My maternal grandmother started making parkas by first making one for our maternal grandfather. He wore it to go pick up the mail and many people liked it. She made parkas for the RCMP officers. I always wanted a floral print parka with the rick rack trim and lots of fur around the hood because they looked so warm. I am submitting a power point presentation because some of the pics did not print earlier in a submission. The project took five full days to complete and this has been a dream of mine for a long time. To have and wear this style of winter clothing has made me very happy. Small floral patterned material was one of the first fabric materials to be brought from other countries to Turtle Island or North America. The fabric was widely used and liked by the Metis and other Aboriginal groups.

Step 1: Northern Metis Woodlands Style Parka

Lynx Fur Hood Trim, Rick Rack Ribbon Decorations, Silver Buffalo Design Buttons, Three Layers including lining; regular steel zipper

Step 2:

Measure and cut out three pieces of each pattern piece ( left arm 3, right arm 3, body 3,) one of each of the three layers and the hood which is made in two sections which will need to have six pieces cut if done this way.

Step 3: Northern Metis Woodlands Style Parka

Cut out two pockets and begin sewing rick rack onto the bottom of the arm sleeves, the pockets and shoulders (I used one color for the shoulder as can be seen in the first picture). I remember that rick rack was sewn along the hood line just below the fur which exposed the colors in this section. It is much easier for me to sew the rick rack onto the exterior before it is sewn together but it is your choice and the rick rack matches the tiny floral design on the exterior of the parka.

Step 4: Northern Metis Woodlands Style Parka

Sew the thinsulateand exterior together begin with the arm pieces, then sew the arm pieces to the shoulder which has been already sewn at the respective shoulder section together and then join this piece to the main body section Sew the inner lining together – under the arms, at the shoulders and then sew the hood together and attach it to the main body. Sew on the zipper covering and then the zipper. Make button holes and attach buttons to the opposite side. Use wool to outline the button opening.

Step 5: Northern Metis Woodlands Style Parka

The fur trim was sewn by hand along the edge of the hood, both on the inside and outside with tiny stitches. I traded a few painting for a lynx coat and cut out a long strip to use as the trim for a hood. Many items can be made from recycled fur items.

The last steps were to add the velcro on the top of the collar area and sew all the ends. A few small stitches were added to secure the hood in place at the point. All three layers received a few stitches so that the hood pieces stay intact.