We always tell our quilters, it’s not just the design but also the choice of colors and quilting lines that gives the quilt its life and spirit. This quilt by Mitsue is one of my favorites not only because it’s green(um my favorite color) but by using a white background the designs just popped off the quilt. Simple in design with such soothing and relaxing colors. Designed by John Serrao. Quilted by Hawaiian Quilt Instructor Mitsue Toi.
Sometimes unexpected gifts brings hope when we need it the most and this quilt arrived by mail for Poakalani at a time when she was feeling her worst and needed something, anything to lift her spirits. Poakalani loved this quilt depicting her love for hats and the beautiful Morning Glory blossoms. It brought her great comfort and today even though she is no longer with us this quilt brings back only good memories of a great lady who was a loving wife to John, caring mother to her 4 children, over indulging grandmother to her two granddaughters and amazing quilting teacher to her many students. Thank you Kimi who designed and quilted Poakalani’s hat, she loved opening the unexpected box . You held a special place in her heart. 45″ x 45″
Do you have a quilt that brings back memories of a special person or event?
John has two grandchildren both girls. The oldest mo’opuna(grandchild) was given John’s favorite Hawaiian name Pomaika’i which means blessed but all the quilters call her Missy, her bestowed upon nickname from her grandmother Poakalani. This quilt was designed by John for Missy…Hearts for a special girl from a very over protective grandfather. Quilted by Aunty Tomiko Okada 90″ x 90″
John said this was one of the easiest quilts he designed. All he thought of was his quiet and smart granddaughter and her compassion for helping others, hence the hearts. The color blue was chosen for the design because of course it’s Missy’s favorite color but by also choosing a solid dark color and a white/off white background the design becomes the focal point. Like we say in the quilting world the design pops from it’s canvas showcasing the amazing design.
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.
Pua Aloalo – Hibiscus – Hawaii’s State Flower and always a favorite design among quilters. 90″ x 90″ Designed by John Serrao
Ohelo Berries are found mostly in Volcano National Park on Hawaii Island. The berry slightly tart to sweet is a favorite among the locals for jellies and Jams and also loved by Hawaii’s State bird the Nene Goose. 90″ x 90″ Designed by John Serrao – Personal Design
Legends of the Ohelo Berries
http://the.honoluluadvertiser.com/article/2006/May/19/il/FP605190309.html
http://www.botany.hawaii.edu/faculty/bridges/bigisland/species/vacret.htm
Everyone loves the Bird of Paradise because of it’s unique shape and colors but while it was not a popular design in vintage quilts it is very popular in today’s contemporary quilts. 90″ x 90″ Designed by John Serrao
After Mie’s deep sea fishing adventure in Kona she wanted a quilt design to remember that day. For Mie and Yoshi may you have many more great adventures. 90″ x 90″ Designed by John Serrao (Personal Design)
The Monstera Plant continues to complement Hawaii’s beauty. The large leaves is seen throughout the islands in gardens, parks, yards and also in the lush mountains and valleys. 90″ x 90″ Designed by John Serrao
