Saturday, March 7, 2015

Searching For The True Maui Style Pillowcases In An Abundance Of Designs

By Leslie Ball


There are many designs advertised as being truly Hawaiian these days. Internet websites are filled with plenty of beautiful fabric items that are handmade in Hawaii. But finding what is authentic is a matter of searching through the images to capture the true essence of island decor.

Seeking out just the right items to cover pillows requires an artistic eye. There are several fashionable themes you should get to know as you search. For it is true that Maui style pillowcases can be very traditional or they can use the latest in printing technologies. Here are the key design elements to consider.

If you know that you are a classicist, then your tastes probably run toward hand made items featuring the best of traditional themes. One top pastime which evokes the past is traditional quilting. Settlers brought this sewing technique to the islands generations ago. But, islanders used the flowers and plants around them as inspiration. Rather than piece together many tiny scraps of fabric, they chose to use bright solids in one piece. Each quilt pattern is an abstract botanical shape. Popular and classic are bougainvillea and breadfruit patterns. The stitching that overlays each quilt piece is also passed down from generation to generation. For many islanders, making quilts is a spiritual act, deeply rooted in specific rules to honor their religious roots.

For collectors of vintage style, the pillows made from barkcloth will be perfect additions to the home. These could be constructed in the decades from about 1940 to 1960, or they could be modern imitations. You will know by the prices, as the early fabrics are highly collectible and very expensive. It is lucky that the traditional fabrics are now replicated using cotton weaves, which brings down the price and allows anyone to add these beautiful prints to their collections. Look for scenes of old Hawaii, detailed floral and plant patterns, and also retro versions of atomic or Las Vegas styles. You will know the prior by its depictions of space ships and geometric patterns. The latter originally had strands of Lurex gold running through its abstract prints.

Artists skilled in silkscreen or airbrushing techniques create images of island life that rival the clarity and color of photographs. Modern pillowcases sport all sorts of beach scenes, surfing designs and most anything that is popular about Hawaii. For a contemporary home or apartment, these are selections that will add colors and conversation pieces.

Though any of these fashionable creations could be purchased during a vacation to Maui, it is no longer necessary to wait that long. Maui artisans advertise these wares on Internet sites so that their mainland friends might enjoy a bit of island beauty at home. Each site shows the handiwork of local artists so that seeing and understanding the differences in style is quite easy.

Once the images are considered, then it is time to think about the overall finish of the pillows. Some are made with heavy weight materials and are best used for addition a special touch to a sofa or loveseat. They will stand up under repeated use even though handmade.

Should a casual, throw it anywhere style be just right, then look for silk screen images on easy to launder fabrics. For busy families that want a bit of comfortable style, having a plain cotton or polyester blend is perfect. The island style can be had for just a bit of research and decorating decisions.




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