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N&J Your Hawaiian Quilt and Applique Specialists
Newsletter
Applique - We share your passion!
Issue: #4 September 2009
In This Issue
HAWAIIAN QUILT DESIGNS: An Evolving Tradition
DESIGN YOUR PERSONAL HAWAIIAN QUILT: Hawaii, May 2010
YOU ARE IN OUR HEARTS: A Healing Quilt
SUNFLOWER FIELDS: Selecting Two Fabrics
COMING EVENTS
Quick Links
Visit Our Website
Patterns
I HAVE A NOTION
Introducing you to the notions Nancy and Janice use.
 
Aurifil logo
 
Here is why we love AURIFIL cotton thread!  
 
Long-staple, 50-weight / 2-ply Egyptian cotton is:
  • Strong
  • Smooth
  • Thin
  • Pulls through fabric easily.
  • Lots of colors to choose from.
  • Snuggles neatly into fabric, making stitches all but disappear.
  • So much easier to use than silk thread. 
  • More thread fits on a bobbin.
  • Does not leave as much lint in sewing machine.

The 50/2 thread is wonderful for hand applique and machine piecing, machine embroidery, and machine quilting as well as any general sewing.  We carry all 182 solid colors and 12 of the 34 variegated colors on 220 yard (200 meter) spools. $3.50/spool - click here

We also carry 6 neutrals of the 50/2 thread on larger 1422 yard (1300 meter) spools.          $9.50/spool - click here
 
The 28-weight / 2-ply thread is ideal for hand quilting.  Strong, pliable and unglazed.  We carry 16 solid colors and 8 variegated colors.  $9.50/spool - click here
  
AURIFIL USA is introducing 36 new thread colors!  We expect them to be available in early October.  We will be adding them to our website just as soon as they arrive.
 
If you would like to pre-order a complete set of 34 new solid colors, plus 2 new variegated colors at a very special price just click on the pile of thread.
  Aurifil thread
(These are NOT the new colors.) 
Act fast, this special offer won't last forever!  NEW THREAD COLORS - SPECIAL DEAL, click here.  
 
Just as soon as the new color cards and caring case with all 252 colors is available, those will be on our website, too! 
JOIN US IN HAWAII
Take advantage of a very rare opportunity to design your personal Hawaiian quilt with Nancy and Janice in Hawaii, May 2010.
 
CURRENT INTERNET SPECIAL 
You Are In Our Hearts 
 
You Are In Our Hearts, brown
42" x 42"
Sale Price: $10.00

Regular Price: $12.00

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FABRIC PACKS
We know it can be difficult to shop for fabric on the Internet.  To make the process easier for you, and so you can shop with confidence that the fabrics you select will work together, Janice hand-picks two fabrics and matching Aurifil thread for your shopping convenience.
  
Fabric Pack 984 
 
2FAQ Fabric Packs have sufficient fabric for you to complete a 2FAQ quilt and bind the quilt using either fabric.  One spool of thread is included to match the applique fabric.
 
Hawaiian Quilt Fabric Packs vary in fabric quantity based on a specific quilt.  Two spools of thread are usually included so you can choose either fabric as your applique.  Sufficient quantity is included of one or both  fabrics for binding.
 
Patterns are sold separately so you can mix and match the Fabric Pack you like with the pattern of your choice. 
 

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Aloha!

Take a moment to think back to a time when you could only buy items found in your local stores, or in the Sears, JCPenney, or other specialty catalogs.  Can you believe that was just a mere 10 years ago?  We have become so comfortable sitting at our computers purchasing items from anywhere in the world, we have nearly forgotten what it was like to have to make do with local products.
 
Well, with that memory Nancy and I celebrate 10 years on the world-wide web with Pacific Rim Quilt Company!  We are delighted with the changes that have brought us step-by-step to where we are today. 
 
