Their Maker's Hands: A Journey Through the Lives of Elizabeth Wilson and Her Quilt-Making Legacy

Elizabeth Wilson was born in Gee's Bend, Alabama, in 1871. She was the daughter of former slaves, and she grew up in a community that had a strong tradition of quilting. Wilson learned to quilt from her mother and grandmother, and she quickly became a master of the craft.

Their Maker's Hands

by Elizabeth Wilson

5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	7973 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	698 pages
Paperback	:	178 pages
Item Weight	:	11.5 ounces
Dimensions	:	6.85 x 0.4 x 9.7 inches

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Wilson's quilts are known for their beauty and craftsmanship. She often used bright colors and bold patterns, and her quilts are often described as being "full of life." Wilson's quilts were not only beautiful, but they were also functional. They were used to keep families warm in the winter and to decorate homes.

In the 1960s, Wilson's quilts were discovered by art collectors. Her work was featured in several exhibitions, and she became a celebrated artist. Wilson's quilts are now considered to be works of art, and they are highly sought after by collectors.

Wilson died in 1984, but her legacy lives on. Her quilts continue to inspire other artists, and they are a reminder of the rich tradition of quilting in the African American community.

A Visit to Gee's Bend

Gee's Bend is a small community in Alabama that is known for its quilting tradition. The community was founded by freed slaves in the 1840s, and quilting has been a part of life in Gee's Bend ever since.

I recently had the opportunity to visit Gee's Bend and to meet some of the quilters who live there. I was amazed by the beauty and craftsmanship of their quilts. The quilters of Gee's Bend are true masters of their craft, and their work is a testament to the strong tradition of quilting in the African American community.

One of the quilters I met was Loretta Pettway. Pettway is a master quilter who has been quilting for over 50 years. She is known for her intricate patterns and her use of bright colors. Pettway's quilts are truly works of art, and they are highly sought after by collectors.

I also had the opportunity to meet Arlonzia Pettway. Pettway is a younger quilter who is following in the footsteps of her mother, Loretta. Arlonzia's quilts are also beautiful and intricate, and she is sure to become a master quilter in her own right.

My visit to Gee's Bend was an inspiring experience. I learned about the rich tradition of quilting in the African American community, and I met some of the talented quilters who are keeping this tradition alive. The quilts of Gee's Bend are truly works of art, and they are a testament to the creativity and resilience of the people who made them.

The Legacy of Elizabeth Wilson

Elizabeth Wilson was a pioneer in the field of quilting. Her work helped to change the way that people thought about quilts. Wilson's quilts were not just functional objects, but they were also beautiful works of art. She was one of the first African American quilters to achieve international recognition, and her work has inspired generations of artists.

Wilson's legacy is still alive today. Her quilts continue to be exhibited in museums and galleries around the world. Her work has also been featured in several books and articles. Wilson's quilts are a reminder of the rich tradition of quilting in the African American community, and they are a testament to the creativity and resilience of the people who made them.

Elizabeth Wilson was a true pioneer, and her legacy will continue to inspire artists for generations to come.

Links to Resources

• The Gee's Bend Quilters Collective
• The Quilt Guild of the British Isles
• The Quilt Show

Images

Their Maker's Hands

by Elizabeth Wilson

5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	7973 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	698 pages
Paperback	:	178 pages
Item Weight	:	11.5 ounces
Dimensions	:	6.85 x 0.4 x 9.7 inches

FREE