Hawaiian Quilting With Poakalani & Co.
… and Exploring the Art of Hawaiian Quilt designing with John Serrao
Almost a forgotten step in Hawaiian quilting Hawaiian quilt designing has once again become a significant step in making a Hawaiian quilt due to the diligence and talent of John Serrao. When our kupuna’s first started to quilt Hawaiian it was the design that told their story. The design was either inspired by dreams, memories of days long forgotten, hope for a bright future, and even favorite places and people. After the design was drawn on paper and sometimes directly on the fabric only then was it cut out on fabric. Prior to the resurgence of Hawaiian Quilting in the 1970’s everyone used old patterns to make their quilts and the important step of quilt designing was forgotten until a few quilters including John Serrao went back to the old style of Design First. Today John is known for his one-of -a kind new Hawaiian quilt patterns. It still is inspired by a quilters dreams, hopes and memories. It all tells a story. Enjoy the designs of John Serrao.
…Meet Award winning quilter Pippa Moss an amazing Hawaiian Quilter. Years ago when Pippa started ordering quilt patterns from the Poakalani website and then sending pictures of the completed quilts I knew she not only had an exceptional talent in quilting but a love for traditional Hawaiian quilt designs. I’m always in awe of her…
Did you know that when our na kupuna started to learn and quilt in Hawaii they only made the larger king and queen size quilts. Today there are so many sizes to choose from, while most beginner quilters prefer to learn on the smaller 22″ x 22″ quilts many quilters today love the 45″ x…
…Aloha Quilting Family I pray all of you are safe and healthy. Time has just flown by and I’m wondering what happened to the first three months of the year. Our Hawaiian Quilting classes are still closed but we’re hoping to start back soon. In my correspondence with the Iolani Palace they are looking for…
Aloha Quilting Family, I realize it’s been a while since I last posted, actually more than a while but Rae and I want you to know that while we miss the quilting classes we miss all of you more. Many people have called and e-mailed but sorry to say as long as the palace is…
Our Poakalani Quilting Family has gathered every Saturday from 9:30 – 12:00pm for 18 years to teach, learn, and enjoy the art of Hawaiian Quilting in the Kanaina building on the grounds of the Iolani Palace. The Iolani Palace has always been generous, kind and instrumental in helping us to continue our weekly classes. It’s…
Yes it’s been awhile since I posted. I’ve been having the most difficult time deciding which pattern to share with you. With the COVID19 crisis and now the tragic death of a man at the hands of a rogue police officer the world in which I was raised in is unrecognizable. I don’t have any…
I love roses not just for their beautiful blossoms and fragrant scent but for the memory that comes to mind of my mom Poakalani and the Rose Bush story she often told us. Poakalani was raised by her grandmother Caroline Correa, a master quilter during her time, and she would often tell us many stories…
We have available a large selection of cushion patterns in our quilting classes and we try to encourage our students to choose patterns that symbolizes the culture and history of Hawaii. We’ll go through many designs such as the Ulu(Breadfruit), Ti Leaf, Kukui Nut, Mokihana, Ginger, Monsterra and even Sea Life designs but many of…
Certain colors, scents, flowers and even songs evokes memories of days gone by and for me the plumeria blossoms brings back memories of my hula days and my Grandma Serrao’s home on Kam IV Road. Grandma’s property was home to an abundance of plumeria trees that was picked daily and taken to her lei shop-…
Did you know that Hawaii has only two seasons. Unlike our mainland states who have the four seasons of Summer, Fall, Winter and Spring Hawaii has only two seasons, a wet season from November to March and a dry season from April to October. These days I believe we’re all between two new seasons, before…
Sometimes finding the straight path toward your passion is never easy. Be strong and preserver your success is right around the corner. This is what Poakalani always believed. Born with only a right hand she learned to applique and quilt by watching her grandmother quilt during her quilting circles. Her passion led her to teaching…
John always spoke of everyone having an inner light and inner light that makes us shine as good parents, amazing co-workers, dependable siblings, and even Hawaiian quilters. How is your light shining during this difficult time. A few ways we can make our light and everyone’s light shine:Go out only when you really need to…
It’s been two weeks since our last class and Tuffy and I are hoping everyone and their families are home safe and healthy. Yes, we would rather be at quilting classes but until the Covid-19 situation gets better classes are on hiatus. So today we leave you with this memory of our mom Poakalani who…
Just a Reminder class is cancelled until further notice. Everyone please have a care. We will miss the weekly classes but this will pass and we will return to our daily lives. We want everyone to be safe and healthy when we return. If any of you need anything please call or text me at…
It was an beautiful day even the sun decided to shine on us. For just a few hours we forgot about the worlds concerns and just enjoyed each others company and celebrated everyone’s accomplishment for the past year. Many of the quilts didn’t make it to Honolulu because of the cancellation of the Festival but…