"Thank you" to every one of you who has contributed to our success.  You have made it possible for others to purchase quilting products from us with just a few mouse clicks.  Products that, just 10 years ago, would not have been available to most of you.
 
For those who still like to shop the old-fashioned way, in person, we do take our products on the road from time to time to sell at local quilt shows.  So August found us vending in Newport, Oregon with the Oregon Coastal Quilters Guild.  A delightful group of quilters who put on a very impressive quilt show.
 
Our next quilt show stops: 
Gold Beach Quilt Show, Sept 19-20, Gold Beach, Oregon
La Conner Quiltfest, Oct 2-4, La Conner, Washington
We hope to see you at one or both!
E komo mai!
Welcome home
HAWAIIAN QUILT DESIGNS
 An Evolving Tradition 
 
For over a century the only way you could own a Hawaiian quilt was to design and make it yourself, or be the very fortunate recipient of a special gift.  A few talented designers would give their individual designs to others as gifts, but there were no patterns available for purchase.  And, it was kapu (taboo) to copy the design of another quilter without their permission.

Out of necessity and practicality, during a Hawaiian quilting revival in the 1970's and 1980's a few pattern books emerged for purchase, by such noted designers as Kepola [Deborah] "Hawaiian Quilting As An Art" KakaliaKakalia, 1976 (cover photo at right); Myrna Gross, 1981; EA of Hawaii [Elizabeth A. Akana], 1983; Carol Kamaile, 1985; and others.  Initially patterns were for pillows or bed quilts, and gradually medium-sized patterns became available for wall-hangings.  For those not inclined to design their own, the other sources of Hawaiian quilt patterns were the collections of patterns housed at a few of the public libraries in Hawaii (most notably the Waianae Public Library on Oahu).

During the 1980's, quilting in the United States was exploding in popularity.  New fabrics, books, tools and patterns were being made available in specialty quilt shops across the country.  Quilters everywhere were seeing Hawaiian quilts pictured in magazines and books.  But with little information available about how to design these unique quilts, and very few patterns available, not many people were making them.  Gradually a few more patterns became available, fueling the desire for even more.
 
In 1988, Nancy and Janice published their first Hawaiian quilt patterns:  a bed-sized pattern, Lei Kukui, designed by Nancy; two sets for blocks or pillows, Tropical Floral and Royalty & Hula, designed jointly; and a wall hanging, Woodland Lei, designed by Nancy.

At first we made our patterns available to the Hawaiian community in the greater Seattle area at luaus and hula conferences.  We also demonstrated Hawaiian quilting at weekend craft fairs in local malls.  We had a little brochure we handed out that resulted in new students and modest sales for a few years.  Our primary focus was to educate the general public about Hawaiian quilts, not necessarily to sell patterns.  Designing came easily to us though, so we gradually added more patterns to our line.  We continued in this modest fashion until 1999, when the internet made it possible to reach quilters around the world.  In 1999, Janice created our website, a perfect vehicle to make patterns available to people interested in Hawaiian quilts no matter where in the world they lived.  

With our roots firmly planted in the Hawaiian culture and traditions of Hawaiian quilting, Nancy and Janice now plan to complete the circle.  We each designed our first Hawaiian quilt (see our July & August e-Newsletters); we have made it possible for thousands of quilters to make Hawaiian quilts using our patterns; and now we plan to teach anyone with the desire how to design their own Hawaiian quilt.  We will do this first by offering two design classes in May 2010, in Hawaii; and will follow those classes with a book and DVD set available by early 2011.
 
To be a part of a design class in May 2010, read the next article, below.
 
