The early American settlers were non-conformist puritans with an ethic of simplicity, craftsmanship and integrity–all virtues that today we call sustainability. They employed good quality materials–linen, cotton and wool, wood and leather–and everything was made to last. Their designs and patterns were answers to essential problems of dimension and strength, necessity and skill and reflected the particular expertise of the craftsman; ornamentation for its own sake was avoided.
See also: Patchwork, Shaker, Amish, Gees Bend.