Considering a Feilidh-beag

[Andrew Green]

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]

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]

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]

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]

"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]

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?

[AllenJ]

Is it just me or do the pleats on this box pleat look way too wide?
http://www.kilts-n-stuff.com/Kilts/phillabegs.html

[Andrew Green]

They do look a bit wide... but it might have to do with the tartan that was chosen for the garment. I am leaning towards getting it unpleated...so that would entail pleating it each time before wearing it. Not as pretty perhaps, but likely to be the more historical method of donning the little kilt. I was thinking of permanent box pleats initially...just cause I like the look of hte pleating...but from further research, the feilidh beag was worn in a similar fashion to the belted plaid...which would = no permanent pleats.

[Woodsheal]

Is it just me or do the pleats on this box pleat look way too wide?
http://www.kilts-n-stuff.com/Kilts/phillabegs.html

Not really. Consider the wide pleats on this period image of belted plaids:



...And this philabeg from the 1770's. Note that the wide boxpleats are the full circumference of the kilt, not just the rear:

[Cinnabar]

I don't have any historical info but I just wanted to say I've ordered several items from CC (not kilts) and always had good customer service from them. I hope that helps your decision.