MacArthur tartan weaving project/kilt finished!

**djmacnyc** · 8th February 11, 08:30 PM

At long, long last,... I've finished the MacArthur tartan project started just over 3 years ago.
I began spinning the yarn (100% Merino at 60 wpi - approx. 4000 yard/lb) in Jan. 2008 and spun sporadically throughout 2008/2009, warped the loom Nov/Dec 2009, then sampled and wove the tartan (8 yds x 35 in, 13 oz. kilting) Jan - April 2010. Then, set about learning the "Art of Kiltmaking" and made two practice kilts first (Black Watch & Leslie) and finally got going on it's construction midway thru last month. Finished it up on Saturday, Feb. 5th - and got a job offer the same day!! Woohoo!

Here are a couple of quick pix, will post more/better, as time permits.

Thanks to everyone for their thoughts and kind words of encouragement, especially Barb T. for her advice and assistance, too.

Best,
Doug MacArthur
NYC

**ChattanCat** · 9th February 11, 03:32 AM

Wow, Spun, weaved and made a kilt. You should feel proud!

**idyllicchick** · 9th February 11, 03:46 AM

It's gorgeous, Doug! I'm looking forward to seeing more detailed pictures. Did you use your handspun for both warp and weft? How did you ply the yarn? Did you dye the fiber or yarn yourself? I have so many questions on this fabulous project!
---Sharon

**M. A. C. Newsome** · 9th February 11, 04:02 AM

What can I say, I am very impressed! I hope you took photographs of the work along the way. It would be most impressive seeing the various stages all laid out, from the unspun roving all the way to the finished kilt being worn by the artisan himself.

**djmacnyc** · 9th February 11, 04:43 AM

Originally Posted by M. A. C. Newsome

What can I say, I am very impressed! I hope you took photographs of the work along the way. It would be most impressive seeing the various stages all laid out, from the unspun roving all the way to the finished kilt being worn by the artisan himself.

Thank you. Yes, indeed. I've taken copious photos along the way. For anyone interested in see more of the process - check out my PictureTrail photo album (member name: djmacnyc) "Scots wear".

**Kiltboy** · 9th February 11, 04:48 AM

Beautiful kilt. Truly "hand made", from start to finish.

**djmacnyc** · 9th February 11, 04:53 AM

Originally Posted by idyllicchick

It's gorgeous, Doug! I'm looking forward to seeing more detailed pictures. Did you use your handspun for both warp and weft? How did you ply the yarn? Did you dye the fiber or yarn yourself? I have so many questions on this fabulous project!
---Sharon

Thanks, Sharon. I spun and plied on my Ashford Traditional wheel. Yes, I used the handspun for warp and weft. Dyed it up (in tied skeins) in 2-3 batches per color on my stove top using acid dyes. Lots more pix of the whole process on my Picturetrail photo album - member ID: djmacnyc - "Scots wear" album.

Feel free to ask any questions you have.
Best,
Doug

**Standard** · 9th February 11, 05:02 AM

Well done lad, well done indeed. You certainly have a great deal to proud of with this project.

**artificer** · 9th February 11, 05:16 AM

Simply fantastic!

**Kiltboy** · 9th February 11, 05:24 AM

I just browsed your pics, and I'm a fan of your kilt hose and sweaters. Especially those sweaters. Stunning. And you weave your own cloth too? Amazing.