The Making of Harris Tweed

**Hothir Ethelnor** · 19th March 10, 11:49 AM

I believe you refer to a dye vat as a "FAT" once...

"...large batches in a closed fat, whose lid..."

I really enjoyed the article though.

**Kiltboy** · 19th March 10, 11:55 AM

I really enjoyed reading and viewing the process. Truly an artform.

BTW, who is the "glamorous personal assistant"?

**Nick Fiddes** · 19th March 10, 12:09 PM

Originally Posted by Kiltboy

BTW, who is the "glamorous personal assistant"?

Our wee 1.75% year old (as pictured). I have to say she was an utter star. Dragged out of bed at 5.10am after a fairly sleepless night. Dark taxi ride. Small plane for an hour flight on our knees. Hire car. Breakdown. New hire car. Cafe for breakfast. Drive across islands. Two hour meeting. Tour of mill. Photo session outdoors. Second photo session. Visit to weaver. Two hour meeting at another producer. Drive. Dragged up hillside to cold and windy standing stones... At THAT point she started to complain a bit, implying we were perhaps stretching the tolerance and good humour of even the best natured of toddlers. We had to agree.

**McClef** · 19th March 10, 01:53 PM

I remember watching the BBC Scotland programme about Mr Haggas and his thousands of unsold Harris Tweed jackets and what he effectively did to the industry.

So all attempts to not only reverse what happened but also increase weaving is to be supported wholeheartedly!

**guitarmatt** · 19th March 10, 02:41 PM

Originally Posted by Nick (Scotweb)

Our wee 1.75% year old (as pictured). I have to say she was an utter star. Dragged out of bed at 5.10am after a fairly sleepless night. Dark taxi ride. Small plane for an hour flight on our knees. Hire car. Breakdown. New hire car. Cafe for breakfast. Drive across islands. Two hour meeting. Tour of mill. Photo session outdoors. Second photo session. Visit to weaver. Two hour meeting at another producer. Drive. Dragged up hillside to cold and windy standing stones... At THAT point she started to complain a bit, implying we were perhaps stretching the tolerance and good humour of even the best natured of toddlers. We had to agree.

I like her Nippers jumper. My boy has the one in blue stripes.

We dragged him along for a week in Kildare about that age as my wife worked in one of the racetrack vet hospitals. We ran around with the sheep in the rain for the week. It's amazing what the weans can put up with!

**KiltedKnome** · 19th March 10, 04:34 PM

Oh....the indecision....get the kitchen finished or buy Harris tweed.......any suggestions out there?

**RB51** · 19th March 10, 05:19 PM

Oh heavens kiltedKnome, any Coleman campstove and Melmac dishes will do in the kitchen...but Harris Tweed...how could you resist?

Laurie

**BoldHighlander** · 19th March 10, 06:31 PM

Originally Posted by Nick (Scotweb)

I've written up a piece that explains the rather wonderful story of how Harris Tweed is actually produced, step by step. Hope some of you find this as inspiring and fascinating as I do!

Hope you enjoy it. :-)

Nick

Great article Nick, thanks for sharing this wonderful story with us!

**tulloch** · 19th March 10, 06:50 PM

It is the most amazing fabric - a national treasure, cultural treasure. Like so many things if it is lost it is lost forever. I learned to appreciate Harris fabric early on and when I learned it was on the verge of disappearing I got on a spree. Having only a well worn jacket my mother got me almost 20 years ago and a cap I got on ebay and found an overcoat and two jackets used. Then I found a good 2 for 1 deal at a fine men's shop I can't remember and then my brother-in-law gave me two that used to be his father's. Add a cap from hatsinthebelfry.com and every day is a Harris celebration. I am truly happy with this stuff. I would love to visit the islands and see it as Nick has done. Thanks for the info, photos and thread. Harris has a nice website. Check it out.