Patchwork definition is something composed of miscellaneous or incongruous parts. Seminole patchwork, 9x12 paper, rulers, pencils, watercolors or another color medium. T raditional seminole patchwork is a strip piecing technique devised by the seminole indians of southern florida. Quilting was not part of native american culture, however the seminole tribe developed a patchwork style of piecing in strips known as seminole patchwork. By sewing strips of fabric together, cutting and setting on an angle, they created many beautiful and seemingly complex designs. The women wrapped necklaces of beads around their necks. But when it comes to seminole patchwork designs, where is the line between inspiration and appropriation. The complete book of seminole patchwork dover quilting by cheryl greider bradkin basic seminole patchwork update paperback the complete book of seminole patchwork.
Quilting is the process of sewing two or more layers of fabric together to make a thicker padded material, usually to create a quilt or quilted garment. Epp border ideas out of basic seminole patchwork designs created by the native americans of southern florida, seminole strip piecing is based on a simple form of decorat. Seminole patchwork creations, rougemont, north carolina. Adapted from the bright patchwork of the seminole indians in florida, this technique is often used in borders and quilted clothing. Seminole patchwork designs are strip patterns, also called border or freize patterns. Learn about seminole and miccosukee patchwork designs.
Seminole piecing is a patchwork method used by the seminole people of south florida to enhance their garments. I wore seminole patchwork clothes as a little girl. There is a lot of information on seminole patchwork in this book. During this time, patchwork has been an important means of income, as well as. Giving credit can mean anything from naming a tribe to paying for. The seminole made and wore many rings and bracelets made of silver. This profusely illustrated guide to seminole patchwork one of the first books on the subject offers complete instructions and hundreds of clear, easytoread diagrams for making seminole bands.
In the late 1800s it was a long trip from the everglades to trade for cotton cloth so women began sewing strips made from the fabric left on the end of the bolts to make what was know as strip clothing. See, seamstresses of the seminole tribe of florida invented this paradigmshifting technique directly after they gained access to some of the first handcrank sewing machines at the. Relations by marriage were also extended to all members of the affected clan. Some of the patchwork designs are inspired by important legends and nature stories of the seminole and miccosukee. Seminole women usually wore long skirts that reached their ankles. In the early 20th century, the seminole and miccosukee people of florida developed a style of clothing decorated by sewing together blocks of fabric with contrasting colors in an alternating design. The clan were considered to be close kin and could not marry one another. This bigger strip set is then cut at set measurements over the seam lines in order to create segments.
Apr 1, 2017 explore planecrzy999s board seminole patchwork patterns. That is, like people, the left half is a rough mirror image of the right half. Seminoles traditionally dress colorfully, unique designs, and famously known for their patchwork clothing. The style developed into distinct designs made of tribal motifs with significant meanings. A book of seminole indian patchwork with clan patterns. Art and history of the florida seminole and miccosukee indians.
The clan was the second major element of seminole society. Feb 17, 2020 a page on the florida museums website notes some patchwork designs are inspired by legends and natures of the seminole and miccosukee. The earliest forms of patchwork are the designs of fire, rain, and rain and storm. It can be defined as the process of sewing pieces of solid colored cloth together to make long rows of designs, which are then joined. This quilt zig zag block design is sometimes referred to as a seminole pattern as the seminole indians from south florida created colourful patchwork designs used in t he early 1920s to adorn their clothes. The seminole made patchwork clothes, carefully hand sewn. Seminole patchwork creations clothing brand rougemont.
A patchwork quilt, cushion, or piece of clothing is made by sewing together small. These can then be assembled into skirts, wall hangings, pillows, mats, tote bags, book covers, belts, and many other attractive and practical items. Patchwork can also be used to deocrate quilts or personalize everyday items such as glass cases and cell phone holders. This intricate handwork was developed by seminole women in the 1800s as a necessity for clothing which had to be made from scraps of material and leftovers during difficult times. No matter what youre looking for or where you are in the world, our global marketplace of sellers can help you find unique and affordable options. A few designs represent powerful elements like water and fire. Patchwork clothing, considered by many to be the seminoles traditional dress, is really quite modern, flowering around 1920. They had to invent at least one design of their own and give it a name. The method takes strips of material and then joins them together lengthwise creating a bigger piece.
