The over 200 patterns of traditional Inuit clothing were made by artisans throughout the Canadian Arctic and Greenland, including older patterns of garments not made today. Many have syllabic notations and instructions written on them. The traditional layout of each pattern piece on caribou, seal, rabbit, or bird and assorted other types of skins is included for most patterns. All patterns include the artisan's name [some appear to be male] and community. Many of these patterns were included in Jill's dissertation and publications. The patterns in this collection do not represent the traditional method of cutting out material for clothing. Traditionally, seamstresses, through years of training and practice, rely on hand and eye measurements to determine how to cut their sewing material. These patterns were created specifically for the researcher in order to document their distinct styles and construction techniques. The patterns come in various styles. Most are specific to gender (men's boots, woman's amautik). There are also some age specific items, including children's clothing, as well as doll clothing patterns. The patterns are made of a variety of materials including waxed paper, lined paper, packing paper, maps, newspapers, school paper, stiff paper board, and fabric. There is a pair of seal-skin fur mittens, one of which has had the stitching removed. One of the pattern artists created the amautik donated by Drs. Oakes and Riewe: Ulayok Lucy Kaviok. It is possible that the patterns from Grise Fiord are those of the other seamstress whose garment is included in the donation, Tataga Akpaleeapik. It is not known if any of the patterns were used to create any of the three items donated.
