Stella Mae Pettway

Ms. Stella Mae Pettway is a third-generation quilter from Gee’s Bend, Alabama, where she was born and continues to live. She learned to quilt from her mother, Ms. Georgianna Pettway, along with her grandmother, Ms. Delia Bennett, and her aunt, Ms. Ella Mae Irby. Quilting has been a part of her life from an early age, shaped by the women in her family and the rhythms of everyday life in Gee’s Bend.

As a child, Ms. Stella Mae began by working on the corners of her mother’s quilts. She often recalls her mother telling her, “Stella, stay off,” when her stitches were not quite right. Still, she kept at it. Over time, she developed her own way of quilting, guided by what she saw and learned growing up.

Her early inspiration came from watching her mother piece quilts, especially patterns like the playhouse. Today, she prefers to quilt on her own, where she can move at her own pace. She often talks, sings, or prays while she works, treating quilting as both a personal and creative space. Rather than following set patterns, she usually begins by cutting and piecing fabric, allowing the colors and shapes to guide the final design. She is especially drawn to bold color and texture, often working with whatever materials she has on hand.

Ms. Stella Mae makes quilts not only for herself, but to give to others. She believes in having quilts ready for those who may need one, and her work reflects that sense of care and generosity.

In addition to her quilting practice, Ms. Stella Mae has spent many years working in early childhood education. She earned a bachelor’s degree from Concordia College in Selma, Alabama, and worked in both Wilcox and Dallas County school systems, as well as at the first certified daycare center in Gee’s Bend. She has also shared her quilting knowledge with young people in her community and in local schools.

Her quilts have been exhibited in museums and galleries across the United States and in London. She continues to create and share her work through her shop, Georgie’s Way Quilts, named in honor of her mother.

Outside of quilting, Ms. Stella Mae enjoys reading and watching classic western films.