The Quilts Of Gee’s Bend Inspire A Dramatic New Rug Collection

Furniture World Magazine

Shaw Living teams with Kathy Ireland Home at the Atlanta Market to introduce an elegant collection of bold geometric-styled rugs based on the acclaimed Quilts of Gee’s Bend. The unusual collection features seven stunning rug designs that blend traditional African American-inspired patterns and bright hues with a modern, abstract feeling. The exquisite hand-sewn Quilts of Gee’s Bend are renowned across the United States. Each is a work of art, designed by artists of the Gee‘s Bend collective in rural Alabama. The craftsmanship of these beautiful quilts has been handed down through six generations of women. Described by the New York Times as “some of the most miraculous works of modern art America has produced,” the Quilts of Gee’s Bend were recently exhibited in twelve American museums and featured in Newsweek, in Oprah magazine, and on National Public Radio’s Talk of the Nation. Now Shaw Living and Kathy Ireland are proud to bring these designs, which are made with great artistry, respect and love, into American homes. “These artists are brilliant and their designs are treasures,” said Kathy, CEO and Chief designer of KIWW. “Bound by faith and family, these women invest their precious time raising children, working for their families, and sewing together old scraps, making objects of amazingly refined, stunning and abstract beauty. They embody the true spirit of our mission statement; “…finding solutions for families, especially busy moms” continued Kathy. Woven entirely of soft, lustrous olefin, the Quilts of Gee’s Bend rugs feature a buttery-soft hand, brilliant colors, and a carved, sculpted appearance. Seven magnificent designs are offered: Blocks & Strips, inspired by a 1935 work-clothes quilt crafted of cotton, denim and wool, retains the stitching detail of the original, giving it an unmistakably hand-sewn look. H-Variation, inspired by a cotton quilt made in 1971, has a bold red and black color scheme and geometric circle and block pattern. It also comes in a more muted espresso brown pattern. Roman Stripes, a 1975 design, made entirely of corduroy, features a delightful block and strip design of bright gold, greens, reds and blues with harmonizing brown accents. Courthouse Steps, inspired by a cotton and corduroy quilt pattern, is crisp, colorful and decidedly modern. Strips, inspired by a 1975 corduroy quilt, features a hand-made organic stripe in rich, warm tones. With its rich, interlocking block pattern, Coat of Many Colors is the subtlest of all the quilt designs. The pattern is derived from a cotton and polyester fiber quilt created in 1970. Housetop features a nest of color contrasting square borders that frame themselves from the center to the edge. It is inspired by a 1955 cotton and synthetic metallic knit quilt. Moderately priced, the Kathy Ireland Home Gee’s Bend Collection rugs are available in five standard sizes, ranging from 2’ x 3’ to 8’ x 11’. The suggested retail price for a 5’5” x 7’8” rug is $449. Kathy Ireland is CEO and Chief Designer of Kathy Ireland Worldwide in Los Angeles, California. She began her company over 10 years ago with the mission of “finding solutions for families, especially busy moms”. By staying true to her commitment, she’s been recognized as a “best friend to working mothers” by the Associated Press and London Times. Kathy’s home design efforts include furniture, flooring, rugs, lighting, wall art, decorative accessories, home office and home theatre, table top, bedding, top of bed and window coverings. There are now well over 10,000 pieces that carry Kathy’s design philosophy and direction. Kathy’s Home Collection received “Best of Market” honors and the Good Housekeeping Seal. ACafe by Chef Andre Carthen, J du J cultivated by landscape designer, Nicholas Walker and the Quilts of Gee’s Bend are Kathy Ireland Home solutions. Her outdoor living efforts earned the Gold Medal at the San Francisco Flower & Garden Show. She is also the recipient of Outstanding Mother of the Year from the National Mother’s Day Committee and has been honored for her entrepreneurial efforts by the National Association of Women Business Owners and National Association of Business Leaders. Kathy is on the Board of Directors for the Tupelo Furniture Marketing Association and a member of Women in the Home Industries Today. For more information, please visit www.kathyireland.com Shaw Living is a division of Shaw, a subsidiary of Berkshire Hathaway, Inc. and the largest soft floor covering manufacturer in the world. Shaw Living is America’s leader in rugs for the home, including area, bath, scatter and outdoor mats. Shaw Living also produces other soft goods including top of the bed. See Shaw Living at the Atlanta International Area Rug Market, AmericasMart Merchandise Mart, Suite 6-B-5. For information, call 1-800-282-7429, write Shaw Living at P.O. Drawer 2128, Dalton, GA 30722-2128, or visit www.shawliving.com.