Indian Summer Kuspuk

Indian Summer Kuspuk/Qaspek/Atikluk.
A 3 part hood, lots of detail in the stitching and seam work. Down the the vintage buttons and skull beads.
The fit is curved around your hips and slightly longer rear to bring out a great streamlined fit.  I made this one using one of my favorite fabrics named Indian Summer.
In making these grouping of Kuspuks I focused and simple beauty, remembering the way my Grandmother Helen showed me how to make them as a young girl in Bethel.  Although hers with always hand stitched, I choose to go with a complication of learned sewing techniques. I have remade my pattern time and time again pushing myself toward something better and better.  I hear her words in my head over and over "did you make your own pattern?" Yes, taking the time to draw, measure something I am proud to call my own.  
Some of you know me or have followed me since I started making Kuspuks in 2018 the year my son was born.  I started by wanted to make my Grandma Helen proud of me and bring my hands into my Yupik culture.  After losing my Gram in 2021 my grief almost took me away from all the things I love but instead it was one of my saviors.  During this time I was able to relive each of my memories I had of my Gram growing up, to help me stand up and face the world with not only my eyes but with eyes of a Yupik woman carrying each generation in my heart.
I hope that whom ever wears a kuspuk feels the love of traditions and pride that it inspires in my heart.
   
Care of this beautiful indigenous garment is as follows:
Hand-wash or machine wash in warm, tumble dry remove promptly or best line dry and iron as needed.