|
CURRENT
INTERNET SPECIAL
| |
CYCLAMEN
Hawaiian Quilt Pattern
Sale Price: $10.00
|
|
NEW PATTERNS
| |
Hurray!
If you missed our e-Newsletter last month you may not know that we introduced FOUR NEW quilt patterns!
|
|
WHAT'S NEW?
| |
For a quick view of all the NEW fabrics make your first stop the Fabric Finder page, and look for this: Janice has been busy dyeing fabric. Lots of new and exciting pieces to choose from. But be quick, they don't last long! Here are just two samples:
|
 |
|
CREATIVITY
| |
2nd in our series of suggestions for ways to kick-start, or to continue stimulating YOUR creative juices.
Did you know that the creative process is often about moving out of your comfort zone into a place that feels strange, even scary? If we want to be more creative we need to be willing to become uncomfortable. Consider these two lists. One likely makes you comfortable, the other does not.
TRADITIONAL Synonyms:
- Accepted
- Accustomed
- Common
- Conventional
- Customary
- Habitual
- Prevailing
- Routine
- Standard
- Familiar
UNCONVENTIONAL Synonyms:
- Different
- Startling
- Strange
- Uncommon
- Exceptional
- Extraordinary
- Infrequent
- Odd
- Peculiar
- Rare
- Sporadic
- Unique
- Provocative
One list is not good and the other bad. There is no value judgment, just words.
Take the list that is uncomfortable for you and create something (anything) using those words in any way. How did that feel? Do you like what you created, drew, wrote, sang, stitched, or dreamed? Make something else? Do you like it? How did it feel?
Working in an uncomfortable area can open doors you did not even know were there. The longer you spend time there the more experienced you become with something new, expanding your creative repertoire.
Share your creations and thoughts with us on our Facebook page. We would love to see and hear how you are stretching your creative muscles!
|
| |
|
CUSTOMER QUESTION
| |
Use of black on Hawaiian quilts?
Q: I am ready to make a Hawaiian Quilt. I selected a black fabric and for help with making my second fabric selection I took them to my quilting group. I was told I should not make a Hawaiian quilt using black. Is that true?
A: Traditionally black fabric has been considered to be bad luck on a Hawaiian quilt. Yet, there are dramatic quilts made using black, especially when making a quilt with a volcano or Pele (Hawaiian Goddess of Volcanoes) theme.
Digging deeper we ask ourselves why not use black fabric? Could there be a practical reason not to? Nancy hand appliqued a small Hawaiian quilt several years ago with a black fabric background. "I am not a superstitious person, so I just take these statements as suggestions."
What she discovered is that it was very hard on her eyes, and not particularly fun to do. In any light except bright light her eyes strained to see where her needle and thread were and she struggled to keep her stitches neat and orderly. "From my personal experience, I think it is bad luck because the quilter will suffer from eye strain...maybe even going blind in the extreme, which would be really bad luck. I believe that Hawaiian quilts are the creative expression of the quilter's life and choices."
If you have found a fabric that you adore, or have a theme that will be strengthened by the use of black fabric, then use it. You are more likely to complete the quilt when following your heart, than if you settle for a less-than-perfect fabric choice to honor a superstition. Your choice, but if you ask us, we would say: "Go for it!"
|
| |
| If you received this Newsletter from a friend, sign-up to receive future issues here: |
 | |
|
|
 The seasons they are a-changin' again! The blazing heat of summer is being replaced by blazing autumn colors, and decidedly cooler temperatures.
The 2015 quilt show season is also drawing to a close, but not before we do just a few more shows. A small indoor/outdoor show in Hugo, Oregon, featuring hand-made quilts, and a large show in Spokane, Washington. We hope you make plans now to visit one, or both, and to come by our booth! Find details about these shows on our Calendar. We hope to see you soon.
E komo mai,
Welcome,
Connie & Nancy
|
|
TRADITION: Static or Living?
|
|
 What is Tradition?
What does quilting tradition mean to you? Is tradition a rigid adherence to a set of rules, a particular pattern or look, or a specific combination of design and techniques? OR, is tradition a spirit to be honored? A process of evolution, a pattern or look that is influenced by what has come before and heads in a new, personal direction with each new iteration? If the thought of 'violating a tradition' has you intimidated, consider this.
