Third,
the use of usually only two colors - one for the design appliqué
and a contrasting one for the background. Perhaps, the initial unavailability
of different colored fabrics originated this practice. Many of the
early quilts were a combination of red and white - the two colors
most commonly available. The practice of using dual colors prevailed
however, even after the selection of fabrics improved. Even in early
quilts, occasionally a third or fourth color was used or a small print
and a solid color. But traditionally, throughout the years, the original
concept of two contrasting colors has remained, accentuating the bold
designs with striking clarity.
Fourth,
the method of quilting turned from the geometrical designs, taught
and practiced at the missionary schools, to the Scandinavian method
of echo or outline quilting. The quilts first seen by the Hawaiians
were, quite probably, the finest in the collections brought by the
early missionaries. Many of these quilts may have contained examples
of quilting techniques and patterns far too intricate and time consuming
for the majority of quilts needed to ward off cold New England winters.
While the Hawaiians, because of their own weaving abilities with native
materials, were able to relate to the geometric patterns of traditional
American quilting, the echo or outline quilting appealed to their
natural sense of grace and motion. The undulating lines following
the contour of the applied design looked like the waves and tides
surrounding their islands. The Hawaiian women, being poetic and in
touch with nature, adopted this quilting method, perhaps originally,
as being a feeling of Hawaii to be incorporated into their quilts
rather than merely a beautiful quilting technique.
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