One Hundred Small Quilts #5
One of the sweetest quilts I ever came across is a Sunbonnet Sue baby quilt from the 30’s or 40’s. I’m not usually a fan of silly Sue, but this one was so charming that I couldn’t leave it behind.
I love the rectangular blocks. They’re more interesting than square blocks. And notice that Sue has a friend. Or maybe she’s a twin. There are two Sues on each block. I love the solid colors used for each little girl. They’re so cheerful.
There’s a bit of hand embroidery on each block, too. A butterfly flits nearby, and a flower grows in the grass. The dresses and bonnets are adorned with stitches. The pink setting fabric is a novelty with bears, bunnies and kittens.
There are funky orange and blue stars embroidered at the sashing intersections. Why orange? Somehow it works for me because the whole shebang is just so whimsical.
And look at the quilt’s outside edges. All those indentations. What a job it was to bind them! I love all the little details on this quilt. Someone made it with love and care, and she didn’t scrimp on the time it took. Maybe it was for a treasured little girl, perhaps a grandbaby.
I have one regret. When I bought the quilt at an antique store in Norfolk, Nebraska in the 1990s, there was actually another one like it. I don’t know why two quilts were made, but I have been kicking myself for not buying them both. What was I thinking?
Sunbonnet Sue and Friends is part of my trunk show called “One Hundred Small Quilts.” I bring about 120 little quilts (this is among the largest at 42″ x 49″) and we talk about the evolution of quiltmaking, fabric, styles and techniques. It’s great fun!
If your quilt group is looking for a dynamite program for 2019 and beyond, get in touch today. Let’s Talk Quilts!
Tags: guild programs, one hundred small quilts, quilt collection, Sunbonnet Sue, trunk shows, vintage, vintage quilts
Kaye Mattson
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Your story makes me wonder if the 2 identical quilts were made for twins!
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Diane Harris
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Oh my gosh, I bet you’re right. And maybe that’s why there are two little girls on every block. I had not thought of that, but I think your theory is spot on, Kaye!
Janet Steele
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Cute as Cute can be. Were the Sun Bonnet Sue’s hand Applique’ ? I’ve never seen a pattern like that. But it would be easy enough to create. Thanks for sharing.
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