Whole cloth quilts with giant appliques….yes, indeed! I am teaching myself how to make a small quilt using a very, very basic leaf design of my own making. Creating the applique is similar to cutting out a paper snowflake or papercut. The basic parameter, from my extremely limited reasearch, is that the quilts need to have a repeating design and be made of solid colored fabric. You can create your own design simply by making a stencil with freezer paper. Fold the paper into a 1/8 fold (a hotdog fold, then a hamburger fold). The quilting radiates outward from the design. The only ruler you’ll need is the width of your index finger!
I just picked up this book, which inspired this latest project. There are amazing photos within and a brief history of Hawaiian quiltmaking. The Wilcox’s were among the missionaires in Hawaii during the 1800’s. Along with their crazy evangalizing, they taught quiltmaking. In turn the Hawaiian women added their own distinct style and unique construction to the history of quiltmaking. Another great resource for Hawaiian Quilts is this website.
Here’s an example of this style of quilt that I saw at the Gallery of Modern Art in Queensland. This style from the Pacific Islands is called Taifaifai. I like the name so much that I can wander around repeating it for sheer pleasure.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/tirralirra/376729136/
A second example.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/tirralirra/376729139/
Just recently discovered your blog, really great! I dream about making a Hawaiian quilt…some day : )
I am another one that has wanted to make a Hawaiian quilt for forever! I have this book on handquilting (”The Perfect Stitch”
that sparked my interest and then on a trip to Hawaii years ago, I visited a quilt shop there and saw so many beautiful Hawaiian style quilts. I’ve never gotten up the nerve to attempt one, though. I love to applique so I’d probably enjoy it… Someday!
Gillian–
Those examples are totally great. They look like they are woodblock prints. So intricate! Thank you for sharing them with me.
Carrie
I highly recommend the website you referenced for Hawaiian quilts. I had a chance to go to their Saturday morning class in January. It was fantastic, taught by sisters Cissy and Tuffy and their dad there teaching design. If you are ever in Honolulu on a Saturday, you’ve got to take their class at Iolani Palace. I fell in love with the technique. I have completed two 22″ pillow tops, now I think I’ll try a twin size quilt.
Thanks for the tip Kathi!
What could be more ideal than taking a quilting class while visiting Hawaii? Heaven, I tell you!