Tartan ????

[RockyR]

Not every tartan HAS a name. Some are just designs that different mills have come up with and sell in "whatever" material. When this is the case, they kind of fall under the broad heading of "fashion tartan".

[macwilkin]

Several of those "tartans" look more like "homespun" material, which was quite common in 19th century America. In fact, I think I used to have a Civil War era shirt in my reenacting days made out of the first one!

I remember reading a reference to unamed "tartan" patterns being referred to as "Bumby" tartans in certain circles.

Regards,

Todd

[MacWage]

I remember reading a reference to unamed "tartan" patterns being referred to as "Bumby" tartans in certain circles.

That is sometimes spelled as "Bumbee" and is referenced in Charles Thompson's "So Your Going to Wear the Kilt"
The line between "Fashion Tartans" and "Bumbee" tartans is a thin one (which might not even exist). One of the best ways to start an arguement among Scot/Kilt fans is to ask if "Bumbees" are acceptable as tartans. Some say "yes," others "ABSOLUTELY NOT!!!" and still others try to run that line between "good looking" bumbees being fashion tartans, with "crappy" ones being unacceptable.
YET, several "accepted" clan/organizational tartans are "Bumbee" tartans that were picked up in mass and "adopted" by the relevant persons to make them into actual, named, officially adopted tartans.
I have material that is not an actual known tartan (at least by me), but I have named them ("Jedi," "Auld South," and "Batman"). Thus, when I wear them in a kilt, I can say it is "---- Tartan." These are working their way into casual/home worn and out of "public usage."
Batman tartan:

Jedi Tartan:
(Me on left in Caberdancer X Marks shirt)