Photo by Muffy Aldrich
The Modern Guide to The Thing Before Preppy

Thursday, August 11, 2022

Scottish Tartan Throws

Some of Muffy Aldrich's Scottish Tartan Throws

This is the time of year when I start taking out the Scottish tartan throws for many of our chairs and beds.   Typically made of British wool, they have all of its fabulous properties.  They are fire resistant, breathable, anti-microbial, warm, lightweight, hearty, and repairable.

And while knockoffs abound, there is almost no reason not to get authentic versions.  For a surprisingly reasonable amount, one can get throws and blankets that have have gone through every state (design, dyeing, blending, carding, spinning, weaving, and finishing) in various historic Scottish mills. These are products with soul.  

Because they are so useful in so many places (many keep a few in the back of the car), they make perfect gifts, as long as you resist the urge to keep them for yourself.  

Photo credit: Muffy Aldrich

6 comments:

  1. They are so beautiful, I think we will need plenty of them in Europe this winter...

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  2. Any recommended sellers of good quality?

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  3. Hear hear Muffy! I pick up my tartan throws from the dry cleaner next week!

    My sources are The Scotland Shop (custom options), Johnstons of Elgin (luxury options), The House of Bruar (and for GREAT cashmere), some reputable sources on Etsy (search for "tartan wool throw" - select your source as Scotland and away you go!), same sources on Amazon (don't kill me please), and antique shops. The antique shop finds are checked thoroughly for holes, odors, etc. Some gems I've found are from mills that are no longer in operation. Pendleton is a "Made in USA" source with 100% virgin wool.

    A lot of "faux" blankets now have an acrylic blend or are made from recycled materials. Nah thanks, I'd like something that lasts. I'd also like to remind everyone that a plaid is not always a tartan; but a tartan is always a plaid.

    - hrplo

    P.S. I fear this is going to devolve into another "can you or can't you?" conversation regarding specific tartans. If you feel as if you don't have a solid tie to a certain clan The Scotland Shop has some really wonderful options; see "Auld Scotland" for one! Slainte!

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  4. check out Troy Robe on Ebay- made in America wool.

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  5. Troy Robe on Ebay- but make sure they are the older wool vs the 1970s acrylic. Very reasonably priced. But you need to do your diligence.

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