Have you seen or heard about the Gee’s Bend Quilts? Oh, my! What a treat! I am so excited to tell you about our trip to see Gee’s Bend, Alabama with my dear friend, Desiree.
Imagine a tiny community, on a bend in the Alabama River, tucked far back in the woods on a hot Labor Day. One road in, one road out, circling to the river and back. More than an hour from town (after the ferry quit running across the river) the community was isolated.
The women of Gee’s Bend have made quilts for generations. However, in the 1960’s these women founded a quilting collective as a way to earn income by selling their quilts. When the world saw their totally unique quilts the sensation was born. They are famous worldwide. The quilts have hung in major museums. Their stories have been highlighted on TV and radio. It is said that their visibility started a resurgence in quilting. Ten of their unique quilts were made into US postage stamps in 2006.
As Desiree and I were driving home from Atlanta, we made the side trip to follow the Gee’s Bend Quilt Mural Trail. There are 10 murals –very similar to Barn Quilts — standing near the home of the person who made the quilt. These 10 murals are the 10 quilts that made the postage stamps.
We found our way to the one road in and the one road out. On the corners are groups of adults sitting in the shade. They looked up as we drove by and went back to their discussions. We drove, stopped, studied and moved on.
When you have time…it’s a cool thing to see. I loved it. Here’s the map:
Gee’s Bend Mural that needs to be fixed. Gee’s Bend Quilt picture by Annie. AnnieMcHugs.com
Gee’s Bend Quilt picture by Annie. AnnieMcHugs.com
Gee’s Bend Quilt picture by Annie. AnnieMcHugs.com
Gee’s Bend Quilt picture by Annie. AnnieMcHugs.com
Gee’s Bend Quilt picture by Annie. AnnieMcHugs.com
Gee’s Bend Quilt picture by Annie. AnnieMcHugs.com
I really enjoyed your site ! I want to take a field trip !!!