What is a pa’u skirt? In Hawai’i, hula dancers use pa’u skirts for practice and performance. It is often a simple cotton skirt with rows of gathering at the top. If you search online you will see many variations in directions, including open or closed, drawstring tie or elastic, rows of gathers, and type of…
sewing
Halloween shirts, Aloha style – sewing tips
For Halloween I made matching Halloween shirts for grandpa and grandson (The Gardener and “Cinco”.) The Gardener has been looking for a Halloween Aloha shirt for several years. We found a fabric he liked so I decided I would make him one. This is not a sewing tutorial. These Halloween shirts were pretty difficult, so I’m…
Border print dress – using a pareu
A border print gives a dress an extra bit of eye-catching interest. I think an outfit is more memorable with a border print and I like the challenge of making the fabric work with the finished product! We were visiting Hilo and I wanted to visit the shop of Sig Zane, the famous graphic artist…
Baptism gown for baby – smocking heirloom bishop
A baptism gown for a baby is a lovely way to honor the tradition of infant baptism or christening in some churches. This is my story of making a smocked bishop gown with heirloom sewing techniques for my grandson. Long ago when I was pregnant with Margo I told my mama the good news by…
Chenille blanket – DIY toddler gift
A chenille blanket is soft and cozy for a toddler. This DIY toddler gift can be made to match nursery décor. Our toddler grandson loves crocodiles right now so I wanted to make him a special blanket to use when he naps in the pack ‘n play. Tip: we waited to introduce a blanket until…