Xmarks variants?

[jmercier]

Several like to refer to The Isle of Skye tartan as X-Marks Hunting

Rob

That works for me !

[Joe Gondek]

Yes, definitely yes. I've really been looking for an appropriate tartan in 'hunting' colors (and by that I mean something in earth tones). My state tartan already looks a lot like the X Marks modern in terms of the color scheme and I can't think of any other district/organization tartans that have any significance to me that are in the color range I'm looking for. Maybe a hunting tartan (or simply a weathered version of the original) would fit the bill. If we could get enough people on board for a mill run of 16-ounce wool, I'd definitely go in on it.

count me in for enough for a 4 yard

[piperdbh]

I am truly sorry if Piper and I gave anyone the impression that alternative versions of the xmarks tartans should be restricted in any way, as we were merely having free form thought about whom the specific variants might be "appropriate" for in a "poke in the ribs" kind of way. Yes, tongue was firmly planted in the cheek for all those posts.

Yeah. What Jeff said.

I probably won't be buying a kilt in the XMarks tartan or its variations, but if they get woven, I hope to see the pictures!

[jordanjm]

A possible fun forum feature could be a modern, ancient, hunting, dress, etc. skins for the forum featuring different XMarks Tartan possibilities. How about that. Then everyone can be happy.

[Fit2BKilted]

Would the tartan in "Muted" colors only be for lurkers, or maybe those who have been sanctioned by the Forum?

Would "Ancient" be reserved for only those over, say, age 65? Or maybe available only to forum members who have been members for more than 5 years?

"Weathered" just for those with the worn out look that they have been "rode hard and put away wet"?

Just a thought.

jeff

Too funny! Although, still relevant. I'd recommend the Weathered for those with over 1000 posts and/or Moderators and ex-Moderators ith:

[csbdr]

well, I REALLY like that hunting version. I know I'm in the minority, but I've never been turned on by the XMTS tartan. Too monotone for me, although I have to say I've never had the pleasure of seeing it in person. I'm sure the screen doesn't do it justice....

[Old Hippie]

I like the hunting pattern -- but I can see that I'd be tempted to wear an Elmer Fudd hat and constantly say "Be vewy, vewwwwy quiet. We're hunting wabbits!"

It'd make a nice kilt, but I feel kinda obligated to get the "XMarks Modern" first.

Thanks for the laughs!

:ootd:

[Dixiecat]

I wonder what a Dress XMTS tartan would look like

I'm seeing it as just a reversal of the background 'blue screen of death' blue to white, and the white stripes to the 'blue screen of death' blue. Very striking indeed!

Now, who's clever enough to do that for me with the tartan weaver thingy?

[M. A. C. Newsome]

Ok, as this thread keeps generating interest, I think I'll chime in here with a few thoughts.

First, I am the designer of the original X Marks the Scot tartan. However, I don't pretend to retain any exclusive rights to the tartan. I did the design work pro bono, for the forum, and gave the tartan to Hank for him to use. When the forum was sold to Steve, the tartan went along with everything else.

Therefore, any official discussion of X Marks the Scot tartan variants really needs to be cleared with Steve Ashton, the forum owner.

As I am the original designer of the tartan, and a supporter of this forum, I'm more than happy to design variants of the tartan. However, Steve has not asked me to do so. Furthermore, Steve has created tartans himself (see the recent thread about his City of Victoria tartan) so he may very well like to design any X Marks tartan variants himself.

So I don't want to presume anything without speaking with Steve.

But I will offer these few opinions. First, if there is a demand for variations of the X Marks tartan, then I'm all for it. Why not? Whether that means simply a run of the original blue X Marks the Scot tartan in some alternate color scheme (an "ancient" or "weathered" version), or a completely new tartan (such as a Dress or Hunting version) is for someone else to decide.

Producing the same tartan in a different color scheme is as simple as altering the hues of the colors in the tartan. If we want a Hunting or Dress tartan, then we are talking about a new tartan design. If we do go that route, I would propose the following tartans.

First, here is a good image of the original X Marks the Scot tartan, for reference:


Now, here is what I would propose as an X Marks the Scot Dress tartan.


Lastly, here is my Hunting variation. A few notes about this first. A lot of people have made positive comments about the so-called "Hunting" tartan proposed by the original poster, which is essentially the standard X Marks tartan with black as the main color. A tartan created by substituting the main color of a tartan with black is not what one would normally consider a Hunting tartan. In fact, I can think of no examples. Generally, when a tartan is rendered with black as the main color, it is simply referred to as the "Black" so-and-so. A prime example would be Black Stewart.

If people like this black version of the X Marks tartan and want to see it in production, I have no problem with it, but I wouldn't call it "Hunting." I'd just call it the Black X Marks the Scot tartan.

A hunting tartan generally implies a tartan with a dominant green/blue color scheme, or sometimes mostly blue (MacLaine of Lochbuie Hunting, Earl of Inverness Hunting, etc.), or sometimes brown (Fraser Hunting). Generally the term "hunting" will describe a tartan in such a colors when the main tartan in question is a brighter color, such as red.

So, in fact, since the X Marks the Scot tartan is primarily blue to begin with, one wouldn't expect to see a "Hunting" version of it. However, if a hunting version is desired, I would think a version rendered in either greens or browns would be recommended. So this is the X Marks the Scot Hunting that I have come up with and would propose.


Lastly, just to reiterate, these are simply my proposed recommendations and nothing more. If Steve wants to adopt either of these as accepted forum tartans, that's great. But he may wish to create his own, or he may wish to not bother with variations of our tartan. Regardless, if the rabble here are serious about seeing a different variation of the tartan adopted and put into production, he really needs to be brought into the discussion.

[Hothir Ethelnor]

Actually the hunting variation I showed has a dark green background which may appear black on your monitor.

I really like your version as well (I've always been partial to earthy tones...)