Iqaluit (May 01/06) - Taking part in a craft fair is no easy feat for those living in far away communities.

Olassie Akulukjuk is a Pangnirtung woman who knits as naturally as most of us breathe, and is a skilled sewer of all traditional wares.

Elisapee Kilabuk of Iqaluit didn't have to travel to get to the Toonik Tyme craft sale, where she sold traditional Inuit clothing. Other crafters, though, had a bit more work to do to get to the capital. - Jillian Dickens/NNSL photo

Hearing that her sister was travelling to Iqaluit for the Toonik Tyme arts and craft sale, Akulukjuk decided she wanted to come with her.

This meant forking over $300 to fly and making arrangements with family for a place to stay.

Plus, she had to whip up enough goods to sell at the fair.

"It's a bit too costly," said Akulukjuk through translations from her cousin Mina Pierce. But despite the rush and the cash, Akulukjuk says "it didn't take much preparation and time to come."

She brought along four pairs of mitts, four pairs of slippers, a couple of knitted socks and hats - one of which she started and finished on the plane ride down.

"She sold everything but a pair of mitts at the craft fair," said Pierce.

Akulukjuk says it was worth her while coming to Iqaluit after all.

"I'm happy," she said.

This is the first craft trip she's participated in, but Akulukjuk plans for more in the future.

"If she's gonna come down again, she would like to make more things and not be so rushed though," said Pierce.