Focusing on over 20 textiles from the British Museum's fabulous collection, this book explores the wonderful folk embroidery of Indian and Pakistan--in particular the domestic work made by women for their own dowry or family. Illustrated in full and in detail, these richly decorated items--costumes and household textiles--will provide designers at all levels with inspiration for new and unexpected ways of using color and pattern in their own work.In her fascinating introduction the author brings the pieces to life by setting them within their social and cultural context, including information ont he protective and talismanic roles of embroidery and the tribal variations in stitch, pattern, and color. In addition, brief commentaries highlight the design features and a technical glossary supports the main text so you can rely on the book for eye-catching patterns as well as refer to it for specific information.