I received a well meaning and friendly PM from a respected member of this forum. He counseled me to stop mentioning my kiltmaker Kathy Lare so much. He said, "No one is paying attention" and "You are her only supporter."

Now, I first heard of Kathy on this board. I had the good fortune to meet her and her husband Rob in person. Maybe because they are a Marine family I was overly impressed. But I don't think its a small thing that she invested the time and the money to attend the Keith Kilt School in Scotland to learn to sew kilts in the manner taught there. Nor does it seem a small thing that she is a respected member of the Traditional Kiltmaker's Guild and active with the Scottish Tartans Authority. She just happens to be the only graduate of the Keith Kilt School in North America and has hand sewn over 1,200 kilts.

Of course I'm well sold on her quality and have purchased ten kilts from her. I've always endeavored to suggest those looking for a kiltmaker include her in their search. Final choice of a kiltmaker seems a most personal decision. But I have mentioned her in posts rather than in PMs since to me sending a PM seemed more like I was trying to influence a personal decision. Perhaps I've been wrong and that's a better way to go.

My friend took issue with the fact that Kathy has never joined this forum. I wish the two had met so he could understand how hard she works as a full time kiltmaker, that her personal demeanor is almost shy, certainly unassuming. She does what she does and focuses on sewing. She's not "one of us" computer world types, but for sure a top quality craftswoman.

But to the original point that "no one cares" and "I am her only supporter" I did what anyone can do - a search for the word "Lare" on this forum. In the first three pages (75 posts that mention her name) I find a number of respected members of this forum have posted about her in various ways over the past six months or so.

ChubRock today - 9/15
Joel -8//28
McFarkus - 7/27
Sionnach -7/22
Rob Wright (who has 3 kilts sewn by her) 6/20, 6/2, 4/4, 2/29
BroosterB1 - 7/16
Tattoo Bradley -7/16
Turpin - 7/4, 3/2
M.A.C. Newsome - 6/21
SteveB -6/13
KFCarter - 6/12
ForresterModern - 6/9
Peacekeeper83 -6/7
Spartan - 5/19, 4/26, 4/5, 3/12
Masonpiper -(two of her kilts) - 6/1
Weaselmender - 5/12 twice
Lyrd 6/17/08 (not sure why this old one was there, maybe a resurrected thread)
Fudgeman - 5/4
Fedgunner 7/29/07 (another old thread with a recent post)
Cajun Scott -4/2, 3/26
Rodandy - 3/9
Bluedog77 -3/25

That's 23 forum members if you include me.

The search got a little silly after this since there were many more pages on the search result.

If I've offended others by recommending they consider a quality kiltmaker in their selection that for sure was not my intent and I struggle to comprehend how that is possible.

I understand the feelings of those not pleased she's not a member of this, or any other, kilt forum. That's her decision as a craftswoman and I respect it. It is her business to run. For sure other respected kiltmakers who are not members of this forum have been mentioned in various posts.

I'm just feeling a little taken back by the PM - friendly though the intent was I was told that I look like a "fool" for supporting this kiltmaker when no one else does.

The title of this post is reality check. I'm open to feedback from anyone who has an opinion about the times I've mentioned Kathy Lare in my posts. I will endeavor to keep an open mind and consider all feedback.

Thank you.

Ron