Category: Alaskan Parka, Artic Ground Squirrel parka, Qaliq

I have taken out the kameksak I started before the sewing of the squirrels into a parka!

These are called, “ciuqalek” which literally translated from Yupigtun. “the one with bangs!” Not the bang when you light a firework but the bangs you have on your forehead. Yupiit, please correct me if I am wrong.

This seal is the newest piece I have ever worked, just so different from older seals I have worked.

It still has that fresh smell of the sea or the process of natural chemicals to remove the hair off the seal. It came frozen and so I placed it my freezer to keep it from drying up too much.

I do have a story to tell you about the older boot on the right based on my mother’s story she told me. When Mr. Elia Sallafie of Bethel passed away my parents received his pair of kameksak. My mom kept them for many years. I am honored to replicate them. Out of curiosity I cut the bottom to peak inside – I didn’t want to but it was already cracked from use – don’t be startled I will replace the bottom with new seal.

They will look new once I perfect the crimping.

I have one side finished and I need to start the other side.

I just need to put in the upper top with woven yarn and sew the tassels on.

This is a side project that allows for me to practice crimping seals for better quality. Quyana to Sallafie family for sharing your dad’s kameksak to my parents. Please correct me if I misinformed the story – I am open for corrections.

Piurci. Thank you ‘Quyana!’

I have the plan in my mind the way I should make the toddler parka – I just got to get back in the mood to sew my main project!!! I am currently sewing a child booty at this time;

This season is like the end of the line for my adult parka – I am nearly done with it (putting off few tassels and some bead work). See my line? Lol

when one thread ends a new thread begins;

Few clips of fur and left over material find their way to smaller projects. When I have a request for traditional gear that gives me motivation. I work better under pressure and when I give myself a deadline but who listens to their deadlines- haha!!!

I found that when I have a guest I don’t have the drive to do crafts. I love my sisters and one of them came to visit us. Quyana Myra and Emily my niece.🌸 They brought and used the kameksak and house slippers I made for them. I was happy surprised.

Today is no fool for me but a celebration for the Risen King of kings!! Thank you Jesus for the gift of life. 🌸❤️🌸

I normally get both side booties finished at one time but I have only one side – this is another motivation to finish what I have started. When circumstances happen it’s just another turn of direction – like a short cut or long cut to the finish line – keep going!

I was a day behind my original deadline in finishing the baby booties. Here it is the final product;