Gee's Bend quilts
 

A friend of mine contacted me to find a pattern for a Gee's Bend quilt. I did find one kit, but does anyone know of any such pattern? When I looked at them, I would simply make it and not worry about a pattern. They look like rough modern quilts.

The original Gee's Bend quilts did not much of a pattern .... they were made out of necessity, often from bits of clothing

That's what I saw when I looked at them. She isn't living close to me right now or I would help her. She doesn't feel comfortable to do one without a pattern.

could she print out a copy of one she likes, enlarge it, then use it as a "pattern". I'm sure none of them are copyrighted...

i found this web site that talks about gees bend quilt kits http://www.deepfriedkudzu.com/2009/0...d-fabrics.html

Lots if info on this google search.

https://www.google.com/search?q=how+...ient=firefox-a

Quite the contrary, all of them are under copyright by the individual Gee's Bend quilters...and I believe the Gee's Bend Collective has brought suit for infringement in some cases since they receive a royalty on each sale.

BUT, you can still do a "copy" of one, just change something about it. Just don't sell it under that name. Correct?

thanks - didn't know that so won't get into trouble myself.

One can still use a favorite quilt as an inspiration without copying it per se. I did find some that did have a definite pattern. The Pettaway ladies followed the pattern of quilts they had seen elsewhere.

Debby Kratoval has several patterns for the Gees Bend quilts.
Check her web site She aso teaches regularily at The Original Sewing and Quilting Expo. I believe she teaches at least one class at each event on these quilts. I have about 8 of the patterns.

It blows my mind that anyone would feel they needed a pattern for a quilt that was originally make in someone's lap for someone dear to keep them warm! The miracle of Gee's Bend quilters (one miracle anyway) was that beautiful quilts could be made, starting from the heart. Yes, they had talent. No, they didn't fret over any 1/4 inch seams. The original quilts (according to a very expensive book I bought after seeing them at the de Young in San Francisco) were made out of love and the need for each person to have their own quilt for sleeping. "You can't make a mistake when it's done for love!" One of the magic elements of Gee's Bend quilts is that they AREN'T exact (that is wjat makes them so dynamic!). I understand that putting out quilt patterns is a legitimate way to earn a living, but I find something sad that anyone would feel they needed one.

We, as a quilting community, are really getting excited about using up our scraps. That's what they were doing! They gave each other, as the need arose, scraps to help make a quilt! And then quilted it as they sang their spirituals... what a beautiful sisterhood! Study the quilts and study your fabrics and DARE to make a blanket for someone you love... or just for the joy of trying it! It freed me out of my fear of quilting to becoming a quilter. My quilts aren't great, but they are mine! Thank you Gee's Bend!!!!

I'm not trying to be disrespectful, I'm trying to encourage you to use new wings. I think you will astonish yourself! I wish I was able to upload photos, but for some reason I haven't been able to..

I bought a kit awhile ago at Tuesday Morning. It was on sale for $29.99 and included the fabric and the pattern. The only problem I had was the fabric ran badly. I ended up washing several times and I think I have tamed the running. These kits were made by Windham Fabrics. Maybe they are still available. It does look like a pattern that can be easily copied. The Gee's Bend ladies dyed the fabric and that is probably why it runs. I believe that Windham duplicated the original quilts.
Sue

gee bee dont have patterns they were in our area few yrs ago if they come to your area be sure to go see there display

I saw the Gee Bends Quilt exhibit in Boston. The presentation along with the film was wonderful. Just seeing the quilts on their own not so much. I think the main point was to see how the makers did try to place the fabric they had to make some kind of pattern. If it was fabric of any type or condition it was used in the quilts. The quilts were sewn together according to the size of each piece of fabric. No real pattern at all in the originals.

Thanks for all your replies. I feel like you, that I wouldn't need a pattern, but she is hesitant. Some people are afraid of making a mistake but with a Gees Bend who would know?

Here's the page for Debby Kratoval's Gee's Bend adapted patterns that Holice mentioned up above. One of those ought to certainly fit the bill for your friend.
http://www.quilterbydesign.com/GeesBend.html

When my friend and I went to Gee's Bend to see the quilts, I was very surprised at the simplicity of the quilts and how the measurements did not match "to perfection" as we try to do. However, I feel that the primitive nature of the designs added to the charm. I was also impressed at the high prices.

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These are a few pictures we took while we were down there. The visit took place when John McCain was running for president and we were told that he had paid $15,000 for a full size quilt. I do know that they were charging $100 to $150 for a small baby quilt. It was quite interesting. The people were very friendly. One lady invited us to visit her home where we had a nice, friendly visit.

They may be copyrighted - they're museum quality and have toured the country. I wouldn't copy them exactly without permission.

Thanks to all of you. I never knew of Gee's Bend quilts until she asked me about a pattern. They are very interesting. I sent her the links and it is up to her now.

Just 'changing something' isn't enough to avoid copyright infringement. Why not just make your own?

Is that not how quilting got started so many years ago...our pioneer women designed and created and sewed by candlelight to make warm covers for their families. Most were created out of necessity also !!! We women have a long history from all over the world of taking care of our families and creating works of art in the process...