Great book, great quilts 2010-07-18

Reviewer: Diane in Topeka, Kansas

The history in this book is as compelling as the pictures of the quilts. I am very pleased that I purchased this book. The stories are inspiring. It is amazing how the women of Gee's Bend, who had very few resources for quilts, created such stunning pieces. I will more than likely be purchasing other Gee's Bend quilt books. Now, I want to view the quilt display itself.

Trip through Time at a Premium Price! 2010-06-06

Reviewer: B. P. Murray

Gee's Bend quilters were represented on television's quilting series with the usual re-runs airing periodically. Art reviews presented the Gee's Bend quilts with their usual drama and allure. Wilcox County, AL, posted the Quilters Collective and the Quilt Mural Trail in its brochure. I was hooked -- I had to go there! The Gee's Bend books are not inexpensive, so I ordered this (the least expensive and Used) before my trip to AL, hoping that as I traveled through Gee's Bend, I would have the book in hand as its written legacy of a bygone era unfolded before me. The book arrived too late to make its heritage tour; its legacy never unfolded before me.

Whether there is historical significance within the pages of the book or not, I cannot rightly say. I can say that, while my four hours in Gee's Bend was memorable and pleasant, it could not in any way be related to any part of the book. On my journey, the sole quilter, with threaded needle in hand, was found at the Boykin Nutrition Center and she alone was well worth my trip of 600+ miles to Gee's Bend -- what a lovely, gracious lady! Thankful for the precious souls who never tired of giving directions, we managed to find seven of the ten quilts featured as part of the Quilt Mural Trail, visited the Boykin Post Office, and drove along a maize of old Southern dusty roads, passing the same sites over and over again. We visited the Quilters Collective, watched portions of videos from a bygone era, and talked with its curator about the quilters of Gee's Bend.

Put simply: the book was an interesting read, much to-do about a group of quilters portrayed with historical significance and a quilting heritage handed down from generation to generation. Between the written word and the reality of my visit to Gee's Bend, there was a gap that could not be bridged.

Would I buy the book again? No .. I would buy another tank of gas, pack a lunch (with lots of extras) and spend another day among the people of Gee's Bend.

quilts of gee's bend 2010-04-21

Reviewer: cheryl brune

awesome book.... incredible story .....if u are into quilts this is an unbelievable book..... some one gave me a pattern and fabric adapted, from one of the quilts in this book.... i just loved this book......

Fantastic study of quilters, quilts and history of Gee's Bend 2010-03-19

Reviewer: D. Cunningham

This is a fantastic book with wonderful pictures of the quilters and quilts of Gee's Bend Alabama. The quilts are so colorful and fluid in their design. The pictures of Gee's Bend show how the quilters used the architecture around them as inspiration for some of their designs. I was so inspired, I pieced a quilt top and back in 3 days. These ladies have broken me out of my rigid, static, precise quilting mode and freed me to work in a fluid, improvisational way.

What a fabulous book, with an inspiring story, great photos and super well written! 2010-03-16

Reviewer: Susan M. Schreurs

Anyone, whether a quilter or not, would love this beautifully written book on the creative genius of the women of Gee's bend. The photos are a big plus. This book is a keeper!