Thread On: Inupiaq Kuspuk Sewing Tradition Connects Generations

For the last two years, sewing has been part of Chloe Keller’s life. It’s a new passion her grandmother, Martha, used to love before she passed away several years ago.

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By Alexis Fernandez

Story Created: Oct 7, 2011 at 10:29 AM AKDT

Story Updated: Oct 7, 2011 at 10:29 AM AKDT

For the last two years, sewing has been part of Chloe Keller’s life. It’s a new passion her grandmother, Martha, used to love before she passed away several years ago.

Keller, 24, grew up in an Inupiaq family and spent her summers in the village of Unalakleet.

She remembers growing up in a household with traditional food, music and clothing but says it wasn’t until her grandmother passed away that she realized what was important.

“She passed away before I got a chance to learn anything from her,” she said.

But now she’s making up for missed chances. Keller’s father bought her a new sewing machine so she could continue the tradition. Since that day, she has spent more than 75 hours sewing kuspuks and aprons on her family’s dinning room table.

“Just trying to continue her tradition, and honor her name,” said Keller.

And even though she just started sewing just a few years ago, her sense of fashion has caught the eye of the art gallery Back Alley Arts in downtown Anchorage.
The gallery plans to showcase some of her work during the month of October.

“It's something that I've always wanted but never knew how to get there,” she said.

She says it’s just one more accomplishment that brings her closer to her grandmother.

But most importantly, it’s a lesson for the next generation.

“Take on anything from the elders, just because you never know when that chance might pass you by,” she said.

She plans to continue sewing for many years and one day teach young kids what her grandmother once loved.

Her kuspuks and aprons will be on display at Back Alley Arts beginning at 5:30 pm.

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Asta Keller said on Tuesday, Apr 2 at 10:44 AM

Nice story on my niece, Chloe. Clarification on where her grandmother Martha Keller is from - Shishmaref, Alaska.

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compuuuter said on Friday, Oct 7 at 9:22 PM

sewers stink...(lol :)) but SEW-ers are COOL! i know several *Unala"kats", male, and female, age 30-66, from the people mover buses and the senior center. *we have wasillabillies, and palmeranians, i have'nt seen a describing word for unalakleet so, i "invented" unala"kat".

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Darlene Holmberg said on Friday, Oct 7 at 12:10 PM

Aniak has had the blessings of elder seamstresses sharing knowledge with and encouraging a bunch of ladies and youth the past several years! Now there are regular sewing sessions, and growing interest. Love those kuspuks!! Thanks to schools and churches for open doors!

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