Made in Hawaii: Barbara Bieraugel Designs

From her home in Hawaii, Barbara Bieraugel designs appliqued and pieced quilt patterns which are often tropical or nature-inspired.  Many of her patterns were designed from flowers in her gardens in Kailua-Kona, Big Island, Hawaii. Her pattern range includes colorful tropical fish, butterflies, flowers, sea turtle or honu, and other Hawaiian themes. We were drawn to her beautiful batik quilt, below, which combines appliqued butterflies with pieced blocks.

Butterflies for Amy, 51 x 51, by Barbara Bieraugel

The butterfly is the symbol of transformation. Barbara explains that "Butterflies for Amy" was made in honor of her cousin, Amy, as she was in treatment for leukemia. "The symbolism of the butterfly seemed to be quite fitting for her health crisis.  We are so glad that her treatment worked and I feel every sale of the pattern is sending her all the good wishes across the miles."  A quilt pattern and a fabric kit are both available. Barbara also has a lovely wall hanging version, Painted Lady Butterfly, and a Butterfly in Black and White, designed from the same pattern.

Monstera Morning, 18 x 21, and Tropically Hibiscus, 17 x 17, by Barbara Bieraugel

Monstera, also known as the split-leaf philodendron, grows in the wild in Hawaii.  The distinctive leaves are featured in the artistic Monstera Morning pattern, which is shown in two colorways. Tropically Hibiscus is Barbara Bieraugel's newest quilt pattern; this small wall hanging is the first in a series of tropical flowers. Both pieces can be made with hand applique using the back-baste method, which Barbara will teach at the 4th annual Quilting On The Beach retreat in February 2013 (Kailua-Kona, Hawaii). The retreat also features classes by Barbara Olson and Melinda Bula; a shop hop around the island; and other fun events.  What a great opportunity to see the Big Island !

Paddler's Petroglyphs, 32 x 35, by Barbara Bieraugel

We love this distinctive wall hanging, designed by Barbara Bieraugel, which features four different petroglyphs (ancient rock carvings, known in Hawaiian as ki'i pohaku). In fact, the largest concentration of petroglyphs in the Pacific is on the Big Island of Hawaii. In addition to Barbara's Paddler's Petroglyphs pattern, check out Paddler's Heritage, which includes the petroglyphs along with an outrigger canoe!

Barbara's Hawaiian applique patterns include the Ulu (Breadfruit), Angel's Trumpet, Hibiscus, Torch Ginger, Heliconia, Orchid, Pineapple, Bird of Paradise, and many more designs. You can read about many of her Hawaiian applique projects at Barbara's blog, and browse the complete pattern catalog at Barbara's website.

Image credits:  Images are shown with the generous permission of Barbara Bieraugel.