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

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  • Опубліковано 27 лис 2024

КОМЕНТАРІ • 309

  • @babery9756
    @babery9756 6 років тому +242

    "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.

  • @diane9247
    @diane9247 Рік тому +24

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

    • @barbarajones9385
      @barbarajones9385 2 місяці тому

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

  • @stylecollective-qt9um
    @stylecollective-qt9um 6 років тому +369

    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
      @Habadacus405 6 років тому +5

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

    • @trymenot81
      @trymenot81 5 років тому +17

      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
      @bevalasvegas 4 роки тому +8

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

    • @ruthmiddleton4615
      @ruthmiddleton4615 4 роки тому +8

      It's been sorted and resolved

    • @farisasmith7109
      @farisasmith7109 4 роки тому +16

      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.

  • @jackiecarter5193
    @jackiecarter5193 11 місяців тому +9

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

  • @debralathan1524
    @debralathan1524 14 днів тому

    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.

  • @uncrnsprklfrts5720
    @uncrnsprklfrts5720 6 років тому +145

    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
      @louettesommers8594 Рік тому +3

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

    • @TonayB-47
      @TonayB-47 Рік тому +2

      ❤️

  • @amteo7107
    @amteo7107 4 роки тому +31

    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.

  • @criticaloptimist
    @criticaloptimist 4 місяці тому +5

    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
      @oliviawatkins8101 2 місяці тому

      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.

  • @louettesommers8594
    @louettesommers8594 Рік тому +7

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

  • @jebbie2595
    @jebbie2595 6 років тому +116

    *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
      @1packatak 3 роки тому +5

      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
      @ladypinkbagsetc.9116 Рік тому +2

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

  • @margaretmlydon6910
    @margaretmlydon6910 4 місяці тому +3

    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 🇮🇪.

  • @TahtahmesDiary
    @TahtahmesDiary 5 років тому +26

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

  • @crystalgrose
    @crystalgrose 9 місяців тому +3

    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
    @impishishere 4 роки тому +8

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

  • @maddygutierrez7985
    @maddygutierrez7985 4 роки тому +17

    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!!!!

  • @marydonovan6681
    @marydonovan6681 3 роки тому +10

    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.

  • @wsam6509
    @wsam6509 2 роки тому +13

    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...

  • @jerricahunt2535
    @jerricahunt2535 Рік тому +2

    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!!🫶

  • @robertm.8608
    @robertm.8608 28 днів тому

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

  • @sandramyer7081
    @sandramyer7081 2 місяці тому +1

    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❤

  • @eneal2056
    @eneal2056 4 роки тому +12

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

  • @Mojoquiltsandmore
    @Mojoquiltsandmore 3 місяці тому +1

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

  • @musiclover10167
    @musiclover10167 5 років тому +19

    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

  • @dianenegron7916
    @dianenegron7916 4 роки тому +24

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

  • @robbinae
    @robbinae 4 роки тому +19

    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!

  • @GnarlsBarkley123
    @GnarlsBarkley123 11 місяців тому +3

    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.

  • @saltlifegull4091
    @saltlifegull4091 3 роки тому +4

    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
    @julesybethmedlini 4 роки тому +26

    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
      @talllala 4 роки тому +1

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

  • @shoshannafachima1306
    @shoshannafachima1306 3 роки тому +26

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

  • @YukimiSong
    @YukimiSong 5 років тому +22

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

    • @crystalgrose
      @crystalgrose 9 місяців тому

      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 🙏🏾♥️

  • @cindyhappel7376
    @cindyhappel7376 4 роки тому +4

    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
      @amelianeubauer606 2 роки тому +3

      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

  • @bbrosser694
    @bbrosser694 3 роки тому +4

    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!

  • @nkha23
    @nkha23 4 роки тому +14

    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
      @theFloatArmy 4 роки тому +2

      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
      @seasidestitches615 3 роки тому +1

      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
      @nkha23 3 роки тому

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

  • @TheCratsky
    @TheCratsky 6 років тому +14

    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.

  • @josephinewallace8678
    @josephinewallace8678 Рік тому

    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,🙏💞

  • @pammeinzer8178
    @pammeinzer8178 4 роки тому +3

    Thank you for the opportunity to admire these quilts.

  • @b.bailey8244
    @b.bailey8244 5 років тому +6

    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.

  • @cathyt144
    @cathyt144 6 років тому +19

    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
      @tara-nichollekirke435 5 років тому +6

      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
      @seasidestitches615 3 роки тому +2

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

  • @crystalgrose
    @crystalgrose 9 місяців тому +1

    Such beautiful Mothers and their work ♥️🌷

  • @lynnebrown5835
    @lynnebrown5835 6 років тому +9

    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

  • @christinaheesakacowden-wut3809
    @christinaheesakacowden-wut3809 3 роки тому +1

    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.

  • @sunburnchaplips6802
    @sunburnchaplips6802 5 років тому +5

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

  • @VelveteenRabbit77
    @VelveteenRabbit77 4 роки тому +4

    These women are such a blessing!!!

  • @hazelem1266
    @hazelem1266 4 роки тому +1

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

  • @iskender1327
    @iskender1327 6 років тому +111

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

    • @solimandina
      @solimandina 6 років тому +20

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

    • @cathyt144
      @cathyt144 6 років тому +8

      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
      @jbre7233 6 років тому +3

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

    • @Kreedo1110
      @Kreedo1110 Рік тому +1

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

  • @MariaLuciaGomezGreenberg
    @MariaLuciaGomezGreenberg 4 роки тому +2

    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. 🧵💕👏🏼

  • @chevydude658
    @chevydude658 5 років тому +25

    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.
    "

  • @msmith3202
    @msmith3202 4 роки тому +2

    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.

