Non-Scottish tartan question

[philbo]

As some of you know, I'm about as Scottish as your average vodka, which makes me feel slightly less priveleged to wear a kilt. Not being Scottish, I of course don't have a family tartan. (I only have a family sweater, and that's not very exciting). I was wondering though, would it be acceptible to establish a family tartan of my own? Or would it be offensive and unacceptible by Scottish standards (or any standards for that matter)? You see, I'd like to be able to say to my kids, "This is our family tartan," but so far all I can say is "I really like this tartan and it would be great if we could all wear it as a family and call it our own." How did all the other Scottish tartans become associated with different famlies/clans? Would it be wrong of me to use such a custom for myself and my family? I'd rather not step on any Scottish toes here before I go off and officially establish the Selbo tartan.

[Donnie]

Philbo; There is a registry in Scotland, I think it's Tartan Registry, that will research any tartan you create and if it is not similar to any other tartan registered they will register it as an official tartan. That is how most city, state providence, and group tartans are done. Or, you can simply create and use one on your own. there is a web site out there some where that will help you create a tartan also. Sorry I can't remember the address or name though. To steal a phrase, "Just do it"

[Alaskan]

As for how tartans came to be associated with different families/clans, there is debate about how this came about and it is actually fairly complicated, but to make a long story short...
First people made their own tartans in their homes. The patterns were whatever that person wanted to make. Later as people started having more specific jobs and traded or bought from others, then there would usually be one fabric maker in an area. This fabric maker would make whatever tartan they liked.
People in the area were pretty much stuck with that pattern. In this way the pattern became a regional tartan. Since clans would be associated with regions, these regional tartans became clan tartans.

As far as making your own tartan and getting it registered goes everyone from American Express to the Katsushika Scottish Country Dancers of Tokyo have their own tartan these days. If Canadian provinces, American armed forces and Madonna can have their own tartans made and registered, you should be able to also.

[bubba]

Clan tartans didn't really come about until the Victorian period approximately. Anyone can create a new one and register it.

[Blu (Ontario)]

Philbo;....Or, you can simply create and use one on your own. there is a web site out there some where that will help you create a tartan also. Sorry I can't remember the address or name though....

http://www.house-of-tartan.scotland....aver/index.htm

The above link has a tartan weaver thats rather cool.

[Rhino]

A family tartan has to start somewhere, start yours now and your kids can tell their kids that Grandad designed their tartan.
And if Japanese businessmen can have corporate tartans I'm sure you can have a family one.
Cheers Rhino

[caig]

You may contact Lochcarron of Galashiels in the Scotland/England borders and they will help you to create your own tartan free of charge. However, they will insist that you buy at least 11 yards of it, at about £55.00 per mete (double width).

I do not have their web site or telepone but let me know if I can help.

[ggibby]

Hallo Philbo-
Highland history is more than confusing, and tartan and clan structures make it more so. One point you might want to consider: clan membership was not only by blood, but also fealty, much like serfs to the lord in the castle. In the Highlands, there were few castles, and the Big Men were called 'lairds,' but the system was very similar.

To the point, if you can find a clan chief you are willing to pledge to, you would wear his tartan to advertise the relationship. Or, if there is any Scottish blood in your family tree, a few drops will grant you membership.

Genealogy on the web is surprisingly easy and almost as addictive as kilts. Luckily, you can do both. Your kids can get into it anyway- the stories they learn today should be heard in tomorrow's tomorrow.

I've looked into designing an official tartan. 'Expensive' just doesn't even begin to describe it. The GB£55 quoted from Locharron converts to US$100 x 11 meters. And that's just for production.
Registration is another US$300, at least through http://www.tartandesigner.co.uk/registration.htm and only GB£27 ($54) a meter after that. They offer design services for GB£350.

Thumbnail estimate for the cost of a finished dress kilt in your custom tartan: $1700.

Finding and joining a clan or organization with an established tartan might be a wee bit easier... or maybe a digital ready-weave loom for low cost short run tartan ;-)

-G

[KiltedHuntsman]

Only $1700? Seems cheap if you can get the rest of the family (Uncles, cousins..) to go in for a $100 a pop....

[ggibby]

But that's for just one kilt.
Design + Registration + 8 yards custom fabric + kilt production.
No shipping, taxes, or accessories.

I paid about half that for my entire bespoke Highland dress, being lucky enough born Graham.

-G