The “skilled quilters of misty Manoa” — Na Lei Kapa Noeau o Tuahine — will display their wide-ranging handiwork in a one-day exhibit, 10 a.m.-3 p.m., July 18, in St. Pius X Parish Hall at 2821 Lowrey Avenue in Manoa.
The show will put on view the work of the 35-member-and-growing crafts group, from king-sized bedspreads to baby blankets, from wall hangings and framed crafts to pillows.
Besides the “show and tell,” the day will offer “make and take” sessions for those who want to learn the basics of Hawaiian quilting, beginning with a small quilt square.
You will also have the opportunity to buy homemade jellies, mochi, cookies and other tasty edibles, plus some Hawaiian quilt kits.
Na Lei Kapa Noeau o Tuahine is a quilting ministry that started in January 2008 under the name Hoolauna Aloha Ohana. Its purpose is to teach the art of quilting and other crafts, to provide spiritual and social fellowship, and to help its participants maintain healthy minds and healthy bodies through crafting.
Traditional Hawaiian quilting is the primary activity, but the members also make American patchwork quilts, and feather and ribbon leis. They also crochet, knit, embroider.
The Hawaiian quilting, an intricate appliqué process that is entirely hand-stitched, is directed by master quilter Charlotte L. Cathcart.
The members, both men and women, gather from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. every Thursday in the Manoa parish hall. They come from all parts of Oahu and the military community, and often include visitors from the mainland and Japan. Some come for a few hours. Many pack a lunch and stay the whole day. Anyone, novice or experienced, is free to join, or simply drop by.
All in all, Na Lei Kapa Noeau o Tuahine provides productive activities requiring discipline, patience and coordination in a stimulating and friendly environment.
The participants do both individual and group projects. The group has been seeking grants this year to buy equipment and supplies for group projects which might include making blankets, mats, and pillows for the parish homeless ministry, sewing church linens, hangings and drapery.
The newest group project is knitting and crocheting caps for babies at Kapiolani Medical Center or who are homeless.