It’s almost time to start thinking about the upcoming season of the Christmas gift fairs when there is no better time to show your support of artisan ‘small’ makers by buying ‘local’.
This year, I will be participating in a couple of Christmas fairs close to home. Also, some further afield too north of the Border, so as nothing says Christmas like tartan, this post looks at a collection of tartan and tweed-inspired pieces, many including tartan from the wonderful LochCarron of Scotland.
So I thought I would include this wonderful clan map by LochCarron of Scotland, which is close to us in Selkirk. The map shows Scotland in a completely different fashion by illustrating the homelands of each clan.
Each clan has its own tartan – in fact, they often have several versions, including ancient, modern versions etc. – and many of these clan tartans are available from LochCarron of Scotland.
Ailsa Red is an easy-to-wear turban headband finished in a modern silk dupion tartan.
Ailsa Tweed is an easy-to-wear country-style turban headband finished in Abaca Tweed with contrasting silk dupion lining.
Blair Douglas is an easy-to-wear two-dimensional halo-style headband, edged in Douglas tartan ribbon and finished with a diamanté encrusted Dior-inspired pleated rose.
Bonnie is a headpiece that utilises upcycled materials. A similar style to Blair, it has been finished and edged in cashmere ribbon with a ruffle of vintage veiling. The cashmere ribbon was rescued from a wooden mill in the Borders.
Iona is available in two colour ways – shown here in Azalea – Iona features a Dior bow-inspired tier of three layers, all set on a comfortable headband.
Iona is available in two colour ways – shown here in Forest Green – Iona features a Dior bow-inspired tier of three layers, all set on a comfortable headband.
Morag is a very special padded red silk dupion headpiece. It is finished with MacIntosh-inspired roses In Lochcarron of Scotland’s Cameron Erracht tartan.
Showing off our local Northumberland Tartan from the Northumberland Tartan Company is Rowena. This pillbox features a leather crown, sides bands in pleated Northumberland Tartan and hand-made silk Bloody Cranesbills, the county flower of Northumberland.
In the true spirit of Christmas, Melvina is a lovely small perching wool felt headpiece finished with a Cameron Erracht bow and red feather pompom.
Finally, of course, I couldn’t pass up on the opportunity to show off another interpretation of black and white. This time, it’s a gingham check. Whilst this is more reminiscent of Newcastle United Football colours, I have to admit. Here, vintage roses have been set on a black silk abaca headband with contrasting curled orange quills.
You can see all these pieces and many more, including a range of gift accessories at my upcoming events, including A Very Merchiston Christmas at Merchiston Castle School on December 2nd.