Tartan of the Month - Jun 12: What do you see?

[figheadair]

Looking at the widest yellow stripe to the far right, where it crosses the solid green, the yellow does look different from one "green block" to the next. Definite twill pattern in the yellow alternating with a "polka dot" effect that I assume is what Knockagarran is IDing as "plain weave."

Also, to me, the fringe at the bottom looks much more dense than the fringe at the top or on either side. Could this be a fringed selvedge?

It's an optical illusion - definitely no twill weave. There can be no such thing as a fringed selvedge, that's an oxymoron.

It reminds me of MacMillan tartan.

But no connection.

[figheadair]

I'm probably wrong but it bears some resemblence to a county Kerry weave?

Or perhaps vica versa.

[sydnie7]

[snip] There can be no such thing as a fringed selvedge, that's an oxymoron.

Too true. But the term is often used here to describe certain fabrics used in present-day kilt-making, so I offer it in the context of this forum. My observation remains unanswered -- is there a difference in thickness of the fringed edges, or is that another optical illusion?

BTW I like the "optical illusion" stand, may prove useful in future. No, those pleats I just sewed aren't wonky, those hose I just knit aren't too short/long/loose/tight. . . it's simply an optical illusion! LOL

[xman]

The inclusion of a penannular broach hints very strongly that this was a worn plaid even though the sett is quite small. How thin.thick are the threads?

[figheadair]

Too true. But the term is often used here to describe certain fabrics used in present-day kilt-making, so I offer it in the context of this forum. My observation remains unanswered -- is there a difference in thickness of the fringed edges, or is that another optical illusion?

BTW I like the "optical illusion" stand, may prove useful in future. No, those pleats I just sewed aren't wonky, those hose I just knit aren't too short/long/loose/tight. . . it's simply an optical illusion! LOL

Another optical illusion. The threads are the same thickness.

The inclusion of a penannular broach hints very strongly that this was a worn plaid even though the sett is quite small. How thin.thick are the threads?

That's a possible deduction but of course the fact that two old pieces are currently displayed together doesn't necessarily mean that they were always connected.

The threads are fine, about the same thickness a modern medium weight cloth yarn. there's something else about them?

[xman]

That's a possible deduction but of course the fact that two old pieces are currently displayed together doesn't necessarily mean that they were always connected.

Indeed.

The threads are fine, about the same thickness a modern medium weight cloth yarn. there's something else about them?

Not to my ignorant eye there isn't.

The colours are rich and deep. The Red appears less brilliant than some others. Perhaps not cochineal.

[figheadair]

Not to my ignorant eye there isn't.

Anyone?

The colours are rich and deep. The Red appears less brilliant than some others. Perhaps not cochineal.

Cochineal is an extremely versitile dyestuff. We think of it as a source of red which is its primary use but it give purple and gray. The red shades available range from light pink to scarlet and then deep red depending on how it is used. Scarlet was the most prize and most difficult shade to achive as it required a good quality tin mordant. I reckon that the red here is a cochineal dye.

The brooch BTW is about 1.5 inches.

[SlackerDrummer]

Not only does it appear to be asymmetrical, but there is not enough cloth to determine if there is a consistently repeating pattern. Is there some chance this predates even what we think of as tartan? Something from a local weaver in a generally tartan-like pattern?

[xman]

Not only does it appear to be asymmetrical, but there is not enough cloth to determine if there is a consistently repeating pattern. Is there some chance this predates even what we think of as tartan? Something from a local weaver in a generally tartan-like pattern?

I disagree. The sett appears to be about 1" to me.

[Paul Henry]

I disagree. The sett appears to be about 1" to me.

look again, it's definately not 1", as not all the red lines repeat evenly, perhaps it's just random...