This tartan was designed to celebrate McKellar’s 150 years, 1873-2023, also, to commemorate the historic spinning and weaving mill that operated in Minerva Park, McKellar, Ontario.
Only 150 will ever be made.
We the yarn for each McKellar Tartan and now hand weave it here at the mill. We have brought the traditional spinning and weaving processes back to our area, branding a truly local product.
Very luxurious; large enough for a blanket or furniture throw, yet soft and drapey enough for a garment, a shawl or large scarf.
Each batch of throws will vary as sources of fibre may change. The first several runs of the throws are 100% Alpaca. It has been sourced from Bear Den Alpaca Farm on our Balsam Road and Kick’n Back Alpaca Ranch. The colour is undyed pure colour of the animals. Alpaca is soft, warm, long wearing and hypo allergenic. Hand washed or machine washed on the “hand wash” cycle.
Each throw is numbered and labelled for provenance. Approximate size 37” x 93” with a 4” fringe at both ends.
A 50% deposit of $500 secures your number and placement. You will be notified as your piece is being woven with the expected delivery date.
McKellar 150 for 150
Historically, McKellar Village was a bustling community, once rivalling Parry Sound in size. Along with a lumber mill there was a wool and spinning mill known for its quality blankets and spun yarn.
The resurgence of a local fibre mill, while meeting a very modern need in the current Ontario Textile Industry, also honours and is reclaiming an historic trade and farm practice.
Deborah Livingston-Lowe of Upper Canada Weaving used the original MacKellar Tartan as a starting point, developing it into the McKellar 150 Celebratory Tartan of today. In the tradition of tartans; clans, communities, families and associations all establish their colours. This one is for McKellar and is now officially registered with the Scottish Tartan Registry #13,676.
