Patchwork Sprites: Dolls Inspired by Gee's Bend
To celebrate Black History Month, I’m excited to share a special collection of dolls inspired by the amazing women of the Gee's Bend Collective. The quilters of Gee's Bend are famous for making beautiful quilts with bold colors and patterns. Their artistry has shaped both the history of quilting and the broader story of African American craft.
IMAGE: The quilters of Gees Bend, recipients of the 2015 NEA National Heritage Award. From left to right: Loretta Pettway, Lucy Mingo, and Mary Lee Bendolph. Photo by Tom Pich
The Inspiration behind the Collection
IMAGE: Grandma Strips, 2009, a quilt by Mary Lee Bendolph (American, b. 1935). Cotton, 75 x 77 inches. Collection of Mary Lee Bendolph, courtesy of Rubin Bendolph Jr. Image via https://news.uga.edu/mary-lee-bendolph-quilts-exhibition/
I was drawn to the bold colors, patchwork designs, and the spirit of community that these women have so beautifully embodied in their quilts.
IMAGE: Housetop Variation by Loretta Pettway. Photo by Steve Pitkin/Pitkin Studio, courtey of Souls Grown Deep Foundation
The quilting tradition of Gee's Bend has been shared across generations, passed on not just from mothers to daughters, but also between neighbors and friends in the community.
This video offers a heartfelt look at the close-knit community of African-American women from Gee's Bend, Alabama- showing how they blend craft, faith, and family in their artistic work.
The Creative Process
The fabric haul this month was a mountain!
I went for bold, bright colors and geometric patterns, picking fabrics that were easy to mix and match to give a patchwork feel, just like the quilts. I even added them to my inspiration book, keeping them close by as I worked on building out this month’s collection.
The Collection
February Muse of the Month
As I reflect on this project, I’m grateful for the opportunity to learn about the incredible quilting tradition of Gee’s Bend and the powerful women behind it. Their creativity, resilience, and sense of community have inspired not only my doll collection but also my appreciation for the artistry found in everyday life. I hope that through this collection, you can see and feel the beauty of their work and the rich stories they tell.
I’d love for you to explore more about the quilters of Gee’s Bend and their amazing art. Below, I’ve shared the names of some well-known quilters whose work has shaped the world of quilting and continues to inspire many today.
Some of the most well-known quilters from the community include:
Mary Lee Bendolph – One of the most famous quilters from Gee’s Bend, known for her bold geometric patterns.
Loretta Bennett – A talented quilter who is often celebrated for her unique use of color and pattern.
Martha Jane Pettway – Known for her intricate designs and contributions to the Gee’s Bend quilt tradition.
Arlonzia Pettway – A skilled quilter whose work reflects the history and culture of Gee’s Bend.
Nancy Pettway – Another important figure in the quilting tradition, recognized for her beautiful, abstract quilt designs.
Alma W. Roy – Known for her vibrant and expressive quilts, which reflect the rich history of the Gee’s Bend community.
These women, along with many others, have played an important role in shaping the legacy of Gee’s Bend quilting. Their work is celebrated for its artistic value and its significance within African American history and culture.
I encourage you to learn more about these women and their incredible contributions to the art world. What stories or inspirations do you find in their quilts? I’d love to hear your thoughts!