Ke Alahou, Volume I, Number 8, 1 Iulai 1980 — HAWAIIAN QUILTING [ARTICLE+ILLUSTRATION]

HAWAIIAN QUILTING

by Elizabeth A. Akana

We leftoff last time withyoudoingyourapplique. Some of you, I'm sure, are f.inished with your applique —but; for those of you that had a difficult time deciding on what size to make your background fabric I have a formula that I usually follow. I add 2" to eaeh side of the pattern. For your 16" pattern you would use a 20" square for the background fabric. Onee you've finished your applique you will need a pieee of muslin that is 20" sq. and a pieee of 3 qz. or morp batting that is 20". sq. Baste together* your fmished appliqued top y your batting and muslin, Diagram #1, ; " ' You are now ready to start quilting: note: 1. I suggest the use of a hoop, a thimble for the middlefingerof your quilting hand, a #7 Between quilting needle and quilting thread, A hoop does not, have to be used for a pillow but it is best to get used to one because a hoop or frame should be used fdt your quilts to aehieve the very best results. 2v Start your quilting by making a single knot in the end of your thread, Plaee needle in the top of your work a short distance from where you will begin your quilting; bring needlq up Where you wish to begin quilting and gently pull knot through top fabric and loek in the batting. Ono or Uvo back stitches your first quiUing stitch will cnsure the lockiiig of your thread. . , , 3. To end your thread go back over about 3 or 4 stitches just couipletqd and elip. The quilting will a,lways start in the the ceuter your work. The first r<pw of qupting will be right next to and completely arquud tht|entire outside edge of your appliqued design usin&Ji short rumung stitch. Diajraru #2. j Onee tliis is ean quilt the iiiside of your appliqued design. Inside your design you ean

quilt in any way that you desire. You could.quill_veirvs on the leaves and make your Woodroses have petals. However, to do Hawaiian quilting you must quilt on the outside of your desig.n by following tfre outline of the appliqued design and radiating out from the design in rows about \z" to apart. Remember that the closer your rows of quilting the flatter your vvork looks. More is notbetter. Continue quilting until you are within VT from desired finished End ali quilting at this point because any cut quilting stitches will unraval. To ftaish off yqur pillow; On the iop of your work measure and.mark io 3ize desired. Stitch piping to this mark. Attach zipper, if desired s io piping and then to the 20" square back fabric. Close zipper. loinright sides or quilted tpp and back fabric. Stitch around remaining three opened sides. Make a seperate inside pillow. Make inside pillow 2" larger ihan finished quilted pillow aad fill with fiber fill or shredded foam. Yourpillow is a marvelous keepsake orgift togive to someone special. I wauted to share with you a happy ihiug that happened to me last mouih. My very firsi full sized quilt that I called Pua 0 Keaiii was entered in The Great AmericanjNleedlework Show 111 '80 aud iook plaee. Thēie were 9 other professionals that entered quilts so I vvas very pleased wiih my ribbon. As you ean see Pua O Keaiii is a very eoniempoo Hawauan quilt. Nex! time I II iudude a picture of ihe quilt I'm working ou now and also ialk aboui some of the fun tliings you ean do wiih your pillow paiterns. If you have any quesiions you eaa eonie io ihe Bishop Museum qu Mondai*s, Vm in ihe Atheriou Hdau from H to o. Ilope io sec you there,