The Lily Pond is starting to become a very popular quilt design not because of it’s lilies and lotus blossoms but it’s Japanese Carp and their rainbow colors. 90″ x90″ Designed by John Serrao
Did you know that the most expensive Koi Carp sold for over 2 million dollars. Beautiful on a quilt but very expensive to purchase. Read more about that rainbow color fish. http://molometer.hubpages.com/hub/Koi-Carp-An-Ancient-Long-Lived-Ornamental-Fish
Every two years we hold a quilt exhibit in conjunction with the Honolulu Festival. It’s an amazing partnership where we can showcase our students quilts at Hawaii’s premier venue, The Hawaii Convention Center. As part of the quilt show the quilters work on special themed quilts or we introduce new patterns. This past quilt show in March 2014 John created the Bible Series patterns; plants mentioned in the Bible and popular in the Middle East.
Saffron
Pomegranate
Olive
Oleander
Myrtle
Mustard Seed
Lily
Laurel
Hyacinth
Henna
Grapes
Fig
Crocus
Chamomile
Caperberry
Bulrush
Anemone
Poakalani Quilting Family – Honolulu Festival March 2014
The Cup of Gold is also known as the Golden Chalice Vine or Hawaiian Lily. Read more about this amazing vine and why it’s one of Cissy’s favorite flowers. 90″ x 90″ Design by John Serrao http://the.honoluluadvertiser.com/article/2006/Apr/07/il/FP604070322.html
The first time I really noticed this vine was in 2012 when I visited Allerton Gardens on Kauai with friends. This vine was growing on a tree that was more than 30 feet tall.
The Hawaiian Hibiscus, a favorite quilt design of John’s is seen everywhere you look on the island of Oahu where it’s many species colors an already beautiful landscape. 90″ x 90″ Designed by John Serrao
The number 88 is considered Good Luck to the Chinese and Chinese Mangoes grows abundantly in the yards of many island homes. A quilt pattern of 88 mangoes makes for good fortune and prosperity in your home.
Read about the Bombucha Mango’s http://tastyislandhawaii.com/2010/07/17/bombucha-mango/
‘Ulu is associated with many Hawaiian myths and legends.Legend traces its origin to a time of famine when Ku, the god of building and war, buried himself in the earth near his home. He later turned into an `ulu tree so that his wife and children would not starve. Ku had told his wife that a fruit shaped like a man’s head would spring from his body. “My body will be the trunk and branches; my hands will be the leaves; the heart, core, inside the fruit will be my tongue. Roast the fruit, soak it, beat off the skin, eat some yourself, and feed the children.
Designed for the “Legend of the Ulu”, 90″ x 90″ Designed by John Serrao
Hawaiian Myths and Legends http://nadineprice.com/hawaii/plants/myths.html
Queen Emma’s Garden in Nuuanu was once filled with Torch Gingers and Shell Gingers. 90″ x 90″ Designed by John Serrao
Before teaching at the Iolani Palace Archives building we were honored to teach for about 13 years at the Queen Emma Summer Palace in Nuuanu. Located in lush Nuuanu Valley many of John’s quilt designs are memories of those amazing quilting mornings.
http://www.onlyinhawaii.org/queen-emmas-summer-palace-hawaii/
The child of the sea…Dolphins and Turtles. 90″ x 90″ Designed by John Serrao
Many tales speak of how the dolphins came to the rescue of many swimmers in distress in our Hawaiian Oceans. Friends to our island people the dolphins are forever loved as a guardian, friend and child of the sea. Read more about our Friends of the Sea.
http://www.wildhawaii.org/marinelife/dolphins.html
Heleconia Garden – Inspired by our quilter Elsie who loves to share with us her garden stories and who inspired John to create this pattern. 90″x 90″ Designed by John Serrao Personal Design
One of my favorite places to visit when I’m on Hawaii island is the Hawaii Tropical Botanical Garden. After you visit this amazing garden it will be your favorite too. All you floral photographers bring extra batteries for your camera’s.
Part of John’s Native Hawaiian Plants Series The Alena, a native medicinal plant was used as a diuretic for the Hawaiian people and also eaten as a famine food. 90″ x 90″ Designed by John Serrao.
Kanaha Beach on Maui is home to many things native Hawaiian from plants, insects, birds, fish to corals and limu’s. If you have the time and love everything Hawaiian this is the place to visit. http://www.hear.org/naturalareas/kanahabeach/#plants
Pua Aloalo – Hibiscus – Hawaii’s State Flower and always a favorite design among quilters. 90″ x 90″ Designed by John Serrao
