Leslie sent me that photo of herself all kitted out and ready for this year's Feast. Quite a change from her usual riding habits, but I am pleased with how it turned out.
The sleeves of her chemise look light blue due to the light but they are actually white. On her head is a "coif de Bordeaux" - I'll try to get a picture of the back of it.
We may add one more piece - an apron. I have several made up, but for this we want a lightweight fabric such as lawn and mine are linen and cotton. I've still got time to make her one should I find the right fabric. I am going to contact Eagle Talon Traders this morning and see if they have any they can send me.
As for who Leslie is interpreting? She's a milkmaid! She began making cheese last year as a hobby, realized its potential for living history work, and this year will be carrying a basket of assorted cheeses around Fort Ouiatenon during the Feast. A Feast tradesman is hand-carving her the piece in this photo but it won't be done in time for this year's Feast. (Photo from Google Images.)
I was contacted by one of my customers this week and asked if I would be interested in being photographed for a series of kids' trading cards about life at Fort Ouiatenon.
This is the sample they showed me that is from Fort Niagara. I'm happy to be asked and happy to do it, but I am also wondering when we will have time to shoot the photos.
Maybe Friday? I haven't mentioned it yet here, but I am teaching a seminar on Friday for School Day. My topic? "Horses at Fort Ouiatenon." (No surprise, right?)
I'll be wearing my riding habit (another thing I haven't mentioned is I have lost 30 pounds and can fit into it again) which would work.
But honestly, my caraco with the panniers is my preference.
Aside from possibly making Leslie an apron, my Feast sewing is done! Well, okay, I am making 30 plus mini haversacks for each set of sleeve buttons.
So I am not quite done, but am MOSTLY done. I'm no longer working towards a deadline to finish one more shirt or chemise.
I still have a list of things to do - I want to go through my supplies and make sure I have bags for maple cakes and beeswax ornaments, and I may make one last batch of ornaments next week.
Tomorrow I am meeting Tim at the barn and he is going to give me some old bits, horseshoes, and other things for my School Day presentation. When I have those, I can begin planning my set-up for the kiddos who come to hear me.
Three weeks to go!
