ribbon shirt

[beckie]

hello,
I live in Alaska and am Alaskan Native. One of my friends asked me to make him a ribbon shirt.
I don't have a clue. I'm creative enough to do this project but not sure about the meaning of the shirts and the ribbons. I want to make it correctly, besides making it fit and look good.
my friend is Chotaw, if that makes a difference.
thanks in advance. beckie

[scottlollar]

To be honest, I don't recall there being a specific meaing to the shirts. I know they are worn in a variety of events. But, I don't think there is a meaning. I would discuss colors with him, so you make sure it matches the outfit, or some part of it at least. I myself, prefer more traditional type of material, like calico. But, I have seen some simply beautiful shirts out there that were made with sequin-material and more modern materials. Crazy Crow has some patterns, but some of them are Crazy, or you have to be crazy to understand them, at least. Most shirts I've seen are pull-over style shirts that have an open collar. If the shirt is for a dancer who wears breastplates or other items that hang from his neck, I would suggest having an actual collar on the shirt(to protect the neck). some have gathered cuffs on the sleevs, others are more like a modern dress-shirt with a simple cuff. Many have ribbon running the length of the sleeve, others just have the ribbon across the chest and back. Some have 4-6" ribbon 'drops' that hang from the ribbon across the chest or back, but not all do.
This is one of those items 'everyone' wears, but we don't see a lot of pictures of.

Scott

[beckie]

thanks

thank you for your response. I'll be trying to make one soon. We did discuss color, his eyes are a bueatiful blue and I wanted to play off the color of his eyes. We discussed the four directions as the basics but for the majority of the color I would make the shirt out of black with a dark turquiose accent. then the ribbons with tiny red, yellow, and white ribbons. the white is alternating white solid and transparent. the read and yellow are 1/8th of an inch. very striking against the strong black and blue.
I've seen prints with chevons and wondered if that would be okay. of course the colors don't match the scheme I just described but oh well.
thanks again. perhaps I will post the shirt after it is done. beckie

[spottedeagle]

Good luck Beckie!!! We've made 2 so far from the green river patterns and are just starting to get the hang of making them. The first one went into the trash:( The second looked a lot better. We're getting ready to start a third, know what they say 3rd time is the charm!!!!!!!!!!!!:)

[beckie]

thanks for the encouragement

I'm excited about it. I already messed up the first one. Figured I better get some advice before I started cutting. I feel better, thanks again. beckie

[thizgirlpowwows]

At the walmart stores, they have simplistic patterns for shirts that are very easy to use and the directions are not too hard. Hope this helps and good luck with your ribbon shirt.

[beckie]

wouldn't ya know

fairbanks lost it's k-mart, and walmart won't open up until sometime this winter.
will have to look when I go to anchortown. thanks beckie

[waleli]

Here's a good example of ribbon shirt w/ appliqued design.

[beckie]

wow
feeling out of my league here now.
but i will rise to the occastion. looking at your ribbon shirt I got excited to start cutting. I learned last time to THINK first.
appliqued design is something I haven't considered, but now am considering it.
perhaps on large vee shape in the front and back. not too complicated but nice to look at.
maybe just make the simple shirt first THEN

[beckie]

thanks

Originally posted by waleli
Here's a good example of ribbon shirt w/ appliqued design.

thanks for sending the picture. it's really kwel. i'm so excited now. thanks again. beckie :D

[waleli]

Hope the picture helps, just gives an idea of what you can do ! Play around w/ designs and colors - you'll come up w/ something nice !!!:)

[Blackbear]

Beckie... email me before you get to anchorage and let me know when you will be here... I can help you buying the stuff you need for a ribbon shirt and I would be happy to help find Black Elk to get a pattern from... btw... is that Buzz wanting a shirt?

[spottedeagle]

Welcome back Blackbear!!!!!!!!!!

How was your vacation?????

[Blackbear]

It was KICKASS!!! I put a few pics in the gallery!

[turtleshaker]

Any questions you have just emai me i make ribbon shirts for a living would be happy to help. And I also use the Simplicity pattern. It is really easy.
Angela