My sister Leslie has really been a help to me in getting to Kalamazoo this year. She's always helpful, but this year she really pulled out the stops.
Leslie working in the greenhouse on her farm last week.
"We want you there," she said when I told her Lisa could not come to help this year and that I was only a month post-op and under lifting and carrying restrictions. "We will help you and then get you more help at the event. Please come."
So I am going.
Just as Leslie retired as director of The Feast of the Hunters' Moon a year ago, she and Rick are retiring from Kalamazoo. They own the event and have sold it to a couple well versed in living history who will do an excellent job of keeping it going in the future. I am glad I can be there for her last huzzah.
Screenshot from The Kalamazoo Living History Show.
She and Rick went up Wednesday and began set-up yesterday. Ethan, Paisley, and Ethan's father, Mike, were there to help. Leslie called me, explained that they were way ahead of schedule in setting up due to having the Yazels' help, and asked if I "minded" if she unpacked my clothing and got it hung up and ready for the show.
I did not mind a bit and was actually very grateful - I'd been worried about the lifting as I'd already popped open an incision when I'd packed that clothing up.
"Is this right, Lynn?" came a text with a picture of my newly arranged tables. "Perfect!" I replied.
"You will be right across from us like usual so we will be able to help you if you need it." "Perfect again! Thanks so much!"
I'm hitching a ride up to Kalamazoo today with Leslie's bestie, Gretchen.
I've known Gretchen since we all were teenagers and she's also a horsey gal. She's had horses (I think they were Tennessee Walkers) so no doubt the three hour drive to Michigan will go quickly as we gab about horses, living history, and more.
Both Frances Rumps are finished and will be popped into Gretchen's truck with my suitcase.
I made the smaller one first.
The smaller size has been documented to 1785 - 1795.
When you see a rump worn with a petticoat, you can see that it was definitely the precursor to the bustle.
The larger rump has been documented to 1775 - 1787.
The fabric I used is fustian - a blend of linen and cotton.
I'm very happy with how these turned out and I think they will sell well. If so, then I will add them to my "always keep in stock" list and begin taking them to the Feast, too.
Still left to do? Pack my suitcase and try on my caraco jacket.
I am sure it will fit me as it always does,
but what I want to check is where the front closure (a placket of hook and eyes hidden on the inside) presses on my body. As I found out while packing up, those healing incisions are not fully healed and can open up. The internal sutures are even more fragile and so I need to be careful.
If I try on the caraco jacket and have any concerns, I'll leave it at home and wear my bedgowns.
They are very loose over the abdomen and won't put any pressure on it. I prefer my caraco but it is what it is, right?
After working so hard to prepare clothing, beeswax ornaments, and sleeve buttons since January, I am ready. Gretchen is coming around noon, I will kiss Craig, Pepper, and Tammo goodbye, and be off.
