What is Tweed?

At Murphy of Ireland, one of our specialist range of products is Donegal Tweed Jackets , but what exactly is tweed?
Well, its a woven fabric, but how is it made and where does the name come from?
Wikipedia, the online encyclopedia, has this to say:

Tweed (source: wikipedia)

Tweed is a rough, unfinished woollen fabric, of a soft, open, flexible texture resembling cheviot or homespun, but more closely woven. It is made in either plain or twill weave and may have a check, twill, or herringbone pattern. Subdued, interesting color effects (heather mixtures) are obtained by twisting together differently colored woolen strands into a two- or three-ply yarn. "Lovat" is the name given to the green used in Tweed. Tweeds are desirable for outerwear, being moisture-resistant and very durable. The original name was tweel, the Scots for 'twill', the cloth being woven in a twilled rather than a plain pattern. The current name came about almost by chance, according to a tale recounted in Windsor Revisited, written by HRH the Duke of Windsor. About 1830, a London merchant received a letter from a Hawick firm about some tweels. The London merchant misinterpreted the handwriting understanding it to be a trade-name taken from the name of the river Tweed which flows through the Scottish Borders textile areas, subsequently the goods were advertised as Tweed, the name has remained so ever since.

When tweed is mentioned there is an instant association with "Harris Tweed" - but what's the difference bewteen Harris Tweed and Donegal Tweed. Well they are essentially the same product, one handwoven in the Outer Hebrides isle of Scotland, the other in Co. Donegal, Ireland. The basis for each is locally produced wool.

Its believed that origianlly Donegal tweeds typically were made in a limited range of colours; black, white and grey. This was simply because weavers were limited to the natural colours of the wool from black faced sheep. This basic colour range was extended by the use of dyes gathered from local plants, yellow from gorse, orange from fushia, green from moss and lichen, purple from blackberry.

So when you think of tweed, dont just think of Harris tweed - think of Donegal tweed as well!

Work of the Weavers, Traditional Irish Song (source: http://irishlyrics.homestead.com/

If it was not for the weavers, what would you do? You wouldn'a hae the
clothes that's made of wool You wouldn'a hae a coat of the black or the blue If
it was not for the work of the weavers

Mens Blazers

You may have noticed golfer, Nick Faldo, on the home page of murphyofireland.com and wondered why he's there!
Well, he's wearing one of our range of mens blazers - high praise indeed. It goes without saying that quality is of the highest standard, in the stitching, the lining, and the subtle difference in the way a well cut blazer just seems to fit properly.
Our mens blazers come in 2 different fabrics, worsted wool, and fine merino wool, which is lighter and more suited to summer wear. You can also choose from a range of styles, 2 buttons, 3 buttons and single or double breasted.
They can look relaxed with a pair of chinos, or more formal with a shirt and tie, whatever you need.

Also its worth remembering that they are ideal for clubs, teams or competition winners (like Nick Faldo!). If you need special embroidery, just drop us an email from the website, http://www.murphyofireland.com or phone us to discuss your neeeds.