Harris Tweed Tartans

**Nick Fiddes** · 18th March 10, 08:49 AM

I'm just back from a fantastic little trip up to the Isles of Lewis and Harris, meeting weavers and producers. I'm intending to put a bunch of new images, video, and texts online about the things we found over the next few days and weeks. But meanwhile, I thought many of you may be as excited by this as I am.

We've found a weaver there who is able to weave us ANY tartan as Harris Tweed. What I utterly love about this is that the way Harris Tweeds are made is quite different from normal tartan weaving. Instead of being limited to the yarn colours that the weaver happens to have available, with Harris Tweed the yarns are individually 'mixed' from base colours using a colour recipe. (I'll be writing this up fully soon, so you'll see what I mean.)

Not only does this mean almost any shade can be reproduced. But the results have a richness and depth that is quite extraordinary. The wool-dying ends up with variability in shades. This is then mixed and carded to give another level of uneven texture to the colouring. Then these threads are spun into yarns that introduces more variation still. Anyone looking for a more traditional and authentic look to their kilt (or plaid etc.) is going to absolutely love it.

I intended to post an image here, but I don't seem to be able to post attachments. Anyone got a suggestion? Meanwhile, you'll find an example I've just added at http://www.scotweb.co.uk/info/what-a...erns-of-tweed/

**pdcorlis** · 18th March 10, 08:54 AM

Wonderful additions Nick!

Here's a link for you too... Pictures

**Woodsheal** · 18th March 10, 10:22 AM

Let me reinforce what Nick is saying about the Harris Tweed tartan fabric. Matt Newsome made me a gorgeous 18th C. type box-pleated philabeg in the Drummond of Perth tartan in Harris Tweed. It's lovely, heavy (18 oz.) stuff in nice muted colors, and will be very hard wearing.

I know! I've got to get some pics taken of this kilt!! I've had it for over three months, now....

**starbkjrus** · 18th March 10, 10:28 AM

Lovely fabric!

**MacRobert's Reply** · 18th March 10, 02:53 PM

Harris Tweed is amazing fabric and the Gunn tartan looks very subtle. If I ever have another kilt made ...

**Peter C.** · 18th March 10, 03:53 PM

Wow! I have to agree Nick, that Harris Tweed tartan is beautiful.

Peter

**Paul Henry** · 18th March 10, 04:35 PM

Originally Posted by The Scotsman

If that is supposed to be the Gunn tartan, then it is incorrect. The Gunn tartan is supposed to have narrow green stripes separating the blue and black checks:

Possibly the Harris tweed tartan shown in the aforementioned link has been misidentified and is actually another clan's sett.

I suspect it is the weathered version,have a look at this!

Weathered Gunn

**Kiltman** · 18th March 10, 08:48 PM

Fantastic! Thanks. Let us know when it's available. I want some.

**Antonio** · 19th March 10, 02:29 AM

Wow! That is very nice.....

**Nick Fiddes** · 19th March 10, 03:58 AM

Okay, here's an attempt to add a full image... Thanks for the tip Phil.

Same Gunn tartan (which is still what I think it probably is, variations notwithstanding...)

Notice how its own yarn has been used to bundle it up. Nice.