This is not a new story, but it’s new to me and it makes me jealous… so here it is!
This is a sampling of work by a group of African American women from a small area in Alabama known as Gee’s Bend. Saying that these women ‘make quilts’ just sounds far too everyday for how impressive this bold and meaningful work really is. They can’t be called anything other than artists, because not only is their work stunning to look at, it’s also a huge part of American history/culture. There are so many stories, and heaps of interesting information about these ladies that I can’t possibly describe it all here. Luckily for me {and you} there is a book called Gee’s Bend: The Women And Their Quilts that has images of their work, along with in-depth biographies of each woman… is it too early to start my Christmas list?
{Originally I had 5 quilts in this post but as you’ll see in the comments below, one of them wasn’t a quilt by the ladies of Gee’s Bend… so I’ve removed it. Thanks Richard.}
oh, how lovely! i love the bold colors they use…far more interesting than traditional quilts.
Their quilts are so beautiful! I have one of their other books, and it’s quite inspiring!
I was lucky enough to see a play written about the Gee’s Bend quilters called Gee’s Bend. If you love the quilts you would probably enjoy the play–see it if you ever get the chance.
I’m not a stamp collector by any means, but I have held on to my Gee’s Bend stamps that were issued a couple years ago. Little tiny versions of their quilts. Thinking they might deserves some frames perhaps.
Absolutely! Very cool!
Here’s a link for anyone who wants to see what the stamps look like:
http://www.usps.com/communications/news/stamps/2006/sr06_042.htm
Me too!
crooked! What a great idea! maybe even I could do quilting if I can do it croocked! it really looks so beautiful!
We’re flattered to be included in this grouping, but the third quilt down is by Denyse Schmidt, who is a contemporary quilter, NOT from Gee’s Bend. This quilt is called Drunk Love in a Log Cabin, made in 1996.
Oops! Thanks Richard… I’ve removed it.
a few years ago, I was fortunate enough to see this collection at a museum in Memphis. Later, I visited one of the ladies in Gees Bend. Her name was Mrs. Jessie Pettway. I am sure that the quilt with three rows of crocked stripes is hers.