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Quilting in the Gee's Bend Tradition
Mary Ann & China Pettway

Bio, Mary Ann:
Mary Ann Pettway is currently the manager of the Gee's Bend quilters collective. She made her first quilt for the collective in the summer of 2005. The seventh of 12 children, Mary Ann Pettway was born and raised in Gee's Bend. She has one married daughter and two grandsons. After graduating high school in 1975, Mary Ann took college bookkeeping and accounting classes before working in a sewing factory for 20 years.

Pettway is one of the lead singers of the Pleasant Grove Missionary Baptist Church and became involved with quilting after hearing about the trips the quilters of the community went on. "Before I started back to quilting, I was with (friend) Sabrina's grandmother Arlonzia a lot and heard about these trips they would go on (to other cities through The Quilts of Gee's Bend traveling exhibition.) So I told her, "I'm tired of hearing how good of a time y'all are having. I want to start having a good time too." So she told me, "Well then start quilting!" And she is, thankfully, still quilting today. For more information about the Gee's Bend collective go to:

Bio, China: One of Gee's Bend's leading gospel singers, China Pettway is one of the few locals who attended college and returned to live in the community. China was taught by her mother, Leola, how to quilt at the young age of eleven. "We had to quilt until 10 at night. Then, she would let us stop and get to bed. That was every evening except Saturday and Sunday. I made my first quilt, it was a 'Star.' And I still have it." Now a home-health worker, Pettway enjoys working with the elderly. "I love my patients and I think they are the most sweet and beautiful people you can meet." Singing is Pettway's hobby.

Course Description:
In this mixed-level class Mary Ann and China will teach hand-stitching and possibly give some machine-stitching demonstrations. This class will focus on the basics including how to blend color and how to create different patterns and styles, particularly of the Gee's Bend tradition. They will discuss how to go from colors, to blocks, to finished quilt. Singing and storytelling included! You will go home with some quilt blocks and many good memories.

Extra supplies fee: none

Please bring: Your heart and mind and be ready for a good day's work!

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