Did you know that the Monstera plant is also called the Swiss Cheese Plant. Just look at the leaves and you can see why. Seen though out the Hawaiian Islands in gardens and climbing trees it’s big bold green leaves is a favorite among gardeners. 45″ x 45″ Designed by John Serrao/js652-bk7 …
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.
Lei Pua Melia
The plumeria flower found throughout Polynesia is a favorite in Hawaii. It’s overwhelming scented flower was strung into floral leis and used especially by the hula girls. Dancing to the strum of the ukulele the plumeria leis enhanced the beauty of the dancer. 45″ x 45″ Designed by John Serrao/js668-bk8 Every Tuesdays and Thursdays at…
Girls Day
Click on the photo to find out more about Girls Day…. Originated in Japan March 3 Girls Day is celebrated with a display of finely crafted dolls as we pray for hope, happiness and abundance for our daughters, nieces and granddaughters. 45″ x 45″ Designed by John Serrao/js645-bk7
Mea Ai O Ke Kai – Uhu and He’e
The coral reef was home to many species of fish especially the He’e and Uhu(Parrot Fish) Unfortunately it was also an easy food source for the hungry Hawaiians. This quilt was designed for those days of spear fishing among the many coral reefs of the Hawaiian Islands. 45″ x 45″ Designed by John Serrao Personal…
Pua Okika
Because of Hawaii’s ideal climate the islands are now a major center for commercial orchids farms and also popular are orchid patterns for Hawaiian quilts. 45″ x 45″ Designed by John Serrao/js675-bk8
Kukui Nut
Symbolizing strength and light the Kukui Nut is an invaluable tree to the Hawaiian People. From the oil and nut which lite the Hawaiian homes to the roots and leaves which were used for medicinal purposes as well as dyes. The Kukui Nut tree also graces many tourist with it’s nutty leis….
Mamo – Yellow Lehua
There were two types of Mamo patterns when my Tutu Correa quilted back in the 1920’s. Sometimes the Mamo represented the beautiful Yellow Lehua Blossoms and sometimes the Mamo bird known for it’s yellow feathers and used to make the feather capes for Hawaii’s Na Alii. This quilt is for the fragile Yellow Lehua Blossoms….
Pua Rose
When Poakalani was a little girl she asked her grandmother, ” Where do babies come from?” and her grandmother told her that they found her underneath the Rose Bush in the front yard. From that time Poakalani loved roses especially that Rose bush in her front yard. This quilt was designed for those days of…
Pink Ginger
The Pink Ginger like the Red Gingers are seen throughout the islands, changing Hawaii’s Landscape into tiny mini-gardens. 45″ x 45″ Designed by John Serrrao/js655-bk7
Lily Pond
The Lily Pond is starting to become a very popular quilt design not because of it’s lilies and lotus blossoms but it’s Japanese Carp and their rainbow colors. 90″ x90″ Designed by John Serrao Did you know that the most expensive Koi Carp sold for over 2 million dollars. Beautiful on a quilt…
Cup Of Gold
The Cup of Gold is also known as the Golden Chalice Vine or Hawaiian Lily. Read more about this amazing vine and why it’s one of Cissy’s favorite flowers. 90″ x 90″ Design by John Serrao http://the.honoluluadvertiser.com/article/2006/Apr/07/il/FP604070322.html The first time I really noticed this vine was in 2012 when I visited Allerton Gardens on Kauai…
Hawaiian Hibiscus
The Hawaiian Hibiscus, a favorite quilt design of John’s is seen everywhere you look on the island of Oahu where it’s many species colors an already beautiful landscape. 90″ x 90″ Designed by John Serrao
Pake Mango – Chinese Mango
The number 88 is considered Good Luck to the Chinese and Chinese Mangoes grows abundantly in the yards of many island homes. A quilt pattern of 88 mangoes makes for good fortune and prosperity in your home. Read about the Bombucha Mango’s http://tastyislandhawaii.com/2010/07/17/bombucha-mango/
Legend of the Ulu
‘Ulu is associated with many Hawaiian myths and legends.Legend traces its origin to a time of famine when Ku, the god of building and war, buried himself in the earth near his home. He later turned into an `ulu tree so that his wife and children would not starve. Ku had told his wife that…
Queen Emma’s Garden
Queen Emma’s Garden in Nuuanu was once filled with Torch Gingers and Shell Gingers. 90″ x 90″ Designed by John Serrao Before teaching at the Iolani Palace Archives building we were honored to teach for about 13 years at the Queen Emma Summer Palace in Nuuanu. Located in lush…