It is very true that the pattern and drape of tweed may look entirely different in large surfaces from what you can see in small patches. But it´s also true that those patterns look very different on the bolt from what they look on a finished finely tailored and well matched garment.Melcombe wrote:...the pattern and drape of tweed looks entirely different in volume to how it appears in the sample book. Having gone there with an idea about a Cheviot with a purple overcheck that I had seen in sample, it turned out to be just too overwhelming on a larger scale
What sometimes looks overwhelming and even garish for our eyes and mind on a "toga" wrap, it becomes "readable" and lovely once it has sleeves, lapels, pocket flaps, and above all, movement.
The opposite might be also true: having chosen for myself a very rich green herringbone pattern with thin rust and yellow overchecks (a bit intimidating in the patch) it turned out a little boring and undistinguished on the jacket.
In any case, I think that Melcombe has provided very good insight that we all appreciate.