Spring Sunlight and Squirrel Parka

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.

I am currently working on the front zipper.

I hope you enjoy the early spring! Reminder to myself and others, resting and eating right helps to enjoy spring. Piurci 🌸

Author: Nasek'taq

Merna Wharton “Nasek’taq” is Yup'ik from Akiacuaq (Akiachak) lives in Anchorage Alaska. Merna is an Alaska Native artist, poet, traditional and contemporary seamstress, carver, gatherer of greens and berries, and loves the outdoors of Alaska! Merna enjoys finding art in natural elements and shares her experiences through her website, nasektaq.com. Merna crafts to preserve her culture and art and shares her worldview from a remote village Yup’ik girl’s perspective with a glimpse of life in Alaska in her writing and poems. More information about her art can be found at https://www.rasmuson.org/49writers/artist-profile/merna-wharton/.

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