Today's addition to the Come and Go Art Flow was a lesson in making mittens or moccasins. As taught by a few friends of mine.
The co facilitator stepped up this week and created a poster. I put her to the task of getting word out, while I put the finishing touches on the things we woukd need for the creation. While she grabbed some popcorn and chips for the folks.
I wasn't able to get to the leather store Winnipeg. But the local community centre my friends work at happened to have a supply on hand, they've made available for us. Which is a real big convenience. We wouldn't be able to do it without them. Or the one friend himself. He led a wonderful presentation on many varieties and options to consider.
Brain tanned, or chemical tanned leathers. Then we have a rounded metis slipoer style. The old pointed toe Ojibway style. And another style.
He brought some mukluks to show everyone the different styles. And we both helped everyone cut out their patterns. Size their bits up. And work on felt liners.
Traditionally we woukd want to use some fur as the liner. But the felt was on sale. Five bucks a meter. So that's what they got!
Once they all got started on that stuff, I went over with the other group of folks working on mittens and prepared my own pattern.
Hand stitching anything is always going to take more time that by machine. But. If you know what your doing, it'll always be that much better!
So, I'm sitting by. Stitched up my own felted liners for my hand made mittens. And will continue on with the second visit to the moccasin and mitten making workshop in two weeks time.