Since the hawk is out (which is what my uncle says once Winter really sets in), it seems a great time to talk about quilts. I am not the type to hang a quilt. I’m more of a functional art gal, and I would totally toss my down comforter for something fancy to cover my bed and snuggle under.
My absolute first choice would be an American classic… a Gee’s Bend quilt. These exquisite pieces are made in Alabama and have a distinctive abstract style to them. The tradition dates back to about mid-19th century with slaves who were the backbone of the cotton plantation that was on a small hamlet named Gee’s Bend. They would take scraps of clothing to create bed spreads. This necessary form of survival turned art has been passed down from generation to generation. In recent years, there’s been numerous exhibits devoted to these guilts and today, a handful of sites can help you have one of your own in this ever evolving style. Unfortunately, the official Quilts of Gee’s Bend site is currently down but they do have a facebook page.
Beyond this simple act of admiration, I feel the need to put a trip to Gee’s Bend on my to-do list.
quilt by Loretta Pettway, 2006
quilt by Loretta Bennett, 2006
quilt by Mary Lee Bendolph, 2005