Reality Check

[Riverkilt]

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

[dfmacliam]

I do not see an issue with you promoting her work... she has a quality background and she seems to be somewhat reasonable... I have not chosen her work... yet.. because I have had my two kilts made by members of the forum... Steve Ashton.. who is a Marine Vet... and he made my Leatherneck... and slohairt..John Hart, whose website impressed me.. and since he had the right price on a hand sewn kilt, that I wanted...

As for Kathy... I have toyed with the idea of doing business with her.. because you made me aware of her and living only an hours flight from me.. it could be feasible to get her to measure.. and rent a car and drive out to see my grandbabies...

I would not refrain from mentioning her... other kilt makers are regualrly mentioned , who are not part of the forum.. and its a no issue with them...

[KFCarter]

Gosh, Ron, I guess I'm missing something too. I can't imagine what would be wrong with you waxing on about Kathy Lare. You have one of the larger collections on the forum and quite a few of them are Kathy's; that alone seems justification enough.

I for one am very glad to have learned about her and to have seen so many examples of her work. I have family near Albuquerque and plan to get measured by her next time I'm in the area.

[sydnie7]

Ron, I will say that I have chuckled to myself on seeing "another" Riverkilt post that mentions Kathy Lare. It's just assumed that any time anybody asks about having a kilt made, you'll give her an endorsement. Generally speaking, I have no problem with that. A few times it has seemed a bit cut-and-paste, in that the OP may have mentioned budget or geographical limitations that would seem to put Kathy out of the running, yet you still chime in singing her praises. But those posts are few and far between.

I can certainly understand someone choosing to devote time to their craft vs. the computer! I would get a LOT more done if this, and other sites, weren't so addictive. The fact that Kathy is not a member here is moot, in my mind.

It's obvious from your search results that the phrases "nobody's paying attention" and "you are her only supporter" are far from accurate, and I hope the person who PMed you recognizes that and responds appropriately (here or in another PM).

Spreading the word about quality work is a major function of this forum, as I see it. Certainly there's a balance to be maintained between "letting folks know" and becoming a non-paying advertiser. In my mind, you haven't crossed that line to date.

And she sure does sew up a fine kilt!

[Cynthia]

I've never had any problems with any mention of her or others. I appreciate all reviews -- good and bad -- about products and kilt/accessory makers. Knowing what's available and trust-worthy out there helps people make decisions about what to get or who to go to.

[McMurdo]

Ron
I can see absolutely no problem with you recommending Kathy Lare, you are pleased with her work and for good reason. The only reason I've not got a Kathy Lare kilt yet is simple geography. As one like you who enjoys collecting kilts from well respected kilt makers I think you would be doing a disservice to the forum if you did not mention Kathy Lare. I also know there are several members who have gone to Kathy for a kilt. I was lucky enough to see one in person when Mark came up to Toronto from Texas. So if you feel that way keep mentioning her name when people are looking for a hand sewn heirloom quality kilt. As the largest kilt forum on the web I think we need to hear about kilt makers who are not on the forum for whatever reason.

[Bugbear]

All I can come up with, Ron, is that a few times I have had to reread your Kathy Lare posts because on first reading them I had an uneasy feeling that you were saying that she, and she alone in the U.S., knows how to make a proper kilt; implying that Barb T., Matt Newsome et al were making substandard kilts. That is not what you were saying, but it had that feel to it.

Understand, I am saying that is the first impression of these post I had, a kind of feeling, and it was not what you were actually saying. You cleared it up a while back for me by acknowleging that there is more than one way to make a high quality or traditional kilt.

[Macthenife]

Ron,

I have to say that being a newbie to this forum and to wearing kilts in general, it is information like what you have provided that has drawn me to this forum. Purchasing a kilt can be a real investment and when you don't know much about kilts, you look to others for advice about where to go for good quality at a good price. From your history on this forum and the amount of kilts you own, I felt like you are someone worth listening to.

I want to personally thank you for the help and kindness you have shared with me as a newbie to this forum and the information you gave me for Kathy. It has proven to be most valuable. I am one that cares.

All the best Ron,
Shawn

[SFCRick]

I used the info you provided, if I had not read your post I might never have known of her.
Thanks

[BroosterB1]

Ron,

I have many things to thank you for, knowledge of Kathy's wares amongst them. I live in Albuquerque, have never met her, but know that for a fine hand crafted kilt she would be on my very short list.

We talk about many other vendors who are not advertisers here, the list is very long. The point is being enthusiastic is not a crime, people do care to be informed, and by tooting your horn for your favorite kilt maker, if some one decides to use her well, so much the better.

It's not how you slice the pie, but growing the size of the pie. The more Kilted, the better, at least in my book.

ith: