How a Group of Women in This Small Alabama Town Perfected the Art of Quilting | Op-Docs

This week we bring you “While I Yet Live,” Maris Curran’s beautiful, immersive film about a group of master quilters in the small town of Gee’s Bend, Ala. Curran paints a tender portrait of a tightly-bound community of African-American women and how they integrate craft, faith and family into their art. The results are spectacular.
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[@babery9756]

"We're gonna leave this all behind one day. It's not ours in the beginning; we're just only borrowing it, for the time we are here." thats so profound and beautiful.

[@mable552]

Amen!

[@racheltoledo2406]

❤

[@presterjohn1697]

Radically different from the western mindset.

[@donnawoodford8145]

Wisdom spoken so eloquently.

[@sonyalytle8972]

Amen!

[@stylecollective-qt9um]

It is absolutely unconscionable that some slick art dealer has absconded with these elderly women's literal life work, and has not contacted them or paid them a dime. The public wants to know who took these women's quilts without compensating them?

[@Habadacus405]

stylecollective www.nytimes.com/2007/07/29/us/29quilt.html This is the information you’re looking for

[@trymenot81]

The family name is ARNETTS. Google that name plus 'art dealer of quilts' for a lovely picture of the sow who gobbled up the wealth of these poor 'rich' people.

[@bevalasvegas]

www.seattletimes.com/entertainment/gees-bend-quilts-lawsuits-resolved/

[@ruthmiddleton4615]

It's been sorted and resolved

[@farisasmith7109]

It wasn't "resolved " the case was dismissed. And they had to pay their own legal fees. Both sets of lawyers want to dis miss the case according to the article I read. They probably weren't well represented. They got nothing in the end.

[@diane9247]

These dear women deserve all the recognition and respect in the world. 💐

[@jebbie2595]

*As a native born & bred Alabamian I can confidently say that the women of Gees Bend & their beautiful quilt work is known, loved & respected far & wide.* *I could sit & watch these Aunt's quilt & listen to them sing & tell stories for days.* *And anyone who knows anything about about women such as these & white people & the relationships between the two can tell you that the women are so loving, caring & welcoming to any/every body. They let us white children call them Aunt So & So. I myself lived in the same neighborhood as a black woman named Bessie. Aunt Bessie always had something to eat & drink for all the neighborhood kids. And if we did anything bad Aunt Bessie would tear our hides up too & no parent ever said a word. They knew if Aunt Bessie whooped us that we had deserved it. I loved my Aunt Bessie & miss her dearly.* ❤️

[@1packatak]

I agree! Their voices and their songs are so beautiful. How they talk about quilting being a time to reflect is wonderful. You are so very, very lucky to have grown up knowing these women. God truly is shining down on them.

[@ladypinkbagsetc.9116]

Beautifully said. I am going to visit Gees one day soon. Thank you for sharing ing your story.

[@uncrnsprklfrts5720]

My grandmother, my great grandmother, and I all quilt. These are beautiful quilts made with love and a respect for past and present traditions and faith. Beautiful and stunning. I would be honored to quilt with such amazing people.

[@louettesommers8594]

Amen, I feel the same. What a wonderful time it would be to have such beautiful fellowship.

[@TonayB-47]

❤️

[@amteo7107]

It seems so unfair that these ladies were not rewarded for their efforts. Such beautiful quilts made with such love and passion.The people who took the quilts and would have recieved a generous sum of money should be ashamed of themselves. These ladies dont have much but are so content and find their strength from the lord our god. What i also admire is that every scrap of material isnt wasted and just look at the results. So beautiful. God bless these ladies.

[@shoshannafachima1306]

Shame on the art dealers for not paying these gifted arrtists the full payment.these women are so pure of mind and soul

[@jackiecarter5193]

I loved this film. I loved the women. I loved their quilts . I loved the peace and wisdom.

[@wsam6509]

My daughter actually quilts and has been doing that for many years. She received my Great Grandmother's quilt that was given to me (Great was born in 1896). My Great Grandmother and Grandmother quilted together and she has that quilt as well. She learned how to quilt based on those quilts from the grandmothers! Awesome history...

[@TahtahmesDiary]

Watching them sing and lay hands on those quilts is the most powerful thing. Humbling to watch.

[@marydonovan6681]

Their life is simple, and their sense of community is what makes them feel secure. What patience they have, and “I don’t have to be perfect” says it all.

[@louettesommers8594]

I so admire these women. Just watching them quilting and singing together blesses my heart.

[@maddygutierrez7985]

It's on my bucket list. I want to go and visit these sweet ladies and get a quilting lesson or two from them. I'm a self taught quilter and these ladies are an inspiration to me. Precious!!!!

