Musings
Musings on the Enduring Allure of Tartan & Thread
Hello, dear readers, and welcome to my musings on the Thistle and Cloth blog! I am Hannah, the kiltmaker and dressmaker behind the seams. I’m delighted to share some experiences from my world of fabric, tradition, and creation. Every day brings a new story, a fresh challenge, and the immense satisfaction of bringing textile dreams to life.
Journey
My journey in this industry is a constant dance between history and contemporary style. Take the Stone of Destiny, for example. While I don’t work with ancient relics directly, I appreciate the sheer weight of history it carries. The symbol of Scottish monarchy and focal point of national identity. The stone resonates resonates deeply with the spirit of kiltmaking. Each pleat I press, each stitch I sew, feels connected to that same enduring legacy. We’re not just making garments; we’re crafting pieces of a living heritage.
Heritage
And what a heritage it is! The evolution of the kilt alone is a fascinating tapestry. The dramatic folds of the Great Kilt (or féileadh mòr), a magnificent and versatile garment worn in the Highlands for centuries. The more tailored and practical Small Kilt (or féileadh beag), which is essentially the lower half of the great kilt. The journey of this iconic attire is truly remarkable. Today, when most people refer to a “traditional Scottish kilt,” they’re often thinking of the modern, tailored kilt. We see it worn at weddings, Highland games, and formal events. It is a sophisticated and enduring symbol of Scottish pride.
Craft
My workbench is a crossroads of these historical threads and modern demands. From the crisp lines of a bespoke kilt, perfect for a grand occasion to the flowing elegance of a wedding dress. Each project is a testament to the enduring power of quality craftsmanship. It’s a privilege to work with fabrics that tell stories, and to create pieces that become part of people’s most cherished memories. There’s a certain magic in transforming a roll of tartan or a length of silk into something truly special. I wouldn’t trade it for anything.
The Stone of Destiny: A Symbol of Scottish Sovereignty
We recently had a great time at the Scottish Game Fair at Scone Palace in Perth, where we had a stall. While there, we found ourselves discussing the Stone of Destiny, something that, to be honest, I’ve always been aware of, but I realised I didn’t know much about in detail.
The Small Kilt
n the 18th century, Thomas Rawlinson, an English ironworks owner in Inverness, commissioned a Small Kilt inspired by the Great Kilt but without its upper part. His new design featured a tailored fit with sewn-in pleats, making it a less cumbersome alternative for his workers.
The Great Kilt
The kilt is a historical garment dating back to the 16th century. It has evolved over the centuries from the “little wrap” feileadh beg to the”big wrap” feileadh mor. It has evolved from a belted plaid into an intricately constructed garment, traditionally an 8m of cloth wrapped round featuring pleats at the rear.
The Scottish Kilt
The scottish kilt is a historical garment dating back to the 16th century. It has evolved over the centuries from the “little wrap” feileadh beg to the”big wrap” feileadh mor. It has evolved from a belted plaid into an intricately constructed garment, traditionally an 8m of cloth wrapped round featuring pleats at the rear.
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We believe that Thistle and Cloth is more than just a brand; it's a celebration of tradition, innovation, and the timeless beauty of Scotland.