Versatile Plaid

[Geoff Withnell]

I am thinking of getting myself a neutral colored, fairly heavy wool plaid. Not so much as a fashion accessory, but because I think it would be a useful garment in this climate in the winter. Neutral, because I really can't afford to get matching plaids for my several kilts. Heavy wool, so iti will serve as a protection on the wet nasty days we can get here in the winter. I think it will often be more useful than a jacket or coat, as the weather here is very erratic, and the plaid is more adaptable. Any advice, suggestions, possible sources from the rabble?

Geoff Withnell

[Bugbear]

For some reason a tweed cloak comes to mind. However, I have no idea if that would be used with a kilt.

[MacLowlife]

Geoff, I am inclined to agree with MacBug- it might be better to have a cloak or cape or coat of some description than what otherwise amounts to a big piece of fabric. A log can be a chest of drawers or a chair, but turning it into either requires a fair amount of effort. Similarly, turning a plaid into a usable coat requires imagination and the frequent use of both hands.

But the good news is, you can try it yourself without a whole lot of commitment. I was told recently about a plaid ( and reminded it is pronounced PLADE, not PLAD) made from a large square, say 3 yards on a side?, with belt loops to keep it from tearing your shirt off your shoulder when pinned there.

All you really have to do is to get a length of cloth, heck go into the linen closet and pull out a wooly blanket. Now start configuring it into the shapes you imagine you will use, pinning and folding as you see fit. If you find it saftisfactory, then you can commit to a similar garment in Donegal or herringbone or nail's head tweed. If you don't like the way it functions, consider tailoring it a little. While that removes some of the endless versatility, it also makes for a little greater efficiency at the jobs you really want done- and judicious applications of Velcro might allow you to retain a few options.

As for sources, I would look seriously at blankets and blanket-weight wool. You might, just for fun, consider the acrylic fleece that comes in Black Watch...

Do let us know what you come up with, please.

[ForresterModern]

Here are a couple reasonable alternatives to just a simple plaid, cloaks:

http://www.cascobaywoolworks.com/catalog.php?cat=2

I particulalry like the Senator's cloak at the above site.

http://www.twinrosesdesigns.com/Cloa...or%20Sale.html

Look for the Drover's or the Dickensian/Inverness cloaks on this page. I have a heavyweight Inverness in grey/black tweed that is fantastic, and the price is right, and probably not much more than a simple oversized lairds plaid would likely run you.

Just some options to consider. Good luck with your search Geoff.

Jeff

[Pleater]

I can't help with the source, but I do agree with the rationale for a plaid to ward off weather, as it can be worn in different ways, loosened off if you get too hot without actually having to be taken off and carried, draped to cover most of you in a downpour, even shared or used to provide protection for someone else as they struggle into their less easily deployed garment.

Anne the Pleater :ootd:

[Panache]

Geoff,

My friend Jon (Bygrinstow here on XMTS) sells these tartan wool throws. I have thought they might work as a day plaid

http://www.twrfcreative.com/HW/catalog/throws.html

Cheers

Jamie :ootd:

[Peter C.]

I think if you are thinking of a cape you would be best with a tweed Inverness cape. But with any kind of cape or cloak you lose the versatility of the plaid. I like the idea of a tweed or neutral plaid.

I have some Harris tweed, I might try making one myself.

Go for it and lets see the pics.

Peter

[andyfg]

Geoff,

My friend Jon (Bygrinstow here on XMTS) sells these tartan wool throws. I have thought they might work as a day plaid

http://www.twrfcreative.com/HW/catalog/throws.html

Cheers

Jamie :ootd:

I bought one while in Scotland this summer. It is a "muted" Buchanan. seems it would be very suitable for a day plaid I tried it and it looks very like the pics folk have been sharing.:ootd:

[NewGuise]

As I just noted on another thread, Highland Granite (in which I have a day plaid) looks good with other tartans; a still more neutral option might be a shadow tartan. I note that you already have a Black Shadow kilt, so that might make sense...

[Highlander31]

Geoff,

Are you thinking of something only for yourself, or are you considering a plaid large enough to offer protection for two? (To ward off the odd shower or two, that might occur during the games.)

Here are a couple reasonable alternatives to just a simple plaid, cloaks:

http://www.cascobaywoolworks.com/catalog.php?cat=2

I particulalry like the Senator's cloak at the above site.....

Jeff

Jeff, thanks for posting the link. The Senator's cloak just went on my list.