Uiguaqtuq - Stitching womens kamiks

Here is Sheila Katsak practicing from what the seamstress taught her. Practicing the stitch used for nalua, uigualimaksaqtu, using fabric cut out like the kamik. Practicing is what makes a perfect stitch. Traditionally, learning to make kamiks, there was no actual lessons. Only by watching and then trying did the seamstress perfect her stitching and kamik making.

Adding the reinforcements by needling the sinew inside the skin of the sole will strengthen the heel for everyday wear. The technique is making sure not to poke your needle to the outer skin, and needling from one edge of the gathering to the other edge. She chose a glover needle as the sole got tough from losing moisture. The reinforcement will also heighten the heel for comfortable wear.… Uqalimakkanirit

The seamstress has already marked her soles with tiny cuts in the middle lengthways and sideways. The middle marks length ways will tell her where to meet the toe part to the instep and the heel part to the back of the kamik. The sideway marks will tell her where to meet to the edges of the instep. She starts by choosing sinew made from narwhal for its strength and almost transparent color.… Uqalimakkanirit

Once the oil is absorbed, the seamstress starts breaking down fibres by chewing the sole, or in this case, using a tool. She rolls her sole and starts breaking down fibrous material. She makes sure the ends are given attention as that is where the stitching will be. Preparing the sole have a few steps before sewing it on.… Uqalimakkanirit

The preparation of the sole for sewing starts by soaking it in seal oil. In this case, a regular household item - vegetable oil is used. The sealskin is made of ugjuk, bearded seal, as it is tougher than the ringed seal skin. To start, she spreads oil all around her sole, being generous with it.… Uqalimakkanirit

Adding a fur trim on top of the kamik. The seamstress has carefully chosen dark part of the sealskin. In this case, a dyed and factory tanned one. She is reusing some of the fur from previous project and is sewing previous cuts to make more trim. The direction of the fur should be side ways. The contrast between the kamik and the fur trim makes it much more beautiful.… Uqalimakkanirit