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Newsletter
Applique - We share your passion!
Issue: #23

June 2011 

In This Issue
HAWAIIAN NAMES: Carefully chosen
NAMING HAWAIIAN QUILTS: Each one unique
SILVERSWORD: Hawaiian Quilt
SAILBOAT & LIGHTHOUSE: 2 Fabric Applique Quilt
COMING EVENTS
Quick Links
Visit Our Website
Patterns
INTERNET HELP
 
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CURRENT INTERNET SPECIAL
 
Sailboat & Lighthouse
2 Fabric Applique Quilt pattern

 

Sailboat & Lighthouse-sunset
 

Think Father's Day! 

 

Regular price: $12.00, for a limited time purchase for just $10.00

Postage image
 

NEED INSPIRATION?

Photo Galleries 

 

Are you looking for a portable hand project to take with you on your summer travels?

 

Or do you need a gift for a June bride, or graduate?

 

We have two Galleries with photos of quilts made by our customers to inspire you.

Many of these quilts were made while traveling, with just two fabrics and one spool of thread.  Very easy, very portable.  No sewing machine required.

 

Need it in a hurry?  Consider fusing and machine stitching any of our 2 Fabric Applique Quilts.  Instructions for needleturn, machine, or raw-edge applique are included with every pattern.

  

FABRIC PACKS 

Hand-picked 

FP1495

 

It can be difficult to select fabrics on the Internet.  We know that.  So, to make it easier, and to give you added confidence, Janice pairs fabrics together in our Fabric Packs.  While she usually has a specific pattern in mind when she puts together a pack, you can choose any Fabric Pack to go with any pattern. 

 

FP1509

There are Fabric Packs for our 2FAQ patterns and ones for our Hawaiian quilt patterns, as the fabric yardage requirements vary.  Each pack includes a spool of thread to match the applique fabric.

 

We let you pick the Fabric Pack you like, and put it with the pattern you want - so you get EXACTLY what you want.

  

If you don't see a color combination that is just right, let Janice know what you have in mind and she will put together a custom pack, just for you.

 

With four pages of Fabric Packs, plus hand-dyed fabric packs too, what are you waiting for?  Go find yours now.

 

Start looking here.

 

HAVE A QUESTION?

We have answers on our website  

 

Have a question?  You may be able to find a quick answer on our website.  Our Q & A page answers questions like these: 

  • What is the difference between a Hawaiian Quilt and your 2 Fabric Applique Quilts?
  • What pattern do you suggest for a beginner?
  • Can a small pattern be enlarged to make a large quilt?
  • I want to make a Hawaiian Quilt for a relative (or friend) what should I consider when selecting a pattern?
  • Is this reverse applique?
  • What batting do you recommend?
  • Do you use silk or cotton thread?
  • What is the difference between your two videos?

There are many more questions and answers.  So if you are curious, or just want to learn more, this is a good page to visit.

 

Find answers to your questions here

 

QUILTCHONG.COM
RETREAT TO THE OREGON COAST! 

Summer and Fall are great times to visit the Oregon Coast.  Make your plans now to spend time at Nancy's studio in Gold Beach, Oregon, for private applique lessons with Nancy or for your quilting retreat.  Whether you come for one day or several, by yourself, or with friends, you deserve a place to relax while you stitch. 

Go to QuiltChong.com for more pictures and information, then call Nancy to book your retreat! 

 

Nancy's Studio
Nancy's Studio

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Greetings!   
  
One thing leads to another.  I wanted to write in this issue about naming Hawaiian quilts.  That brought to mind a recent conversation about kids wanting to change their names.  A look at the calendar then reminded me that June 11 is Kamehameha Day in Hawaii, so I looked up the name and biography for Kamehameha I.  That led to reading about the significance of names in the ancient Hawaiian culture.  Like I said, one thing leads to another, and another, and another.
  
PlacecardDid you ever want to change your name?  During those teen angst years, when you would do anything to assert your independence from your parents, did you want to shed the name they had given you at birth?  A nickname could suffice, especially if it had been bestowed by friends, and sometimes we were just happy to change the spelling.  Anything to help form a unique identity.    

Our cats have always had several names as they went through life.  Take Jellybean for example, named as a kitten for the spots on his side. But, as a sixteen pound adult male, with a six-pound female cat now in the house, Jellybean became Big and the female (officially Rainy) became Little.  When a third, all black cat entered, his first name was Lucky, then Velcro, but officially Blackberry, and endearingly Mookie.  Cat names to us are evolutionary, not static.  Nancy thinks our cats are always just confused.
  
Names are important, but they are not the real thing.  They help identify, set apart, or make unique.  But in the end, a name is merely a symbol of something very real.
  
E komo mai!
Welcome! 

Nancy & Janice 
Hawaiian Names

Carefully chosen

 

Parade floatKamehameha the Great is honored in Hawaii each year on June 11, for being the first monarch to unite the Hawaiian islands, forming the Kingdom of Hawai'i in 1810. The State holiday is observed with parades and ho'olaulea, block parties and festivities. 