In a book from 1954 titled Traditional Quilting (Fitzrandolph) we found this description that we like very much:
"The patterns are traditional, but this word is so often misused nowadays (remember this was written in 1954!) that it may convey the wrong idea, the idea of something static, carefully preserved from the past like a mummy or a fly in amber, no longer having any life of its own. The Oxford (Pocket) Dictionary tells us that tradition is 'the oral transmission of knowledge or belief from one generation to another; the body of such knowledge etc., so transmitted.' Knowledge which is handed down by word of mouth is bound to undergo some changes from generation to generation and also there will be many streams of it, each with its own variations, in the many lines of transmission (generally families in the case of quilting.) There can be nothing rigidly standardized, nothing definitely fixed, in traditional knowledge, so long as the tradition is living. We have not a great deal of living tradition in this country; much of our traditional art, such as folk songs and dances, was rescued from extinction at a time when only a few old people still held the knowledge of it; it was noted and recorded by outsiders, not by the people to whom it would naturally have been passed on in the ordinary course of tradition. And so it became fixed in the form in which it was recorded and is no longer liable to that constant change and development which oral tradition undergoes. Thus many people think of 'traditional pattern' as something which has been settled once for all and ought not to be changed.
"The knowledge of quilting, however, is still a living tradition; a great many of the people who practice it today have inherited it from their mothers and have added to it their own ideas and variations, as others had done before them. Therefore the tradition cannot be formulated in exact rules and anyone trying to do so does a great disservice to the craft by attempting to cramp its natural growth. Every pattern had its first appearance at some time and, to those who value our native traditions, that fertility of invention of quilting design,...today, is a sign of triumphant life."
We also addressed this in our book, Design Your Personal Hawaiian Quilt (page 10): "While it is important to know and respect the traditions and stories that have been passed from quilter to quilter, and family to family through the years, we are not bound by them. As you begin to design [make] your quilt, you are free to express your creativity in whatever way makes you happy. In so doing you become part of the living, evolving tradition that is Hawaiian Quilting."
 We encourage you to think of tradition as a living, changing process. Each quilter who enters the water changes the current's flow. Wade in and add your voice to the story that is Hawaiian Quilting. The water is warm and inviting!
|
| MULTI-COLORED HAWAIIAN QUILTS | | |
When 2 colors just won't do
With these thoughts about tradition in mind, let's consider the use of color in Hawaiian quilting. Have you wondered if Hawaiian quilts are ever made with more than just two fabrics - two colors? The use of two or more colors of applique fabric  is relatively new. It is seen rarely in older quilts, then more frequently from the 1980's to today. Would it be considered traditional? Or a break from tradition? Is it legal? Can you do it?
In this example, made by Nancy, the lei border in the quilt is enhanced by the use of three colors: Green for the maile leaves, orange for the ilima flowers and purple for the mokihana flowers. Had this lei been all one color the distinctive intertwining leis would have been lost.
We think the addition of a second, or even third applique fabric needs to be done with great care. Since you have probably looked at a lot of photos, you have seen that some Hawaiian quilts using multiple applique colors are quite successful and others not so much. Why is that?
First, consider the whole symmetrical design of your chosen pattern. The use of a single applique fabric is one of the major identifying characteristics of Hawaiian quilts, the element that gives them such strong visual appeal. Your choice of colors needs to support that entire design. The use of added colors can camouflage the overall design that you originally found so attractive, or it can break-up the design making it confusing to the viewer. So, consider the secondary design that is created by the additional colors. If there is too little of the added color in just a few small places it can leave the viewer wondering what's the point; or worse yet, wondering where the design is.
One way to maintain the integrity of the overall design is to match the value (darkness or lightness) of the applique fabrics. When the quilt is viewed from a distance the added colors need to hold their own in the complete design. You don't want them to  disappear into the background, nor do you want them to be overly prominent and demanding.
This version of our Cyclamen pattern successfully maintains the integrity of the total design because both the red and green are similar in value, and both are in strong contrast to the pale yellow background. The same is true with the Lei quilt above. In both cases the entire design holds together without confusion.
 By contrast, this version seems to fall apart with flower blossoms that are too pale.
Yes, it is true, the use of a single applique fabric is one of the major identifying characteristics of typical Hawaiian quilts. But, there are many different creative options from there. Where will you take your Hawaiian quilt in this evolving tradition?
How To: Here is one easy way to replace leaves or blossoms with another fabric: Cut the entire design from a single fabric and lay it out on the background fabric in the usual way; use the paper pattern to cut the flowers (or other elements) from a different fabric; cut away the original flower or element and use it as a placement guide to position the differently colored piece in its place.
