Bag Hose: Who has made them.

[WolfmanJack]

I recently acquired a pair of buckle brogues or 'Mary Janes,' similar to these of Phil's which he posted a few months ago.



I am planning to wear them with my Prince Charlie kit and my black Stewart tank.

I have some leftover black Stewart tartan, and I am considering the idea of sewing up some tartan 'bag hose' out of this. I am thinking this could be a smashing combo.

In an old post, Woodsheal has offered a link to a great DIY guide created by his wife: http://www.orbitals.com/self/history/stocking.pdf. This is what I plan to follow.

I really cherish this leftover tartan fabric, so before I embark on this adventure, can anyone offer their sage advice and experience? What are the pitfalls and dangers, etc.?

[McMurdo]

I have the same pair, I would say get yourself either a pair of Black and Red Diced hose or a pair of Argyll hose that match the tartan. I personally would not wear the bag hose unless I was doing reenacting.

I wear the Royal Stewart with Red and White Diced hose for formal wear

Black Tie:


White Tie:

[SFCRick]

Sounds interesting, I think that might be a bit too much Tartan, why not do as McMurdo posted.

[Highland Logan]

McMurdo's advice is spot on. Tartan/argyll hose are great, but should never be substituted with homemade "bag hose". They may be great for someone pretending it's the 1700's, but have no place in modren Scottish National Dress, and should never be thought of as a great way to spice up formal attire.

Frank

[M. A. C. Newsome]

I'll offer a different opinion. If made well, and really form fitting to the leg, I see no reason why traditional cadadh, tartan hose cut and sewn on the bias, cannot work with modern Highland formal wear.

I will stress the "made well" and "well fitted" aspect, however. I think if made poorly, or if they are ill fitting, the look will be sloppy. But if done right I think it would look fine.

Adron Britt, who makes the Ferguson Britt line of sporrans, is excellent at making his own cadadh and frequently wears them with his kilts. His are so well made I don't think many who see him wearing them realize that they are cloth hose, not knit!

On the other hand, I've seen some reenactors attempt to make cadadh and it has ended up looking like they have simply stuck their foot in a tartan sack.

But if you know what you are doing and make them well and well fitting, I say go for it!

[M. A. C. Newsome]

Just FYI, here is Adron Britt in his cut-and-sewn cadadh (worn here with historical attire, not modern formal dress).


Here he is, wearing a modern kilt this time, with typical knit hose. (This was at the sweltering hot Greenville Highland Games, hence the shaded hat).


Traditionally, of course, all of the diced and tartan hose that were worn with Highland dress were cut and sewn from cloth, not knit. Here's a great example showing white and red dicing.


There is no reason why you couldn't take the young lad on the right, put him in a modern kilt and Prince Charlie jacket (or better yet some form of doublet), and leave the same hose and brogues on. It would be a spendid outfit.

Again, I'll emphasize that the hose would have to be made well to work with modern formal attire.

[Ancienne Alliance]

Yes I think they look great !


Best,

Robert

[ChrisfromMO]

Here's a link for a wool supplier.
http://wmboothdraper.com/Wool/wools_index.htm
Here's one for the book recommended by living history folks. They told me it is best to buy the book.
http://wmboothdraper.com/Books/books...es.htm#Baghose
Good Luck!