The Art of Hawaiian Quilting
Growing up, I learned early on that sewing and creating with fabric was in my blood. My grandmother was a tailor who always made the most beautiful dresses out of the finest lace and fabric. There was not a holiday that went by that I did not have a beautiful new dress to wear to a family gathering. My mother also grew up sewing and won multiple awards as a teen for her skill in crafting beautiful outfits. Not only did she follow in my grandmother’s footsteps, but she also had a love for interior design. I remember growing up surrounded by beautiful furnishings, drapes and pillows. Although I learned to sew as a child, I didn’t take to it, to the disappointment of my mother and grandmother. I was always off trying everything from playing the violin, viola, competitive roller skating, rowing, dancing, and art.
It was not until I was in my thirties, when my daughter and I started dancing hula, that I had to get serious about sewing. Hula required that we make our own costumes, so I took a class at the local Bernina store. Although I had been sewing hula costumes for multiple years, it wasn’t until my mother passed away that I found quilting as a passion. I remember searching for my first quilting class and found Nancy Lee Chong’s Hawaiian Applique class at Country Village in Bothell, Washington. I was excited to make my first Hawaiian quilt and jumped in with both feet. I asked Nancy if I could increase the size of the Sea Turtles and Dolphins wall hanging to make a queen-size quilt for my daughter. Nancy agreed and three years later, I finished my first Hawaiian bed size quilt. After that experience, I was hooked! I have been sewing Pacific Rim Quilt Company’s patterns, along with patterns from many other designers, ever since.
After the pandemic had subsided, I decided to leave my first career as a Human Resources professional and start a quilting business. I purchased a long arm and started quilting for clients and teaching needle turn applique to local quilters interested in learning the technique. I believe that growing up surrounded by expert seamstresses, my love of art, and my thirst for adventure has guided me to this place in my life. Purchasing Pacific Rim Quilt Company in 2024 was a perfect fit and the natural extension of my love for the art of Hawaiian quilting. I can’t think of a better way to share my love of applique than to build on the great legacy of this artform. I am honored to share my passion with you!