Stupid Question for the day...

[UmAnOnion]

Okay,
I have been on the board for a while now & know which end of a sewing needle is which but one question has been bugging me for ages & I have finally worked up the nerve to ask:

What defines a tartan as a tartan???

I thought it was the squared-off, matching pattern running horizontally and vertically (i cant remember which is the warp & which the weft so if you are feeling benevolent & want to answer that question as well it would be appreciated) BUT having looked at some of the kilts out there (in part those in this thread ) that do not follow such a pattern...

If you coudl please take pity on me and put my simple mind to rest it would be greatly appreciated

[Rigged]

My understaning is that a tartan pattern has to be the same when rotated 90 degrees.

::waiting to be soundly spanked::

[davedove]

My understaning is that a tartan pattern has to be the same when rotated 90 degrees.

::waiting to be soundly spanked::

That would be true of the symetrical tartans, but what about the asymetric ones?:confused:

[Southern Breeze]

The only dumb questions are the ones that are'nt asked.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tartan

[UmAnOnion]

The only dumb questions are the ones that are'nt asked.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tartan

so, using the description given in the wikipedia link

A tartan is a specific woven pattern that often signifies a particular Scottish clan in the modern era. The pattern is made with alternating bands of coloured (pre-dyed) threads woven as both warp and weft at right angles to each other. The resulting blocks of colour repeat vertically and horizontally in a distinctive pattern of squares and lines known as a sett.

the fabric in the beautiful kilt shown in this thread does NOT qualify as a tartan.... (Which does is not meant in any way shape or form meant to denigrate the kilt or the wearer or the kiltmakar or the fabric weaver or the sheep who gave the wool to make said kilt or the parents of any of the above mentioned individuals, or their parents ad infinitum)

hence my confusion...

[Southern Breeze]

If it's not a tartan then it's a plaid and therefore a skirt instead of a kilt.

JUST KIDDING!!! I'm still learning about this myself.

[MacSimoin]

...hence my confusion...

UmAnOnion,

Please don't 'lift' my photos: I don't need the extra bandwidth on my image folders, so please remove it from your post.

FYI, you could have asked me directly about this particular photo: There was an obvious dye error when this bit of material was run. Whoever makes this material (it's the "All Ireland Green" tartan) for Sport Kilt looks to have messed-up the dark green in the weft (it IS there but it's way too light and almost blends into the background color) of the design and unfortunately I'm now the one who's wearing the mistake.

The "All Ireland" tartans (Green, Blue and Red) ARE symmetrical regardless of what you read here; no offense intended but I would have expected Barb to know that:

True - the plaid fabric you show is not tartan.

Barb

Just thought I'd pass the information along. Next time, please ask me if you have any questions on anything I post. Thank you.