My wife and I are considering some "historic" Highland attire from upcoming games. Usually, we wear our "official" tartans...I wear a MacPherson red tartan, usually in semi-formal "day" wear with tweed Argyle (see below)...she wears a Stewart in a smart, "hostess" length skirt.



What we're aiming for this time around, is something more or less of the early 18th century, prior to the Anglo influence of "official" clan tartans. I'm planning a "great kilt" with leather doublet, and she's planning a period dress in a matching tartan...with (completely for the fun of it) a toddler sized kilt for our son.


The first problem I came across was, inevitably, cost..."Authentic" hand woven, 100% wool tartan fabric from Scotland is running close to $60-$90 per yard, and ready made garments are running around $300-$500 per. As the wife and I are experienced crafters...and she, a talented seamstress...we decided to stick with our own product, and find a tartan of more economical material, that still "looked right", and in a pattern that while not "authentic", didn't stand out like a sore thumb on a cold day.

After a lengthy search...and consultation with the wife, we landed on this pattern:



As it is 100% cotton, "homespun", it lacks the knapp of wool...but has the "handmade/period" look, and at a couple bucks a yard...I was able to get enough yardage to double up the thickness for the great kilt.

Here are my only real concerns...and I'd be grateful for feedback in regard to any "faux pas" we might commit with this pattern:

1. The pattern is small...about half the size of "authentic" tartan. I've researched "ancient" patterns, and have found a wide range of variety...from very colorful patterns to almost solid...but nothing that essentially "looks" like a modern tartan, only in a smaller grouping. Has anyone information/opinions on the smaller set?

2. The great thing about heavy wool is that it "hangs" right...while this "homespun" fabric doesn't have much "give", and I've enough to make ample room for the pleats (I intend to hand fold)...I'm curious if anyone has worn cotton tartan, and what the potential concerns might be?

3. Obviously, when folding the pleats, the smaller pattern will result in about twice the pleats, at half the width...I tested this out, and it still looks "good", but again...just wondering if there are "tartan police" out there who might take issue.

Thanks,

Dizzy