Inspiration: Gee's Bend- The Architecture of the Quilt

 I've mentioned before that the quilters of Gee's Bend is my inspiration when I started making quilts. When I first saw their work, it blew my mind that something so utilitarian can be quite so beautiful...comparable to the works of the great modern artists.

This book really has been such an eye-candy, and reading about the history of Gee's Bend  is really quite moving. The African-Americans living in this part of Alabama went through so much, and their story truly shows how resilience, perseverance and hard-work can make you overcome a lot of hardships in life.

(Unfortunately, this book is out of print so I can only enjoy it now through our local library. Fingers crossed I find a reasonably-priced one soon!)









Comments

ellie said…
Oh, so inspiring. Lovely art, indeed. I so love how you make your quilts. This book has such a great history to it, as well. Thanks so much for the post!

The closest I've come to quilting is a mug rug!

Hope your January is off to a good start. Hope you are staying well. We have had a little snow. A bit of an artic blast it seems. The weatherman keeps talking how it will be 50 degrees, but we never get that close. Lots of wind chills. And the COVID is so rampant and so scary.

I have been watching a C-Drama Hot Blooded Detective and it's been a fun one. I have been watching K-dramas Moonshine and Ghost Doctor.
January 10, 2022 at 7:19 AM
the creation of beauty is art. said…
How incredible! I hope you are able to find a copy of the book to keep! I can definitely understand why you find it so inspiring. Each piece really is art. Hope you have a fantastic week and are staying warm, despite the cold weather!
the creation of beauty is art.
January 10, 2022 at 10:23 AM
FASHION TALES said…
The lines and colours patched are really beautiful. I can see why it's such an inspiration for you, quilting can tell such stories of an era. I don't quilt but my mum does a lot of quilting from time to time. I've recently got into weaving wall tapestries, it takes time but really therapeudic, similar to old school crafts. Happy New Year, by the way! <3 Take care, Emmy! xo
FASHION TALES
January 10, 2022 at 1:52 PM
Hena Tayeb said…
What a gorgeous book. I hope you can one day get your hands on a copy.
January 10, 2022 at 3:42 PM
Rowena @ rolala loves said…
It certainly sounds like the history and lives of the quilters of Gee's Bend are just as inspirational as their stunning creations. The examples you show look like works of art. They must be incredible in real life. Fingers crossed a copy of this book will make it's way into your collection some time Emmy <3
January 10, 2022 at 4:48 PM
Mica said…
I don't know anything about quilting or the history of it but this still looks like a great book with all those different designs to admire! It's great your library had a copy you could check out!

Hope that your week is off to a nice start :)

Away From The Blue
January 11, 2022 at 6:18 AM
Lovely said…
The book looks and sounds wonderful. I hope you find yourselves a copy of it.
xoxo
Lovely
www.mynameislovely.com
January 12, 2022 at 1:35 AM
ALLIE NYC said…
Oh that is a shame it is out of print. It would make a great starting point for a movie or a series about the people behind the quilts and their stories...

Allie of
www.allienyc.com
January 12, 2022 at 8:21 PM
rooth said…
Those quilts would hang on my wall - love all the different colours and designs
January 13, 2022 at 5:06 PM
A Very Sweet Blog said…
I find the history of anything truly explains a lot. It’s important to know. It gives a better understanding.
February 3, 2022 at 10:18 PM
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