Return of the Turtles by Ann Fahl
The Hawaiian title of this quilt is "Ho 'i 'ana o na Honu, meaning the return of the Turtle or Honu. The small island of Kaho'olawe was returned to the state of Hawaii from the US Federal Government in about 1960. Earlier it was used as a bombing target by the military in WWII.
There is a special project of interest, to return it to its native state. Since I am a retired master gardener and was born in Hawaii, this is a very special project to me.
The Large Green Turtles have now returned and made nests in the spring of 2025. The eggs hatched a month later, and the baby Honu hurried back to the ocean to begin their new lives. Hopefully the Honu mothers will return again next year and lay more eggs. For me, the artist, this is an event to celebrate. Hence this quilt!
The quilt itself is made of commercial and hand-dyed cotton fabrics. The shapes of the turtles are fused in place and machine embroidered to add detail. The quilting tries to duplicate the baby turtle tracks in the sand all the way to the ocean. The navy and white print serves as the border of the quilt, and the edges are bound with the same fabric on the bias.
The embroidery and quilting threads used are shiny variegated decorative threads, which add detail and texture to the surface. Wool batting is in between the front and back of the quilt. Celebrate with me!
Because this quilt was made to feature on my Valentine cards this year, there are eight tiny green hearts hidden in the design. Can you find them?
If you wish to purchase a quilt; you may pay by check, via PayPal, or use Ann's layaway plan. Please fill out Quilt Purchase Agreement for layaway option.
