Table of Contents

• SHOP ONLINE
• Examples from Wear Our Heritage Collections
• Sewing with Natural Fur: Furs, Sources, How-To links
• Natural Fur Ruffs on Hoods - Design, Sewing, Attachment
• Some Fur Collars Styles and Construction Tips
• Natural Fur Muffs
• Beaver Toque, Canadian Unisex Hat
• Needle Felting Designs with Fur
• Using a Bonis Fur Sewing Machine a linked pdf about my experience learning to use a used Bonis Fur Sewing Machine
• Medieval Fur a linked pdf with paintings of fur clothing from about 1200-1700
• Some Other Sewing Projects
• Knit Turban Instructions a linked pdf with a pattern and instructions for making a knit turban for women undergoing chemotherapy for cancer treatment (no fur involved)
• Former Furriers in Western Canada and Vintage Fur Coats
• Restyling a Vintage Mink Hat, an illustrated pdf by Sheila Schmutz

Fur is

....................Natural

...............................Sustainable

...........................................Warm

...................................................Beautiful

Fur trapping has been a part of Canada's history from the begining. The Metis people were active in the fur trade across Canada. Today it is still a means of livelihood for many people in the far north. One example is the "Northern Saskatchewan Trappers Association Co-operative".

Clothing made of natural fur is also still a means of personal survival for Inuit peoples in the far north. The fur apparel they have worn is shown on this Inuit doll with a soapstone carved face. The doll is part of the First Nations art collection on display in the Agriculture Building of the University of Saskatchewan, donated by Cheryl and Henry Kloppenburg. The doll was made of sealskin, fox fur and stone by Rose Kogayona of Kugluktuk (Coppermine).

Contemporary artists such as 2014 Polaris prize winner, Tanya Tagaq, continue to speak about the importance of fur, such as seal skin, to the survival of the Inuit people today. Read more about this in:

• Nelles, D., and George Pimentel (Jan/Feb 2015). "Howl: Why Tanya Tagaq sings." Walrus: 30-33, 35, 37 & 39.

We encourage you to wear real fur and support this part of our heritage! This website is meant to help source fur garments and materials in Canada. In recent years, such items have become harder to find, and purchase in some areas.

Canada is cold much of the year, so wearing garments with natural fur serves a useful purpose, not just a fashionable purpose. However, fur trim can also add luxury and beauty to clothing, as well as warmth.

As part of the Saskatoon Fashion and Design Festival 2017, Sheila was interviewed by Janella Hamilton in a spot on CTV Morning Live. She is shown at the left with the two lovely models that appeared.