Gee's Bend Quilting Retreats
Gray Center
1530 Way Road, Canton, MS

October 31 - November 4, 2018
currently has a waiting list
March 6 - 10, 2019
Registration is now open
October 30 - November 3, 2019
Registration is now open
Gray Center invites you to join us for our annual quilting retreat with China Pettway and Mary Ann Pettway of the Gee's Bend Quilting Collective. China and Mary Ann will share their unique quilting styles as participants explore the work of their hands and the spirituality of quilting.

It's most likely you will want to piece your quilt top on a sewing machine but some participants may prefer to hand piece and hand quilt. It's reasonable to anticipate completing some quilt squares or a quilt top. You may even find that you have time to begin quilting. Everyone will be invited to work at their own pace. No previous quilting experience is necessary.
Enjoy an introduction to Mary Ann and China in this video.
Participants report the most meaningful aspects of the retreat are:
  • The ease of learning to quilt from all participants and from Mary Ann and China.
  • Seeing new people light up to quilting and enjoying the community of these gifted women.
  • China and Mary Ann - loved the guidance and the singing. The fellowship with everyone was so good!
  • ​The diversity of the participants; the lack of pressure imposed by anyone except one's self; the encouragement and freedom of expression.
  • The beautiful location and excellent staff.
  • The prayers and singing set the atmosphere.
  • The massages were a wonderful gift.
  • ​Love, togetherness, joy and devotion to each other.
  • Love pouring out of the hearts and souls of strangers who inspired, encouraged, helped, offered advice, cared, made me feel included. I knew I would have a wonderful time but my heart is swelling with joy and appreciation. 
  • Meeting other quilters, friendly, helpful, loving, sharing. What a delight.
  • ​Everything about this weekend!
Retreat Rates
$490.00 Double occupancy
$550.00 Single occupancy
Includes program, lodging and meals.
$60.00 Round-Trip Airport Shuttle to and from Jackson-Medgar Wiley Evers International Airport (JAN)
Deposit
$100 per person
Nonrefundable. Nontransferable. Deposit deducted from total fee.
Balance due dates
September 1st for the October 31 - November 4, 2018 retreat
January 15th for the March 6 - 10, 2019 retreat
September 1st for the October 30 - November 3, 2019 retreat
To register after these dates, please pay full amount.

Check-in / Check-0ut times
Check-in 4:00-6:00 Wednesday
Check-out after breakfast on Sunday

What to bring?
Sewing machine, basic sewing supplies, fabric (some will be provided), rotary cutter, blades and cutting surface, mini iron and ironing mat for your sewing table - we will have a few ironing stations and a few cutting stations located around the room for everyone to use, individual lamp for your sewing table, extension cords, serge protector, favorite chair if you have one that you're partial to, quilts and projects for show and tell, books for Mary Ann and China to sign, creature comforts for your room in the inn, a light jacket in the event the room becomes chilly.

Retreat Schedule

Wednesday 
Arrival and check in 4:00-6:00
Dinner 6:00
7:00 China and Mary Ann will share the story of the Gee's Bend Quilting Collective, it's history and their part of this amazing group of artists.

Thursday, Friday and Saturday
8:00 Breakfast
9:00-12:00
Quilting with China and Mary Ann
12:00 Lunch
2:00-5:00
Quilting with China and Mary Ann
6:00 Dinner
​7:00 Closing session with China and Mary Ann

Sunday
8:00 Breakfast
Departure after breakfast
Directions to Gray Center
1530 Way Road
​Canton, MS 39046
Phone: 601-859-1556
Fax: 601-8591495