That's Sew Gee's Bend

If you read about "That's Sew Gee's Bend" in the spring 2008 issue of Longleaf Style, you can see the quilters in person at the Noble Street Festival in Anniston on May 2. I received this from That's Sew Gee's Bend:

Sister quilters and entreprenuers from Gee's Bend, Alabama, Tinnie Dell and Minnie Mae Pettway will bring their collection of quilts, pot holders, wall art and other items from their company, That's SEW Gee's Bend, Incorporated to Anniston for the opening night of the Noble Street Festival on May 2nd from 6-10 pm.

Along with their daughter/niece and son-in-law Claudia and Frederick Charley who helped shape the company, they have been extremely busy since being incorporated in June of last year. They have been featured in newspapers (business section of the Montgomery Advertiser, The Anniston Star and Cleburne News) and magazines (Longleaf Style, spring edition 08'). They have also been displayed in regional museums, galleries and private shows such as the Mason Murer (Atlanta), Chris McNair Art Gallery and Museum (Birmingham), The Colonial Cottage in Heflin and recently the YWCA's "Arts of Passion" fundraiser for the programs for the women and children of the YWCA. They are also slated for shows in Gadsden and Sylacuaga, Alabama later this year. The sisters private collection line is called "Tinnie Pieces with Minnie Designs"

This "family owned for community unity" company, headquartered in Pell City, Alabama, is a business that wants to be more than the quilts that has made this town famous. That's SEW Gee's Bend also wants to enhance the town's sense of pride with future development and to bring jobs to the community through showing the history and "tastes" of Gee's Bend. The company is also preparing in the near future to represent any of the local quilters (not affiliated with the collective) who wants to have their quilt represented on their website (www.geesbend.net ) For any additional information call DeLon Charley at 205-473-1516 or Claudia Charley at 205-994-1979

That's SEW Gee's Bend is a separate entity and business and is not affiliated with the collective of quilters of Gee's Bend which is represented by Tinwood Alliance out of Atlanta, Georgia.

The Magic of Fannie Flagg

If there is one thing about writing and editing, it is one should always be prepared.

Many folks in and around Anniston know Sherry Kughn from her previous article in Longleaf Style, her years working at The Anniston Star and her series of books on encouragement for Christian mothers. But, I learned Sherry is always up for a challenge.

Sherry expected to interview Alabama native Fannie Flagg, who lives in California, but had not scheduled a time with her publicist. One day, while shopping, Sherry's cell phone rang and it was Fannie Flagg! Sherry had to scramble around to find paper and didn't have any of her notes or questions. Graciously, Fannie not only called her back five minutes later, but read some questions Sherry emailed previously, then answered them! Sherry said Fannie was simply wonderful.

Look for more about Fannie Flagg, including where her new novel will be set, in the Spring 2008 issue of Longleaf Style.

Spring 2008 Issue

The Spring issue of Longleaf Style is available now! We are so excited about the Unique Alabama issue and I know many of you are anxious to receive it.

The cover is the old kitchen at Faunsdale Plantation, taken by Douglas Stewart.

This issue features various things that are unique to Alabama.
Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail by Ed Fowler
Gee's Bend Quilts by Brett Buckner
NASCAR Wine by Pat Kettles
The Magic of Fannie Flagg by Sherry Kughn
The Sound of Muscle Shoals by Shawn Ryan
Coosa River Fishing by Hardy Jackson
The Mary G. Harden Cultural Center by Mary Eloise Leake
The Art of Competition by Mary Eloise Leake
Purifying the Language: The literary quality of Justice Hugo Black's opinions by H. Brandt Ayers
Their Mother's House: the Faunsdale Plantation by John Fleming
Cathedral Caverns by Lisa Davis
Authentic Alabama, Unique Chanin by Theresa Shadrix

You may purchase Longleaf Style magazine at:
Anniston Museums
Books-a-Million in Oxford
K-Mart in Anniston
Nyles & Nolen Boutique
Walgreens in Anniston
Wal-Mart in Oxford
Wine Cellar in Anniston
Etowah Chamber of Commerce