Harris Tweed

**figheadair** · 21st May 10, 04:44 AM

The Act of Parliament that protects Harris Tweed specifies handwoven rather than hand or foot powered as stated in the video. And of course the label still say 'handwoven', which it is clearly not! In fact it hasn't been for many years.

Originally Posted by Kaw-Liga

THANKS! I was able to view the video.

Hand powered (or foot powered ) is not what I expected from the frequent mention of hand made (also hand wovern) when refering to Harris Tweed.

Kaw-Liga

**Nick Fiddes** · 21st May 10, 04:57 AM

Originally Posted by figheadair

The Act of Parliament that protects Harris Tweed specifies handwoven rather than hand or foot powered as stated in the video. And of course the label still say 'handwoven', which it is clearly not! In fact it hasn't been for many years.

I think this question was already covered in an earlier thread (that I can't now easily find... anyone?). Whilst I respect your right to define hand-woven more narrowly if that's your view, I think it's fair to observe that the fact that only human power is used seems to have become widely accepted as meeting the required definition. (If this were not the de facto case, then the product would be illegal, and some antagonist would have raised a legal case by now.) Personally I'd prefer not to get in the middle of any such argument, and instead simply appreciate the skill and hard work that goes into making such a wonderful product.

**Brian K** · 21st May 10, 06:14 AM

Originally Posted by Nick (Scotweb)

The honest answer is that it was a two day working trip-cum-holiday and since the family was coming too it felt right to dress informally (and warmly!). I hadn't actually intended to make the video before arriving and seeing the amazing process for myself. I then knew I had to, and arranged to come back the next day. We had to cobble it together with the battery life left on my partner's pocket video camera, plus the odd bit from her iPhone video when the juice ran out. Under the circumstances I feel it didn't come out too badly. Thanks for all your kind words.

I'm even more impressed now, Nick. This is a remarkable presentation for something done "on the fly." I can only imagine how good it would be if you'd been prepared to do it and had professional equipment. On second thought, I don't see how you could have improved it.

Regards,

Brian

**Nick Fiddes** · 21st May 10, 06:36 AM

Aww. Thanks. :-) The funny thing is that in some ways the constraints made it easier. We knew we had to be ultra economical with the footage to have enough time to cover the entire process. So when it came to editing, it was far less difficult than some things I've done, just because there was such a limited choice of shots.

It kind of made it more exciting too, knowing that we had such a tight chance, so you just get into a more pragmatic mind-set I guess. I forgot that I actually used up the video memory on my still camera too. It was really touch and go, but the (iPhone) battery life finally died in the middle of the last shot we wanted so someone must have been smiling on us.

**piperdbh** · 21st May 10, 01:12 PM

How do the weavers determine which patterns and colors they'll weave? Does each weaver have a certain fabric that he/she makes, and when there's a demand for it they're notified to produce a few yards, or do they just weave whatever they want and then someone else has to sell it?

**Nick Fiddes** · 21st May 10, 01:38 PM

As I understand it, the weavers mostly work on behalf of the mill, who do the marketing and then commission work from the weavers. For the mill it's a combination of holding some stocks, and weaving other lengths to order. It's very much a symbiotic relationship, with the mill and weaver each being reliant on the other, and benefiting from the other's skills and strengths, so it's in everyone's interests to work well together.

**seanachie** · 21st May 10, 05:28 PM

Nick:
This was a great video, thank you for sharing this. I love history and tradition and this really appealed to me. That label has a whole new meaning for me.

I do not want to hijack the thread, but I would love to hear about visiting the Hebrides.

**Freelancer** · 22nd May 10, 09:28 AM

Enjoyed the presentation on the making of Harris Tweed. Quite interesting.

My question involves the differences between a tartan woven in Harris Tweed vs. a tartan woven in the standard wool. Given that they are both the same tartan design, what difference would one notice? Would there be a visual/tactile difference? Would it be a subtle difference?

**artificer** · 22nd May 10, 12:41 PM

Dr. Nick,
I finally had a chance to view the video...

wonderful work. I don't think the 'on the fly' nature of it's production had any detrimental effects at all on the final product (very nice editing, BTW). I'd give it a 3.5 stars and place it up higher than many a BBC production I've seen.

After viewing, I certainly have a new-found respect for Harris Tweed.