Quilting in the Aloha State (and a Giveaway)! July 09 2019 44 Comments

UPDATED JULY 17, 2019.  CONGRATULATIONS JUDY ZEGER!  YOU ARE THE WINNER OF OUR HAWAIIAN SOUVENIR FABRIC GIVEAWAY!  WE WILL EMAIL YOU FOR SHIPPING DETAILS!

Did you know that this past Friday (July 5th) was National Hawaii Day?  This day is to recognize the 50th State - Hawaii - to be granted statehood.

Hawaii is known for its beautiful tropical beaches, stunning landscapes, luaus, hula dancing, surfing, rainbows, and of course, Hawaiian quilting!

A Hawaiian quilt is a distinctive quilting style of the Hawaiian Islands that began in 1820 when missionaries first arrived.  It uses large radially symmetric appliqué from a single cut of folded fabric and quilting stitching that normally follows the contours of the appliqué design.  Motifs often work stylized botanical designs in bold colors on a white background.  Hawaiian quilts are truly a labor of love (generally 1,000 plus hours of craftsmanship and 1 million plus stitches per quilt).

 

I was blessed to be able to spend a few weeks in the Aloha State last month for our family vacation.  We spent our time exploring the beautiful sites and beaches around the Island of Oahu including Waikiki Beach, Diamond Head, The North Shore, Kualoa Valley and Pearl Harbor.  

Activities included hiking, surfing, sailing, snorkeling, zip lining and soaking up the sun.  I even managed to sneak out for a few hours to explore a local Quilt Shop and to see Hawaiian quilts in the wild.

 

These quilts and quilted accessories by Julie Yi (Julie's Creations Designs) of Hawaiian Islands Arts put a modern spin on the traditional Hawaiian quilt.

 

Another modern take on Hawaiian appliqué showcasing the Honu (turtle).

 

There are lots of options for quilted treasures for everyone's budget at Oahu Quilt.

 

 

The Hawaiian version of Sunbonnet Sue - Aloha Sue and Aloha Sam!

 

 

While not hand embroidered in the Islands, this pillow which showcases Oahu's treasures was designed locally.

 

I was only able to visit one quilt shop on our trip since it was the only one in walking distance of our condo.  Fabric Mart offered a nice selection of Hawaiian fabrics including some novelty prints with a fun Japanese twist.  On my list of must see shops for the next trip is Kaimuki Dry Goods and Kuni Island Fabrics.

 

And I did manage to bring back some souvenirs!  

 

 

COMMENT BELOW whether or not you've made a Hawaiian quilt for a CHANCE TO WIN a bundle (fat sixteenth) of this Hawaiian souvenir fabric!  Winner will be chosen by random on July 15th, 2019.  Not feeling lucky?  You can purchase your own souvenir bundle HERE.

Looking for more Aloha Inspiration?