Did you know that today is tartan day? Yes, a day to celebrate beautiful plaid fabrics. Well unless you're in Australia or New Zealand when, I do believe, it is celebrated in July. And did you know that Canada has their own tartan?
It's called the maple leaf tartan and is the one featured in the centre. On the outer edges of the maple leaf tartan all of the provinces and two territories are represented, even Quebec! Only the territory of Nunuvat isn't represented with an official registered tartan.
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Back in the nineteen seventies when the Northwest Territories (NWT) officially adopted their tartan the region now known as Nunavut was part of the Northwest Territories. On April 1, 1999 Nunavut separated from the NWT and became their own territory. That is how we have one region in Canada without an official tartan featured on the tartans of Canada map.
So, there you have it a little history lesson on one of the fabrics (and culture) that plays a role in our multi-cultural landscape. If you want to learn more about Canadian tartans check out this website. There is some interesting information about the colours featured in each tartan and what regional significance it represents.
A few years ago Fabricland carried provincial tartans in their stores. Even though I do love a plaid, I haven't intentionally sewn with a tartan fabric.
How about you? Have any tartan fabrics found its way into the sewing workspace?
Happy Sewing!
I have made a few skirts and vests from tartan fabric. Usually it was Black Watch or the Stuart.
ReplyDeleteGod bless.