Friday 12 January 2007

Hawaiian Quilts - A Design Legacy












After being in Hawaii over the holidays I thought I would show you some of the beautiful quilts they produce. Everytime I go to Hawaii I love to look at the quilts and cushions they make. I have only ever bought 6 cushions which I purchased when I was there last August. I find that I can never choose as they are all so beautiful. Maybe next trip I will get some more. I have listed below an excerpt from "Hawaiian Quilting Poakalani & Co. " by Cissy Serrao.

"In 1820 the Royal wives of two reigning chiefs were invited aboard the brig Thaddeus for what is known today in the history books as the first quilting circle ever held in the Hawaiian Islands. This quilting circle was just the start of an art that would continue for the next 175 years and beyond and this quilting circle would play an integral part in the record keeping of the history of the Hawaiian people.

The Hawaiian women would also design their quilts based on their beautiful floral surroundings, their old gods, their legends and their sovereign nation. Their quilt designs encompassed their beautiful flowers such as the Mokihana, the Liko Lehua, the Ulei berries to their travels from Tahiti, to the flag quilts which symbolized their self identity in a rapidly changing world. They named their quilts in memory of their love ones who had passed on to the spiritual world and even their grandchildren who has yet to been born. They also designed their quilts after major events in the islands. Every quilt they made had its purpose. No quilt was made to just pass the time. It was believed that some quilt designs even came to the designer and quilter in their dreams.

Today the legacy of Hawaiian quilting and designing is still popular in Hawaii. New designs are being made everyday. What makes Hawaiian quilting unique are the designs. The technique of quilting is the same almost all over the world but the style and design of the Hawaiian quilts is what makes Hawaiian quilts Hawaiian. "


You can purchase Hawaiian quilts and cushion covers on line at www.shoppoakalani.com




14 comments:

kstyle said...

I want to go live in one of those rooms right now. Snowing here and realy realy cold and I am so missing Mexico and The sunshine Coast right now I can't even tell you. When I look at those quilts I can just feel the warm beach air. Breath it in for me Anna. Oh and I am so excited about your project with Pink. I'm going to lose sleep tonight trying to think of a cute name for your blog. Take care and talk soon
k

kstyle said...

I want to go live in one of those rooms right now. Snowing here and realy realy cold and I am so missing Mexico and The sunshine Coast right now I can't even tell you. When I look at those quilts I can just feel the warm beach air. Breath it in for me Anna. Oh and I am so excited about your project with Pink. I'm going to lose sleep tonight trying to think of a cute name for your blog. Take care and talk soon
k

Anna Spiro said...

Oh me too K. I would love to move straight into that house which is on right on Lanikai beach. So glad you are excited about my new project with Pink. It should be alot of fun. Hope you don't freeze over there!! Just think warm thoughts!!
A

Spray Glue said...

Great blog! I love what you post, the blog world just keeps getting better.

Gary*

Anna Spiro said...

Oh, thank you Gary for your very kind words. I hope to hear from you again. I just had a look at your blog as well. I love the wicker tray from William Wayne you posted about. They have some beautiful things! Please keep in touch.

Anna

Style Court said...

Love the Hawaiian take on quilting -- so bright and crisp! Thanks for sharing.

ALL THE BEST said...

Love the quilts. They look so fresh and modern. Reminds me of a bright summer day.

Julie at Belle Vivir said...

I love these quilts. I love seen how people take something like a quilt and makes it in a more modern and sofisticated way. Thank you for sharing.

P.S great blog & excellent taste.:)

Suburban prep said...

I have neve rhad the opportunity to go to Hawaii. A very good friend of hubby and mine lives there and she stated that she has a few of these and they make the room so friendly.

Anna Spiro said...

Thanks Julie for visiting and for your kind words about my blog. Hope to see you regularly on ABT.

Anna Spiro said...

Suburban Prep, I am so jealous of your friends. I absolutely adore Hawaii!!

a. said...

Beautiful!

Suburban prep said...

I have never been to Hawaii myself. I would love to see it sometime. But flying long distances isn't something I can do very easily (medical condition). But from all reports everyone claims it is paradise. Our friend who lives there is from our area and doesn't think she will come back.

Rachel Biel said...

Those rooms and quilts are gorgeous! I mentioned them and your blog in mine today and added you as a link. Come visit!