Introduction

"Mottainai" is a Japanese term meaning "a sense of regret concerning waste when the intrinsic value of an object or natural resource is not properly utilized. Kenyan environmentalist Wangari Maathai, who was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize, has promoted the concept of this "mottainai".
American quilts, which cannot be separated from American pioneer history, are coming from this "mottainai" spirit. It speaks of an abhorrence of waste, of creatively making something new from something old, making something from leftovers.
Although myth about quilt history is still in the mind of Americans today, it is believed that American quilts were started by the east puritan as their wisdom. Soon, quilts were embraced through volunteer activities with war or political and religious campaigns and became widespread. Thereafter, quiltbee was born in various locations.
Quilts made during 1800' to early 1900' have been called American antique quilts.
American antique quilts were made with the spirit of thanking nature when pioneering on the plains and people's prayer for peace in the times of crisis, independence war and the civil war.
Patchwork quilt was from the time when new fabric was hard to come by, and fabric for clothing and quilts had to be used and reused saving as much as possible. Each careful stich was done with thanks and prayer of "mottainai" spirit.
American antique quilt has become very precious textile in United States today.
Please enjoy our diverse collection of American antique quilt gallery.