Comments on: Quilts of Gees Bend

Quilts of Gees Bend

Salmonberry — Sun, 06 Feb 2005 12:16:03 -0800

The Quilts of Gees Bend Amazing quilts from a town in Alabama, these are quilts as abstract art. Women in the town have been making them for years, and now they are featured in an art exhibition. The designs are incredible, as is the history of the women who make them.

By: Salmonberry

Salmonberry — Sun, 06 Feb 2005 12:17:56 -0800

This one is my favourite.

By: Stynxno

Stynxno — Sun, 06 Feb 2005 12:18:51 -0800

wow. cool stuff sb. i've just started digging around. nice :)

By: Steve_at_Linnwood

Steve_at_Linnwood — Sun, 06 Feb 2005 12:18:56 -0800

I like this one. Excellent post!

By: Doohickie

Doohickie — Sun, 06 Feb 2005 12:37:26 -0800

If you like quilts and find yourself near Paducah, Kentucky, you may enjoy the Museum of the American Quilters' Society.

By: mcsweetie

mcsweetie — Sun, 06 Feb 2005 12:55:38 -0800

awesome!

By: fluffy battle kitten

fluffy battle kitten — Sun, 06 Feb 2005 13:19:39 -0800

The amount of time and piecing involved with Shooting Stars and this fan variation blows my effing mind.

By: fire&wings

fire&wings — Sun, 06 Feb 2005 13:46:15 -0800

Sleeping under one of those things would be awesome. All those hand-stitched vibes would kinda put my Ikea duvet to shame. Great post!

By: hue

hue — Sun, 06 Feb 2005 14:40:56 -0800

When I first saw this, I was immediately reminded of Alice Walker's "Everyday Use." Apparently, I wasn't the only one.

By: emdog

emdog — Sun, 06 Feb 2005 15:19:22 -0800

pbs had a great program about these women and the 'road show' was at the smithsonian not too long ago. a friend in chicago had the show at the museum where she works and she said that the hugs from the quilters felt like.......................

By: R. Mutt

R. Mutt — Sun, 06 Feb 2005 17:09:37 -0800

I saw the "Quilts" show at the Whitney Museum of American Art in 2002. Seeing them in person was amazing. Especially the early, denim work clothes quilts. They have an intense physical presence. Not only are they beautiful, they also have a patina of use in both the original clothing, and in their use as quilts. The history of stains and worn out spots keep them from being only beautiful. They are real, and they are political, as well as being absolutely beautiful.

By: josh

josh — Sun, 06 Feb 2005 17:50:08 -0800

I saw this at the Whitney as well, and it was easily one of the most rewarding exhibits I've visited ever. Completely amazing.

By: madamjujujive

madamjujujive — Sun, 06 Feb 2005 22:34:35 -0800

Excellent post, Salmonberry - thanks! I just recently watched the PBS show that emdog mentioned - beyond the quilts, the entire story of these women and their town is very moving and very inspirational. Here are more quilts - I love this one. Here are 20 photos of Gee's Bend from 1935-1945 that give a view of the environment in which they were created.

By: theatrical matriarch

theatrical matriarch — Sun, 06 Feb 2005 23:09:24 -0800

Salmonberry wins! This is the best one. Wait, no, madamjujuvive throws in: these are some quality quilts here, here, and here. Hit mjjj's link, too! I've decided to make a quilt for my best two friend's wedding (ie. my best two friends getting married). That was last October, though, and while I had the basic idea last spring, I've been lacking the inspiration to get it done. I know have that. Thanks all. And I hereby copyright the cool designs, none of the Gees Bend women thought of that, did they? I'll willing to negotiate on licenses. Each of the linked quilt designs will cost $200 each. I'm willing to discuss volume or student discounts.

By: Salmonberry

Salmonberry — Sun, 06 Feb 2005 23:26:55 -0800

If I have the juju stamp of approval, I know I've done well. Those links are great, thanks! I might take up quilting after seeing all of these.

By: taz

taz — Mon, 07 Feb 2005 23:56:03 -0800

ooh. I missed this earlier, somehow. Too many great ones to choose from, but I'm seriously coveting this. Thanks, Salmonberry and juju!!!