Always wondered - time to ask

[figheadair]

In the nineteenth century it was more common for mills to offer the same tartan in multiple sett sizes. For example, if you look at this pattern book, you will note that they offer a 42nd tartan, and a "Small 42nd" tartan. Likewise they offer a Davidson and a "Small Davidson." The same is true with Glengarry and MacKenzie. They even offer three different sizes of the Rob Roy!

Of course as discussed elsewhere Matt what you have there is a Scott-Adie bound book of Wilsons' samples and it was the latter who, as 'the' C19th tartans weavers gave us so much of the nomenclature with which we are familiar today. Their 1819 Key Pattern Book includes the following specifications or sizes: Plaid sett, Kilt sett, Coarse kilt, Fine kilt, Small and Smallest although not all setts were woven in all these sizes and a majority of the terms refered to their military tartans albeit Small and Smallest 42nd etc seem to have been for the civilian market.

[M. A. C. Newsome]

Of course as discussed elsewhere Matt what you have there is a Scott-Adie bound book of Wilsons' samples and it was the latter who, as 'the' C19th tartans weavers gave us so much of the nomenclature with which we are familiar today. Their 1819 Key Pattern Book includes the following specifications or sizes: Plaid sett, Kilt sett, Coarse kilt, Fine kilt, Small and Smallest although not all setts were woven in all these sizes and a majority of the terms refered to their military tartans albeit Small and Smallest 42nd etc seem to have been for the civilian market.

Yes, and I see that in the same Scott Adie book they have a "Smallest Prince Charles Edward."

It seems that whereas today we have our choice of color schemes (modern, ancient, weathered), our ancestors 150 years ago had their choice of sett size!

[NeightRG]

Strange - it was working last night. I just uploaded a version to Xmarks, so it should work now.

Thanks for for insight - guess I'll just have to keep my eyes peeled for larger setts when I'm looking for fabric.

[bdkilted]

Am I the only one who finds it odd that you described the tartan as loud? Look at the pants hanging above it! LOL

[NeightRG]

Am I the only one who finds it odd that you described the tartan as loud? Look at the pants hanging above it! LOL

Well played, sir. Well played.

[Kilted Cole]

I have to agree with Nate. Usually the Royal Stuart is a "loud" tartan, granted I own a National Defence tartan Kilt, but the kilt in the picture is really nice! Is this from Prince Charlies wardrobe?

[NorCalPiper]

I might point out a few things. First, the Royal Stewart in the closet is Ancient Royal Stewart. I recently saw one from HoE and the greens are a match as in the picture. It was actually very nice. Second, I believe that Marton Mills offers 2 sett sizes for Black Watch and Royal Stewart. I also know that the MoD 18oz Royal Stewart sett is massive.