 

Kalani Paiʻea Wohi o Kaleikini Kealiʻikui Kamehameha o ʻIolani i Kaiwikapu kaui Ka Liholiho Kunuiākea -- the full name of King Kamehameha the Great.  In his younger years he was known as Pai'ea (hard-shelled crab), a name which may have been given to him due to his success in battle; but he is better known as Kamehameha (solitary, silent, lonely) which apparently was descriptive of his disposition.
  
In old Hawaii each child was given a unique name.  There were no surnames, or family names.  Care was taken in naming a child, perhaps from a dream, or significant event at the time of birth, also taking one's social class into consideration.  Names could be very lengthy, as we see from Kamehameha's name above.  It was not uncommon for a name to have a clear literal meaning, but also symbolic meaning, carefully hidden and known only to the family.  A name could be changed if it seemed harmful or ill-fitting later in life. 
  
As the Hawaiian language waned in the late 20th century there were fewer native speakers to give traditional Hawaiian names.  The practice of re-using names became wide spread.  Mary Kawena Pukui, a traditional Hawaiian and co-author of the Hawaiian Dictionary, once said:  "My name isn't supposed to be given away.  My name is for me.  But people are always naming babies after me, so I have many namesakes.  I don't want any of them hurt if there's any kapu [taboo] that goes with my name.  So I pray, 'Since so-and-so named this child for me, then please do me the favor to 'oki [cancel] the kapu and bless the name.'" *
  
So with this introduction to the significance of names in old Hawaii, let's talk about naming our quilts.
  
  
  
  
*Translations in [ ] added by Janice.  My source for the quote is Wikipedia.org, topic "Hawaiian Name", reference in that article is given to: Pukui, Mary Kawena (1972), Nānā i ke Kumu, Hui Hānai 1979, ISBN 0-9616738-0-X, page 100.  
  
Naming Hawaiian Quilts

Each one unique

 

We name our patterns, of course we do.  We all need a name, an identity, and so do our patterns.  But, what we never expect is that you use that name for your quilt.  You may choose to do so, but let's explore the importance of naming your quilt.

 

Hawaii had no written language until the missionaries created one in the 1800's.  Family lineage, life's lessons, and important events were passed on from generation to generation through mele (song), hula (dance), chants, and stories.  To add depth to their tales, and perhaps guard particulars from outsiders, they became masters of double entendre (hidden meanings and innuendo, often risque or ironic).  Songs, especially, are rich with double entendre.  The description of an ocean breeze could also be telling of rumors; a flower rustling in the breeze could be a woman's skirt swaying as she walks; Mauna Loa could be descriptive of the volcano, a ship, or a woman, maybe even all three.

 

The importance of storytelling carried over to quilts and quilt designs.  Quilts and quilt designs are given names which may be obvious, or may be veiled, with their true meaning known only to the designer.

 

Mohala I Ka WaiWhen Janice made a quilt for a travelling exhibit entitled "Telling Secrets", she named her quilt:  Mohala i ka wai ka maka o ka pua.  This translates as: Unfolded by the water are the many faces of the flowers.

 

What could that mean?  Good things flourish in a rich environment; a flower unfolds to reveal its beauty; lovers confess their secret dreams, past transgressions, fantasies; or does it hint at this nuance of the Hawaiian culture, one which many people are unaware.  All of this, and more.

 

Traditionally a quilt is named before the last stitch is completed.  What special meaning does your quilt hold for you?  You selected this particular pattern for a reason, and as you worked on it your life and its life became intertwined.   

Your Hawaiian quilt does not necessarily need a Hawaiian name, whatever your language is will do.  But give it some thought.  Stitch its name in the quilt, or put it on a label.  Site the name of the pattern when giving credit for the source of the design, but give your quilt its own name.

 

When a mother gives birth to a child, she gives the child a name, one she has given great care in choosing. You are giving birth to a new quilt, honor it with a name - as unique as it is.

 
SILVERSWORD

Hawaiian Quilt

Silversword plant

 

Growing only on the high slopes of Haleakala volcano on the island of Maui, this Silversword plant is amazing, and endangered.  While the plant can survive past 50 years as a mound of hairy, sword-shaped leaves, it blooms only once, and then dies.  Its unique physical adaptations have suited it well to its harsh, dry, rocky, environment, and enabled it to endure extreme temperatures.Silversword leaves

 

Once plentiful, it was uprooted by humans for sport and for kindling; grazed on by invading goats; and its tender, shallow roots are easily trampled under foot.  Aggressive conservation efforts have kept it from extinction. 

 

The best time to find a plant in bloom is July through October.

 

Silversword
Silversword

Our quilt was designed as a tribute to the Island of Maui and to its most amazing flora.  Janice dyes the Silversword gray and earthen red fabrics for you to make this quilt.

 

Silversword.  36" square.  Pattern:  $12.00,  Buy It Now

 

Click here for the hand-dyed fabric pack, or pick any Hawaiian quilt Fabric Pack  for your quilt.