[@crystalgrose]

There’s something so comforting about watching quilting, especially when the elder women would quilt - mothers and grandmothers, and great-grandmothers, and great-aunts ♥️🥰🌷,

[@impishishere]

This is the most poetic thing I've ever seen. I am in awe.

[@dianenegron7916]

These women are an inspiration. We surely can learn something from them.

[@nkha23]

I take my hat off to these sistas. I am a machine quilter and just don't have the patience to sew by hand. I love that they have made beautiful use of scraps. I have a pile of scraps and too afraid to start a scrap quilt. What beautiful work they do.

[@theFloatArmy]

I'm a bloody beginner in quilting but I encourage you to just go for the scrap quilt. My first quilt was a scrap quilt which I did scrap by scrap. I just loved it especially because I could incorporate so many old pieces of fabric of my mom's fabric collection which are very meaningful to me.

[@seasidestitches615]

Please have a go. You will surprise yourself. Don’t aim for perfect aim for ‘good enough’! Glad to meet you on this thread. These wonderful women all started somewhere!

[@nkha23]

@@seasidestitches615 thank you! Maybe I'll give it whirl after my current project. Nice to meet you as well.

[@eneal2056]

I've been a lover of their quilt art for years. They are absolutely breathtaking.

[@cathyt144]

I was taught the basics of quilting by an 85 yr old lady with alzheimers. I was 48 . My work could never measure up to the quality of what these talented beautiful ladies do. Btw, im in Alabama too. I may have to look these ladies up sometime. 😊when they started singin " swing low sweet chariot" i wanted to do my happy dance. I love this song and grew up hearing it in church and my mama would sing it too. 😀

[@tara-nichollekirke435]

My grandmother taught others how to quilt, including through about that age and with early stage Alzheimers. She just passed away about 7 weeks ago. At her funeral, I asked who in the crowd owned a quilt she'd made. About 70 people raised their hands, and I think I might never forget that image.

[@seasidestitches615]

@@tara-nichollekirke435 wow. What a memory for you!

[@musiclover10167]

Beginning quilter. Watched my grandma quilt. I had to. She would call me out to thread her needle. It was a blessing but more than that it is an on time blessing. I enjoy giving away quits as gifts. I mostly do baby quilts which I enjoy so much a personal gift for children and their mothers...looking to reclaim this part of my heritage..I also enjoyed watching this video...and listening thanks so much

[@robbinae]

This video touches my heart and soul in many ways. I like the beginning where she talks about trees. Every tree is unique, different and lovely in it's own way, just like people. We are not meant to be just alike. God created us to be just like we are!

[@saltlifegull4091]

This beautiful video about these Black soul sisters takes me back to my childhood in Myrtlewood, AL, where I spent years being taught quilting and so many other things by an old Black woman named Timmie Tidmore. Her lessons are still with me today at age 68. RIP Timmie.

[@julesybethmedlini]

I loved this. I felt so peaceful hearing the singing.-You all feel like heaven to me. I am so pleased that we moved here to Alabama. I finally found a place that will teach me and my son quilting. We are working on our first quilts. 🥰

[@talllala]

That's wonderful. I learn how to quilt and it is a true comfort.

[@YukimiSong]

Their voices (not just singing but also speaking) soothe my mind....

[@crystalgrose]

Yes! I was saying that same thing. This video is so comforting. To hear these wonderful Mothers sing and quilt and pray. I wish we had more of this today 🙏🏾♥️

[@bbrosser694]

Your work is more than beautiful--- your quilting work is spiritual. Many years ago, I had the opportunity to see your exhibition at Atlanta's High Museum of Art. You will be an inspiration and a blessing to people all over the world for many years to come. Each person who hears your story and sees your quilted works of art has received a lasting blessing as well. Thank you for sharing your gift of quilting!

[@TheCratsky]

I made a quilt for my baby niece as a first try at this activity. There is definitely an art and patience to piecing it together.

[@lynnebrown5835]

You are so easy to love. Back in England, I am thrilled to watch your lives enfold. I have a book about you...God bless you every day. Lynne

[@cindyhappel7376]

I enjoyed this so much, but cannot believe they were not compensated for their quilts!! These women are inspirational in their art, faith and love of family. Awesome!!

[@amelianeubauer606]

12:47 i was shocked!!! Their/her stunning artwork just stolen like that!!! How could someone do that?!!! Still so inspired but the idea that someone took advantage of them like that broke my heart

[@b.bailey8244]

What beautiful women; their souls shine through their art. It is disgusting that dealers took advantage of them and never paid them for their quilts! But they, and their art - these women - moved me to tears.