The original tradition that each Hawaiian quilt should be unique changed forever when patterns became available.  But the tradition is revived every time a quilter designs their one-of-a-kind quilt without the aid of a pattern.  Our desire is to perpetuate this aspect of Hawaiian quilting by sharing our simple design techniques with you.  Please join us in Hawaii so you can design your personal Hawaiian quilt!
DESIGN YOUR PERSONAL HAWAIIAN QUILT
 Hawaii, May 2010 
These words, penned by Sharon Balai c. 1985 for the Introduction to her book Hawaiian Style Quilting, remind us of an important and unique aspect of Hawaiian quilting:  "The re-emergence of Hawaiian quilting is due largely to a recent sharing of knowledge and patterns, however, this is not traditional.  The knowledge is often shared, but not the patterns.  Patterns are usually passed along within families and often relatives can be traced by the possession of specific patterns.  These patterns are treasured family heirlooms and it is considered disrespectful to use or copy a pattern without the expressed permission of its owner.  It bears mentioning because many newcomers to this style of quilting are unaware of the significance attached to the patterns.  Upon learning the required skills you are encouraged to compose a pattern of your own and thereby create your own legacy."  (emphasis added) 
 Hawaii ocean scene
It is because of our sincere desire to perpetuate all aspects of the wonderful Hawaiian quilting tradition that we invite you to join us in Hawaii in May 2010 to learn to design your own personal Hawaiian quilt - your own legacy. 
 
If you have ever had the urge to design a Hawaiian quilt, but have lacked the time, confidence or knowledge to do it on your own, here is your opportunity!
 
Here is our plan:
 
DAY 1:  Gather the first evening for introductions, an overview, and presentation by Nancy and Janice, Hawaiian Quilting:  Its History, Traditions and Superstitions.
 
Day 2:  A field trip to view antique Hawaiian quilts at a museum, and visit a garden so you can photograph or sketch ideas for your quilt design.
 
Day 3 and 4:  Intensive time with Nancy and Janice designing your quilt.  With time one day for our Private Shopping Spree at a local quilt shop.
 
Day 5:  Use your pattern and fabric to begin your Hawaiian Quilt.
 
We will follow the same plan on two islands:
 
Maui, May 20-24, 2010
Kauai, May 26-30, 2010
 
Are you as excited as we are about this wonderful experience?  We really would love to have you join us.
 
YOU ARE IN OUR HEARTS
 A Healing Quilt 
You Are In Our Hearts-red 
It was September 12, 2001, the day after the tragic events at New York's World Trade Center, the Pentagon in Washington, DC, and a field in Pennsylvania.  Nancy and Janice came together, as many of you did, to grieve and to seek a way to begin to heal. 
 
The outcome of that day for us was our quilt You Are In Our Hearts.  Here is how we describe this quilt pattern: 
 
"Plumeria was selected for this pattern because it is a fragrant flower popular in leis.  A flower which frequently adorns grave sites and temples in tropical areas of the world, its beauty honors our loved ones, our ancestors, and those who have passed before us.  Quilters frequently turn to their quilts during times of crisis or pain.  If you have chosen this quilt at such a time, it is our hope that it brings comfort and healing."
 
So during this month when we pause to remember everyone who lost so much on that fateful day, we present this quilt to you again with its message of healing and hope.
 
Pattern:  You Are In Our Hearts, 42" square
Our Internet Special for this month.
Click here to purchase pattern for just $10.
 
We donate a portion of the proceeds from the sale of this pattern to humanitarian groups that provide assistance to disaster victims.  Thank you for your support.
SUNFLOWER FIELDS
 Sunflower FieldsSelecting Fabric 
 
One of the reasons Hawaiian quilts and our 2 Fabric Applique Quilts appeal to us is that we only have to choose two fabrics!  As simple as that sounds, we know some of you would like a few tips for making good fabric selections.
 
1)  Take a clue from the photos on our patterns.   If you like the quilts as pictured, look for fabrics with similar colors and values. While the exact fabrics are unlikely to be available (patterns last for years, fabrics for a few months at best) you can usually find something with a similar look that will make a beautiful quilt.  If these colors do not appeal to you, choose ones that do!  Any quilt pattern will look stunning in your favorite colors.
 
