Sunday, June 16, 2013

A Day with Loretta Bennett

I got to spend Saturday with Loretta Bennett of Gee's Bend, Alabama!

When Stephanie heard she would be in the area for another project, 
she organized a sewing day for Gee's Bend quilt fans--like me.  
Thank you so much, Stephanie!!




Here's Loretta showing how she takes apart jeans.  There's a pocket perfectly picked off.  

To her right is a polyester double knit block she made.  She's wearing a t-shirt made from the design.  
(She had been at Pilchuck school as an artist-in-residence.  The t-shirt was made there.)




After telling lots of stories about growing up in Gee's Bend, 
she took a strip from each of us to show how she makes a quilt out of anything she has.  




All that, plus a leg of denim, and wa-la!

Behind her you can see some of the blocks made by participants in the class.  
Loretta will take these home and put them together into one quilt.  

Loretta is a really lovely person.  Besides being talented, she's humble, generous, patient, and kind.
You can see some of her quilts here.



I finished this top, which I started in 2011 at another Gee's Bend class in Sisters, Oregon.

Below are some details.






Now, I've got a whole lot'a quilting to do!


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25 comments:

  1. McmJune 16, 2013 at 11:16 PM

    I'm still smiling from such a wonderful time yesterday, outstanding videos and stories from Loretta and all the creative energy in the class. Thanks for sharing your pictures. It was so much fun watching your progress as you created your quilt.

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  2. audreyJune 16, 2013 at 11:42 PM

    Sounds wonderful! The viewpoint from someone who immerses themselves in that style of quilting would be so very interesting. Glad you were able to join in once again. I think I can definitely see where you get some of your influence from.:)

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  3. apiecefullifeJune 17, 2013 at 12:16 AM

    I love this kind of quilting. to me it's the real deal!Thanks for showing us.

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  4. Sarah MartinJune 17, 2013 at 1:11 AM

    What a super fun day! Thanks for sharing pictures.
    Loretta was at Pilchuck? Wow, that is so cool, a friend of mine was awarded a Pilchuck fellowship and just got back from there a couple of weeks ago. I wonder if they know each other! I'll have to ask her : )

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  5. RachaeldaisyJune 17, 2013 at 1:25 AM

    You get to go to such wonderful classes, thank you for sharing it with us. I love what's going on in every photo of this post, especially the top you finished.

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  6. antique quilterJune 17, 2013 at 4:17 AM

    I bet this was a fun class, think its exactly what I need to just stop over thinking quilt making!
    Ilove the sleeve in the quilt with the button
    what memories these quilts will have for you
    Kathie

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  7. HelenJune 17, 2013 at 6:07 AM

    You take the best classes, LeeAnn! Can't wait to see these finished quilts.

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  8. smazoochieJune 17, 2013 at 6:18 AM

    What a wonderful time! I've got a big box of double knit scraps I could advice for, maybe I'll get out my Gee's Bend books & have a look.

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  9. Jenny MJune 17, 2013 at 6:43 AM

    Wow, how lucky you were to attend the class! Love the quilt you made.

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  10. ChrisJune 17, 2013 at 7:08 AM

    Lucky you! Big fan of Gee's Bend quilts too - one question, I see she was starting with your precut strips, but does she normally cut her pieces with scissors? Thanks.

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  11. bethJune 17, 2013 at 8:11 AM

    Looks like so much fun! I'd love to take a class like this sometime. ;)

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  12. KarenJune 17, 2013 at 10:55 AM

    You just get to do the coolest things!! Loved this post.

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  13. JanetJune 17, 2013 at 2:45 PM

    How wonderul you got to do that class. I think we call all just free ourselves up now and again and make do with what we have.

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  14. fiberchickJune 17, 2013 at 7:23 PM

    Sounds (looks?) freaking wonderful!!!

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  15. Cynthia@wabisabiquiltsJune 18, 2013 at 2:25 AM

    So wonderful - I've admired Gee's Bend quilts ever since 9 or 10 years ago when the MFA in Boston held an exhibition. Thanks for sharing the photos and your process. Clearly such an inspirational and memorable day!

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  16. KimJune 18, 2013 at 6:26 AM

    Oh wow this looks amazing....any gospel singing happening in that class? Your work continues to inspire and delight my senses.

    Happy Sewing

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  17. SharonJune 19, 2013 at 6:26 PM

    How fabulous, Love your new top. Yes, you have to get busy with the quilting! I'm brain dead from the new job, so the best I can manage has been hand quilting straight lines!

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  18. BrowndirtcottageJune 19, 2013 at 9:59 PM

    Oh what lucky gals you were!

    You know I'm green with envy!!!

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  19. MulticoloredPiecesJune 21, 2013 at 7:19 AM

    Wild! Thanks for the link, Nifty.
    best, nadia

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  20. AnnemiekeJune 21, 2013 at 11:18 AM

    First Gwen Marston and now Loretta from Gee's bend....Thanks for sharing the pictures and stories. I wish I could have been there.
    I started (after having printed out the pattern long ago when you made yours) an Alabama pine burr block today! I'm really excited about it!
    Groetjes
    Annemieke

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  21. TerryJune 22, 2013 at 3:11 AM

    Thankyou for all the photos and fun. I was fortunate enough to see the Gee's Bend exhibition in Reno NV 4 years ago. Just amazing.

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  22. MaritJune 22, 2013 at 4:57 AM

    Love your quilt top! What a fun day you all had... Creativity in the best of company. So nice to be able to take a little part in it from your post

    ; )

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  23. cinziaJune 22, 2013 at 4:55 PM

    first Gwen, now Loretta!? I wanna be your friend!

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  24. Tonya RicucciJune 23, 2013 at 5:04 AM

    fantastic,sounds like a great way to have a Gee's Bend quilter teach. love your top - that large print just so makes it you.

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  25. Sherri ~ daintytimeJuly 25, 2013 at 9:42 AM

    Again - your doing fabulous improv work. Thanks for your thorough posting on Loretta's class. Wish I had been there!

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