A
Hawaiian quilt first seen is rarely forgotten. Not only does it
possess a strikingly beautiful pattern, but an unexplainable quality
which originates more from the spirit (mana) of the design than
the stitches created by the quilter's hand.
Hawaiian
quilting differs from quilting which evolved in other parts of the
world. Its unique method of design, intricately quilted, continues
to be more of a form of artistic expression than a well designed
utilitarian necessity.
Hawaii's
mild climate allowed this expression to be created leisurely, with
far more time available for the detailed appliqué and quilting.
One was not dependent upon the finishing of a quilt to ensure a
warm night's rest during long cold winter months. This was fortunate
as a full sized Hawaiian quilt, even for the experienced, can easily
take many months of continuous stitching to complete.
Four
methods of constructing and designing a quilt, when combined, make
the Hawaiian quilting process unique. These include the use of whole
pieces of fabric for the appliqué and background; the "snowflake"
method of cutting the design all at one time; the use of usually
only two colors of fabric; and the echo, or outline style of quilting
which follows the contour of the applied design throughout the entire
quilt.
