Pilgrim – 12

Houndstooth is a duotone textile pattern characterized by its abstract, geometric, four-pointed shapes, which are often described as broken checks or resembling the jagged back teeth of a hound dog, hence the name. The pattern has surprisingly ancient roots, but its modern popularity is tied to Scotland:

• Ancient Origins: Some of the oldest known textile examples resembling the pattern were found in a Celtic salt mine in Austria, dating back to 1500–1200 BC!
• Scottish Shepherds: In its more recent history (around the 18th-19th century), it gained prominence in the Scottish Lowlands. It was originally known as “Shepherd’s Check” and was woven from wool to create durable, practical outerwear for shepherds. Unlike official clan tartans, it belonged to no specific family, making it open for anyone to wear.
• Exterior Fabric: A combination of ochre and cream, with very subtle flecks of other colours like burnt orange and lilac within the weave.
• Interior Fabric: A lovely soft mole colour velvet. Two interior pockets.
• Handle: Upcycled leather rein, which feels good in the hand.
• Magnetic Closure: These fasteners are reliable and provide a “self-finding” closure.