March 2018 – Nasek'taq

A while ago I wrote a poem with no title but today it’ll have a title; Snared and Don’t be Snared!

How it began; I was learning to trap Arctic Ground Squirrels in the fall. I was enthusiastic in the beginning and exhausted at the end! I was contemplating on my experience with trapping and thinking of spring how I get excited for it and ready to enjoy the melting of the snow but then I forget to rest. As the snow slowly melts away my energy to enjoy the more sunlight get shot up. It takes time to say no to overwork but it’s hard for the body that is genetically inclined to start gathering for survival kicks in. At the end of these pictures you will find the poem.

Here are some latest pictures of the parka squirrel project;

The fur that began early and gathered at end for the completion-like a circle that connects to parka.

I have sewed in the beads matching the shield beads.

I have added the brown and tan leather that matches my parka by measurements and color. I added the beads;

Tassels are added with red yarn;

I also dyed the back side of the tassels with Thai tea 😳;

Looks like red Ocher;

Here is something that is not sewed in my parka that was suggested by various seamstresses I have talked with – thank you Aunty Bernice and my friend Val’s mom Teresa – quyana for sharing 🌸

This is the back side of the ruff that will help shine the ruff like the sun. I used a baby seal skin that was gifted to my mother from relatives in Togiak that have roots from Kwethluk. I shaved the fur to lessen the fluffiness.

March 16, 2018 – I think I will be finished with Qaliq parka ❤️🌸.

Snared and Don’t be Snared

In pursuit – setting up trap near fresh silty dug out whole

In labor for safety and hid all my seeds and roots

Cold arriving, climbing down deep whole away from darkness into darkness

Intrigued by my curiosity-hand snapped shut by rusty trap near turmoil

Can’t get loose, Oh someone is coming! I need to be still or make a move!

Stick is holding me down my neck and I panic!

Don’t put your fingers thru the trap – set it up from underneath!

Piurci! Enjoy spring while it lasts before summer sunshine!

Spring fever is in the air! During my lunch break I had composed a blog and I had accidentally deleted the whole thing, hahaha (not really funny then)!

Snow is slowly melting for every sunlight that shines across the horizon. I feel like the adult parka project adventure is nearly closing and a new toddler parka is on the horizon.

Here is a progress photos;

The lining is what makes the inside extra warm.

I had to undo the hood ruff because I had thought it needed to be the length of the hood;

The remedy was crimping top and sides equally. Thanks to my experienced Aunty Bernice, my mom’s sister who helped broaden my mind. It was actually a good thing I unwinded reluctantly. The lining and ruff pieced together the parka;

Measurements is highly required for this part. I prayed that I didn’t have to redo any of the materials required for the lining;

The neck was cut way too wide and so I added pieces. It unbelievably was just right. The hood had to be stabbed with pins so I won’t mess it up;

The sewing machine made this part fast but I was exhausted from lack of food and rest.

I enjoyed the hand sewing more than the machine sewing – I got used to it

I had to think measurements before cutting the front material;

crimping resolved my dissatisfaction with the hood;

Helen, my daughter picked the material for the lining few years ago to make a blanket but we never got to it. It’s turning out nicely with the parka.

I cut the lining a little longer before actually fitting it with parka. I imagined it would be little big as it will be on the inside hidden. To my surprise it was just right.