MacDonald of Glenaladale Tartan

**KenB** · 22nd March 10, 10:02 PM

This is fantastic news. I can't wait to see the pics.

**NorCalPiper** · 23rd March 10, 10:24 AM

I am REALLY waiting for this-ANy update?

**Seanmhair** · 23rd March 10, 12:06 PM

Amazing bit of detective work, how did you find the owner of the fragment?

Looking forward to the rest of the story!

**figheadair** · 23rd March 10, 10:18 PM

Originally Posted by Seanmhair

Amazing bit of detective work, how did you find the owner of the fragment?

Looking forward to the rest of the story!

A bit of pure luck really. I'd been searching in vein from this side of the pond for a number of years and recently got reinvigorated with the idea that it must be out there somewhere and asked the question on a local PEI BB. Someone saw it and mentioned it to a friend who turned out to be a descendent and the owner of the specimen. I plan to publish an article on-line shortly that will give details (less the owner's identity). What I can say at this stage is that the piece contains some interesting conundrums.

**figheadair** · 3rd April 10, 11:42 PM

Originally Posted by NorCalPiper

I am REALLY waiting for this-ANy update?

A most increable coincidence. The original Glenaladale plaid turned up out of the blue via an email to Matt. My contact with the fragment lives close by and will take her piece to see where it was cut from. This is just the most amazing story - to look for something for more than 20 years and then for it suddenly to appear ater more that 250 years. We can now say for certain that the current commercial weaves are completely wrong. Have a look at this.

Once I've got photos of the whole thing laid out I'll write it up in detail. For those interested there is some similar stuff here: http://www.scottishtartans.co.uk/research.htm

**BoldHighlander** · 3rd April 10, 11:50 PM

That's really cool

**figheadair** · 29th April 10, 12:27 AM

Done as much as I can from this distance - would love to get over and see the artefacts in person. My findings are at: http://www.scottishtartans.co.uk/Mac...e%20Tartan.pdf

**figheadair** · 10th August 10, 09:28 AM

Having got some free time after 3 years in NI I'm thinking of putting a piece of Glenaladale on my loom. The plan is to warp 8 yards offset and weave with a selvedge mark and herringbone selvedge, that way it can be joined and used as a plaid or singlely as 1x8yd or 2x4yd kilt lengths. Will post some pics of the project.

**MacBean** · 10th August 10, 11:18 AM

A fascinating read, thank you. I wish I understood it more, but I guess you have to be a weaver. I find the old fragments more appealing than modern weaves. Why is that? Is it the quality of thread used?

**figheadair** · 10th August 10, 02:02 PM

Originally Posted by MacBean

A fascinating read, thank you. I wish I understood it more, but I guess you have to be a weaver. I find the old fragments more appealing than modern weaves. Why is that? Is it the quality of thread used?

It's not just the thread, it's the dyes, texture and so much more....