NHhighlander, I have always had inclinations towards weaving, I have a couple of small looms and developed a hybrid crochet/weaving technique which is quite portable, but was too busy to go the whole hog and get a full size loom.
Turns out it is in my DNA. Two of my patrilinear ancestors were blacklisted for agitating for a living wage two hundred years ago, in the linen weaving industry of south Yorkshire - they had their own looms and workshop, but ended their days being supported by female factory workers in cotton mills - the sons had to leave the trade as they were identified by their surname. Hand loom weaver goes back as the family trade for generations before the time of the Chartists.
I also have the patience required to mend weaving flaws, and to spin using a spindle and a wheel, starting from the fleece rather than prepared fibre - I know the names of the sheep and alpacas.
Back in the day I used to dye yarn and garments - I never was very particular about it being plant based or petroleum, being more interested in getting the colour than any sort of correctness in sourcing. I've had a go with most things - including indigo. When dyeing remember to wear gloves - you too can be dyed.
I'd advise not going over the top when deciding what to wear for that clan gathering - in my travels as musician and singer of folk songs I see many people in costume, but also those who put on the garments as though they were born to it.
Anne the Pleater
I presume to dictate to no man what he shall eat or drink or wherewithal he shall be clothed."
-- The Hon. Stuart Ruaidri Erskine, The Kilt & How to Wear It, 1901.
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