… and Exploring the Art of Hawaiian Quilt designing with John Serrao
When I speak about my mom, Poakalani I always mention that when she made her cushion wall hangings, she didn’t use a quilting hoop but a square quilting frame. The quilting frame measured about 24″ x 24″ and John would staple elastic to the corners and sides of the wooden frame where she would pin…
It’s a little blurry but you get the point. When first learning to quilt the more exact and meticulous your basting is the easier your needle turn applique will be. I found a photo of Poakalani’s lauʻae quilt square in progress and you can see she even basted along the center to the corners. She…
Two years ago, we expanded to teach and share Hawaiian quilting with the other side of the island of Oahu. We’ve always taught classes in town and never ventured over the Pali, but we surprised ourselves when we decided to venture off and teach Hawaiian quilting classes at Key Project in Kahaluu. It has been…
This week my employer invited the Poakalani quilting class to showcase “Ulu” design quilts for the kickoff of the “Aloha United Way” annual fundraiser and of course I accepted. I accept these small exhibits for several reasons. It showcases the beautiful quilts that are handsewn by our amazing quilters, and they need to be shown…
It’s been our tradition that every quilt show we participate in a new T-Shirt is designed and if you’re a long-time quilter with the Poakalani class you’re probably the owner of several “T-Shirt’s of Many Colors.” This past class I saw several quilters wearing Poakalani shirts from the many different quilt shows we’ve been in…
50 +1 State Quilts – 45″ x 45″ Wall Hangings It was a two year project and out of the 50 states 46 and Washington DC were completed and that was a huge accomplishment. Congratulations to all quilters who participated in this quilt show. It was amazing and the feedback from the visitors were overwhelming…
We returned to the Honolulu Festival after a year hiatus, and it was memorable. We were able to showcase 45 of the 50 state quilts, new quilts just made this past year as well as past popular quilts. We’re so proud of the quilters and all they accomplished this past year. Please visit our gallery…
Kau ke kaha i ka uluna. The head rests upon the pillow. All the work is done and there is nothing more to worry about. ʻŌlelo Noʻeau 1616 The Aloha ʻUlu quilt is finished and was mailed to the Boston Museum of Arts. It arrived safely in the hands of Jenn. It was an honor…
E kaupē aku no i ka hoe a kō mai. Put forward the paddle and draw it back. Go on with the task that is started and finish it. ʻŌlelo Noʻeau 319 John always had a saying. “My designs, patterns are just lines on a paper, until a quilter gives it life and breathes their…
ʻAʻohe ʻulu e loaʻa i ka pōkole o ka lou. No breadfruit can be reached when the picking stick is too short. There is no success without preparation. ʻŌlelo Noʻeau 213 The Hawaiian quilt is often called a “Labor of Love, it is a gift of patience and love. It takes nine months to even…
Aʻohe mea koe ma kūʻono. Nothing remains in the corners. Said of one who is extremely generous giving freely without reservation. ʻŌlelo Noʻeau 187 Needle turn applique is the technique of turning the raw edge of the design under and sewing it to the background fabric. It takes time and patience but when the applique…
Komo mai kau māpuna hoe. Put in your dip of the paddle. Pitch In. ʻŌlelo Noʻeau 1816 Poakalani and John Serrao started formally teaching Hawaiian quilting in the early 1980ʻs. Their classes not only taught Hawaiian quilting but also Hawaiiʻs culture and traditions especially the concept of ʻOhana” family. Whether related by blood or not…
Ua ahu ka imu, e lāwalu ka iʻa The oven is ready, let the fish wrapped in ti leaves be cooked. All preparations have been made, now let us proceed with the work. ʻŌlelo Noʻeau 2768 It takes nine months to even a year to complete a king size Hawaiian quilt and Poakalani always…
Hana a lau a lau ke aho, alaila loaʻa ka iʻa kāpapa oa ka moana. Make a four hundred times four hundred fish lines before planning to go after the fighting fish of the sea. Be well prepared for a big project. ʻŌlelo Noʻeau 446 Quilters are comfortable spending hours in a fabric shop trying…
