I'm making childrens/baby quilts to send to Japan, but I need to use fabric from my stash both due to expense, and the lack of a reasonably priced quilt store in our area. Also, I'm snowed in, but that's another story. Anyway, a lot of my fabric seems so American with cowboys, or little girls with blonde hair and blue eyes printed on it. Also, much of it has writing that is in English. Are any of you considering making your quilts as culturally familiar to them as possible? Because I really feel my quilts are going to be prints those poor little ones won't find appealling. :?

I understand that in Asia the American Themes are fun and they like to copy us. I'd go with what you have. Out of their culture, they would know 'someone out there cares'. AND you do, for sure. Bless you and your big heart for caring both for them and for their feelings.

Ruth

Thanks, Ruth. That comforts me. I wish so much I could hand deliver the quilts I make.

I wouldn't worry about so much.

Especially children like to know and see different things. This is a wonderful way of showing other countries do care for them too.

It is a really sad occasion for us to unite, but it's an opportunity.

Imagine how you would feel, after having lost almost everything, someone that you don't even know, sends you a nice snuggly quilt.

Wouldn't you love it, no matter what the print would be?

Thank you so much for opening your heart and letting all the love and care pouring out, to those in need.

You are doing a wonderful thing.

I would think they would prefer the American prints. If the situation were reversed, God forbid, we'd like Asian prints. Thank you for doing this.

I have had three Japanese Exchange students. They are very Americanised. I would think they will love an American type quilt.

The Japanese like English words and often put them on clothes and other things. Google images of Tokyo or other cities in Japan, you will see signs on shops with English words. I have several Japanese quilting magazines and there are English words scattered thruout, even embroidered on some items. I think that using typically American fabrics is great. (Plus it will be a reminder thru the years that there are caring people over here!)

I have a Japanese friend from church. She has bought several of my quilts to send to Japan and always wants "America" ones. She said her family in Japan requests them. They are very big into quilting there and they use the same patterns and fabric that we do.

Thanks to you all for making me feel so much better. Very supportive information that I'll keep in mind while I try to quickly, yet nicely, sew, sew, sew!

If roles were reversed, would you treasure a Japanese gift?

I would!