 

 

HINT:  If you want to know how much fabric you will need for any of our patterns while you are shopping on our website, you can find the information you need on the Fabric Requirements page.

 

SAILBOAT & LIGHTHOUSE

2 Fabric Applique Quilt
Sailboat & Lighthouse
Sailboat & Lighthouse
 

 

With the beginning of summer, our thoughts turn towards the sun, water, and fun summer activities.  What little boy, or big boy, wouldn't want a quilt to dream of summer days sailing his toy - of any size.  

 

Nautical enthusiasts, lighthouse fanciers, dreamers of all sorts can appreciate this quilt.

 

Silhouette your sailboat and lighthouse against colorful backgrounds, or cast your white sails afloat against a blue background.  Sailboat & Lighthouse-white

 

 

 

 

 

To usher in summer, this pattern is our Internet Special for a limited time.

Sailboat & Lighthouse, 24" x 36".  Pattern regularly priced at $12.00, for a limited time just $10.00.  Buy It Now

 

Click here to see a selection of Fabric Packs for the Sailboat & Lighthouse quilt.    

 

 

TIP:  In order to transfer the pattern lines onto a very dark fabric, consider using our Pattern Transfer Paper.  Lay your dark applique fabric on a table, right side up.  Place the coated side of the Pattern Transfer Paper face down on the fabric.  Place your pattern, right side up, on top and draw all the pattern lines.  Complete instructions come in each pack. 

 

Pattern Transfer Paper Colors:  Blue, Red, White, Yellow.

Size of each sheet:  18" x 24"
Individual sheets:  $5.50
Assorted pack (one sheet of all 4 colors):  $20.00

Buy It Now.


COMING EVENTS

 

Trunk Shows:
If you are in Western Washington, stop by Quilters Junction in Centralia, before June 26, to see the trunk show of our quilts, especially if you will be taking part in the Shop Hop, June 22-26.

 

If you are going to Sisters, Oregon, July 7-9, for the outdoor quilt show, be sure to stop in at The Quilt Mercantile, 382 S Hood Street, to shop with a variety of vendors, including Granny 'G' Applique. Both Granny G and The Stitchin' Post will have a number of our quilts on display and patterns for your shopping pleasure--different quilts and patterns at both locations, visit them both!
 

Nancy's Whereabouts:

Go ahead, treat yourself to a class or retreat this Summer or Fall.  You deserve it!

  
Quilt Shows  
  • August 8-13, London International Quilt Festival, London, Ontario, Canada.  Nancy will be teaching, lecturing, displaying our quilts, and selling our patterns and videos.  A great opportunity to shop, see our quilts up close, and meet Nancy in person. 

 Classes - Presentations - Events 

  • June 23-26, Vermont Quilt Festival, Essex Valley, VT (3 classes)
  • July 5-8, A Quilters' Affair, Sisters, OR (4 classes)
  • Aug 8-13, London International Quilt Festival, London, Ontario, Canada (4 classes)
  • Aug 15-16, Friendship Square Quilt Guild, La Habra, CA
  • Sept 28-29, Mid-Valley Quilt Guild, Salem OR
  • Oct 5, Puyallup Valley Quilters, Puyallup, WA
  • Oct 6 & 8, Block Party Quilters Club, Issaquah, WA
  • Oct 13-15, Salt Creek Quilters Guild, Hinsdale, IL
  • Oct 20-22, Sea Island Quilters, Beaufort, SC

 Hawaiian Quilt Cruise 

  • Feb 2012; Learn to design your own Hawaiian Quilt with Nancy while enjoying the beauty of 4 Hawaiian islands!  This cruise is with C.P. Trips.  Get more information and contact information for C.P. Trips on our Calendar.

   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.

Piggy-backing is good! 

Nancy is always eager to teach or speak at more than one location when she travels.  If she is able to book multiple events, then each group shares in her travel expenses.  So it is just an economical and efficient way to get Nancy to your area.  If you see that Nancy will be anywhere

near* you, let your local shop or quilt guild know that you would like them to contact her to see if additional engagements can be arranged during the same trip.  Give them our website, or  print Nancy's brochure and give it to them.  Be sure to circle the classes you are interested in!  

 

*Remember Nancy is traveling from Oregon.  So near means that when she is in South Carolina, just about anything in the east is near.  Think regionally. 

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QuiltUniversity.com

If you do not live where you can take a class from Nancy in person, then perhaps a class at Quilt University would work for you.


 "No tests. No grades.  No pressure.  New classes open every weekend from January until the end of October.  Students receive a password to an online classroom with a teacher-led Discussion Forum and Student Gallery.  A typical class consists of three or four lessons."

Nancy's next QuiltUniversity.com classes begin:  

 

June 17:  2 Fabric Applique Quilts

July 22:  Hand Quilting

Aug 19:  Baltimore Basics

 
Go to QuiltUniversity.com for details.

Thank you for spending a little of your precious time with us, we really appreciate it.  Remember to send us your stories, pictures, questions, or suggestions.  We love to hear from you.

A hui hou,
Until next time,

Nancy & Janice