Wilcox County
Quilter and Textile Artist
My name is Claudia Pettway Charley, and I am a fourth-generation Gee’s Bend quilter. My grandmother, Malissa Pettway, my mother, Tinnie Dell Pettway, and my aunt, Minnie Mae Pettway, were and still are, very accomplished quilters, and I learned to quilt by observing my family of quilters all around me. When I was a small child, I would play underneath my grandmother’s quilting frame which covered most of the living room. Today, I continue to quilt alongside my mom and my aunt, and I feel blessed to be able to share and continue this tradition with my family.
My inspiration changes as the world around me changes. It usually comes from my emotions, or my surroundings from that day or period. If it’s a cold day, I tend to gravitate towards denim. If it’s sunny and warm, I enjoy using brighter yellow and orange tones. My heart guides my work, and each quilt tells a different story. Quilting allows me to express myself freely, without rules or judgements. It’s just me and my materials. I love being able to use what is around me and create something beautiful and valuable.
Beauty is all around us, we just need to pay attention
“Claudia is the Gee’s Bend Project manager. She is responsible for branding and fashion collaboration with the Gee’s Bend Quilters. Working with designers like Greg Lauren, Chloe, Marfa Stance and more. Claudia also works closely with the Classic Rug company out of New York as a spoke person for the Gee’s Bend brand of rugs and her own signature line of mats.”.