About Me
About Me
Reflecting on my sun-drenched California childhood, where I first developed a fondness for sandy beaches, rolling waves, and the warmth of patchwork quilts, brings a sense of deep warmth. These early memories, nurtured by gifts from my dear grandmother and great aunt, planted the seeds for my love of quilts. At 23, a thirst for new experiences led me to the military, where new adventures beckoned. A particularly memorable moment occurred during a snowy holiday in Iowa, 1994, when my grandmother imparted an impromptu quilting lesson during a blizzard – it was then that my passion for quilt-making truly ignited. This creative outlet sustained me throughout my 26-year tenure in the military, and in 2003, a trip to the enchanting Hawaiian islands felt so familiar that I bought a home there, eventually retiring in 2017. Since then, I’ve indulged in the rich Hawaiian culture, aligning myself with the island’s spirit and nurturing my artistic side through quilting. My military background in planning and training facilitated a smooth transition into the quilting industry, where I’ve been fortunate to learn from professionals, attend national quilt shows, and represent Handi Quilter in Hawaii. Now, I’m privileged to run a business where I can share my love for quilting and education. I aim to equip the Hawaiian quilting community with top-quality machines and introduce longarm and computerized digital quilting with Pro-Stitcher. The thought of establishing a longarm quilting club on every island fills me with excitement. Assisting customers in selecting their ideal machine and organizing educational events brings me immense joy.
About Handi Quilter
Laurel Barrus, the brains behind Handi Quilter, came up with the ingenious Handi Quilter frame out of her personal quilting necessity. Not finding a fitting product in the market, she crafted this lightweight, adjustable frame, perfect for both small and large quilts. This clever innovation piqued her friends’ interest, and voila, Handi Quilter was born! Making a grand entrance at the International Quilt Festival in 1999, the company bagged enough orders to keep the production wheels turning. Spotting the potential in the home machine quilting market, Laurel further expanded her product line, introducing the “HQ Sixteen” and its adjustable frames in 2002. Handi Quilter didn’t stop at that; it went on to build its own manufacturing network. By the time 2010 rolled around, Handi Quilter had bagged global safety and electrical certifications, spreading its wings to over 900 retail outlets across 55 countries. The company, located in North Salt Lake, Utah, is a global front-runner in longarm machines for stand-up and sit-down quilting. I joined the Handi Quilter family in May 2017 and have been singing their praises ever since. I’m incredibly proud to wave the HQ flag across the Hawaiian Islands. If you’re in search of the perfect quilting machine, I’m here to help you find the one that suits your needs, space, and budget. Let’s embark on this quilting journey together!
About Hawaii
Aloha isn’t just a casual hello or goodbye. It’s a vibrant spirit that breathes life into our actions and interactions. I’m lucky to call Oahu, one of Hawaii’s eight diverse islands, my home. Nestled among the Koolau and Waianae mountain ranges, Oahu is a cultural melting pot, housing the bustling city of Honolulu and the main airport. Our Big Island, Hawai’i, is a sight to behold with its unique climate zones, thanks to the grandeur of Maunakea and Maunaloa volcanoes. From its lush valleys to black sands, it leaves everyone in awe. Kauai, the oldest among us, boasts emerald valleys, sharp mountains, and cascading waterfalls, while Maui is a sun-soaked paradise adored for its golden beaches and verdant mountains. It was heartbreaking to see the fire devastate Lahaina’s historic town this year. The remaining islands, while smaller, are an integral part of our diverse ethnicity and culture. We take pride in our heritage, and this is reflected in the term ‘Kama’aina’, used for non-Hawaiians residing in Hawaii. If you’re ever in Oahu, consider dropping by my quilt studio. I organize an annual longarm quilt retreat in March, an exhibition at the Blaisdell Convention center in Oct/Nov, and other educational events. As the Handi Quilter representative for the Hawaiian Islands, I’m here to support all quilting enthusiasts. Looking forward to connecting you with our vibrant quilting community!
About Quilt Studio
Imagine a unique quilting experience, right in the heart of Oahu. Art Quilts Hawaii Quilt Studio, tucked away on the Leeward side, is a hidden gem waiting to be discovered. While most quilt shops cluster on the Windward side, making the journey to Ewa Beach offers a refreshing change. An easy drive off HI between 10-2pm on weekdays to dodge work traffic, and a delightful trip over the weekend, the studio is conveniently located for all. Nestled in the Sugar Mill Plantation homes off Renton Road, generous parking options are available for your convenience. Step into a world of quilting, with a studio laden with longarm machines on frames, stationary machines and Stitch sewing machines. An extensive collection of thread, 108 wide fabric, batting and a plethora of quilting supplies await your exploration. Whether you’re a local or flying into Honolulu, make sure you carve out some time to join a club or class at the studio. Furthermore, enhance your visit with a local delicacy at lunch or indulge in history with a ride on the original train that once hauled sugar from the fields; tours on Wednesdays and weekends. Find Art Quilts Hawaii at 91-1660 Orrick St, Ewa Beach 96706. Experience the charm of a lesser-known side of Oahu and unleash your creativity at Art Quilts Hawaii Quilt Studio.
About Honest Fabrics
I’m proud to be a designer on Honest Fabrics. It has been an exhilarating journey since retiring from the Army in 2017! I dove headfirst into the world of quilting, investing in a longarm machine and opening my own studio. I immersed myself in the vibrant Oahu quilt community and expanded my skills by studying art, digital media, and design at Leeward Community College. Passion for design and technology led me down a thrilling path of fabric design creation and printing. As a successful longarm quilter, I’ve had the joy of selling quilts at craft fairs and creating memory quilts under my business, Camokai Studio LLC. Fast forward to 2022, and I’ve launched Art Quilts Hawaii! It’s all about guiding quilters to top-quality sewing or longarm machines. But that’s not all – I’m constantly pushing boundaries by organizing educational events, offering quilt classes, and experimenting with Hawaiian Quilt Block and Keiki style designs with Honest Fabric. A big shout out to Karlee Porter, whose wholecloth fabric designs have been a huge inspiration, motivating me to create panels that truly showcase island life, designs, and the Aloha spirit. Don’t forget to check out my designs – all named with Hawaiian “P” words for “panel”. Get ready to find exciting ways to use and share them!
Click the photo for Honest Fabrics.
