Up close...

Ruth Kennedy with two different quilts. The hand quilting makes for beautiful texture. When she was a girl, Ruth's dad managed the cotton gin. He'd always save leftover tufts of cotton that he'd then give to the women to use as quilt batting. Ruth spoke of the importance of removing the cotton seeds from the fluff; otherwise the oils would stain the finished quilt. Ruth speaks of memories of evening quilting sessions- the festive and creative action of gathering around the quilt frame; working, chatting, gossiping. At the end of the evening, the quilt would be hung from the ceiling in order to accommodate the daytime use of the space.

Ruth Kennedy

Here's one of the oldest quilters in Gee's Bend. Another wonderful woman who is still very productive. She has vivid memories of quilting throughout years and years of life. Both the communal creativity of a quilting bee and the individual expression and improvisation of piecing come to life in her conversation. "We would just put pieces together and then make up our quilt names- lazy gal, house top, pig in a pen...". She is very kind and generous.

Here she is with a quilt, and with Lucy Storz.

Lucy Mingo with Pine Burr Quilt

Lucy M. Mingo spent two years making this quilt. The pattern was taught to her by her husband's aunt, China Grove Myles. The quilt is composed of thousands of small folded triangles sewn together to form a low relief sculpture of cloth. Lucy Mingo is a talented and meticulous seamstress. She maintains that "If you don't do something right, ain't worth doing it". Lucy Mingo worked as part of the Freedom Quilting Bee; her skill and pride in her work enabled her to make some phenomenal pieces. 4th July 2012. Gee's Bend Alabama.

Lucy Mingo with Lucy Storz

With Pink Monkey. 4th July 2012.

Monkey

Merigold, MS. 12th July 2012

Pool at Po' Monkey's

Merigold, MS. 12th July, 2012.

Rosedale, MS

9th July 2012.