Considering a Feilidh-beag

**Andrew Green** · 18th August 06, 10:57 AM

Davedove:
Historically valid would be a good way to put it. I am aware that many of the setts listed on the Celtic Croft's homespun list might not have been that old, but if the colours used are viable, then that is a decent starting point, no?
I have read much on the background of tartans, and their naming/association...and it is indeed a much more modern concept when compared to the relative age of tartans in general. Needless to say, Matt's site, and the tartan museum have been incredibly helpful (not to mention my constant picking of Matt's brain... what can I say the guy know's his stuff). If I am going for an older style garment, it only seems natural to get a tartan that is viable for that time period (Gordon Red Muted for my first belted plaid...should actually be arriving today... and the Gordon Red looks very similar to the Huntly district tartan... which is believed to be a fairly old sett...and the Gordon Red itself is fairly old, and believed to be older than the documentation)... I could prattle on and on over this...what can I say, I am just as interested in the history(both of the garment, and the country) as I am the garment itself. I figure it's the least I could do to show some respect. Needless to say, I am always learning... but then again, that is also one of the best aspects.

**Planopiper** · 18th August 06, 11:22 AM

You keep saying "viable". I don't think that's the word you mean. You want colors that are legitimate for the period you want to mimic. Historically accurate. Valid in their context. Suitable. Genuine. Authentic. True.

**Andrew Green** · 18th August 06, 11:32 AM

But would a tartan that was created in "authentic colours", yet not containing a sett that has been proven to have existed at that time not be a "viable" scheme?

Viable,definition #3:
Capable of success or continuing effectiveness; practicable: a viable plan; a viable national economy. See Synonyms at possible.

See where my though process is going on this one? If the sett has not been proven to exist in the early 1700s, yet the colour style has been, then would it not be historically possible?

Well, that's my defense for it anyhow. Valid in their context is another way to put it, yes.

**Woodsheal** · 18th August 06, 11:36 AM

Andrew,
Your color choice would very much depend on what "class" of clansman you're portraying for the `45 period. Look at period portraiture of clan chiefs, chieftains, and other upper-crust guys. They invariably are wearing bright red tartans of various setts, as bright as any "modern" red tartan. Why? The dye to achieve that bright red was imported and expensive, thus such a tartan is a status symbol.
If you are portraying a common clansman, then the earthier-toned shades as achieved from local dyestuffs are the appropriate choice.

Check out my website below, and the article on 1745 impressions....

**Andrew Green** · 18th August 06, 11:43 AM

Woodsheal,
Thank you for the link... I am browsing it now. There is one problem... I like both earth tones, and shades of red. I would like to think of myself as well off, but not ranking anywhere near a chief. Respected might be a better way to term it. Sort of middle class for the time, if indeed you can accurately represent a middle-class clansmen for the time. This is sort of where I am at at my current point in life... I make decent money for my situation...but there are those who are way better off than I am, and there are those who arem without a doubt, struggling far more than me. It's a tough call.

**Woodsheal** · 18th August 06, 11:48 AM

The reds derived from the madder root are much "earthier" - more of a brick-red shade. Think of the common British redcoat's uniform compared to the scarlet of an officer's uniform, and you'll know what I mean.
The tartans that are listed as being in "ancient" colors generally have that orange-ish, brick-red shade you're looking for.

This guy also makes "period" little kilts:

http://www.angusharveykiltmaker.com/18thckilts.html

**Planopiper** · 18th August 06, 12:20 PM

"Our more economical kilt is made from non-family tartan wool blends or less expensive wool. The style and construction are much the same except that they are "self-lined"."
Ha ha. I love that phrase. In other word "not lined".

"But would a tartan that was created in "authentic colours", yet not containing a sett that has been proven to have existed at that time not be a "viable" scheme?"
No. It's the wrong word. It's like saying "My dog is very algebraic." A better phrase would be "made up, but not historically impossible."

Viable:
Regarding living things - Capable of living
Regarding a plan or system - Capable of success or continuing effectiveness
There is no application of the word for a thing or pattern.

**Andrew Green** · 18th August 06, 12:29 PM

But capable of living could more or less equate to "capable of existing" depending on who you talk to, and how they intepret it; and dictionary.com straight up lists "possible" as a synonym...which would equate to the words being roughly interchangable in common speech. But we really shouldn't banter over whether or not the use of the word is correct or not... we aren't here to debate the vernacular... we're here to chat about kilts, no?