Irish Tartans at Marton Mills

**Colin** · 3rd October 05, 10:36 AM

Hey guys, I just got a heads up from David McSweeney at Scottishkilts.net

Marton Mills is now producing some fine Irish tartans in their Jura range of wool. Here is the link.

http://www.martonmills.com/

Awhile ago I asked what the Jura range was, and as Hamish pointed out, it simply indicates that the wool is weaved by Marton Mills. Here is what David had to say to my email to him

"The Jura range is supplied by Marton Mills and is as good, if not better,
than the cloth woven by the other mills (it is 15 oz. weight). The only
limitation is obviously there is a limited range of tartans. "

So any of you guys looking to make your own kilts, or kiltmaker looking for more tartans, check them out.

**Freelander Sporrano** · 3rd October 05, 10:52 AM

I had a look at the Co Fermanagh tartan on their site to be honest it looks nothing like the Co Fermanagh I know and love . Maybe Matt can tell me why.

**Colin** · 3rd October 05, 11:05 AM

Originally Posted by Freelander Sporrano

I had a look at the Co Fermanagh tartan on their site to be honest it looks nothing like the Co Fermanagh I know and love . Maybe Matt can tell me why.

I noticed that too with the Co Fermanagh. Wonder what the deal is?

**M. A. C. Newsome** · 3rd October 05, 11:12 AM

None of their Irish county tartans are the same as the ones House of Edgar produces. I don't know, but I suspect the reason has to do with restrictions on the tartans.

You see, when Edgar came out with their sucessful line of Irish County tartans back in 1996, they were the first people who ever designed tartans for all of the Irish counties. It has been hugely successful for them. But they are proprietary tartans, and House of Edgar has the design registration on them -- only they are allowed to produce them.

Keep in mind that these Irish County tartans are, technically speaking, fashion tartans. They have never been officially adopted by the counties themselves. So really, there is nothing to prevent another woolen mill from creating unique designs and naming them for the Irish counties. I suspect that is what is going on here. But I can't say for sure.

Aye,
Matt

**Freelander Sporrano** · 3rd October 05, 11:33 AM

Interesting answer Matt. Most imformative is always .

I suppose you'd have to check which mill a company uses for making it's kilts before you order.

I knew that the county tartans where a new invention I just didn't think that there were other versions.

I'd love to know why they chose a particular colour for the tartan and why ?Are the colours used special to Co Fermanagh ? Is there a meaning ?

**MacSimoin** · 3rd October 05, 01:34 PM

Originally Posted by M. A. C. Newsome

Keep in mind that these Irish County tartans are, technically speaking, fashion tartans. They have never been officially adopted by the counties themselves. So really, there is nothing to prevent another woolen mill from creating unique designs and naming them for the Irish counties. I suspect that is what is going on here. But I can't say for sure.

Allow me to hop on Matt's bandwagon here---it certainly appears (to me, anyway) that Marton Mills is taking advantage of the fact that none of the House of Edgar Irish County tartans has ever been 'officially adopted' by the counties they're named after. Personally, House of Edgar's tartans look better but I say that because I prefer the darker dyes they used in the creation of these tartans. The competition may be a good thing but House of Edgar has a nine-year head start against the Marton Mills creations...

"In this corner, weighing in at 16 stone and hailing from Perth, Scotland, the ultimate kilt making, kilt designing, kilt registering phenom and the undisputed ICT Champion, THEE HOOUUUSSSSE OFFFFF EEDDDGGGAARRRRRRRRRRRR!!!”

“And introducing tonight’s challenger, weighing in at a wimpy 13 stone and hailing from West Yorkshire, England, the Johnny-come-lately of the ITC division, the upstart, the wannabe tower of power, MARRRTTOONNNN MILLSSS!!!”

Edit: If you take a good look at the Marton Mills "Irish Tartan Crest collection" you'll notice that the colors stem from the colors used in each Irish county coat of arms, something House of Edgar chose not do with the creation of their "Irish County" tartans.

**RockyR** · 3rd October 05, 01:49 PM

I think that Matt's right... I believe that MM is trying to steal some of the HOE's thunder... why not? Great for Richard and the MM Crew!

Time to get another swatch book from MM!

**MacSimoin** · 3rd October 05, 01:57 PM

Rocky,

Do you plan on selling these Marton Mills tartans/kilts?

**Riverkilt** · 3rd October 05, 03:14 PM

Thanks for the link Colin,

What a great place to browse. My ancesteral County Louth tartan they created sure looks a LOT like the tartan sold as Irish National by others...?

At least close enough that if I laid out bucks for one, there'd be little point in buying the other.

Scribbling around on the wish list again....

Ron