Synthetic Tartan Fabric - WHERE?

**TwoBigFins** · 23rd November 07, 02:48 PM

Does anyone know a source for synthetic (non-wool) tartan fabric? Seems a newly-developed allergy to wool is preventing me from wearing my traditional Mcneil of Barra tartan. I've heard of some places that carry synthetic tartan goods by the yard, but I'm not familiar with any one in particular.
Any information would be greatly appreciated.

**ccga3359** · 23rd November 07, 02:53 PM

No doubt you are looking for poly-viscous. Many qualities of wool but machine washable, or acrylic which is not as wonderful as PV. Ebay can be a good scource for PV or from one of the mills such as Marton Mills. Frugal Corner, I believe, sells acrylic by the yard. Stay tuned more knowledgable people will chime in.

**The Wizard of BC** · 23rd November 07, 03:41 PM

I agree that Marton Mills is the place to go for non-wool Tartans. However, they do not currently have McNeil of Barra.

**starbkjrus** · 23rd November 07, 05:20 PM

I agree, Marton Mills PV (poly-viscous) fabric is excellent. I have two kilts made from it. If you're looking for fabric I'd say contact the mill directly. If you're looking for a kilt maker that works with it I'd contact Canadian Casual Kilts or USA kilts. I have one kilt from each and trust me they are excellent.

Oh, and

to XMarks the Scott from Northern Virginia, USA!

**TwoBigFins** · 23rd November 07, 06:23 PM

Thanks so much for the great info and warm welcome! I'm checking the links out this very moment. Looks promising!

**James MacMillan** · 23rd November 07, 07:01 PM

I really don't think you have to go that far - or that complicated. First off check out your local Joannes, or what-ever your local fabric store is. Most carry a fairly nice tartan selection which are used, if nothing else, as girls school uniforms. Also, remember that most fabrioc stores will special order fabric for you.

**Cayusedriver** · 24th November 07, 08:02 AM

Here's a web site for PV
http://www.time2changefabrics.co.uk/...osefabric.html, they have only 7 different tartans. Click on "color" box below the swatch for examples of the other tartan patterns. Hope this helps.

Cayuse

**TwoBigFins** · 24th November 07, 06:44 PM

Hmm...had no luck with the websites. The ones that carried McNeil of Barra didn't carry it in synthetic...and those that carried synthetic tartan didn't offer it in Mcneil.
I strolled through my local Joann's today. I'm in that place all the time since I love to sew, but I didn't find anything there. They had a few tartan-like fabrics, but when I asked if she could order me some "McNeil of Barra", the girl looked at me as though I came from Mars. So no luck there. But I'm going to keep on searching.

**TheKiltedWonder** · 24th November 07, 07:12 PM

Have you tried ebay? There are some consistent fabric seller's on there so you can review em before you bid. They might have your tartan. Otherwise, you can look at casual kilt makers' sites, like the sponsors here. I'm sure most if not all sell tartan by the yard. I looked and unfortunately USAkilts doesn't have McNeil of anything, as near as I could tell, but perhaps you'll have more luck with another kilt maker...