Mie’s Seaworld. Can you find the dolphins, turtles and the eels hidden within the quilt. Another design by our late John Serrao waiting to be brought to life.
PBS – Craft in America West
To all our quilters and everyone who loves and admires Hawaiian quilts, you’re all invited. Please join us this Sunday January 11 from 4:30pm – 7:30pm at the Inspiration Hawaii Museum.
May the wonderment of Christmas bring you peace and joy and Hauoli Makahiki Hou. See all of you on January 10th when the classes resume. Let’s make 2026 a year of hope and laughter.
Sometimes It’s Okay To Be Square – Flash Back
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…
Basting Stitches – It’s a little blurry but you get the Point!
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…
Key Project Quilters – We’ve Expanded
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…
Why I Always Accept – Hand Stitched and Homegrown
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…
We Celebrate With T-Shirts
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…
I thought all of you might enjoy this sneak peck
50 + 1 State Quilts – 45″ x 45″ Wall Hangings
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…
Honolulu Festival 2025
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…
Final Thoughts
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…
Just Lines On A Paper
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…
Sandwich Anyone!
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…
Halfway There With Our Quilting Ohana
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…