Flying the Tartan (No, not a "fly plaid")

**Father Bill** · 28th May 17, 06:37 AM

Originally Posted by Grizzled Ian

Bill,
What prompted me to contribute was a concern for the durability of your flag, but I think you may have commented on that. I do hope we get to see what results from your efforts.

Totally agreed, Ian. Had I been able to get a P/V or nylon, I'd be delighted, but right now David's suggestion about lighter weight tartan for occasional use is what seems to be leading the pack in my twisted brain. To increase durability, I'm starting to think of something in a pennant or banner size which, being smaller would have less "flap" and therefore presumably less wear. I would fly that below our Canadian flag to communicate the message. It would also be cheaper, so I'd be happier when the time came to replace it. I deeply detest faded or tattered flags.

Although it was an excellent "find" by Steve, I'm not quite as excited with the one with the clan crest - a bit more obvious than what I'm looking for and from the picture, not a great print either. I like subtlety and the little bit of mystery that comes with it.

...and of course there will be pictures.

**Father Bill** · 6th June 17, 01:04 PM

So...

I decided on a small (26" x 16") burgee. By staying small, I think there will be less snap at the end. Being a burgee, it complements rather than competes with the flag which will fly above it. It's still large enough to confuse the neighbours, which is where the fun is. It's 16 oz Locharron because I had some in my closet, so why not! I will not use it often, so I don't think it will wear out too quickly.

I gave it a turned hem, double-stitched, pressed it with lots of steam, and re-inforced the tips of the burgee with extra stitching. I have yet to attach the white canvas and line for the hoist, but we'll see what happens when I get a chance to move on.

Pictures will continue when I get around to moving further on the project, but the next few weeks are pretty full.

**Father Bill** · 4th August 17, 04:24 PM

I've been meaning for a few weeks since I hoisted it, to post a picture of my burgee flying with the maple leaf, but the breeze and the sky haven't been justr right when I've had a camera handy.

Again, thanks for all of the great suggestions and encouragement. Here it is!

Bill+

**Geoff Withnell** · 5th August 17, 05:32 AM

That is excellent! I fly the US and USMC flags from my balcony, and I think I am inspired to add a flag or pennant of Davidson. I know we have some P/V Davidson floating around here somewhere from Joe's wedding....

**ShaunMaxwell** · 5th August 17, 06:09 AM

Looks like I'm late to the party, but thought I'd throw this in as an option should you decide to pursue something larger in the future.

I undertook a similar project a few years back, and my solution was to recreate my tartan (in a illustration program — or it could be scanned) on the bias in a very large sett size. I wanted to include our clan badge on mine. I prepared the art at 100% of scale and sent the art to the vendor.

I then had a two-sided flag made (which is actually two flags printed on nylon with an opaque lay sewn between the two). I opted for a pole sleeve rather than grommets, as my flag was intended for display and parade use only.

I've attached a couple of photos so you can see how large the sett size is:

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**Father Bill** · 5th August 17, 09:20 AM

Well, if there are others who are doing similar things, I'd love to have your pix added here.

For any planning on trying it, I'll certainly use a lighter weight tartan next time. 16 oz just happened to be on my shelf waiting to be used, so I thought I'd give it a shot, but I'm sure that a lighter weight would flap more in lighter breezes, matching my maple leaf. I couldn't find a source of PV Sinclair, so I'm using Locharron.

**Katia** · 10th August 17, 03:53 PM

Also late to the game, but I wonder if one might not ask the local clan society? I imagine they often are out at a Highland games or parade, possibly with banners of their clan tartan, so might have already thought this through? (and if you find a Sinclair society, they might already have a source for fabric!)

**Father Bill** · 10th August 17, 04:26 PM

Originally Posted by Katia

Also late to the game, but I wonder if one might not ask the local clan society? I imagine they often are out at a Highland games or parade, possibly with banners of their clan tartan, so might have already thought this through? (and if you find a Sinclair society, they might already have a source for fabric!)

No such luck! I'm an active member and no such product, but thanks!