Part Seven – Tying the Knot on the Ribbon Skirt Journey

Engaging in the creation of a ribbon skirt has been a deeply enriching experience, merging practical craftsmanship with a profound appreciation for Indigenous culture. Throughout this journey, I delved into the intricate symbolism and tradition embodied by ribbon skirts, fostering a deeper understanding of Indigenous heritage. This project has been more than a creative endeavor; it has been a respectful homage to the resilience, strength, and identity of Indigenous communities. Collaborating with students further enriched the experience, emphasizing the importance of cultural education and community building. This journey has left an indelible mark on my personal and professional growth, underscoring the value of cultural awareness and artistic expression.

Summary of Each Part

Part One – Unraveling the Threads of Traditions: Embarking on a Ribbon Skirt Adventure

• Exploration and Understanding: The journey began with exploring the cultural significance and symbolism of ribbon skirts, recognizing their role in teaching generations about Indigenous history.
• Research: Utilized resources like What a Ribbon Skirt is to gain a comprehensive understanding of the garment.
• Reflection: Highlighted the importance of these garments in representing resilience, strength, and identity within Indigenous communities.

Part Two – Selecting the Perfect Material: A Guide to Crafting Ribbon Skirts

• Gathering Supplies: Focused on sourcing the necessary materials such as fabric, ribbons, thread, and sewing tools.
• Resources: Sourced materials from Fabricland, Michaels, and Bead Plus to find culturally significant and high-quality supplies.
• Considerations: Emphasized factors such as fabric choice, color coordination inspired by Saskatchewan’s landscapes, and incorporating culturally significant ribbons.

Part Three – Mastering Measurements and Cutting

• Accurate Measurements: Detailed the process of taking waist, hip, and length measurements to ensure a well-fitting skirt.
• Resource: Referred to How to measure a skirt for precise instructions.
• Cutting Techniques: Explained the importance of laying out the fabric correctly, making straight cuts, and ensuring ribbons are cut evenly.

Part Four – Piecing Everything Together

• Assembly Process: Described steps for pinning the fabric, sewing seams, attaching the waistband, and hemming the skirt.
• Resource: Highlighted the use of modern sewing technology like Digital Sewing Machines for consistent stitches.
• Techniques: Included tips for successful sewing, such as double-checking measurements and using sharp scissors for clean cuts.

Part Five – From Ribbons to Blooms

• Customization: Enhanced the skirt with handmade ribbon flowers and bows, adding a personal touch.
• Resource: Utilized TikTok Flower Tutorials for crafting the flowers.
• Personalization: The blue hues and floral designs were chosen to reflect personal taste and add an element of storytelling to the skirt.

Part Six – From My Learning to Our Learning

• Student Engagement: Involved students in the creative process, teaching them how to measure, cut, and assemble their own ribbon skirts and shirts.
• Community Building: Emphasized the importance of cultural education and the joy of collaborative creation.
• Resource: Documented the experience of participating in events like the Powwow, showcasing the students’ creations and celebrating cultural heritage.

Final Thoughts

This learning project has been transformative, not only in developing my crafting skills but also in fostering a deep respect and understanding for Indigenous cultural practices. The shared experiences with students and the community have highlighted the importance of cultural education and the joy of creative collaboration.

Additional

Throughout this journey of doing numerous amounts of research I had also come across many other Indigenous creation that I would love to share. First is a beaded wristlet, I have completed one and am currently working on my second one!

My Journey is not just continuing with the wristlets, but I have also decided to create earrings for my INDG 262 final project! I have gathered the material and plan to get started very shortly!