He aikāne, He pūnana na ke onaona.
Sweet indeed is a good friend
ʻOlelo Noʻeau 516
Our story begins with an email from a co-worker who had a friend, who knew a friend, that was interested in Hawaiian quilting. I was then introduced to Jenn from the Boston Museum of Fine Arts. What started as a casual inquiry about Hawaiian quilting soon blossomed into Jenn and I connecting over our shared passion for fabric art, specifically Hawaiian quilts. We discussed how quilts are more than just coverings on a bed but how every design tells a story. Some Hawaiian quilts in particular speak of legends and memories of the past, some convey love, and some designs reflect personal and societal struggles.
After extensive discussions, Jenn expressed her desire to add a Hawaiian quilt to the museum’s collection, and I eagerly accepted the challenge. Together, we envisioned a quilt that would be a collaborative effort, crafted by a community of quilters who share a love for Hawaiian quilting. The quilt would be a king-size quilt, designed to tell a story that is deeply rooted in Hawaiian culture.
