Swatching the Mail

[xman]

The swatches I have ordered are starting to roll in and it has had three effects on me.

1. Jonesing. I'm like a heroin junky that hasn't had a fix, or a smoker who needs a cancer stick, or a caffeine addict who hasn't had his morning cup, laying the swatches over my lap and imagining what they will feel like when I wear them, or draping them over my wife's shoulder to see how well they compliment her.

2. Since these pigments look remarkably different IRL than the wavelengths from my computer screen I understand fully how important it is for the discerning tartan buyer to get samples for consideration. The HoE muted that my wife was lukewarm about on the computer screen got her cooing when she saw it in front of her. "I'd wear that" she declares without hesitation.

3. Not all setts are the same. Strathmore is producing Clanranald in a different thread count (*4521 I think) than the other mills (standard, **approved? 427).

* The registry informs us that this thread count was designed by Wilsons of Bannockburn so may be more 'historically accurate'

** I understand that the chiefs are responsible for approving the tartans, but where is this information made available if anywhere? I'm beginning to think that sett 4559 might be Captain Clanranald's personal choice and not officially approved for all clan members.

X

[Seanmhair]

I too just received a swatch in the mail "Texas Bluebonnet". I have some that is at least 10 years old, a slightly different thread count and a lighter color than I received yesterday.

These new colors are richer and cleaner and will be a joy to work with! Now to order and begin the Jonesing

[BoldHighlander]

I hear you brother

Tartan, be it swatch samples or in kilt form, has the same effect upon me

You are so correct, and as everyone says, before deciding get a sample (or two, or three, or four, or..... )

** I understand that the chiefs are responsible for approving the tartans, but where is this information made available if anywhere? I'm beginning to think that sett 4559 might be Captain Clanranald's personal choice and not officially approved for all clan members.

Most Chiefs, that I've seen on their Clans websites etc, might post which tartans they approve (when in doubt ask the local clan society rep's, they should have that info).
I know that Mac Mhic Raonuill (the Keppoch Chief) approved the Macdonnell/Macdonald of Keppoch in Ancient colours.
However the sample from HoE is a different version (#1506) from the Lochcarron version (#511). The Lochcarron version is the one worn by the Chief on his website (you can see the various versions of the Macdonnell of Keppoch tartan on this thread: http://www.xmarksthescot.com/forum/f...keppoch-34888/).

Of your question regarding the tartan of the Clanranald Captain, I wouldn't have the answer. Perhaps someone else will, or you could attempt to contact him thru the High Council of Clan Donald or the Standing Council of Highland Chiefs?
Sorry.

[Zardoz]

I too just received a swatch in the mail "Texas Bluebonnet". I have some that is at least 10 years old, a slightly different thread count and a lighter color than I received yesterday.

These new colors are richer and cleaner and will be a joy to work with! Now to order and begin the Jonesing

What mill did you get that from?

[Seanmhair]

Ordering through Scotland Forever, so I imagine it is Lochcarron

[xman]

Just like this.

[Hothir Ethelnor]

I really like the look of the upper left corner one.

[Riverkilt]

Whatever you do don't get any leather swatches from Robert at RKilts - you'll be overcome by the sweet aroma and soon be doomed to order a clan Holstein tartan kilt....

[xman]

I really like the look of the upper left corner one.

The enigmatic House of Edgar muted 13oz. Every photo of this colour set seems to look slightly different. Even IRL it has many personalities depending on the ambient light.

[xman]

Strathmore Woolen's Lochaber (WoB) arrived this week with it's fine colours in all their glory. It's a fine sett too IMO.