[@pammeinzer8178]

Thank you for the opportunity to admire these quilts.

[@sunburnchaplips6802]

Beautiful quilts, traditions, and people. This is really educational and these women are so important. History should be respected and people too.

[@ruthannelackey8624]

These ladies and their quilts have been featured on Alex Anderson’s quilting show. They have been featured in books I have borrowed from the library

[@emmag9362]

Thumbs up for these women. Thumbs down that no one has investigated what happened, payment etc.

[@VelveteenRabbit77]

These women are such a blessing!!!

[@iskender1327]

Americans are so different, it’s nice to learn about those not on the television

[@solimandina]

Ain't that the truth. These are real Americans.

[@cathyt144]

İskender please dont think everything u see on TV about us is the gospel truth lol. Especially when they have folks tryin to talk Southern lol Country folks are the best ,imo. 😀

[@jbre7233]

I was just thinking the same thing. Would love to meet these people, see their community. I wonder if they offer quilting “camp”?

[@Kreedo1110]

We aren’t just Americans, we are Black Americans, it’s good to make the difference

[@crystalgrose]

Such beautiful Mothers and their work ♥️🌷

[@joannebell7]

I never realized before how beautiful the Gees Bend are.

[@babayagalight]

Your work is beautiful. Your work reflects your beautiful souls.

[@GnarlsBarkley123]

My ancestors are from this region of Alabama. I inherited 5 Quilts from my grandmother and a few date back to the late 19th century.

[@MariaLuciaGomezGreenberg]

I loved this video. What a wonderful community of artist, a women that make this world a beautiful place, one stitch at a time. I particularly enjoy how nature, family and friends were woven into a masterpiece. Thank you! María from California, originally from Colombia. 🧵💕👏🏼

[@msmith3202]

Can I come and stay for awhile ? I would love to just come and fellowship together. I saw a PBS special about 7 years ago, about Gee’s Bend. Since that day I have been collecting pieces of fabric. I want to be a quilter. May God bless these ladies with all things beautiful regardless.

[@hazelem1266]

There is such a stillness around this community. We have so much to learn.

[@JWoodf]

🙏🏻💐❤️thank you for this story. I am inspired by the love, strength, commitment and creativity of this community of women. 🌷

[@josephinewallace8678]

I love 💕 too watch these ladies make these beautiful quilts and reminds me of my coming up. This is what my mother and sister did a family of 14 children. Praise God I'm 78 yrs. Old trying my hand at quilting now. Thanks for sharing your work,🙏💞

[@chevydude658]

WOW! That quilt on the clothes line at 11:18 is so beautiful! And then at 12:00! The KNOCKOUT to me is the one at 12:20! I would love to have a quilt like that! Do these ladies sell their quilts? The Smithsonian should have cut them checks for those quilts. I've seen them blow money on "important" clothing pieces from estates. This is American craftsmanship and important pieces from our African American citizens that need to be celebrated and viewed. "

[@kathykaplan497]

Amazing! I loved this !!! I quilt and I am amazed at their talent and humility.

[@sbrickett]

I’ve been to Gee’s Bend and the museum there. Those quilts are gorgeous. I wish my quilts looked that good.

[@utahill5685]

Ladies, you're doing a great kind of art!

[@ravenc1298]

My soul needed this❤️

[@madampinkjustice3507]

LOVE their Talents! So sad that someone took advantage of them. Breaks my heart.

[@MsTilda2]

What wonderfull ladies,, im out of breath, love them.. ❤️❤️❤️❤️They should be Payed 10000000,s of dollars

[@CherylHarpercompulsivespinner]

Beautiful and soul touching. The language of the human soul.❤

[@LornaHulstrom]

What a beautiful story, I am in awe of you.!

[@baeforpay]

I appreciated this segment about quilts and intersection into African American history.

[@christinaheesakacowden-wut3809]

I already know how to quilt, but there is one thing on my bucket list that is very close to my heart: I want to take real singing lessons and I want to sing these Gospels too Then I can sing and quilt and sing and quilt..... it gives you a peace of mind and it brings you so close to God. It feels like love and security. When I watch these woman, I can feel, that through all the hardships, they have found an inner peace and a devine love for everything.

[@leslieblackshear802]

I love this story! And these ladies are terribly inspirational. And what amazing artists!! Thankyou for sharing your passion and your art

[@sahpem4425]

Gorgeous story. Lovely lovely women!!! It’s disturbing that someone would sell the quilts without permission... 😔

[@zathyk46]

Yes, the treachery of the art market swooped in. It's terrible that someone would take advantage like that, but I'm sorry to say that I'm not surprised.

