Quilts in progress and some of the awesome ladies.
Quilt Backing
Using a plain backing showcases the tiny quilting stitches and its amazing design.
Maile Ilima Wallhanging
One of our first quilt shows at the Mission Houses Museum showcased several 45″ x 60″ wall hangings. These quilts were actually made to fit inside of a baby’s crib but after all the quilters expert handiwork they decided that hanging the quilt rather than placing it in the crib was of course a better choice and I whole hardheartedly agree. This quilt show cases one of Hawaii’s favorite flowers, the Maile Ilima. The sweet scented maile and ilima prized by Hawaiian Kings and Queens translates into a beautiful wall hanging. 45″ x 60″ Designed by John Serrao
Bachelors Buttons
He Inoa No Kamehameha II – We Must Always Remember
Like the Hula and the Hawaiian Chants of Old making a quilt in memory of a King, Queen, Friend and loved one brings honor to them. This quilt made back in the 1990’s by Joomi Shiroma depicts whales and symbols of Hawaii prominent during the reign of Kamehameha II. Our beloved King was born in 1797 and reigned from 1819 to 1824. Unfortunately in 1824 he died in England with his wife Kamamalu. 90″ x 90″ Designed by John Serrao, Quilted by Joomi Shiroma
The Hawaiian Helmets of Old and Tabu Stick are shown in this quilt to symbolize traditional Hawaii, while the whales and fire and the center of the quilt symbolize a changing world coming to the Hawaiian people. Whaling season was at it’s peak during the reign of Kamehameha II.
Plant a Ulu(Breadfruit) tree.
Plant a Ulu(Breadfruit) tree at the birth of a child so it will have enough food his whole life. One of many legends associated with the Ulu Tree and that is why many quilters start with the Ulu design first before all others. 22″ x 22″ Designed by John Serrao
Did you know that the Ulu instead of the Taro was the staple of choice for the people of Puna on Hawaii Island. Because of the type of land found in the area it was the ulu tree that was easier to grow in abundance. The Puna natives were also able to plant the Ulu in deep holes so that the leaves and fruit grew at ground level to make harvesting easier. Read more about this amazing Ulu from Puna. Puna Online
To Everything There Is A Season
To Everything There Is A Season especially those closet quilts that have sat for years waiting to be dusted off , re-introduced and completed. Today Doris surprised me by showing up at class with her Hibiscus quilt completely appliqued and ready for quilting. After 15 years in the closet this hibiscus quilt will finally begin its finally journey. Congratulations Doris for giving this quilt its season of completion. What a beautiful design. 90 x 90 Designed by John Serrao.
I have always loved this quilt because of its double ring hibiscus design. I remember helping Doris lay out the quilt when we taught at the Queen Emma Summer Palace. I would constantly ask Doris how her Hibiscus quilt was but she was always working on other quilting projects. Today her Hibiscus quilt is ready for quilting but as much as I love the this quilt I found something better, a close and amazing friend in Doris.
Genesis 1:1-5 Let There Be Light and There Was Light
Many people find comfort in verse and song whiles others in quilting. So when you combine what inspires you and your quilting passion surprising things happens. Sometimes the designs are not only to show your quilting talent but what gives you breath. 22″ x 22″ Designed by John Serrao
Expand your creativity in design by creating the unusual like the sun, moon and stars instead of your normal flowers and trees. Take that step and dare yourself to be different.
Morning Glory – Expect Amazing Things and Believe

Morning Glory
Happy New Year to Our Quilting Family.
Hope all of you had a great Christmas and many blessings to all of you this New Year. The Poakalani family had a great 2014 and while we expect and even more exciting year in 2015 things happen and we had to accept an unexpected change in our 2015 schedule….sadly we will not be part of the Honolulu Festival in March due to a few changes, hopefully we’ll be back in 2016. It’s actually a blessing because it gives us more time to prepare for our trip to Japan in October 2015. More details later on this exciting trip to Yokohama, Japan. Until further notice we’re still having classes at the palace and we’ll let everyone know when we have to make the temporary move. So yes we are expecting amazing things this year and believe it’s going to be fun and awesome for everyone. Design by John Serrao 22″ x 22″
Cissy