Introduction and a great experience (long)

**KiltedBalloonist** · 11th February 05, 01:09 PM

First, thanks to all for the good information, opinions, and topics. I have enjoyed reading through the forum the past few days.
I am a hot air balloonist in New Mexico and belong to a group of balloon teams called the Wicker Clan. We on occasion celebrate our Celtic heritage (even those members that have none) and wear kilts to events that we fly in. I tend to wear mine more just because I like to wear them and appreciate my heriatge. Okay, to the great experience:
I had what I consider a great pleasure of visiting Kathy Lare today (not for a new kilt, yet...). I just recently found out that she was here in ABQ. I needed some Navy kilt hose for the weekend and decided to call and see if she had some in stock. Another ballonist and I made an appointmet and went to see her. After almost and hour and a half of visiting on several topics, our cell phones became unbearable and we bid our farewell.
I was able to see some great products that I have never seen that close including a swatch of my own Irish Co. Tartan. I was also able to look at one of her 16oz. Pipers kilts that she produces for the High Desert Pipers, I need more gym time to lift that bad boy! Additionally, she a had a kilt with a box pleat. I had never seen one and the detail was amazing.
Anyway, I was just very pleased to have had that experiece and hope to one day have a kilt made by her. Kathy and her husband were very accomodating and a pleasure to talk to. I would recommend her work to anyone.

**Barry** · 11th February 05, 01:21 PM

Hey - I got this real feeling of Deja Vu

**KiltedBalloonist** · 11th February 05, 01:25 PM

I saw that too. I saw that too.

**Tim Walker** · 11th February 05, 01:32 PM

I attended a Celtic festival in Albuquerque last May. Not kilted, unforetunately, though my brother Scott was. Haven't had a chance to see the balloons there yet.

**Avonlea22** · 11th February 05, 01:37 PM

Welcome to the forum, kiltedBalloonist! Glad you found us. I used to crew for two balloonists in PA. Had some great times. Hopefully will get back into it once I move to NC.

**KiltedBalloonist** · 11th February 05, 01:39 PM

We were there tethering. I flew that day and rushed over to help my buddy. we ended up there most of the day and had great time in our New Mexico Tartan. It is my understanding that it will not be held this year.
Scott huh...What is his last name? I worked with a Scott and several others on base here that were in the games.

**KiltedBalloonist** · 11th February 05, 01:42 PM

Welcome to the forum, kiltedBalloonist! Glad you found us. I used to crew for two balloonists in PA. Had some great times. Hopefully will get back into it once I move to NC.

Thank you.
There are quite a few balloonists in NC (none kilted from our group unfortunately). I lived there many years ago in Statesville where FireFly Balloons are manufactured (my folks used to fly for them). I still fly FireFly to this day as my personal balloon.

**Avonlea22** · 11th February 05, 02:29 PM

[quote="KiltedBalloonist"]

Thank you.
There are quite a few balloonists in NC (none kilted from our group unfortunately). I lived there many years ago in Statesville where FireFly Balloons are manufactured (my folks used to fly for them). I still fly FireFly to this day as my personal balloon.

Glad to hear about the baloonists in NC. I'll be moving to the Chapel Hill area. I crewed with a FireFly and an Aero Star. I preferred the FireFly.

**beerbecue** · 11th February 05, 02:31 PM

Kathy is on my very short list for kiltmakers once I get a real job.

I envy your visit with her....

**Riverkilt** · 11th February 05, 07:06 PM

You are soooo lucky to be in town with Kathy's Kilts. Kathy sewed up my first traditional kilt for me last fall. I'm very pleased.

And, she only needed half down to order up the tartan cloth and had it done in a few weeks. Much better deal than SOME contemporary kilt makers.

You'll get a quality kilt at a fair price with Kathy's Kilts.

Ron