Seminole Pathwork

This British import opens with a brief history of the Seminole Indians that is based, oddly enough, on information provided by the British Museum. However, the photos (some in color) depicting the descendants of the tribe that was driven into the Everglades in the 18th century are provided by historical and cultural associations in Florida. There are also illustrations of museum pieces created by the Indians and of the author's own quilts, adapted from the Seminoles' intricate designs. Some of the patterns reflect the influences of Scottish Highlanders who were the tribe's neighbors in the old days; their tartans appear in the illustrations in clear, paint-box colors. Crafters can learn from the explicitly detailed instructions how to construct pieces from fundamental strips joined together in twos and threes with variations: block patterns, ribbons, rick-rack and other individual touches. The projects suggested are a zippered bag, cushions, an apron, a doll, a handsome sleeveless jacket of silk and the Seminole traditional full skirts and big shirts. Better Homes & Gardens Crafts Club selection. (January)