Page 10 - MidWeek East - Dec 7, 2022

10 DECEMBER 7, 2022
East O‘ahu Fabric Shop Celebrates 4 Decades Of Serving The Community
FROM PAGE 1
oshi also reveals the shop’s unique name was inspired by herpetcatsandthepopularity of calico prints at the time.
According to Kuniyoshi, “seeing my customers lov- ing their creations and espe- cially if I had helped them” is one of the most rewarding parts of her job.
While the types of patterns people reach for change, The Calico Cat remains relevant by offering an assortment of fabric designs. The store holds about 1,500 bolts of fabric and someareevenbroughtinfrom Japan, France and Australia.
“I enjoy having the cus- tomers in the shop and being as helpful as I can, whether it’s related to the shop or not,” she states.
Though lending a help- ing hand is a top priority, Kuniyoshi — who is the only official shop employ- ee — never loses sight of The Calico Cat’s original goal, which is “to provide a varied selection of cotton fabrics for quilting, craft- ing and clothing.”
In addition to the eclectic mix of fabric, The Calico Cat sells rulers, rotary cut- ters, rotary mats, marking tools, and patterns for quilt- ing and crafting.
needs to make a master- piece, the store is perpetuat- ing a skill that is both practi- cal and timeless. Kuniyoshi
shares that during her gen- eration, teenagers were “au- tomatically” sent to sewing lessons.
(Left and above) The Calico Cat, which is located in Kaimukī, boasts about 1,500 bolts of fabric.
ativity and skills flourish. For more information, visit thecalicocathawaii. com or call 808-732-3998. Follow the shop on Insta- gram (@thecalicoc) to get updates on events and spe-
cials.
“In the early years, we had fashion fabrics as well as sewing clothing pattern line(s),” recalls Kuniyoshi. “The original goal was to have a quilt store, which slowly developed over the years as patchwork became popular.”
The Calico Cat should also feel a sense of accom- plishment after successfully and seamlessly creating a space where friendship, cre-
Providing materials one
“(Sewing) involves ba- sic skills whether you are making a quilt or hemming a pair of pants,” explains Kuniyoshi. “It also serves as using your mind in conjunc- tion with motor skills. There
(is) a wonderful feeling of accomplishment when your project is completed.”
HAWAII BUILDING GROUP
“Dream Big or Small, We Do It All!”
HOLIDAY SAVINGS!
Get up to 40% OFF your next project!
(discount based on project size)
Call Us for an Appointment or Visit Our Showroom
94-117 Malakeke Pl. #102, Waipahu Monday – Friday: 8:00am to 4:00pm (808) 200-7868 • info@montage-décor.com
www.montage-decor.com
Taking a look back on The Calico Cat’s history, Kuniy-
Owner Carol Kuniyoshi (above) opened
(top). She reveals that customers have
information, call 808-732-3998. LAWRENCE TABUDLO PHOTOS
her shop 40 years ago to provide the community with quality sewing materials become friends and that her shop has turned into a gathering place. For more