Alaska Native artist demonstrates grass sock weaving
by Joshua Borough
http://www.ktuu.com/global/story.asp?s=11570482ving
Alaska: June Simeonoff Pardue has been weaving baskets in the Alutiiq tradition since she was 12 years old. The Alutiiq and Inupiaq artist also weaves traditional grass socks. She recently demonstrated those skills at the Alaska Heritage Museum at Wells Fargo.
June says she loves weaving because it's part of her culture, and part of who she is.
"What's rewarding is watching my grandchildren come to the table where
I'm weaving and bringing beads or grass and trying to imitate what they see their papa and their grandma doing. That's what's rewarding is knowing we have unique and special art and it won't die," Pardue said.
To make the pattern, she studied photos and designed the socks to fit her feet.
She says they're not itchy, because they are worn over knitted socks to keep dry.
Background: Robert Kaufman Fabrics: http://www.robertkaufman.com/
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