pipers plaid

[londonpiper]

................ we took the left-shoulder shell off our doublet, and twisted that short end of the plaid and formed it more or less to the shape of the missing shell, tucking it in somewhere (I forget just where). The old guy in the band had served with the Cameron Highlanders in WWII and presumably had got this method there.

This is the correct method for a piper as I have also been taught by many ex-army pipers

[OC Richard]

This is the correct method for a piper as I have also been taught by many ex-army pipers

Well I would hesitate to call it the correct method, because of many images of military men, many of them the very Pipe Majors and Drum Majors who would be teaching the pipers of the regiment how to put their plaids on.

Above I posted photos of Scots Guards pipers and a Gordon Highlander piper, all with the left-shoulder shell visible.

Here are more:













and I could post dozens more.

BUT what about these? Here is Pipe Major Evan MacRae of the QOCH (during the period they wore Royal Stewart) and it's quite possible that he's using that method (removing the left-shoulder shell). He was one of my teachers at piping school in the early 80s, a lovely man. What's interesting is the postcard above showing a piper of the same regiment at around the same time with that shell showing.



And what about these Argylls? They might be using that method too.



And here's an Argyll PM of over 100 years ago (93rd Highlanders actually), perhaps doing likewise

[Mike_Oettle]

Many thanks, DBH, for the link to Matthew’s article.
I don’t see myself wearing any kind of plaid in the near future, but if I ever get one, I think it would be the kind Matt describes.
Regards,
Mike

[digitalR2]

Here are two youtube "How To" videos I found good.

1. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xou3UsHKd94
2. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xpti3K1RF9Y

[Piobair]

Here ya go...

How To Tie a Plaid

[glasgow32]

Thanks for all the pictures.

[MacLowlife]

Only SLIGHTLY ot,

I have looked at pieces of Dupioni silk tartan and wondered about making a plaid from it. What you'd lose in drape, you'd make up in weight reduction. I recognize that it is not traditional or historical, but has anyone else considered it? For those who aren't familiar, Dupioni is a little stiff, sort of like taffeta and is what many dressmakers use for tartan womenswear. Many tartans are available... http://www.clangatherings.com/

Another idea would be to use something more fluid, like Charmeuse or twill, as silk scarves are sometimes made of. You'd get better drape, but the fabric might be harder to find.

I expect this might be a fly plaid, but with the reduced bulk, it could just as easily be a full plaid of any of the other varieties. Granted, it would not keep you warm, but you could Scotchguard it and it would make a handy rainshedder...

If silk is too far to reach, what about lighter weight PV?



Any ideas or theories?

[Pleater]

I have read that evening wear kilts used to be made from silk - (presumably cheaper options/blends would have been used), and other tartan items to go with them, I know of hose but have not seen plaids specifically, but if they were worn then they would be made to match the kilts.

I would assume that these were for indoors and fine weather, where the women would also be wearing silk, white or very pale coloured evening gowns with a silk tartan sash.

This would be Victorian era 'let's all dress as Highlanders' costume.

I'm not sure that it would look right to wear a normal kilt with Dupion silk plaid, as they are so different in appearance and 'hand'.

If you want weight reduction then I'd advise using a lighter version of the fabric used for the kilt so that it looks to be all of one kind.

The military way of wearing the long plaid, under considerable tension, would not be a good thing for the longevity of the fabric, I suspect.

Draped in a more toga like fashion it is comfortable and easy to put on - and, just my opinion, but if you are not being or imitating military bandsmen then it is not really correct to wear the plaid in their manner.

Anne the Pleater :ootd:

[OC Richard]

Somewhere there was an old reference- 18th century or 17th century?? of a chieftan's plaid being of silk so fine that the entire plaid could pass through his wedding ring.

In any case, I found a decent (though not perfect) photo of what has always been called a "belted plaid" thoughout the 19th century and up well into the 20th century, but what is usually (and somewhat inaccurately) called a "drummer's plaid" today:



The structure is not entirely clear. You can't see the entire cloth belt with goes around the waist. Also this plaid still has the basting stitched in the pleats so you can't see its full width.

But this is the only photo I could find. If I still owned one I would spread it out and photograph it so everyone could see how they're made.