Where can I buy tartan fabric??

[BagPipeBabe]

I need help! I wanted to sew a dress using my tartan but I do not know where to buy the fabric. When I look online it is always coming Internationale and I don't want to hassle and it is never listed in US dollars (and I don't know the exchange whatever) and I will have to pay a lot for shipping.
Is there some where in the US I can order it from?? (it is clan Campbell so it should not be hard to find)

[Lady L]

The Celtic Croft should carry it.
http://www.kilts-n-stuff.com/tartan/
They have light, medium, spring and heavier weight, homespun, wool, wool blends
I saw several Campbell tartans. Not inexpensive, though.
They are located in Minnesota.

"Made from 100% pure new wool, woven in Scotland. This is the same tartan most of you are familiar with, used in modern, tailored, formal kilts. This is your best option if you are looking for a specific tartan, as there are over 500 available. We work with 5 different mills in Scotland to bring you the widest selection possible. All tartans are double width (54-60 inches wide) unless otherwise specified. Because it is cut from the roll and shipped from Scotland just for you, tartan yardage is considered a special order item. Please allow 6-8 weeks for delivery."

[isabelladangelo]

How accurate do you want this and for what time period?  Tartans as we know them weren't finalized until the 18th C.  Before that, there were some regional plaids - but it was more about what dyes you could get your hands on and less about what family you belonged to. 

If you want the wool tartan that is specifically called Campbell (of which there are several), you will be paying and arm and a leg per a yard.  If you look up Campbell plaid (rather than tartan) you'll find some cotton flannel that is much cheaper.  Also, don't forget, there may be a plaid out there that is very similar to the tartan - just that no one bothered to call it by it's correct name.  It happens a LOT on ebay and on etsy.   

[Lady Kathleen of Olmsted]

Most actual Tartans  are sold by specified vendors. Costs for Actual tartans will run into some good money. The Quality however, is going to be very high and long wearing.

http://www.scottishlion.com/

http://www.thescottishweaver.com/

http://www.tartanonline.com/

http://www.tartanhousecanada.com/Articles.asp?ID=181

http://www.scotweb.co.uk/products/tartan-fabric/

[Lady Renee Buchanan]

Tartan is really expensive!  Here is a suggestion.  Instead of using it for your entire dress, incorporate it into the dress. 



I also have a tartan sash, that I combine with the colors of the tartan.



Same forepart as the black outfit.



It is a way to save some money.

[Adriana Rose]

The Celtic Croft like Lady L said they have some of the better prices that I have found. Also I have talked to a few people who have used them and were very satistfied with them.

I am saving up to get some of my families tarten but since I have 4 people to outfit I have to save a LOOONG time for the yardage I need.

[Rowan MacD]

  Depending on how much you want to spend, and what you want it made of- there are plenty of vendors online for the major clans.   Celtic Croft is an excellent source.
   Rather than make a garment of the tartan, just buy about 3 yards or so and wear it like a shawl with an annular broach or fancy pin at the shoulder and belted at the waist, or you can also use a much smaller piece and wear that as a sash.   You can then use your clan tartan with a number of outfits. 
   The way the real tartan fabric is woven, you should not have to hem it, at most you might want to stay stitch the ends after fringing.   It's designed to have selvage edges that are left in place.

  Note: The only time I observe strict protocol for tartan wear is when we attend the Highland Ball (a non-ren activity) where I wear a hostess kilt with a silk tartan sash or rosette and hubby is in what I call the full James Bond version of Clan kilt, Prince Charlie jacket, tux shirt and bow tie.