Thoughts on Dalrymple

[Liam]

Here's an example of a kilt in Dalrymple Modern, as worn by a tour guide at Fort Augustus.
Some may consider it rather bright and might prefer the muted, but its a matter of personal opinion.

Nice warm leggings

[Benning Boy]

Thanks for all the input. I really liked having the pic of the Dalrymple modern kilt. It's an inspiration. Tarheel, my military bearing is overdue for lubrication. It's wearing out fast.

Later, I'll scan the yarn samples MM sent me. Maybe all can see what they suggest, if the scan has sufficient quality.

As for pronunciation, Figheadair is right on. My thought is the Dal syllable is pronounced as in Dallas. The second and third syllables are pronounced like the word simple, with an r replacing the s, and with accent on the second syllable.


I haven't really dug into my Dalrymple ancestry. My understanding so far is my great-great grandfather Dalrymple was one of three brothers who emigrated from Scotland. Given that cadet lines of great families often fall on misfortune, I suspicion my fore bearers weren't of the uppercrust-ish branch of the family, as they were common farmers here, although early settlers. My great grandfather Dalrymple was a bit of a ne'er-do-well who struggled to make a living. There are a great many Dalrymples around the world, some of them have made names for themselves. Maybe I have some successful relatives.

[Benning Boy]

Here are the yarn samples MM sent along with CADs of the tartan.



As you can see the choices are oranges, greens, yellows and browns. You maybe able to read at the bottom of the tartan images posted above the colors used in the versions.

When you look at the tartan images you can see there are two yellow stripes close together. It looks black, but there's actually a brown stripe between these two yellow lines. I'd really like for the brown to stand out more, but there doesn't seem anyway to get it done, it's so narrow. There is a broad black stripe. The very narrow light colored stripes are ecru, not white.

[Benning Boy]

After consultation with the family, who all prefer the modern version of the Dalrymple Tartan, I've started the ball rolling and am ordering a bespoke weave of Dalrymple of Castelton#2 from Marton Mills. In the beginning I had thought I'd prefer a muted or ancient version of the tartan, and I do like that version very well, however, I can live with the modern version, I like it too, and as it's the family's favorite I'm going with that.

Maybe someday, when Dalrymple tartan catches on and becomes a stock item with all the weavers, there will be Dalrymple muted available and I can order a second kilt then.

[figheadair]

Here are the yarn samples MM sent along with CADs of the tartan.



As you can see the choices are oranges, greens, yellows and browns. You maybe able to read at the bottom of the tartan images posted above the colors used in the versions.

When you look at the tartan images you can see there are two yellow stripes close together. It looks black, but there's actually a brown stripe between these two yellow lines. I'd really like for the brown to stand out more, but there doesn't seem anyway to get it done, it's so narrow. There is a broad black stripe. The very narrow light colored stripes are ecru, not white.

Personally I'm not a fan of orange and have never seen an old specimen with it. The brown should stand out if you go for the paler of the yellows to guard it. Ecru is white, just an natural, unbleached shade.

[Tarheel]

Think of yourself as the family "poster child" when you don the new kilt. The expectations seem high but placed on capable and trusted shoulders (or hips in your case.)

[CaptainDave]

Met a modern Dalrymple last year, William, who has written some terrific books on India (City of Djinns was especially worthwhile). He gave a talk on
the role of Scots in Indian colonial history. Many pictures of him online, but in none of them is he wearing his tartan, unfortunately.

[Benning Boy]

The looms will soon be weaving. Word from Marton Mill is final design work is being done. I will soon be invoiced for the 50% deposit. Based on the comments here, and the family's preferences, I've ordered Dalrymple in Modern colors. Ordered 11 meters. There will be about a 15% overrun because of the way the loom works, so I'll windup paying for a bit more than 12 meters. I thought about ordering a a little more while I was at it, but the next step up is 18 meters, and that's way more than I need. My original plan was to have one kilt made for myself and share the rest, but I'm feeling selfish. Why not have an 8-yard kilt, a box pleate kilt, trews and all the trimmings made --JUST FOR ME! (Selfish old goat!)

[Stitchwiz]

If you promised some to someone, honour your pledge, and you will enjoy what is left all that much more.
If no one has paid, or promised to pay, for any, you are not being selfish - it's yours!!!

Looking forward to pictures of your fabric when it's woven...

[Mike_Oettle]

Since the order has been placed, any comment from me is probably lost on the desert air. But for what it’s worth, I would go for the third brown sample shown, and one of the two upper yellows. The paler ones don’t strike me as if they will “pop”.
Peter might think me a bit of a hick for saying this