The quilt was designed for Francis when visited us at one of Quilting Classes. She indicated that her name was Lehua and would like a design representing her name. The quilt was designed that very day by John Serrao. Because the quilt is larger than your 45" width material you must join the fabric before cutting out your design. Using a 1/4 seam the material was joined to make a 108" x 108" complete piece. After the material is joined it's then folded into its 1/8 fold. Right side (top) of the fabric is folded in. The pattern is then layed on top and pinned to the folded material.After pinning the pattern to the folded material you must now cut out the design. You'll be cutting through eight layers of material so a sharp scissors is necessary. Cut all bold solid lines. After the design has been completly cut out you lay out the quarter design on its backing, which was also joined by its seams. If it looks like a big job........it is. After the quarter design has been laid, the design is then opened to its half design. The design is then opened up completly and pinned. The design is then opened up completely and pinned.After the design is completely layed and pinned it is then carefully basted. You need to baste the design to its back material so that the pins can be removed. Baste 1/4 inch from the edge of the quilt. After the top design is basted on to its backing the applique process begins. Mie Morimoto a resident of Hawaii and Japan was chosen and honored to make this special quilt. The quilt will be traveling between two countries before its completed. Mie is one of our master quilters. Our applique should be 1/8" apart with small even stitches. After the applique is complete you are now ready to quilt but sometimes the batting is too small for a full-size quilt. If this occurs you must join the batting together. Join the batting by sewing them together side-by-side not one on top of each other. Baste all three layers together. Starting from the center and grid out. It should be about 1-2 hand spans apart. Now you're ready to quilt. When basting your quilt together you may want to use a longer needle.Your quilt we have square grid marks across the whole quilt. You are now ready to quilt. Always quilt the center of your quilt first but you must start from the inside edge of your branches into the center of the quilt. Use your fingers as a guide. Your spacing on the quilt should be no smaller than the width of your baby finger and no larger than the width of your index finger. After the cente is complete quilt the branches of the quilt. You can either use echo quilting on the design or definitive quilting. Definite quilting is used when you want the quilting lines to reflect the design and shape of the actual flower.After quilting your branches don't forget to quilt in the ditich. Quilt outside the design-like an outline. Very close to the edge on the background fabric. Echo quilting is said to be like the ripples in a pond. It also symbolizes the love of the quilter and Hawaii reaching out to family, friends and loved ones around the world. When quilting your design you may want to use a Definitive quilting style. Make the design look like the actual flower. Remember the back of the quilt should look just as beautiful as the front of the quilt. After you've completed the binding of your quilt you've now finished your masterpiece. But remember the traditions of Hawaii after completing the quilt the owner must seal the love in the quilt by sleeping under it for one night.
Teaching Hawaiian quilting is not only our mission but also our passion. When someone finishes a quilt they've not only finished a piece of art, a cultural tradition but also an heirloom. Follow along while you see a work of art completed with love and hope for the receipent of the quilt. Click on the picture of for an up close view.
Creating an Heirloom