Caledonia Tartan

[pdcorlis]

This is "Ancient Caledonia" done up in a 6 yarder...





By the way, its worth ordering some samples from a couple of mills.
since there are always variations in color mill to mill.

Personally I like the "ancient's" more muted colors over the the
standard color palette. That tomato red really knocks my socks off!

YMMV.

[Woot22]

Looks awesome Phil, great pics. I actually agree with ya, I like the more muted colors as well. May I ask where you had yours made?

[pdcorlis]

The kilt came from Tartanweb.com/Scottishkilts.net. The material is Lochcarron's 16 oz wool. I'm very satisfied with the overall quality and the communication was satisfactory as well. I emailed and actually spoke with Iain on the phone during the order process. The kilt arrived on schedule and sports a few nice touches for a machine sewn kilt. The deep pleat and under apron edge are sewn slightly up to keep them from sagging and being seen. The pleats is actually sewn from the inside so there are NO visible stitches - Rocky at USAKilts is the only other kilt maker I know of that uses this technique.

You may want to do a search on this maker as I believe they have had a few customer service issues as of late but I have NO complaints.

I hope that helps!

[Standard]

Here is the my first kilt which I had made through The Celtic Croft. 16 oz, 8 yards, pleated to the sett. A very well made kilt, and one which I am still pleased to wear. If you are searching for a tartan this is definately a good choice. Hope this helps.

Ok, here's my first go at posting pictures of the new kilt.

[Jock Scot]

Out of interest I looked up the Caledonia tartan in a wee book I have.It is, as you rightly say, a general tartan, first made in the 18th century. How true this is, I don't know, there is a minor claim to it being attached to the Jacobite cause,there is another theory that it might have been worn by those on "the Darien" expidition, I only tell you for interest's sake, as I am doubtful of the historical fact.I have never seen it worn in Scotland,or anywhere else, but if you like it, then go for it!

[KFCarter]

there is another theory that it might have been worn by those on "the Darien" expidition, I only tell you for interest's sake, as I am doubtful of the historical fact.

I know this is a bit off topic, but Jock, do you know of a good written history of the Darien expedition?

[Jock Scot]

I know this is a bit off topic, but Jock, do you know of a good written history of the Darien expedition?

Actually, I am sorry I don't,although I am sure that someone like Cajunscot will chip in with an answer before long. I have only a very vague knowledge on the subject.

[Jock Scot]

I know this is a bit off topic, but Jock, do you know of a good written history of the Darien expedition?

I have just been talking to my brother who is a bit of a bookworm and he suggests "The Darkest Jungle" by Todd Balf. I am told the book looks at the American involvement and story, so I am not sure that it will cover the Scots angle too much.I hope this helps.I am intrigued!

[macwilkin]

Actually, I am sorry I don't,although I am sure that someone like Cajunscot will chip in with an answer before long. I have only a very vague knowledge on the subject.

http://standrewspanama.com/scots_inpanama.html

I read a book years ago on Darien, but I can't remember the author or title at the moment. I'll have a look on the university library's catalog (my alma mater owns the book) and see -- it was from the 1960's, so there may be something more current now.

Regards,

Todd

[Philip S. Tibbetts]

It might be noted that the word 'Caledonia' has only been used as a romantic way of saying Scotland recenetly compared to how old the name actually is and what it meant.

Caledonia was the name given by the Romans to the area in the north of the Isle of Albion (Great Britain) that they did not have control of. This was north of the Antonine Wall between modern the Clyde and Forth.

It may be older than that with some suggesting its name derives from 'hard' or 'rocky' land. Or from one of the pre-Roman tribes that lived in the North.

Either way Caledonia may not neccessarily be such a good way of representing all of Scotland, however a kilt's quite a romantic garment so the romantic use of the word probably fits better