Need some ideas, for Native American theme
 

Hi all, My daughter has asked me to do a table runner for her, Her husband is native american, and they have some of that theme going in their living room , (dream catcher on the wall and a large elk painting) There room is very uncluttered, and this will go on a large sort of coffee table. Needs to be 70 by 18 inches ( or there abouts) I was thinking of a feathered star ( maybe 3 or 4 down the length) She also wants it not too busy and dark earthy colors. They have new dark brown leather sectional. Anyone have some ideas.
Any help would be appreciated.
Thanks ,Rita

You might want to look at the artistic traditions for his tribe/tribes because there are differences.

many years ago I did a full size quilt using a Navajo woven rug for the design. It was red, brown and white. The design could probably be adapted for a table runner. I have a pic somewhere here if you are interested.

www.fatcatpatterns.com has beautiful native applique blocks. You could also Google for Seminole quilt patters and use those.

For many Native Americans this is a very sensitive issue. I have known several who were insulted when given items appropriate to a tribe different than their own. Is he Mohawk, Apache, Cheyenne or what? Do his relatives visit? Are they sensitive to their heritage? Perhaps you should ask about these factors and not risk insulting someone.

What about a Bear Paw pattern?

Google Kay Ahr's Arizona Quilt - you could use one part of this for a table runner. Should be able to figure out how to create your own without a pattern, or - www.swdecoratives.com, Kitchen Projects - has table runners. Good luck. Lots of ideas and color choices to look at.

Oh nooooo! I know exactly the ones you were talking about and they are gone. I knew I should have copied them :(

Definitely find out what tribe or tribes are part of his family tree. Then you could search on the internet for ideas.

The other piece about true native american designs is that they have very specific "rules" about color, spacing and shape. SW designs are very different from PNW designs or NE native designs. What tribe is DSL's heritage?

One thing you might look at are Seminole designs. I think they have a lot of flexibility. Here are some links to various helpful sites.

http://www.google.com/imgres?imgurl=...9QEwAg&dur=394

http://museum.cl.msu.edu/exhibitions/Virtual/quilts/preview.html

http://www.thequiltercommunity.com/Wc3ca89d99a1e7.htm