[@sofly7634]

Beautiful and gifted hands!. God gives us all different talents

[@marypeterson1053]

Thank you for sharing your wonderful story. Bless you heart

[@Shelleyshelleyxyz]

Beautiful quilts. Thank you for sharing.

[@nicolek963]

Just beautiful, so much patience these ladies have.

[@nelsonth]

Who's the bounder who took their quilts to sell and never got back?!

[@Habadacus405]

Nelson Thangjam This is the information you’re looking for about the man and what happened. NYT covered this in 2007 on this topic www.nytimes.com/2007/07/29/us/29quilt.html

[@jbre7233]

I would love to buy one of their quilts.

[@handsonyouthactivitiesprog6882]

You can contact Mary Ann Pettway at 334-573-2585 or 334-573-2323 if you are interested in purchasing a quilt.

[@freeelyse9658]

Through hardship and faith, beauty abounds. Sorry Ladies that you were taken advantage of and your beautiful quilts were stolen.

[@jerricahunt2535]

Wow i love to see this❤😢..this is my family on my dad side..definitely remember our family reunions, going up there every may...I remember my great mother making quilts all the time. Martha J Pettway lived until she was 105...i was 15 by then..what a blessing🙏. Such amazing rooted women(family) to be apart of!!🫶

[@lurdo777]

Beautiful works and women and such a wonderful legacy they hand down.

[@maryann2692]

Thank You Iadies God Bless each and every one

[@Sewing_Keepsakes]

Gorgeous quilts and what a powerful message each women brings

[@sharonwilson929]

I would love to visit these Ladies. So wonderful be proud.

[@LisaAnn365]

Love these women and their quilts

[@larryg6221]

Beautiful people! I hope their families do well in life.

[@peach3611]

Beautiful, strong women, Beautiful quilters.

[@alisonschorm7600]

These ladies are amazing. Thank you for sharing your quilts with us. ❤

[@Libaluff]

What amazing women and beautiful work! I love this video.

[@lisawilson6365]

God bless you beautiful ladies and your wonderful quilts. X

[@Mellacami]

Just the ladies talking and singing reminds me of my mama! 😊

[@tiffanyleclair9533]

INSPIRATIONAL!

[@gailthomas2631]

Beautiful works of art.

[@parityhater7155]

Amazing

[@DiegesellschafterinCh]

Wonderful - Chapeau!

[@dorisrichard5630]

Your work is beautiful and I just love the quilts that you all have made

[@Rubylox]

i would travel there to learn from them. It would be worth it.

[@sassyspoiled]

Love that house dress at 1:23. My grandmother had a box of these we would wear after church for Sunday dinner.

[@rebeccatreeseed410]

I love to quilt. I love these quilting ladies.

[@mauriciaday4002]

What wonderful talent & Gift of God. How beautiful! Great story. More like it! Thank you

[@janemarchant2558]

So interesting,really love these people

[@aurora571000]

Fantastic!

[@youcanlearntosew1291]

I love this video and I would love one of their quits

[@jintzie1950jth]

Stunning. Gorgeous!

[@rosesbaker]

THANK YOU FOR SHARING THIS.... I bought the book a few years ago.

[@ebonyhinton5541]

This was so beautiful.

[@Wingo537]

I'd like to purchase one of those quilts.

[@handsonyouthactivitiesprog6882]

You can contact Mary Ann Pettway, P.O. Box 68, Boykin, Alabama 36703, phone numbers are 334-573-2585 or 334-573-2323 if you are interested in purchasing a quilt.

[@cn9630]

Just watched this on pbs!!! Just so much Fabulosity!!!!! Especially with the singing... Oh, what a talent, indeed Wish they could teach me how to get those interesting patterns... simple but classic! Id also love to buy a couple cuz our heater went out last winter ...(and the landlord wont fix it), SO YES,... WE SURE COULD REALLY USE A COUPLE OF THOSE WARM BLANKETS!!! *** Wonder if they have a website and sell them Hmmm

[@clothrecycling707]

wondering 😍these works are the works of a master. I admire a lot.😍

[@nancykahn4125]

Inspiring...wish I had their serenity...

[@Craftylisa69]

Beautiful x

[@cathleen537]

WOW! Powerful beyond words!

[@diannkittok1629]

Wonderful to watch

[@Ara-60]

Thanks for posting this beautiful video. Life can be so simple yet profound and deeply spiritual.... from the bottom of my heart ♥️, Ariela from Chile 🇨🇱

[@westcoastwisdom7318]

That was probably one of the best things I’ve watched in many a year 👏👏👏👏👍👍👍👍