Originally Posted by sabrinaquilts

I am Chinese. I can understand what you are saying and what you are trying to do. I have made several quilts for my very Asian thinking mother and sisters. There are so many things that can offend them or are considered bad luck. I also am thinking that you really don't want to do serious research either. Since you are "white American" you can get away with a lot more than people like me that are American raised. Most traditional American patterns will work. A few things to avoid:

1)Asian fabrics because not only are the Characters don't make sense but they are mostly Japanese as well as the prints. My mother still have nightmares about the Japanese treatment of her and her village during their occupation. Plus I have seen many things people have done using Asian fabrics and half the time the fabric is sewn in upside down or sideways.

2)No white or black. Traditionally white was associated with death but black has become the more modern way to mourn. Most of us would wear a band of black around our upper arm now. I haven't heard of blue being bad.

3)Use very little yellow because it is the color of the Emperor. I think this is more out of respect. Now a days yellow is usually added to attract wealth.

When I make something for my family I don't surprise them. I had to make sure they are okay with the Asian fabrics first. Bright colors is an excellant idea. Red for luck is very good. Chinese people, except for me, likes fancy. They don't like plain. Something to consider when you quilt it.

I hope this helps. You know that what ever you make they will love because they are good people. Just make sure you tell them that you would like them to use it and not keep for display. Everytime I hear plastic my back go up. I think of the many of my parents' friends houses I been to where their furniture is covered with plastic.