Sunflower Fields, blue
2)  Consider different colors and values.  All of our patterns have a different picture on the back cover that shows the quilt with opposite values and different colors.  Take this Sunflower Fields quilt for example.  Here is the photo from the back of the pattern showing a light applique on a dark background.  You may prefer this look, regardless of the specific colors.
 
3)  Strong contrast creates the strongest statement.  Choose two fabrics that contrast strongly with each other.  Contrast is created by two different values (light and dark), or by colors far from each other on the color wheel (gold and blue, for example).  While subtle differences in color or value between the applique and background fabrics can be successful, most people are attracted to these quilts because of their strong visual statement.  
 
4)  Choose fabrics with subtle prints, solids, or near-solids.  We love batiks and hand-dyed fabrics because of their visual texture and subtle coloring.  But even with batiks we usually take care to select ones where the fabric print will not over-power the quilt pattern.  We often find that less than spectacular fabrics make the most beautiful quilts.  In applique quilts, it is important to see the shapes you sewed, not the busy print you chose.  Fabrics that overwhelm the applique can confuse the viewer.  You will see that most of the fabrics we sell are well-suited to any of our quilt patterns.  Take a look at our Fabric-Finder to see what we mean.
 
5)  If you have chosen a multi-color or print applique fabric, choose a color that is not found in the applique fabric for the background fabric.  For example, put a bright primary multi-colored fabric on a navy blue or dark brown background for strong contrast. 
 
6)  Let us choose two coordinating fabrics for you.  Purchase one of our Fabric Packs in your favorite colors.  Get the fabric and applique thread with one easy decision.  See the sidebar at left for more details.
 
7)  If in doubt, contact Janice!
  She is just an email or phone call away and is always eager to help you out.
 
Pattern:  Sunflower Fields, 24" x 36", $12.00.

COMING EVENTS

Nancy's Whereabouts:
Here are opportunities to take a class from Nancy or catch a presentation at shows, shops and guilds.  Most guilds welcome visitors, so don't be shy.
  • Sept 14-15, Chester, CA, Piecemakers Quilt Guild
  • Sept 24-26, The Applique Society at Sharon's Attic Quilt Shop, Hillsboro, OR

It has been about a year since Nancy taught in Western Washington.  If you missed her last time, sign-up for one of these classes soon. 

  • Sept 29-30, Centralia, WA, Quilters Junction
  • Oct 3, La Conner, WA, La Conner Quilt & Textile Museum.  Opening Reception for the exhibit "Students of Nancy Lee Chong".  (Exhibit continues through Dec.)
  • Oct 4, Maple Valley, WA, Taylor Creek Quilt Studio
  • Oct 5, Bellevue, WA, QuiltWorks Northwest
  • Oct 6-7, Anacortes, WA, The Quilt Shop
  • Oct 12, Shoreline, WA, Needle & I Quilt Guild

Click CALENDAR for details and contact info

Register early for classes, they can fill quickly, or be cancelled if not enough people register in advance. 

For an old-fashioned shopping experience (without computer) visit our booth at these shows:

  • Gold Beach, Oregon, Sept 19 & 20
  • La Conner, Washington - Quiltfest 2009, Oct 2-4

Check our Calendar frequently for future events.

"But," you say, "I do not live anywhere near these class or show locations.  How can I take a class from Nancy?"  The answer is simple, invite her to teach in your area, or register for an on-line class with Nancy at Quilt University!  Visit the Quilt University website to learn more. 
 
Quilt University.com classes:
  • Make Your Own Hawaiian Quilt, begins September 4 (Can't make it to Hawaii in May 2010?  Then learn to design your own Hawaiian Quilt with Nancy on-line!)
  • Hand Quilting, begins October 9

Janice's Quilt University class:

  •  Photographing Your Quilts, begins October 23

Thank you for spending a little of your precious time with us, we really appreciate it.  As always, we welcome your suggestions, comments or questions.

A hui hou,
Until next time,

Nancy & Janice