Let's continue the conversation about the living tradition that is Hawaiian Quilting on our Facebook page. Share a photo of your Hawaiian quilt using additional colors, or other modern twists on tradition.
|
| Cyclamen - Hawaiian Quilt | | |
Yes, it's a flower!
Cyclamen is a plant native to Europe and the Mediterranean Basin. For the rest of us it is an easy to grow houseplant. Its distinctive blossoms generally range from white to pink, red, and purple. The red variety is becoming more readily available during the Christmas holiday season, but you can find different varieties of it in bloom any time of year.
What gives the flower its unusual appearance is that the end of the stem bends downward, and the petals of the flower bend, and sometimes twist, upward.
This is a great quilt for beginners, and very satisfying for everyone. With just a few inside and outside points, and gently curving lines it stitches up quickly.
 Cyclamen, 36" x 36". Normally this pattern sells for $12.00. For a limited time it is the Internet Special for just $10.00. Buy yours now.
Also included with this pattern is a small 21" version. So if time is short, or you just want a smaller quilt, you have that option, too.
Gallery Walk. To see other Cyclamen quilt photos and more Hawaiian quilts made by our friends and customers visit the Hawaiian Quilts Gallery.
|
|
BIRD OF PARADISE: 2 Fabric Applique Quilts
|
|
 Tropical beauty
The variety of odd flower blossoms is never ending. Another curious blossom found in tropical climates is the Bird of Paradise.
Stitch up your version of this dramatic flower using either needleturn applique by hand, fusible and machine stitched applique, or raw-edge applique by machine. Instructions for all three methods are included in  every 2 Fabric Applique Quilts pattern.
 Stunning in any color combination you desire. See the 2FAQ Gallery for more dramatic quilts made by our customers.
|
FACEBOOK: Keeping in Touch
| | |
Love my fans!
Connie is our face on Facebook and we are loving all the photos you are sharing, the stories, the questions and suggestions.
 Of late you can watch as the location of Pacific Rim Quilt Company moves to its new home...a gorgeous, bright and more spacious location from which to run the business. It is quickly taking shape, and I am getting your orders shipped out every day despite the occasional chaos.
We are still waiting to see the first photo of one of our four new quilt patterns! Watch with us to see which quilt it will be. Will it be yours? Hope so!
|
|
COMING EVENTS
|
Connie & Nancy's Whereabouts:
2015 is winding down. Only a few opportunities remain to meet Connie and Nancy, or take a class from Nancy. Here are the places where you can find one or both of them; watch a presentation at a shop or guild; or find us at a quilt show. Most guilds welcome visitors, so don't be shy.
Make your plans now for one or more of these events:
2015 Shows, Classes, and Events:
- Oct 2-3, Hugo, OR. Hugo Ladies Club Schoolhouse Quilters' outdoor quilt show: "Quilts in the Country"
- Oct 16-18, Spokane, WA. Washington State Quilters-Spokane Chapter "Vive la Difference" quilt show.
- Oct 21-22, Yakima, WA. Yakima Valley Quilters Guild. Program and Hawaiian applique workshop with Nancy.
- Nov 9, Kent, WA. Evergreen Piecemakers Quilt Guild. An 2FAQ applique workshop and Hawaiian quilt program with Nancy.
- Nov 18, Reedsport, OR. Hand Applique Landscape class with Nancy.
- Lots of events are already on the schedule for 2016, check our Calendar to see when we will be in your area!
Register early for classes. They can fill quickly, or be canceled if not enough people register in advance.
If you do not live where you can take a class from Nancy in person, then perhaps an online class at Academy of Quilting would work for you.
Academy of Quilting brings you the joy of learning quilting, applique & patchwork in the comfort of your home with online classes. Here are the next start dates for Nancy's classes:
- September 18, Baltimore Basics
- October 16, Make Your Own Hawaiian Quilt
- October 30, 2 Fabric Applique
Visit the Calendar on our website for Nancy's 2016 schedule of classes at Academy of Quilting.
Schedule Nancy now for your show or event in 2016, 2017 and beyond. If you would like her to come to your area to teach, let your quilt shop, quilt guild, or show organizer know. Print Nancy's Brochure and pass it along.
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 really an economical and efficient way to book. If you see that Nancy will be anywhere near* you, then contact her to see if additional engagements can be arranged during the same trip. That way EVERYONE WINS!
*Remember, Nancy is traveling from Washington State. So near means that if she will be in Virginia even Florida is near. Think regionally.
|
|
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 hearing from you.
A hui hou,
Until next time,
Connie & Nancy
|
|
|
|
|
