Originally Posted by dakotamaid

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

Originally Posted by Sierra

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..