Hawaiian-Style Applique by Faye Labanaris



Faye Labanaris project in progress, pattern by Meg Maeda

In my humble opinion, nothing is more relaxing or rewarding than Hawaiian-style applique.  First of all, you make all your decisions at the beginning of the project.  And, once you cut and baste the two fabrics, the rest is all happy, mindless stitching.  Actually, if you go the traditional route, all you have to choose is ONE fabric because your background will be a plain white fabric.  Even your quilting design can be a no brainer if you follow tradition.  Of course, you can deviate from tradition at any point and the results are just as gorgeous.  I first took a one day class in Hawaiian quilt making from Faye Labanaris in 2003. It was creative, rewarding and so much fun - my personal definition of quilting :)  

The photos in this blog are Faye's Hawaiian-style quilts in various stages of progress.  The designs are by  Meg Maeda.  Faye is using fabrics hand dyed by my husband.  He began experimenting with hand dyeing fabrics for about 6 months. As a quilter, I can't be more thrilled with my husband's new found creative outlet! It's ALMOST as good as when he decided to learn how to bake the perfect cheesecake last year :)

Faye Labanaris project in progress, pattern by Meg Maeda

Anyway, he mailed some of his sample creations - the fabrics not the cheesecakes - to Faye and she created some amazing Hawaiian-style quilts using his fabrics. Faye graciously agreed to let me share her quilts in progress! I am speechless!!

Faye Labanaris project in progress, pattern by Meg Maeda

Faye Labanaris project in progress, pattern by Meg Maeda

Faye will be teaching Hawaiian-style Appliqué at the Kathy Dunigan Appliqué Academy in February 2015.  This is a NOT TO BE MISSED opportunity.

Until next time...

Best stitches from Mercy in Miami