Have you ever heard of the Gee’s Bend quilters?
We attended the Airing of the Quilts festival, an annual event that celebrates the legacy of Gee’s Bend quilters that extends all the way before the U.S. Civil War. These women have fed their families, created art, and funded Civil Rights movements with their skills and talent in quilting. ❤️
#FSTravelsAlabama
📍Gee’s Bend, Alabama
#geesbend #geesbendquilts #sweethomealabama #alabamalife #alabama
The real Mary Anne Pettway stitching away at the Gees Bend retreat in Raymond, VA. This is cool….
#geesbend #geesbendquilts #geesbendquiltingretreat
Gee’s Bend, Alabama, hosts a special collective of artists, shaped by history, civil rights and their own take on quilting.
Learn more about the Gee’s Bend quilters from @joshuadairen. Many living quilters, working with the Freedom Quilting Bee Legacy collective and @soulsgrowndeepfoundation, or independently, still practice techniques and patterns passed down from mothers and grandmothers.
#alabamahistory #geesbend #geesbendquilts #quilthistory
Check out some of the work of Mary Margaret Pettway, Master Quilter of Gee’s Bend 🪡
#history #historybeforeus #quilt #quilting #geesbend
“It’s difficult to put in words what an exceptional and unique experience this was,” says Misuk W., who took a VAWAA with Loretta and Marlene.
“There’s no other way I could have had access to such accomplished artists, to learn their craft, in the location from which it originated. Loretta and Marlene are gracious hosts and patient teachers, you can truly see and feel their passion for quilting. It was a privilege to see them in their element.”
“Gee’s Bend is full of history and the serene landscape and tranquility allowed me space to reflect.” she added. “We quilted at a bungalow on the banks of the Alabama River, watching the currents and the sunlight shimmer across it. I learned so much, but mostly I allowed myself to let go of expectations and embrace improvisation in artmaking.”
To learn more about this VAWAA, tap the link in our bio.
#geesbend #geesbendquilts #quilting #quiltmaking #quiltlove
The Siddi are African Indian tribal groups living in India. People have different ideas on how and when they came to India. Some say they came hundreds of years ago. They have simulated into Indian culture but kept a few of their own traditions, like dance, music and quilting!
Here you can see Siddi women making quilts at home from cotton offcuts.
#siddi
#quilting
#siddiquilters
#karnataka
#handstitching
#kantha
#kawandi
#siddikawandi
#geesbend
#sashiko
#indiantextiles
#zerowaste
#quilt
#womenempowerment
#african
#handmade
#textiles
#patchwork
DRAWING FROM THE GEES BEND QUILTMAKERS airs on Thursday via zoom! Taught by our fabulous guest tutor @jo_blaker and dedicated to exploring the incredible tradition of the Gees Bend Quilts, we absolutely can’t wait to draw these with you ❤️ tickets in all the usual places! #geesbend
I was able visit the incredible women of @geesbendquiltmakers recently with @verandamag and @buildanest.
I can’t wait to share the full article with you soon! Stayed tuned!
Jacqueline here. There was a #geesbend exhibit at #quiltcon and I did a quick tour. I also bought myself a birthday gift- a Gees Bend quilt! I am so thrilled!! @geesbendquiltmakers
Mary Ann Pettway of Gees Bend Quilter Makers explaining the quilt her mother made. It was so great to spend time with @maryannpettway @geesbendquiltmakers Feb. 2017 #geesbend #geesbendquilts #geesbendquilt #geesbendquilters #geesbendquiltmakers #geesbendquilterscollective #geesbendquilter #geesbendalabama #geesbendmade #boykin #boynkinalabama #maryannpettway #maryannpettwaygeesbend
LRY was honored to produce the Birmingham Tour Stop of the Airing of the Quilts Festival Awareness Tour at the @bhamcivilrights. The evening was filled with storytelling, artistry, and community spirit as guests connected with the legacy of the Gee’s Bend quilters.
We’re excited to share that the Airing of the Quilts exhibit will remain on display at the Institute through June 14. Stop by to view these stunning works of art, learn the rich history behind them, and support the quilters—many of the pieces are available for purchase, with proceeds going directly to the artists.
Don’t miss this powerful celebration of culture, resilience, and creativity.
#geesbend #geesbendquilts #visitgeesbend #freedomquiltingbee #bhamcivilrights #community
There are about 15 members of The Freedom Quilting Bee of Gee’s Bend at Quiltcon 2026. Yesterday we had the privilege of hearing Executive Director Kim V. Kelly speak, sharing the story of the Bee and their legacy, including their ties to North Carolina, the civil rights march in Selma, their “discovery” and how their quilts came to the attention of collectors and museums, and about the Gees Bend quilters of today.
If you’re in Raleigh this weekend, take some time to sit and stitch with them, chat with them, and learn how to become a supporter through Friends of the Bend. #quiltcon2026