Quilt Passions

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.

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.

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.

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.

Staff member Barbara Bieraugel designed A Touch of the Tropics for Quilt Sampler® Spring/Summer 2011 magazine.

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.

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.

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, 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, 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, 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, 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, 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 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.