Quote Originally Posted by NHhighlander View Post
Hi all,

I really want to learn!

I'm not sure what I need, because I don't know yet.
So far, I want to learn about weaving, tartan, adequate/acceptable kilt-wearing etiquette.
Very open to advice!
It is very admirable to want to learn but your task list is considerable and in some areas will require time and patience. With the greatest of respect, you appear to be attempting to go from Zero to Hero in the equivalent of 60 seconds. It's also about ability. I know nothing about you but some of the tasks you have set yourself took me years to research and master.


Long, way too long

the crazy project:
Full:
dress in proper, full kilt attire at my wife's clan meet in Scotland, in August.
Simple? Hmm.
I want it to be "real."
Just be aware that that is quite a tight timeframe, especially if the tartan you want is a non-stock one.

Quarter way project (sort of immediate, upcoming):
By April's end, have an operational loom able to weave 7-inch tartan "samples."
You'll need a warping board too. And then learn how to use both.

MUST (and that's where the fun comes in) achieve what our very esteemed colleague Peter E. MacDonald calls "total border," with herringbone and Bids-Eye.
Both of these are examples of the height of the tartan weaver's art. I would strongly suggest that you start with the basics of achieving a good 2/2 staggered twill.

I am inspired by the Maclaine Plaid "Total Border" pattern described in an article by Peter Elsea MacDonald's, https://www.scottishtartans.co.uk/A_...buie_Plaid.pdf
This is undoubtedly the most technically accomplished historical example I've examined and in my opinion is the zenith of tartan weaving.

If you are serious about learning to weave tartan then get hold of a copy of James D. Scarlett's How to Weave Fine Cloth. I think it's out of print but is well worth trying to get hold of.