Keri Designs

Personal

I am the mother of four wonderful children and 5 of the brightest, cutest grandchildren in the world. Between the sumptuous beauty of the Hawaiian flowers and the islands' rich traditions and cultural heritage, my island home provides me with an amazing source of inspiration. Quilting is an art form that allows me to express this inspiration. Preserving the cultural practice of Hawaiian Quilting as well as taking the art form to new levels and creating new standards in the quilting industry excites me. Combining my love for Hawaii and passion for needle arts and making this something I do everyday has given me a dream to work towards and a renewed sense of value for my gifts and talents.

Background

I have a degree in Special Education and Fashion Technology. I have designed couture wedding gowns and high end children's clothes. In 1998 I designed the stain glass windows, based on Hawaiian flowers and quilting patterns, for Kahalia Aloha Wedding Chapel (the Chapel of Cherished Memories), here on Maui.

I have learned most of my quilting needlepoint and cross stitch by reading books and learning from my mistakes. One unique thing that I have that no one else has is my imagination. I do not over plan my quilts but let them develop naturally. This lets me keep my mind open and alert to the possibilities of what is happening at that time. My husband Lloyd, a plant ecologist for Haleakala National Park, has taught me the beauty Hawaiian plants, as most of my inspiration comes from nature.   I usually attempt to keep to the nature's colors as much as I can. Dick Nelson's class of Joseph Alber's color theory opened up my mind to new ways of looking at the world. I usually do not like to explain my designs. I like people to interpret them and enjoy them for what they see not what they are told to see.

This is a solo venture. But living in Hawaii one of the first words I learned is "ohana" (meaning-all of your friends and relatives are your family). I am fortunate to have the support of my ohana; they have provided moral support as well as practical assistance.

Business description

I design Contemporary Hawaiian Quilts, Cross Stitch, and Needlepoint Pillow Patterns and Kits. These designs are based on Hawaiian Flora, using traditional Hawaiian Quilting and encompassing the Baltimore Album Quilting Style. My designs appeal to all levels of quilters, cross stitchers and needle pointers and fit well within the recently labeled "Contemporary Hawaiian Style."   I take the traditional art of Hawaiian Quilting and bring it into the 21st Century.

Product identification

"Keri Designs" are unique; they provide a new twist on a traditional concept.   Traditional Hawaiian quilting designs have remained unchanged, limited to two colors. There are people who are making the traditional quilt kits in Hawaii, but the consumer seem to be drawn to my product over the traditional kits due to the very colorful Bali fabrics with exciting designs based on Hawaiian Flowers. The instructions are clear and easy to understand, which sets these patterns and kits above anything else currently on the market.

My Philosophy

In this fast paced world of high technology, people are drawn to "Comfort Stuff". A quilt that was on a grandmother's bed or a hand made gift keeps people connected to their memories, heritage and friendships. With increasing uncertainty in the world, there is a renewed interest in hand arts that carry with them tradition and give people a chance to express their love and creativity.   Hawaiian Quilting has experienced a resurgence of interest in the last four to five years, along with the quilting industry as a whole. This can be seen by the quilts created after the recent tragic events in the United States and the AIDS awareness quilt. My expansion into needlepoint had increased my design palette into new, exciting and challenging areas.

Classes

1.   Contemporary Hawaiian Quilt Pillow
2.   Contemporary Hawaiian Quilt Wall Hanging
3.   Needlepoint
4.   Counted Hawaiian Cross Stitch

References available upon request