Paradise Stitched: Sashiko & Applique Quilts
I live in Hawaii, surrounded by exuberant tropical flowers and an azure blue ocean. Inspiration abounds right out the door of my studio, where our garden overflows with bananas, plumeria, giant heliconia, and a host of native and exotic plants. I've been a gardener most of my life, and quilting is an extension of my passion for plants. I am compelled to make quilts that reflect the beauty and diversity of the Islands. In keeping with the polyglot culture of Hawaii, I like to mix up quilt traditions--a Tahitian curved border, a Japanese wave design, and the symmetry of Hawaiian quilts. I was introduced to Japanese design, Sashiko, and the fine art of quiltmaking by my mother, Kitty Pippen, who has been my inspiration and mentor all my life. I love to teach and introduce Sashiko to students of all ages. When I lived on the west side of Kauai, I taught weekly classes at Nana's House, where students from the age of 8 to 80 gathered to create their own Sashiko designs. Breaking from Japanese Sashiko tradition, they wanted to work in lots of color and use designs that reflected life in Hawaii, such as hukilaus of tropical fish caught up in a Sashiko net, or fragrant butter-yellow plumeria. From my wonderful students, I learned how to work with diverse ages, abilities, and the true meaning of aloha. I encourage you to use Sashiko not only as a teaching tool but also for your own artistic expression. As you can see, Sashiko can be adapted to any design. And remember, it isn't how perfect your stitches are but how much you enjoy the journey along the way.