A unique tartan designed for Travellers of all kinds.
(If you wish to buy please scroll to the bottom and click link thanks.)
Did you know that Tartan is one of the oldest known fabrics ever found? People have been wearing clothing made of tartan for thousands of years. The oldest piece of Tartan found on Scottish soil is over 1,700 years old, according to this Scotman news report.
Traditionally tartans have been used to represent various clans; tribes and groups, so I thought it was about time that I went ahead and designed a tartan around the theme of travelling.
There has been a lot of background work gone into the idea of designing this unique fabric. I first came up with the idea maybe 20 years ago?.
I roughed out ideas for a pattern using chalk on black paper, but put it on hold (having young children) when I realised how much work went into designing a tartan.
It is quite hard to imagine the background work that goes into designing a traditional tartan that is accepted by the Scottish Register of Tartans; after all it's just a pattern made of lines, surely isn't it?.
To register a tartan with the S.R.T. it needs to follow certain criteria:-
A traditional tartan has between 240-260 threads in a six inch sett. There are different types of sett too, Symmetrical/reflective setts and Asymmetrical or repeating setts you can read all about this on the Scottish Register of Tartans.
So after a lot of learning and switching of shades, I finally produced a fabric I was happy with. I went to register the tartan and it was only then that I found out that a traditional tartan has 240-260 threads in a sett, as mine was about 180 threads to a sett I decided I would have to add some more area to the tartan and I decided to add double white lines too. Having woven up the new design fabric using pure merino anti-tickle wool, I decided I actually preferred the tartan with the new double white lines. The black background colour represents the Tarmac of roads. The double white lines represent No Overtaking, or getting ahead. The double yellow lines represent No Parking and the double red lines are definitely No Parking or stopping. The very thin green line represents the tiny bits of land or lay-bys left to park on, but you can't get to it because it is blocked by the double yellow and double red lines. The writing on the faux banner is a tow rope, this represents us all helping each other along the road.
I registered the Tartan; but the Tartans authority wouldn't accept my first name choice which was 'Traveller Tartan' as they said this was too open-ended and could apply to travelling on a train, plane or boat too. So I had to be more specific and the tartan was then called 'Travelling the Road'. Once a tartan has been designed and registered by someone it then has an automatic copyright on it where by nobody else can produce that tartan or a similar one without your written permission. Mad innit? Who would have thought that threads woven in a certain pattern could be so powerful?, but then again that's why the clans produced them in the first place. The phrase "To 'weave' a magic spell" is there for a reason - weaving threads in a certain way can add significant power to a fabric.
I registered the Tartan; but the Tartans authority wouldn't accept my first name choice which was 'Traveller Tartan' as they said this was too open-ended and could apply to travelling on a train, plane or boat too. So I had to be more specific and the tartan was then called 'Travelling the Road'. Once a tartan has been designed and registered by someone it then has an automatic copyright on it where by nobody else can produce that tartan or a similar one without your written permission. Mad innit? Who would have thought that threads woven in a certain pattern could be so powerful?, but then again that's why the clans produced them in the first place. The phrase "To 'weave' a magic spell" is there for a reason - weaving threads in a certain way can add significant power to a fabric.
The fabric I've designed which is based on the tartan; I've now made into cotton neckerchief scarves, which will also be available in satin and chiffon too. There will also be a pure cotton T-towel available with a guipure wheel lace trim.
As an artist I love the idea that someone could wear an image on their person, that says so much to others who wear that image too. I consider each scarf; hat, and bag a piece of art.
As an artist I love the idea that someone could wear an image on their person, that says so much to others who wear that image too. I consider each scarf; hat, and bag a piece of art.
I will be creating lots of different items using this unique plaid design in the future, so watch this space and keep 'check'ing in!
I read in the paper that Christopher Bailey had left the fashion company 'Burberry' after designing for them for 17 years. I wonder if he ever designed the unique tartans that Burberry use?. I have a feeling that they could have used used a Tartan Design Company when I see how much work goes into the designing? I'd like to think that 'Travelling the Road' tartan design, will become as recognisable as a Burberry tartan.
Because the neckerchief scarves are all hand made by me they vary slightly in size, so the measurements given are approximate.
The pure cotton T-towels measure approx. 47cms x 73cms, and has a cotton loop sewn on at the top for hanging.
The chiffon scarves measure approx. 63cms x 66cms.
The pure cotton scarves measure approx. 63 cms square.
and the Satin scarves measure approx. 58 cms square.
The scarves are printed on one side and the reverse is lighter, I've tried to show this in the picture below.
I would say the satin scarves are the richest in colour, the cotton scarves have a more grungy look and the chiffon scarves are obviously more floaty.
The T-towel has a Guipure lace trim, and the lace pattern is made up of tiny wagon wheels.
The normal retail price for these handmade scarves and t-towels will be £23.99 plus £2.56 First Class signed for postage (U.K. only)
But to celebrate the launch of this unique Designer Tartan I'm offering them to you for a limited period of just £20.99 plus £2.56 First Class signed for postage (Uk only).
I have worked with the charity Friends families and Travellers in the past, when I illustrated their series of children's educational books 'Tess the Traveller'. I'd like to support their excellent work, and £1 from the sale of every scarf will go to F.F.T.
Click on the links below to buy -
I read in the paper that Christopher Bailey had left the fashion company 'Burberry' after designing for them for 17 years. I wonder if he ever designed the unique tartans that Burberry use?. I have a feeling that they could have used used a Tartan Design Company when I see how much work goes into the designing? I'd like to think that 'Travelling the Road' tartan design, will become as recognisable as a Burberry tartan.
Because the neckerchief scarves are all hand made by me they vary slightly in size, so the measurements given are approximate.
The pure cotton T-towels measure approx. 47cms x 73cms, and has a cotton loop sewn on at the top for hanging.
The chiffon scarves measure approx. 63cms x 66cms.
The pure cotton scarves measure approx. 63 cms square.
and the Satin scarves measure approx. 58 cms square.
The scarves are printed on one side and the reverse is lighter, I've tried to show this in the picture below.
I would say the satin scarves are the richest in colour, the cotton scarves have a more grungy look and the chiffon scarves are obviously more floaty.
The T-towel has a Guipure lace trim, and the lace pattern is made up of tiny wagon wheels.
The normal retail price for these handmade scarves and t-towels will be £23.99 plus £2.56 First Class signed for postage (U.K. only)
But to celebrate the launch of this unique Designer Tartan I'm offering them to you for a limited period of just £20.99 plus £2.56 First Class signed for postage (Uk only).
I have worked with the charity Friends families and Travellers in the past, when I illustrated their series of children's educational books 'Tess the Traveller'. I'd like to support their excellent work, and £1 from the sale of every scarf will go to F.F.T.
Click on the links below to buy -
Now available in my Etsy Shop www.etsy.com/uk/shop/MultitalentedArt
Sorry, Chiffon Scarves are now SOLD OUT.
Hand woven Travelling the Road tartan beanies and ear warmers.
Sorry, Chiffon Scarves are now SOLD OUT.
Hand woven Travelling the Road tartan beanies and ear warmers.
Below is a Gallery of gorgeous people wearing their 'Travelling the Road Tartan'.........
Hover over the images to learn more, and click on the images to go to the wearers web-site.
Hover over the images to learn more, and click on the images to go to the wearers web-site.
