EMMA MOONEY PETTWAY

Bespoke Gees Bend Quilts

In the heart of Alabama's Black Belt region, there is a community where the art of quilting has been passed down through generations of women since the 18th century. Here in Gee's Bend, the distinct style of quilting has been recognized as a significant contribution to American art, with works displayed in permanent collections of major museums. At the center of this vibrant and storied community is Emma Mooney Pettway, a third-generation Gee's Bend quilter whose artistry and craftsmanship have earned her a place among the greatest contemporary quilters.

For Emma, quilting is not just an art form, it's a family tradition that has been woven into the fabric of her life since childhood. At the age of 12, she learned to quilt by watching her mother and both grandmothers as they patched together pieces of old clothing to create beautiful, functional works of art. "As a young girl, I would sit under the quilt, threading the needles to prepare for them to quilt with," she recalls.

One of Emma's signature quilt patterns is the "housetop." Named for its resemblance to an aerial view of a house, this pattern is a favorite of many Gee's Bend quilters. Emma's versions are distinguished by their bright colors and bold designs, which convey a sense of optimism and joy that is characteristic of her work. Each quilt tells a story, not just in the scraps of fabric used but in the skillful way they are assembled.

In a world where so much is mass-produced and disposable, quilts stand as a testament to the enduring power of handmade craftsmanship. Each stitch is a labor of love, and each quilt is a unique expression of the quilter's artistry and creativity.

Being a quilter has brought so much joy to my life. Sometimes when I get ready to start quilting, I have no clue of how I’m going to design my quilts but the moment I pick up my pieces and start coordinating the colors, I quickly come up with a unique design. I call quilting my piece of mind because when I’m quilting I’m definitely in peace, and I know I’m putting my own unique designs into it. It’s a design that no one else have come up with, but a design I’ve carefully put together to make a beautiful work of art.

-Emma Mooney Pettway