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

[@debralathan1524]

I have had the pleasure to attend the Gee’s Bend Quilting Retreat in Raymond, Mississippi for the past two years. What a privilege to be in the presence of Mary Ann Pettway and China Pettway. Spending time with these two kind souls and listening to them sing and tell their story is priceless.

[@alyssagriffin5781]

I just joined a quilting guild in Mississippi! I would LOVE to go to Raymond Mississippi

[@LinDe_]

Is there an address or a P.O. Box to send fabric/pieces of fabric?

[@Jesus-Is-Coming-back7]

“You can take time out and talk to God, and say thank you”. - That’s golden!

[@amandatheobalds3405]

That part

[@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!

[@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.

[@diane9247]

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

[@barbarajones9385]

And hopefully to be paid if their stunning quilts were taken away to be sold.

[@nitikabhasin848]

Just listening to them is so soothing

[@jackiecarter5193]

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

[@criticaloptimist]

I’m so blessed having multiple quilts my grandma made me. I tear up just thinking about the love from her that I get to wrap myself in even ten years after she’s gone.

[@oliviawatkins8101]

My great grandmother died thirty two years ago when I was a baby. She knew me briefly but I never Knew her. But even so, her love keeps me warm every winter through the quilts she made over sixty years ago 🥰 quilting is timeless and incredible. I took up the hobby to feel closer to my grandmothers.

[@monicataylor9621]

Such comfort and love

[@GlynisSakowicz]

I'm an old woman now, but I learned a craft as many did of my age, at the feet of my grandmother and her sisters, on a Kansas porch during many, many summer evenings. My grandmother and her sisters (usually between 2 and 5 of the 7 sisters) would meet on my grandma's porch after a warm day, and they'd knit, argue, laugh, talk and teach me without ever actually giving me any lessons. I'd sit there, with these hand made knitting needles my great Uncle Elijah had made me, and I'd try to imitate their movements. Now and then one of them would glance down with a smile, "Oh here, honey... like this... see? That will keep the yarn taut but not tight, so the stitches stay even... now where was I..." I soaked it in during those evenings, like a dry little sponge. I don't remember NOT knitting really. I have just done it all my life, and though I've never been truly good at it, because its hard to learn that skill as a leftie when everyone around you uses their right hand, but I can turn out a passable sweater, and baby blankets when needed... I wonder how many of us who have skills that create things, have those groups of our ancestors gathered round us, nodding approvingly as we create...

[@monicataylor9621]

Thank you for sharing your story. I could picture you sitting beneath the Ladies with a smile on your face!

[@peldridge2627]

what treasured memories - thank you for sharing them.

[@carolynratliff1380]

I have been making quilts for the last 20 years and share with my precious friends…..they don’t know how much WORK I PUT IN EACH ONE….they send me pictures of my quilts the put in their DOG HOUSES AND CRATES…..IT BREAKS MY HEART…..YOURS ARE SO PRETTY AND I COULD LISTEN TO YOU SING FOR EVER…..hugs carolyn from Columbus Georgia 😊

[@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.

[@divinesoulsista5425]

Thank you for this . This is our heritage, our lineage

[@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.

[@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]

❤️

[@louettesommers8594]

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

[@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.

[@impishishere]

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

[@Qu33n]

This is so special! Thank you for the spotlight of these Black American Southern women and the rich legacy of quilting. It’s such a triumphal, glorious and painful history with it but most importantly, the creation of it came out of love!

[@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.

[@donnaerickson3059]

I love these guilts, the friendship between the women, and the singing.

[@aurasoular6804]

this documentary was so relaxing it almost put me to sleep if i had let it lol - the asmr, the ladies calm voices, and soft camera scenes just amazing

[@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 ♥️🥰🌷,

[@marjoriejohnson7741]

This is absolutely amazing! Our Ladies and families deserve recognition….Praise god for the🙌🏾

[@TahtahmesDiary]

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

[@shoshannafachima1306]

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

[@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...

[@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!!!!

[@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!

[@Jesus-Is-Coming-back7]

❤ You can always tell when you’re listening to God’s children talk. ❤

[@CarlaPowell]

Amen

[@patriciabarton6373]

Yes, you can. No doubt about that.

[@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.

[@dianenegron7916]

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

[@sbmenard7374]

So much beauty in these women and their creations.

[@eneal2056]

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

[@robertm.8608]

Thank God for these BEAUTIFUL WOMAN....and the joy that they give us.

[@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

[@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.

[@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.

[@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

[@pbenson56fran]

I have several Quilts my mom made for me.....One Quilt I keep on my bed all year round....Great memory from a love one I think.....The Quilts she gave me need repairing. I laugh because I tear, repair, tear and repair......But I think about my mom mom with a smile Repairing those Quilts relaxes me so much...Ladies you are doing a great job......

