Posted by Uncle Charlie on October 29, 1998 at 12:20:38:
In Reply to: Hawaiian Quilting posted by Moana Castro on October 28, 1998 at 03:16:41:
: Aloha Uncle Charlie! I was wondering what you think about Hawaiian Quilting. It seems to have quite a lot of popularity among us locals but I'm wondering if it is truly an "authentic" Hawaiian tradition or something adopted and modified? I think the time that my gradma use to put into making quilts for us shares a part of her that lives on today. Took lots of time and effort which I was told is a Hawaiian attitude. I guess what I'm asking is if there's a "Hawaiian" way that to do things and approach things in today's modern world? Mahalo for your thoughts...Aloha, Moana Castro
Aloha Moana,
Quilt making was adopted from the wives of the first missionaries. The Hawaiians saw the quilts that were made and created their own very intricate patterns about things Hawaiian (breadfruit, Ulu, flowers, the Hawaiian flag etc.)and became more itricate and complicated then what the missionaries were making. Plus it became a social gathering for women to "talk story" and share the task of basting and stitching. Without realizing, they created close bonds with each other and the dedication one had for the art was awesome during the period. Modern times does not permit women to enjoy this art because of the hectic lives that they live today. It was common for mothers and grandmothers to make a quilt for their children or moopuna. Now it is made mostly by crafters and can be sold for a lot of money. It is "copied" by the Philines and sold if Costco for 1/10th of Hawaiian guilts. Aloha Uncle Charlie