For my fellow Marines

**bigdad1** · 20th June 12, 06:02 PM

As an old Corpsman who never wore the dress blues but spent a good deal of time around those who did wear it I must say I like both iterations but am leaning toward the design Steve is putting forth.
Semper Fi Indeed!!

**thescot** · 20th June 12, 07:07 PM

Well, I hate to be the nay-sayer, but I much prefer the original Leatherneck tartan. To me, it just looks right.Maybe because I've seen it--and worn it--for so many years, maybe because its designer is an acquaintance, maybe because it's just brightly colored enough to be appropriate for Marines. (Jarheads are not known for being shy and retiring!) The other designs are a bit too blue . . . or something.

Bob Hall, a Viet Nam vet, designed the leatherneck and put it into the public domain so anyone could weave it. I like that. And I really like the tartan. It doesn't look quite so bright in real life.

**Kett** · 20th June 12, 08:23 PM

Although a VERY infrequent poster but long time lurker, I have to add that the "new dress blue" tartan looks very similar to the US Navy (Edzell?) tartan. When I went to peek on Scotweb, the US Navy tartan appears to have a very light blue section in it, thought it does not appear *that* light blue to me in person - my husband wears it (see my avatar pic - it's his US Navy kilt). Anyway, when I saw Steve's, I immediately thought it looked like the US Navy tartan. Perhaps a bit more differentiation would be better so the two military branches are not confused.

**The Wizard of BC** · 20th June 12, 09:13 PM

Jim,

Please know that I mean no disrespect to the Leatherneck Tartan or it's designer. The Leatherneck is a fine Tartan.

My exercise was only because I needed to order some fabric anyway and thought "what if". Nothing more.

I know that my Tartan will never replace the Leatherneck in the hearts of many Marines. I don't intend it to.

But as has been shown in this thread some like one Tartan, some another. It is not a uniform and I'm not looking to replace the Leatherneck in any way. Just one guy having a length of fabric woven in colors he likes.

**thescot** · 21st June 12, 09:18 AM

I certainly wouldn't want anyone to think that I was in any way offended or thought you disrespectful to the Leatherneck tartan. I was simply responding to your query. I am, obviously, in the minority with my opinion. I don't dislike the newer design, I just prefer the other. The newer design is, after all, a very nice tartan.

And you're right in asserting that this is what makes tartan discussions so interesting in the first place.

I hope I didn't come off sounding whiny or too curmudgeonly. You all know what a sweet guy I am.

**SlackerDrummer** · 21st June 12, 09:23 AM

I don't have a dog in this fight one way or another, but this thread does highlight the need for a chain of command. Heroes they may be, but I don't reckon we'd get very far if decisions were to be decided among the troops.

**FatherWilliam57** · 21st June 12, 09:34 AM

"With all due respect, Colonel, the boys and I took a vote on your last order and instead of taking that hill, we've decided to go to Hooters."

Some decisions may be better than others, but, by and large, I'd have to agree with you, Kenneth!

Of course, the only "orders" that count here, Steve, are the ones you are sure to receive in the shop when you offer this new tartan.

**The Wizard of BC** · 2nd August 12, 10:16 AM

I have an update.

I received an email from the weavers and my fabric was shipped on Tue.

I have a tracking number and it shows my fabric in customs in Vancouver.

With luck I will have the fabric by the start of Kilt Kamp.

**creagdhubh** · 2nd August 12, 11:08 AM

Originally Posted by The Wizard of BC

I have an update.

I received an email from the weavers and my fabric was shipped on Tue.

I have a tracking number and it shows my fabric in customs in Vancouver.

With luck I will have the fabric by the start of Kilt Kamp.

Wonderful news, Steve! I can't wait to see it!

Cheers,

**The Wizard of BC** · 3rd August 12, 11:36 PM

The fabric arrived today. I was like a kid at Christmas opening the roll.

It is far better than I could ever have hoped. I tried to take some photos but was rushed and they came out far too dark to show off this Tartan. I'll take some more when it is daylight and I have the good lights at the shop.

This is truly a beautiful roll of fabric. The feel of it is incredible. The colors are perfect. Sadly I no longer have my Dress Blues but I do have an image of a set that I will used as a comparison when I get the photos.

I'm pretty sure my fellow Marines are gonna like how this turned out.