Maybe I'm not as bright as I thought...

**LitTrog** · 9th May 12, 08:48 AM

So, I was planning ahead for next April when I could take advantage of one of our advertisers' Tartan Day Sale--found a tartan for my future kilt: Locharran's Roxburgh Ancient. Bought a swatch and loved it.

Problem is, I've seen a lot of weathered tartans and tartans with more "autumnal" colors (I can't believe I just used that word. Punch me.) that I dig. Now I'm not so sure that I want to go bright.

If any of the rabble have favorite tartans of this type (browns, oranges, weathered colors) that they'd like to share (photos preferred), I'd love to see them. It'll only add to my confusion, but what the heck.

Ones like these:

The Maple Leaf

Londonderry

If I end up wearing the tartan you submit, I'll embroider your name on the inside of the inner apron. You know, just to sweeten the deal.

**Spartan Tartan** · 9th May 12, 09:06 AM

I just picked up a Maple Leaf (Batleys) 5-yd from Rocky. I LOVE the colors. It is, as you say, very autumnal (there, I used it too, we can punch each other). It is not terribly bright colored, more subdued. I like it a lot. To my eyes, the one in your OP is brighter than mine appears in person. Could be just the monitor or it could be the difference in the mill used to make the tartan.

**Santa Wally** · 9th May 12, 04:24 PM

Originally Posted by Spartan Tartan

I just picked up a Maple Leaf (Batleys) 5-yd from Rocky. I LOVE the colors. It is, as you say, very autumnal (there, I used it too, we can punch each other). It is not terribly bright colored, more subdued. I like it a lot. To my eyes, the one in your OP is brighter than mine appears in person. Could be just the monitor or it could be the difference in the mill used to make the tartan.

Here is my Batley's Maple Leaf 5 yard kilt from Rocky. Indeed, great "Autumnal" colors

**cable scot** · 9th May 12, 05:04 PM

LT,
I've got a Gunn reproduction on the way from Miss Bonnie Heather Greene,I need to get swatch for Rocky for some hose,I'll get you one too when it comes in.

Sorry I don't seem smart enough to post DC's pic here.

Humbly:buttkick:
Andy

**MacMillans son** · 9th May 12, 09:13 AM

I think the HOE County Cavan is one my favorite Autumnal tartans (Hey, that is fun to say!

)

These hotel photos don't do it justice LT, but I can send you a piece of the cut off if you're interested. The kilt is a creation of our own Bonnie Heather Greene.

**LitTrog** · 9th May 12, 06:35 PM

Thank all of you for muddying my mental waters even more! This really did help narrow things down a bit, since a tartan search based on colors yielded a boatload of fashion and custom weave stuff that isn't readily available. I like the tartans you all were kind enough to show me (Tobus--me likey. Alan--your Capercaillie is great. Especially with the white hose. At least I know mine would go well with it!

) but as of 7:30 on Wednesday night, my lustful little loins are itching for the County Cavan.

Originally Posted by MacMillan's son

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Maybe it's the seediness of the hotel that actually makes it more appealing...

Thank you for your assistance, Gentlemans! I still love the Maple Leaf, but that Cavan is sweet. Anyone else?

**Mickey** · 9th May 12, 07:01 PM

Originally Posted by LitTrog

Thank all of you for muddying my mental waters even more! This really did help narrow things down a bit, since a tartan search based on colors yielded a boatload of fashion and custom weave stuff that isn't readily available. I like the tartans you all were kind enough to show me (Tobus--me likey. Alan--your Capercaillie is great. Especially with the white hose. At least I know mine would go well with it!

) but as of 7:30 on Wednesday night, my lustful little loins are itching for the County Cavan.

Maybe it's the seediness of the hotel that actually makes it more appealing...

Thank you for your assistance, Gentlemans! I still love the Maple Leaf, but that Cavan is sweet. Anyone else?

*** on all of the above. I'd love to have any one of these, though MS's kilt has me drooling. I wish I could justify getting one. I honestly am close to throwing family tartan to the wind, getting one, and just fist fighting anybody who took offense... it is that beautiful.

**seanachie** · 10th May 12, 08:10 PM

LitTrog: I have a Capercaillie as well and really like it. Strictly a matter of personal taste and no negativity intended but lovat blue and tan look great with the tartan as well.

Another tartan on my wish list is MacRae hunting weathered tartan. http://www.lochcarron.com/tartan/mac...g_ancient.html

**RAF** · 9th May 12, 07:15 PM

[QUOTE=MacMillan's son;1091744]I think the HOE County Cavan is one my favorite Autumnal tartans (Hey, that is fun to say!

)

All very nice. But this one gets my vote too. Really beautiful!

**fluter** · 11th May 12, 09:01 AM

It's very, very difficult to go wrong with Maple Leaf. In my experience, it always looks better in person that in a photo.

Weathered tartans are a possibility. Marton Mills's weathered MacLennon/Logan is a personal favorite

As usonian reminds me, House of Edgar and Batley have a series of "muted" tartans that are lovely. My Wallace muted comes out maroon, black, and gold (versus the usual red, black, yellow). It goes well with brown and olive colors.

Check out HOE's Roxburgh Red or Nithsdale in the muted colors. While you look at HoE's Irish range, check out County Down and County Tyrone. I believe all these can be found in the tartan viewer at Matt's District Tartans site.

Our figheadair masterminded getting the Culloden artifact tarten woven in reproduction colors, and it is scrumptious. My piece is still awaiting the needle... for color comparison, this one is sitting by a Wallace hunting ancient.

Culloden by arcturus1997, on Flickr

Here are some kilts made by Matt Newsome from that fabric.
Here's the muted red Wallace, in a winter scene---actual snow in South Carolina: those are not cotton bolls in the background.

AirBoot by arcturus1997, on Flickr