  • @joannebell7
    @joannebell7 4 роки тому +4

    I never realized before how beautiful the Gees Bend are.

  • @emmag9362
    @emmag9362 6 років тому +16

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

  • @sonyalytle8972
    @sonyalytle8972 Рік тому

    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!

  • @babayagalight
    @babayagalight 5 місяців тому

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

  • @madampinkjustice3507
    @madampinkjustice3507 4 роки тому +7

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

  • @LornaHulstrom
    @LornaHulstrom 2 роки тому +1

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

  • @utahill5685
    @utahill5685 6 років тому +8

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

  • @sparklevg
    @sparklevg 3 роки тому

    The amazing journey of the Gee’s Bend Quilt Guild in Alabama. These women are truly inspiring to me. I hope you got as much from this documentary as I did. It’s full of history some of which is hard for me to swallow. What a hard road these woman have had to follow but now they are making their own roads. Praise you Jesus!!

  • @ruthannelackey8624
    @ruthannelackey8624 4 роки тому +9

    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

  • @ravenc1298
    @ravenc1298 4 роки тому +2

    My soul needed this❤️

  • @sofly7634
    @sofly7634 4 роки тому +3

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

  • @sparklevg
    @sparklevg 3 роки тому

    WOW!! What a blessing to see the peace. Sometimes I have forgotten how to live life simply. To have peace in my life and mind.

  • @alisonschorm7600
    @alisonschorm7600 Рік тому

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

  • @kathykaplan497
    @kathykaplan497 5 років тому +4

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

  • @LisaAnn365
    @LisaAnn365 4 роки тому +1

    Love these women and their quilts

  • @lurdo777
    @lurdo777 4 роки тому +1

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

  • @lisawilson6365
    @lisawilson6365 3 роки тому +1

    God bless you beautiful ladies and your wonderful quilts. X

  • @Ohio_Memory_Bears
    @Ohio_Memory_Bears 4 роки тому

    Gorgeous quilts and what a powerful message each women brings

  • @CherylHarpercompulsivespinner

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

  • @peach3611
    @peach3611 4 роки тому +1

    Beautiful, strong women, Beautiful quilters.

  • @westcoastwisdom7318
    @westcoastwisdom7318 Рік тому

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

  • @pwitherspoon100
    @pwitherspoon100 2 місяці тому

    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.

  • @mauriciaday4002
    @mauriciaday4002 4 роки тому +1

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

  • @baeforpay
    @baeforpay 11 місяців тому

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

  • @sbrickett
    @sbrickett 8 місяців тому

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

  • @MsTilda2
    @MsTilda2 4 роки тому +2

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

  • @nicolek963
    @nicolek963 4 роки тому

    Just beautiful, so much patience these ladies have.

  • @Shelleyshelleyxyz
    @Shelleyshelleyxyz Рік тому

    Beautiful quilts. Thank you for sharing.

  • @ebonyhinton5541
    @ebonyhinton5541 3 роки тому +1

    This was so beautiful.

  • @JWoodf
    @JWoodf 9 місяців тому

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

  • @sahpem4425
    @sahpem4425 4 роки тому +10

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

    • @zathyk46
      @zathyk46 2 роки тому +1

      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.

  • @Libaluff
    @Libaluff 4 роки тому +1

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

  • @larryg6221
    @larryg6221 7 місяців тому

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

  • @tiffanyleclair9533
    @tiffanyleclair9533 6 років тому +8

    INSPIRATIONAL!

  • @sharonwilson929
    @sharonwilson929 8 місяців тому

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

  • @freeelyse9658
    @freeelyse9658 6 років тому +17

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

  • @jintzie1950jth
    @jintzie1950jth 4 роки тому +1

    Stunning. Gorgeous!

  • @anne-marie5197
    @anne-marie5197 4 роки тому +1

    These women are an inspiration. Strong Christian faith, hard working, artisans. God bless them and work in the heart of the one who wronged them.

  • @jannance1173
    @jannance1173 2 роки тому

    Live and respects these women! Quilting centers me and the creative juices are from God. It is a legacy so profound. I have one of my grandmothers quilts and I love to see her creativity handed down to me

  • @leslieblackshear802
    @leslieblackshear802 3 роки тому

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

  • @marypeterson1053
    @marypeterson1053 4 роки тому +1

    Thank you for sharing your wonderful story. Bless you heart

  • @richardwilson1234
    @richardwilson1234 4 роки тому +1

    Beautiful people, beautiful quilts.
    And now I've read the comments below. I hope the ladies got recompense.

  • @Wingo537
    @Wingo537 6 років тому +37

    I'd like to purchase one of those quilts.

    • @handsonyouthactivitiesprog6882
      @handsonyouthactivitiesprog6882 4 роки тому +10

      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.

  • @youcanlearntosew1291
    @youcanlearntosew1291 4 роки тому +2

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

  • @nelsonth
    @nelsonth 6 років тому +46

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

    • @Habadacus405
      @Habadacus405 6 років тому +2

      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

  • @maryann2692
    @maryann2692 Рік тому

    Thank You Iadies God Bless each and every one

  • @gailthomas2631
    @gailthomas2631 4 роки тому +1

    Beautiful works of art.

  • @Ara-60
    @Ara-60 2 роки тому

    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 🇨🇱

  • @TempestPhaedra
    @TempestPhaedra 4 роки тому

    watched this while cutting out blocks. that jeans quilt is amazing

  • @rebeccatreeseed410
    @rebeccatreeseed410 6 років тому +1

    I love to quilt. I love these quilting ladies.

  • @nancykahn4125
    @nancykahn4125 4 роки тому +2

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

  • @dorisrichard5630
    @dorisrichard5630 3 роки тому +1

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