I'm just back from a fantastic little trip up to the Isles of Lewis and Harris, meeting weavers and producers. I'm intending to put a bunch of new images, video, and texts online about the things we found over the next few days and weeks. But meanwhile, I thought many of you may be as excited by this as I am.

We've found a weaver there who is able to weave us ANY tartan as Harris Tweed. What I utterly love about this is that the way Harris Tweeds are made is quite different from normal tartan weaving. Instead of being limited to the yarn colours that the weaver happens to have available, with Harris Tweed the yarns are individually 'mixed' from base colours using a colour recipe. (I'll be writing this up fully soon, so you'll see what I mean.)

Not only does this mean almost any shade can be reproduced. But the results have a richness and depth that is quite extraordinary. The wool-dying ends up with variability in shades. This is then mixed and carded to give another level of uneven texture to the colouring. Then these threads are spun into yarns that introduces more variation still. Anyone looking for a more traditional and authentic look to their kilt (or plaid etc.) is going to absolutely love it.

I intended to post an image here, but I don't seem to be able to post attachments. Anyone got a suggestion? Meanwhile, you'll find an example I've just added at http://www.scotweb.co.uk/info/what-a...erns-of-tweed/