One of the Hawaiian Quilt traditions that was strictly followed in our family was that you “Never Sit On A Quilt”. You never sat on a quilt because the quilt was treated with great respect due to the time invested and the belief that the quilt is the embodiment of the creator’s spirit. To…
Category: Design First
Almost a forgotten step in Hawaiian quilting Hawaiian quilt designing has once again become a significant step in making a Hawaiian quilt due to the diligence and talent of John Serrao. When our kupuna’s first started to quilt Hawaiian it was the design that told their story. The design was either inspired by dreams, memories of days long forgotten, hope for a bright future, and even favorite places and people. After the design was drawn on paper and sometimes directly on the fabric only then was it cut out on fabric. Prior to the resurgence of Hawaiian Quilting in the 1970’s everyone used old patterns to make their quilts and the important step of quilt designing was forgotten until a few quilters including John Serrao went back to the old style of Design First. Today John is known for his one-of -a kind new Hawaiian quilt patterns. It still is inspired by a quilters dreams, hopes and memories. It all tells a story. Enjoy the designs of John Serrao.
Frau – Japanese Magazine
Aloha Amazing Quilters and Friends, I know I haven’t posted in several days but I’m trying really hard to get my pattern shop back on-line, which is causing a few problems. Hopefully by the end of this month. Also I’m afraid I got stuck watching a Korean Drama on Hulu. I love my Korean Drama’s. Good…
Amazing Quilts – Mitsue’s Heleconia and Monsterra
We always tell our quilters, it’s not just the design but also the choice of colors and quilting lines that gives the quilt its life and spirit. This quilt by Mitsue is one of my favorites not only because it’s green(um my favorite color) but by using a white background the designs just popped…
Non Traditional Quilts – Bed Runners
Every once in a while we get requests for odd size designs. John didn’t understand the size or why, but he went ahead anyway and designed these 5 bed runners. Personally I think the designs are amazing and compliments the bedroom. Some quilters even made a framed quilt for the wall. Can you guess the…
Dove Orchids
I posted the 22″ x 22″ Dove Orchid Design/Pattern on October 3, 2014, since than John has designed the dove orchid for a larger quilt as well. One for a wall hanging 45″ x 45″ and another, which you see here is for the larger quilt. 90″x 90″ Designed by John…
Happy Halloween
Happy Halloween – No Ghost or Goblins, just witches on brooms hoping to have a little pumpkin for dinner but alas the scarecrow’s taking a stance, ” Away you witches, fly away and be gone”. 45″ x 45″, Designed by John Serrao
Hoe Wa’a
Canoe Paddling is one of very few Hawaiian Sports that is competitively practiced today. Competing in different divisions from Keiki, to High School , as well as adult and Senior canoe clubs it is an amazing sport that is seeped in old Hawaiian traditions. 45″ x 45″ Designed by John Serrao Yes, John’s design does…
Kahili Ginger
The Kahili Ginger is grown through out the Hawaiian Islands but unfortunately it is highly invasive and is slowly taking over Hawaii’s native plants. It was named the Kahili Ginger because it looked very similar to Hawaii’s Royal Standard. 45″ x 45″ Designed by John Serrao/js649-bk7 John created this design not only to…
Amazing Quilts – Monkey Pod Tree
The Monkey Pod trees with its large umbrella canopy can easily be found in Hawaii’s parks shading the locals and tourist from Hawaii’s hot sun. The most famous monkey pod tree is of course the Hitachi Tree located in Moanalua Gardens while less famous but beautiful trees can be found at Iolani Palace, Nuuanu…
Make Man Flower – The Plumeria
My mom Poakalani was a great story teller. She loved to talk about “HER” good old days; especially growing up with her sister Danette and cousin Francene and of course her home on School Street. She would reminisce about how they would dare each other to walk through Oahu cemetery at night and pick the…
Lei Okika
Did you know that orchids is one of John’s favorite flowers. If he could he would grow orchids as a hobby. Unfortunately his daughter’s cat also loves to eat the orchids. So the only orchids he grows are the ones on his quilt designs. 45″ x 45″ Designed by John Serrao/js656-bk7
Hala Kahiki – Pineapple
Did you know that the Hawaiians believed the Pineapple looked very similar to the Hala Fruit, so similar that the Hawaiians gave the pineapple the name Hala Kahiki meaning Fruit or Hala from a foreign place. So here is another Pineapple pattern one of the most requested designs for John. 90″ x 90″ Designed by John Serrao….
Kauna’oa
One of several lei’s mentioned in Hawaiian legends the Kauna’oa is mostly known for being the designated flower of Lanai Island. The orange and yellow vine can be found along coastal areas with sandy soils. 45″ x 45″ Designed by John Serrao/js639-bk7 Click on the photo to read more about the amazing Kauna’oa and here…
Amazing Quilts – Poakalani’s Papale
Sometimes unexpected gifts brings hope when we need it the most and this quilt arrived by mail for Poakalani at a time when she was feeling her worst and needed something, anything to lift her spirits. Poakalani loved this quilt depicting her love for hats and the beautiful Morning Glory blossoms. It brought her great…
Amazing Quilts – Pomaika’i Blessing
John has two grandchildren both girls. The oldest mo’opuna(grandchild) was given John’s favorite Hawaiian name Pomaika’i which means blessed but all the quilters call her Missy, her bestowed upon nickname from her grandmother Poakalani. This quilt was designed by John for Missy…Hearts for a special girl from a very over protective grandfather. Quilted by Aunty Tomiko…