[@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.

[@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!!🫶

[@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 🙏🏾♥️

[@I_am_Lauren]

I'm a geometric painter and I'm always so happy because I am often reminded of quilt patterns when I look at my paintings.

[@virginiawilkinson5038]

The ladies truly blessed thisr work with songs, praise to God.❤

[@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!

[@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

[@margaretmlydon6910]

It has been a pleasure to have met you all. I love quilting. But your quilts are on a whole other level. Fabulous work, great colours and shapes. Love from Ireland 🇮🇪.

[@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.

[@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.

[@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!

[@johnettaboone924]

Such a beautiful story of survival against all odds!!!!!! Thank you for sharing their stories.

[@crystalgrose]

Such beautiful Mothers and their work ♥️🌷

[@Charlene-d8t]

Absolutely beautiful. May GOD bless these ladies and their families .

[@hazelem1266]

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

[@VelveteenRabbit77]

These women are such a blessing!!!

[@pammeinzer8178]

Thank you for the opportunity to admire these quilts.

[@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

[@babayagalight]

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

[@knowyourlord6957]

May God be praised over and over again. I loved this. Thank you for sharing, and may God shower His Mercy upon all of us. Amen

[@sandramyer7081]

I feel home with these women in Alabama/ my real feelings are home- ill make their quilts and am very thankful for these wonderful angels in my life❤

[@peldridge2627]

this story and video are so poetic and so beautiful - the simplicity, quiet strength, and sense of place that makes these women who they are is so beautifully presented. Thank you for artfully honoring them.

[@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,🙏💞

[@ravenc1298]

My soul needed this❤️

[@pwitherspoon100]

I found your channel through an English lady I watch. I really enjoyed watching you and seeing your beautiful quilts. I did some piecing while watching you.

[@Mojoquiltsandmore]

You are so right that you can see the love in quilts, the joy and so many emotions. Very well done.

[@elsafischer3247]

This is an amazing reporting.Thank you greetings from Switzerland

[@sofly7634]

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

[@sunburnchaplips6802]

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

[@sonyalytle8972]

The one thing that I appreciate, is how these women used their quilting as a sort of worship to the Lord. I am a fellow quilter, and I will from now on try to replicate what they do. God bless each and every one of them!

[@lisawilson6365]

God bless you beautiful ladies and your wonderful quilts. X

[@janetteashton9383]

Lord Abba bless these beautiful souls beyond measure.

[@judyriddell]

Beautiful documentary. Beautiful ladies with such a beautiful gift❤️

[@RR4kindness]

LOVE!! These woman are inspiring!!

[@katiereinhardtianni6981]

Astoundingly beautiful artwork. I appreciate the interviews and the singing. You all open my heart. Thank you.

[@shanachambers1206]

I used to sit and stare at my mom’s quilt books and magazines as a little girl. She taught me to sew by hand. She was from Evergreen, AL. Beautiful country.

[@mondelarosa]

This is absolutely beautiful. May God continue to bless them and all of the creators all over the world that He has gifted this precious gift too! ♥️

[@MsTilda2]

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

[@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. 🧵💕👏🏼

[@LornaHulstrom]

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

[@stephanielee6929]

This brings me back to me as a child. Thank you for sharing and taking me back to when my Grandmother taught me how to make quilts and cooking in NC. Y’all are amazing and I’m proud to see this.

[@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. "

[@viviensmith2764]

These are beautiful artworks everyone. Amazing creativity from these women 🙏🏻💗

[@angelodaneluzzi6410]

It made me so emotional, thanks for producing this and to them also!

[@ursulaj.u5371]

Oh, How I would love to visit these beautiful quilters. They r so talented and amazing!! Keep on Quilting gorgeous ladies!!

[@ramonakearns2101]

What a beautiful art. Quilting is so powerful because each quilt has a story. I can imagine the love that went into making those quilts.

[@joannebell7]

I never realized before how beautiful the Gees Bend are.

[@SandyDenney-so5ms]

It's so great to see these beautiful quilts. I love them all.

[@lurdo777]

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

[@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.

[@CherylHarpercompulsivespinner]

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

[@lindagliott5838]

Ladies your quilts are beautiful and I would have been honored to quilt with you. I also pray that your lives have gotten much easier. My mother picked Cotten and also had to cook from 6 years old

[@madampinkjustice3507]

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

[@emilybain7656]

Beautiful quilts and stories. Thank you so much. Loved it!😊

[@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

[@LisaAnn365]

Love these women and their quilts

[@maryann2692]

Thank You Iadies God Bless each and every one

[@RachelSmith-rq5ku]

What a beautiful prayer. Thank you for reminding me that God exists.

[@kathykaplan497]

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

[@thesharedexperience514]

Beautiful People, ty for sharing your amazing art💜

[@mauriciaday4002]

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