Hawaiian Quilting

While I didn’t do a lot of shopping in Hawaii, I did find a few things to tuck in my suitcase.

© June Scroggin, All Rights Reserved

One of my purchases was this pincushion. I think the base is made from a coconut shell but I’m not positive. The pincushion came in handy as a chance to take Hawaiian quilting classes came along and I eagerly accepted the opportunity. I’ve been working on my class project since returning home. It’s now done and ready to share with you.

© June Scroggin, All Rights Reserved

My project is called Ti Leaf, a plant featured heavily in Hawaiian culture and traditions. Ti Leaf is used in cooking, as medicine, making hula skirts, and so on. The fabric I’m using for the appliqué portion actually exactly emulates the coloration of the Ti Leaf plant.

The Ti Leaf design is one of those found in this book which I bought while in Oahu: Poakalani Hawaiian Quilt Cushion Patterns & Designs, Vol. 3: Fifteen Original Block Patterns and Designs for both the Experienced and Beginning Quilter

Hawaiian quilting is done completely by hand, every single little stitch. Traditionally, the backing and binding are the same fabric as the background featuring the main design.

My teacher, Kimmee, shared other traditions she learned from her mother and grandmother as they taught her Hawaiian quilting:

• Never put your quilt on the ground.
• Never sit on your quilt.
• Always keep the quilt with the design side up.
• Quilts are to be respected and honored.

© June Scroggin, All Rights Reserved

Here is my finished project which I made into a simple pillow.

If you plan to be in Hawaii this month, the Honolulu Festival will celebrate the “Art of Hawaiian Quilting” at the Honolulu Convention Center March 13–14.

Resources

• Kathy’s Korner
• Poakalani