It is assembled using the seminole method of stitching the pattern strips to the waddingbacking. Code switch native american symbols have long caught the eye of nonnative fashion designers. Patchwork clothing, considered by many to be the seminoles traditional dress. For many decades, visitors to south florida have been struck by the novel and colorful dress of the seminole indians. Applique is a sewing technique that involves stitching a small piece of fabric onto a larger one to make a pattern or design. See more ideas about seminole patchwork, quilts and seminole indians. Im not a native floridian, but i love seminole patchwork, the grandmother of strip piecing. Numerous designs and patterns from simple to complex. The pouch design is usually but not always bilaterally symmetrical. The traditional seminole jacket and patchwork patterns of stripes, symbols and interlocking diamonds were used in clothing for both people and dolls and are still used in all types of clothing and also in headbands, purses, baby bonnets and pot holders, according to. Basic seminole patchwork, could be used for medallion borders. I have done my best to convey these stories in the spirit in which they were told to me. They typically wore a longsleeve blouse with a cape linked to it that only came down to shoulderlength. Seminole indians for kids and teachers clothing native.
Seminole strip piecing has uses in quilts, wall hangings, and traditional clothing. Student then had to make a page of designs using pencil, sharpies and watercolor. But when it comes to seminole patchwork designs, where is the line. Seminole patchwork border idea strip quilts, panel quilts. No translation, but very good photo tutorial patchwork quilt, patchwork patterns. Where can i learn about native american patterns for quilts. Most pouches had designs that coordinated with those on the attached bandolier.
If you want to find out more about the seminole people and their clothing here is an excellent article on the website. Seminole tribe members say ulla johnson brand appropriated. Quilt no 37 native american quilt, seminole patchwork. The repeated design of strip patterns only occurs in one linear direction. In the late 1800s it was a long trip from the everglades to trade for cotton cloth so women began sewing strips made from the fabric left on the end. The earliest forms of patchwork, the page explains. The patchwork designs you will see are designed by seminole tribal members. Seminole people have officially asked the labels to publicly acknowledge that the inspiration for their designs comes from authentic seminole patchwork collections. Seminole quilting originated from the seminole patchwork used for clothing by these southeastern native americans. Native american symbols have long caught the eye of nonnative fashion designers. Patchwork definition of patchwork by merriamwebster. Like the band, clan membership was inherited from the mother.
These shapes are carefully measured and cut, basic geometric shapes making them easy to piece together. One of my grandmothers was seminole, so it really was seminole patchwork but as a child i just loved all the color. See more ideas about seminole patchwork, patchwork and quilt border. Native american quilting from seminole patchwork to hopi quilts. I have an older book that show many designs but nothing that gives any clue as to weather or not they stand for something. Patchwork clothing, considered by many to be the seminole s traditional dress, is really quite modern, flowering around 1920. Powerpoint of the history of seminole patchwork, youtube video.
Seminole and miccosukee people design their dolls to represent. Native american quilting from seminole patchwork to hopi. Seminole indian patchwork is the various patterns on the seminoles clothing that they wore. Etsy is the home to thousands of handmade, vintage, and oneofakind products and gifts related to your search. The larger design is usually based on repeating patterns built up with different fabric shapes which can be different colors. Patchwork or pieced work is a form of needlework that involves sewing together pieces of fabric into a larger design. May 18, 2011 that is the whole pioneering concept behind seminole patchwork, the only traditional sewing technique that was always intended to be executed on a sewing machine. This a really excellent howto book for someone who wishes to decorate clothing items or regalia with seminole patchwork. This business would be unique because there is no other design like this in the world and it is the seminole tribe that created it and it has been their trademark as far as native clothing for over a hundred years. Its from 1990, so you might want to look in a used book sale. If you follow the directions in the book you can make some really nice seminole patchwork.
Besides taking a class with reeze, a good reference is cheryl greider bradkins basic seminole piecing with over 50 designs. Seminole and miccosukee art and activities by dorothy downs 2005, paperback at the best online prices at ebay. Seminole indian patchwork is the various patterns on the seminole s clothing that they wore. Seminole patchwork a method of cutting joined strips of fabric into sections and repiecing them with either plain contrasting fabric strips in between, or in staggered rows similar to a checkerboard. Apr 23, 2019 used originally by native americans and is a symbol of their designs. I have been told many stories by elders and by others in various tribes in oklahoma. Dose anyone know the meaning of any of the patterns used. See more ideas about seminole patchwork, patchwork patterns and patchwork. Others with jackets give conflicting info on the designs of their jackets. Created by the native americans of southern florida, seminole strip piecing is based on a simple form of decorative patchwork. Seminole revisited quilt pattern quilting fabrications. Seminole patchwork cross or sacred fire, arrow, zigzag, bird, wave, mountains and diamondback rattlesnake all have something in common. It also appears that seminole clothing patterns from this period continued to be. Below are some patchwork designs and what they mean.
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