Is this an asymmetric tartan?

[TheOfficialBren]

Ah! I think I'm gettng my bearings here, gents. So...if it looks the same turned on its side 90 degrees it is symmetric. If its geometry does not still match then it is asymmetric?

BTW, the "forbidden" MacMillan is a stellar tartan, as is your Buchanan.

[MacMillans son]

Yep! If you look at the photo of the Buchanan you can see that in its current orientation there are two vertical yellows on the left side of the sett and two on the bottom, but if you rotated it 90 degrees counter clockwise you would see two on the bottom and two on the right, turn it again and you would have two on the top and two on the right etc. A perfect example of an asymmetrical tartan.
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The periodic challenge with asymmetrical tartans when bought alone (like from a private seller on ebay) is that you cannot tear a double width in half and join the two halves without the twill going in opposite directions (it will be easier for you to draw it out on paper than for me to try and describe it to you ) . Asymmetrical tartans purchased from a mill, if not woven as single width, are typically two full length halves of an eight yard long piece, so they don't need to be joined as two halves of a four yard double width typically is.

Even with an experienced mill, I would be sure to inform them at the time of ordering that you will be using the tartan for a 8 yard kilt so as not to get a double width piece that can only be used as two separate four yard pieces due to the aforementioned joining issue.

Ok, carry on!!

[MacGumerait]

Bren , your Shaw tartan is symmetrical , which is good for your pocketbook .

If you're going for an 8 yd kilt , you will want to order the fabric in 4 yd double width . The kilt maker will split the fabric ( long ways ) and join it which will be hidden under a pleat .

If one has an asymmetrical tartan , then you do have to specify a single width for " kilt making " as splitting and joining isn't an option . A single width tartan is generally more expensive as it is considered somewhat of a special order / special run as most mills are generally set up for double width runs . There are exceptions to this , but this is generally the rule .

You should be in very good shape ordering your Shaw tartan kilt . I see three positives - no added expense , several pleating options and to top it off ... a beautiful tartan !

I know the Shaw tartan has been a " jones " for quite some time .... glad to see that you're getting a little closer . Bravo !

Cheers , Mike

[figheadair]

[QUOTE=TheOfficialBren;1239627]Shaw (Modern, 16oz) by Lochcarron

The history of this sett is interesting. It owes its existance to a transcription error by McIan's Clans of the Scottish Highlands. His plate shows the Black Watch mutineer, Farquhar Shaw and was presumably meant to depict the 42nd sett with the red stripe. This tartan was replaced in the late 1960's by the official Shaw of Tordarroch (Redand Green) tartans.

Oh, and all three setts are symmetrical.

[TheOfficialBren]

Thanks, gents, for all of your information.

Peter, can you please explain what you mean by "replaced"? I assume this has to do with the Chiefship being revived after a VERY long vacancy and being placed in the person of Tordarroch, the sole surviving claimant to the chiefship, if I am not mistaken? Shaw has a confusing history as a clan.

I got Barb's magnificent book some months back and have been intending to put it to use.

Edited to add:

How are these straps?
http://www.jwoodleathers.co.uk/prods/kiltstrap21.html

If I'm going to bother making my next kilt I may as well go all out (also, Rocky's awesome straps have spoilt me).

[figheadair]

Peter, can you please explain what you mean by "replaced"? I assume this has to do with the Chiefship being revived after a VERY long vacancy and being placed in the person of Tordarroch, the sole surviving claimant to the chiefship, if I am not mistaken? Shaw has a confusing history as a clan.

Exactly that.

[ctbuchanan]

[QUOTE=TheOfficialBren;1239667]Ah! I think I'm gettng my bearings here, gents. So...if it looks the same turned on its side 90 degrees it is symmetric. If its geometry does not still match then it is asymmetric?

BTW, the "forbidden" MacMillan is a stellar tartan, as is your Buchanan.

[/QUO
And because the MacMillan and Buchanan tartans are somewhat similar in color and appearance (the Buchanan is brighter) - and because many arms granted within each clan feature a black rampant lion - many people think that there is a connection between the two clans. But, outside of the odd occasional marriage, they each have distinctly different histories.

[MacGumerait]

How are these straps?
http://www.jwoodleathers.co.uk/prods/kiltstrap21.html

If I'm going to bother making my next kilt I may as well go all out (also, Rocky's awesome straps have spoilt me).

Bren , those are sweet !

Also , I know what you mean about Rocky's straps , I've always thought they were a " nice touch " on his kilts .

Cheers , Mike