Got a new Belted plaid!

[Brasilikilt]

Hi all

I'm excited for my new score, and thought I would share the excitement with the rest of you.

Seriously...who else would even come close to understanding the excitement generated by finding a discounted double-width 6 yard length of wool in these lovely muted earth-tone colors?!?!
I hung it out on the line since it is a nice overcast day with some very slight drizzle. Perfect for airing out that fabric store smell, and a convenient photo opportunity.





I think the lady who was ringing me up thought me to be a bit loopy, or at least feeling the effect of some controlled substance :-)

It still needs the proper wood smoke, black powder, dark beer and whiskey treatment to be *properly* broken in.....But that's gonna have to be later :-)

[Korvyn]

Excellent find.

[Chirs]

Fantastic!! You are right, very exciting. But you know the picture responsibility is not done yet. Put it on...take some photos...otherwise: what a nice picnic blanket! Big family?

[Nighthawk]

Nice! Where did you find it?

[Dale Seago]

Looks very nice indeed!!

[Silent Raven]

great colors!! excellent score!

[Nick the DSM]

How dare you post the first pics of it without you in it!

[Orvis]

I agree that a four-yard belted plaid is sufficient. I am not exactly slim and four yards is very adequate for me - and I have a three-yard plaid that works, too - just don't overlap the pleats as much when you don it. When I first got into Highland reenacting, I wore a six yard plaid for a year or two and it was both heavy and occasionally rubbed up a blister or twa on my waist because I had to cinch the waist-belt so tight to keep the heavy plaid from slipping down.

I think that making hose from the surplus two yards is an excellent idea! Be sure to cut the hose out on the bias and with the twill lines vertical. With good pattern layout, you should be able to get three pair of hose (minimum) out of two yards of double-width tartan. Once you get a pattern worked out that fits, it doesn't take long to make a pair of hose. I can make a pair in about two hours from layout to last stitch. And you can use the same pattern to make as many pairs as you please. Just remember to make the foot part a little big - slightly wider and longer than necessary (remember, feet swell up and wool shrinks, and too-small hose - especially in the toe area - are as uncomfortable as it gets) and allow enough room in the ankle to get your foot through. The part that encloses your calves should be tight.

Good luck with it!

[sirdaniel1975]

Right, what "Orvice" said. The diagonal "Argyll" pattern approach is how they are depicted in the art work of the time (1594 - 1746/7). Not to mention, how the modern "Argyll" kilt hose are today as well.