In this day of mass-produced fabrics, hand-woven and naturally dyed fabrics are becoming increasingly rare. A new exhibit at the East-West Center Gallery, titled "Material Choices: Bast and Leaf Fiber Textiles in Asia and the Pacific," provides a showcase for 25 rare pieces from the Philippines, Japan, Vietnam, China, Indonesia, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea, the Federated States of Micronesia, Tonga and Hawai'i.

Bast is a term unfamiliar to most people today. It refers to a layer of fibers found in the stems of plants. Some examples: hemp, ramie, abaca and other banana fibers, pineapple fiber, pandanus, flax and a variety of lesser-known fabrics.

The show was curated by Roy Hamilton of the Asian and Pacific collections at the Fowler Museum at UCLA. Hamilton will lead walk-throughs during the opening festivities, from 2 to 3:30 p.m. Sunday in the East-West Center Gallery.

The exhibit continues through March 30. The gallery is open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekdays and noon to 4 p.m. Sundays. Closed Saturdays. Information: 944-7584 or go to http://arts.EastWestCenter.org.

BON FEBRUARY VALENTINE'S JEWELRY SALE

Local jewelry designers Ani Young and Adove Roden are teaming up to present a show of special Valentine's designs, as well as their year-round offerings at below-retail prices.

The party, where wine and light pupu will be offered, is planned for 4 to 7 p.m. today at Pacific Home, 420 Ward Ave.

INTO HOSTS DOUBLE 8 SHOW

The mother-daughter team of Linda Ueda and Akemi Kano, of Paradisus jewelry, will hold a special trunk show tonight from 5 to 8 at INTO, 40 N. Hotel St. in Chinatown. Their elegant Asia- and flora-inspired sterling silver jewelry has a classic look with a contemporary vibe. Among the designs are monstera, bamboo and pikake, with an artistic approach that's anything but trite. Information: 536-2211. The event marks Double 8 Day in Chinatown, considered an especially auspicious date.

NATIVE BEADWORKING CLASSES

American Indian beadworker Conrad Durglo will be teaching two bead classes in Honolulu this month. Durglo is a master beadworker from the Flathead and Salish nations in Montana. His work is in private collections throughout the West.

The first class, in the basics of round peyote stitch, is from 1 to 4 p.m. tomorrow at Native Winds Gift Gallery & Craft Supply, 1152 Koko Head Ave. (second level). Cost is $35 and includes all materials. The second class, in the two-needle flat stitch, is from 1 to 4 p.m. Feb. 16, also at the Native Winds Gallery. Cost is $45 and includes all materials. Information: 734-8016 or e-mail Nativewinds1152@aol.com.

MODELING AT MACY'S

One in three women is diagnosed with heart disease, and Macy's has joined the American Heart Association's national campaign to fight heart disease, the No. 1 killer of women in Hawai'i and across the nation. As Valentine's Day approaches, Macy's Ala Moana is all about the heart Saturday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. "Go Red for Women Day" includes free blood-pressure screenings, heart-healthy treats from Sweet Nothings, exercise information and informal modeling. The events will take place throughout the store.

Reach Paula Rath at paularath@aol.com.