The Art of Sustainability: Cathy Fussell’s Muscogee Tie Snake Quilts

Sustainability isn’t just about sorting your recyclables or bringing a reusable tote to the grocery store—it’s also about transforming what we already have into something new, beautiful, and meaningful. And that’s exactly what artist Cathy Fussell does with her Muscogee Tie Snake quilts.

For more than 50 years, Fussell has been sewing and stitching her way through life, turning fabric into art from her Columbus, Georgia, studio. But her latest creative endeavor takes an unexpected twist—literally—by incorporating donated ties from Goodwill into quilted snake designs inspired by Creek Indian culture.

Old ties, once relegated to dusty closets and donation bins, are now getting a second chance to shine in Cathy’s intricate quilt patterns. This isn’t just art; it’s upcycling at its finest. By breathing new life into these forgotten pieces, Fussell’s quilts embody the very essence of sustainability. She’s showing us that with a little imagination, discarded objects can evolve into cherished treasures.

Cathy’s creative journey has been long and impressive. She’s crafted quilts for exhibitions across the country and even stitched history into a piece commissioned for First Lady Michelle Obama. And while her art may hang in prestigious galleries and soon, the Obama Presidential Library, her use of thrifted ties makes a humble but powerful statement: sustainability is accessible to everyone.

Whether it’s giving fabric a second life or making art from unexpected materials, Cathy Fussell proves that creativity and conservation go hand in hand. Next time you’re at a Goodwill, maybe think twice about passing by those racks of funky old ties—who knows what art (or eco-friendly inspiration) might be waiting there for you?

Check out the video below to hear more about Cathy and her art: