Quilt Passions
Quilt Passions, located in Kailua-Kona, Hawaii, draws locals and tourists alike.
A Piece of Paradise [1]
Quilt Passions in Kailua-Kona, Hawaii, benefits from its prime location near the Kailua Pier, a hot spot for tourism on the Big Island. Owners Karen and Robert Barry excel at the balancing act between pleasing tourists and pleasing area residents.
Meet the Staff [3]
Front row, from left: Louise Wagner, Delphine Rubin, Karen Barry (co-owner), Robert Barry (co-owner), and Susan Distel; back row: Catherine Wynne, Annabelle Treacy, Barbara Bieraugel, Tami Robbins, and Barbara Thomas.
Fabric, Yarn, and More [5]
Hawaiian-style appliqué patterns, such as Orchid by Loretta Pasco, are such a big draw at Quilt Passions that the shop offers weekly classes on the technique. Yarns and needlepoint supplies attract knitters, cross-stitchers, and needlepoint fans.
School of Fish [7]
The shop offers ready-made quilts, pillow covers, table runners and wall hangings, including Fish Sampler by Barbara Bieraugel. Batiks, tropical prints, and a large selection of Asian prints line the shelves.
A Touch of the Tropics [9]
Staff member Barbara Bieraugel designed A Touch of the Tropics for Quilt Sampler® Spring/Summer 2011 magazine.
Machine-Quilting Details [11]
Staff member Catherine Wynne machine-echo-quilted around the appliqués and added detail lines in each flower appliqué. She stitched leaves and curling vines in the remaining areas of the quilt center and border.
A Touch of the Tropics Color Option [13]
To determine this color palette, quilt tester Laura Boehnke started with the multicolor paisley, then added coordinating tone-on-tones and prints from the Coraline and Summer Lily collections by Jinny Beyer for RJR fabrics [14].
Out and About [16]
When you're visiting Quilt Passions, take the time to check out these other local attractions.
Ali'i Gardens Marketplace, 75-6129 Ali'i Dr., Kailua-Kona, HI 96740. Outdoor vendors offering koa wood products, shaved ice, macadamia nuts, and more.
Hulihe'e Palace [17], 75-5718 Ali'i Dr., Kailua-Kona, HI 96740. 808/329-1877; Circa-1838 former vacation home of Hawaiian royalty; now a museum.
Island Lava Java [18], Bistro grill, 75-5799 Ali'i Dr., Kailua-Kona, HI 96740; 808/327-2161. Featuring local ingredients, Kona coffee, and baked goods, with an ocean view.
Kahalu'u Beach Park, Ali'i Dr., Mile Marker No. 5, Keauhou, HI 96739. Family-friendly beach with excellent snorkeling in calm waters.
Kona Coffee Living History Farm [19], 82-6199 Mamalahoa Hwy., Captain Cook, HI 96704; 808/323-2006. Self-guided tours through a 5-1/2-acre orchard and homestead.
Mauna Kea Stargazing Program [20], Mauna Kea Access Rd., Hilo, HI 96722; 808/961-2180. Volunteer astronomers provide telescopes for free stargazing every evening.
Pu'uhonua o Honaunau (Place of Refuge) National Historical Park [21], Hwy. 160, Honaunau, HI 96726; 808/328-2326. The most complete restoration of an ancient Hawaiian religious sanctuary and a good place to spot green sea turtles.
Quinn's Almost by the Sea, 75-5655 Palani Rd., Suite A, Kailau-Kona, HI 96740; 808/329-3822. Great fish and chips, including locally caught ono (mackerel).
Contact Quilt Passions [22] to purchase a copy of the Spring/Summer 2011 issue of Quilt Sampler magazine. Issues are also available at your local quilt shop, on newsstands, and online [23].