. Technically I should have ordered the Colquhoun tartan, or Macdonald of Sleat, which I’m also related to. But Cargo Kilts didn’t have those tartans in stock and I’m more concerned with looks than family trees, anyway. I chose Buchanan, the loudest tartan of the bunch. Might as well go all-out, right?
Hehehe. That’s Buchanan on the far right.
Ruth ponders her tartan choice. Despite her red hair, Ruth is not Scottish.
Next, it was time for measurements.
Me first. (Photo: Ruth)
Ruth’s turn.
Then, we waited. It took a while for the fabric to be cut, sewn, pleated, etc. Cargo Kilts actually didn’t have any mini-kilts in stock to show us when we ordered, so we weren’t sure what to expect. The suspense was unbearable.
This morning I got the call, and walked right over to the shop. I wanted to wait for Ruth before trying on my kilt, but couldn’t resist a few photos.
Egbert, owner of Cargo Kilts, demonstrates the flowing movement of my mini-kilt.
Sean, me, and Egbert. (Photo: random guy named Chris)
I returned later with Ruth and Anita, our photographer for the evening.
Waiting for my partner in crime to kilt up. (Photo: Anita)
Ruth emerged from the dressing room looking as if she were born wearing a mini-kilt. She has the South African tartan, which incorporates the colors of the South African flag.
Sean brought out matching hats for each of us. And the real modeling began.
We decided to assault the mannequin. Why not? (Photo: Anita)
Two happy mini-kilt owners. ‘Nuff said. (Photo: Anita)
My mini-kilt is the most spectacular article of clothing I’ve ever owned. I am wearing it now and may never take it off.
Note: CargoKilts has closed since I published this post.
i have a kilt and i love it! i love your pics too!
such a funky post – when you told you me about your kilt – I didn’t imagine a spunky kilt like this – they are awesome – it is such a great post – I love the pic of the chap demonstrating the movement of the kilt. your friend is very celt looking
Ruth does have Scottish blood from her mother’s side.
From: her mother
Haha. Thank you Janet. I believe it — I’ve seen your family photo!
I love this post Heather! How fun to combine your Scottish heritage and get a
Mini kilt! I want one too! 🙂
I walk past Kargo Kilts every day and absolutely love the store. In fact that little block has some really interesting stores – Nice Find, Foss Furniture (which I intend visiting in a month or so, after we’ve moved), My Sister’s Closet. Exactly the type of shops Melville needs.
Yep, Melville is on the up and up, I think. Glad you’re enjoying the neighborhood!
How fun! You look great in your kilt. I had one, of sorts, years ago–but nothing officially Sottish like yours.
Hugs,
Kathy
Thanks Kathy. I love it!
did you get to keep the hat too? like 🙂
The hats are sold separately. Ruth bought hers but I didn’t.
You guys look cute! And indeed girls can wear kilts. I went to a Catholic all girls’ school for two years and they were a part of the uniform. Light blue, light pink, or light yellow kilts for the fall/spring and then these plaid green/white wool kilts for the winter. I have to say I was happy when I left for public school and was allowed to wear whatever I wanted–I was a bit “kilted out!”
Thanks! Yes, I also had to wear a kilt on dress-up days at the country day school I went to as a kid. Mine was green and white. I had forgotten all about it until this experience.
Never take the kilt off!!!? I suppose it depends on what you’re wearing underneath! Egbert and Sean should give you a complimentary hat for the free publicity.
Yeah, they should!
I had a mini kilt once…..long ago…when I had the legs 🙂
Come Jackie, you’ve got the legs now. Dig it out 🙂
haha thanks Heather – I think I would need a khaki kilt for the bush 🙂
I remember they were the rage when I was in the eighth grade. I fell in love with plaid!
Whoops, meant to add that when I was in Scotland, I bought a few yards of the Wilson plaid and it sits in a closet. You’ve inspired me to get it out!
Do it!
As one of my favorite bloggers, you are cordially invited to take part in my new contest: http://prawnandquartered.wordpress.com/2012/07/23/let-the-games-begin-our-best-contest-yet/
May the odds be ever in your favor!
As one of my favorite bloggers, you are cordially invited to take part in my new contest: http://prawnandquartered.wordpress.com/2012/07/23/let-the-games-begin-our-best-contest-yet/
May the odds be ever in your favor!
Love the colours on the kilt! May have to pay a visit to the kilt shop soon 🙂
Thanks. You should definitely check it out.
Love the colours on the kilt! May have to pay a visit to the kilt shop soon 🙂
Thanks. You should definitely check it out.
I’m glad you’re enjoying your kilt and how fun that you have Scottish ancestry to go along with it!
Thanks. I still love it and wish I could wear it every day. But that would be a little weird.
Maybe if you moved to Scotland and became a actress in a “living history” museum… 🙂
I’m glad you’re enjoying your kilt and how fun that you have Scottish ancestry to go along with it!
Thanks. I still love it and wish I could wear it every day. But that would be a little weird.
Maybe if you moved to Scotland and became a actress in a “living history” museum… 🙂
Awfully cool.
Thanks Sue.
Awfully cool.
Thanks Sue.
Want a klit for my matric dance
Haha. A kilt would be perfect for that.
Want a klit for my matric dance
Haha. A kilt would be perfect for that.
i want that scottish kit for both men and women
colour:green+ navy blue+ meroon
I don’t sell kilts — I just wrote about them on my blog.
i want that scottish kit for both men and women
colour:green+ navy blue+ meroon
I don’t sell kilts — I just wrote about them on my blog.
Hi 2summers love the pictures of you wearing the kilt ,looks good
Hi 2summers love the pictures of you wearing the kilt ,looks good
hi guys can you please give me the address where can i get kilt in south africa