The Scottish Wildcat Tartan thread: conceived here on X-Marks!

**Alan H** · 29th August 14, 05:31 PM

Believe me, I will be less than keen if the price gets up to $90 a yard. I'll buy it, if there are no other options, but I'm hoping it will be less.

I just think that Nick should have a chance at expressing interest, or not expressing interest in the project. If I hear back from Dalgliesh and the number pitched at me is $109 per yard, for a 30 yard, double width run, then I'm going to have to say "I'm keeping t his in mind but I'm going to have to look elsewhere." In other words, I'm not *committed* to going with DC Dalgliesh, I just think that since the owner is actually a member here, he should have a chance at being the mill that weaves the tartan. Also, he shouldn't have an "infinite chance", as in , we wait for a month before he happens to log in again. Just......a reasonable chance.

Regarding the tartan design, itself....I, PERSONALLY really like what we have right now. I'd wear that at the drop of a hat. However, since McMurdo stepped right up and volunteered his services, I'm trusting his eye on what works and what doesn't. PERSONALLY, I think we're awfully close to a final design, but hey... what does the "Art Director" think?

**McMurdo** · 29th August 14, 06:13 PM

Originally Posted by Alan H

Regarding the tartan design, itself....I, PERSONALLY really like what we have right now. I'd wear that at the drop of a hat. However, since McMurdo stepped right up and volunteered his services, I'm trusting his eye on what works and what doesn't. PERSONALLY, I think we're awfully close to a final design, but hey... what does the "Art Director" think?

The whole idea behind this or any tartan design like it is of course a representation of whatever the tartan is about. I have read all the comments regarding the design thus far and would like to thank all of you for the suggestions. Jock while I appreciate what you suggest re the black lines I am not sure about changing the design that much at this point. As it sits I like this design and I am happy in the way it has developed with the participation of the members here. As well this design has been received favourably by many on the forum. I think that getting something commercially viable is paramount as the better received the tartan is, the more yardage will be sold and the more money will go where it is needed.

**Alan H** · 29th August 14, 06:21 PM

I have to say that I'm blown away by the interest shown on the forum, as well. I did not expect this sort of response, at all!

**Dixiecat** · 29th August 14, 07:30 PM

While I know a lot of work has gone into the design, I can't say that I feel it represents the wildcat all that well. Too brown, not enough black and the green for the eyes isn't striking enough.

From studying images of the wildcat, it seems that a tartan that starts with a narrower brown background would be more suitable, which should be 'ticked' by lighter tan, with wider black stripes and a little bit of a bolder green. Remember, the wildcat is all about camouflage into the landscape, the heather and the bracken, not about hiding in the mud - which unfortunately, is what your tartan reminds me of. Sorry. My opinion I know, but nah, not reminiscent of a wildcat at all.

**Theyoungkiltman** · 29th August 14, 08:13 PM

I am all for giving dalgliesh a chance. I wouldnt mind paying a little bit more to have it artisan woven in scotland... I do agree with dixiecat that the green is not quite as striking as the actual cat but that would depend on enviroment and lighting (for instance, they may look like a light emerald colour in the midday sun, but look like olive drab in the evening...)

**Jock Scot** · 29th August 14, 08:15 PM

Originally Posted by McMurdo

The whole idea behind this or any tartan design like it is of course a representation of whatever the tartan is about. I have read all the comments regarding the design thus far and would like to thank all of you for the suggestions. Jock while I appreciate what you suggest re the black lines I am not sure about changing the design that much at this point. As it sits I like this design and I am happy in the way it has developed with the participation of the members here. As well this design has been received favourably by many on the forum. I think that getting something commercially viable is paramount as the better received the tartan is, the more yardage will be sold and the more money will go where it is needed.

I can clearly understand the commercial aspect of the exercise Glen and I really wish Alan's project well. But...........

Having said the above, I have absolutely no wish to rock the boat, so I think that its best that I bow out now, lest I complicate things more than I already have.

**Dughlas mor** · 29th August 14, 08:41 PM

Master McMurdo
You have done a wonderful job thus far. I, like Alan, would wear that tartan any day. I won`t be able to participate in this initial run, but in future, if possible, I would love to be able to get in on the "wildcat" tartan. The concept is moving fast, but it seems there may be some time before all the details are hammered out. If you have the time, why not experiment some more? I think Jock and Dixie Cat have some good thoughts. Having done some design work myself, I know that the more time you can devote to the process, the happier you will be in the end, because once you are committed there`s no going back. Anyway, as I say, great job, I like the tartan very much, and thank you for your effort!
Doug

**McMurdo** · 30th August 14, 04:20 AM

Again I would like to thank everyone for the comments and suggestions. I am working on some other ideas based on what you all have said. real life is getting in the way so it may be a few days before I get back to it.

**unixken** · 30th August 14, 12:45 PM

Glen -
If a final design stays reasonably close to the latest sample you posted here, I'm going to join in, on the fabric order.

Alan -
Assuming that a final design doesn't stray too radically far from what Glen last posted, I know there will still be questions to answer... whether the fabric will be woven single or double width, the weight, which mill will produce it, the price per yard/meter, etc. That being said, let me commit now, to whatever quantity of fabric will come from $300 USD. I'm only looking to have a vest/waistcoat made, so I won't actually be needing more than a couple yards, regardless of the cost (but leftover extra is always good to have on hand.) So at anything from $65 to $90 per yard/meter, that dollar amount will certainly buy enough fabric for my needs, and gives you an additional "commitment to buy", to add to the tally. When the final price is settled with the mill, just add my name to the list for whatever yardage the $300 will buy.