Sunbonnet Sue is one of the most recognizable and beloved quilt blocks of all time. This classic design features a little girl with a bonnet, dress, and apron, often holding a basket or flowers. #sunbonnet #sunbonnetsue
Sunbonnet Sue Quilt Block
The image of Sunbonnet Sue has been used in quilts for over a century, and it remains a popular choice for quilters of all levels today.
History
The history of Sunbonnet Sue is not entirely clear, but it is believed to have originated in the United States in the early 1900s. Some sources suggest that the design was inspired by the popular “Gibson Girl” illustrations of the time, which depicted a fashionable and independent young woman with a distinctive hairstyle and clothing style.
Others believe that Sunbonnet Sue was inspired by real-life pioneer girls who wore sunbonnets to protect their faces from the harsh sun. Regardless of its origins, the design quickly became popular among quilters and was featured in numerous quilt patterns and publications throughout the early 20th century.
The Basic Design
The basic design of Sunbonnet Sue features a young girl with a bonnet, dress, and apron. The girl is often shown holding a basket or flowers, and she may have other accessories such as a watering can or a kitten. The design is typically made up of simple shapes and can be easily adapted to different sizes and color schemes.
One of the unique features of Sunbonnet Sue is that she can be combined with other quilt blocks to create a larger design. For example, a quilt might feature several Sunbonnet Sue blocks along with other designs such as flowers, birds, or stars. This versatility has contributed to the enduring popularity of Sunbonnet Sue among quilters.
Variations
Over the years, numerous variations of the Sunbonnet Sue design have been created. Some of the most popular include:
- Overall-clad Sue: This variation features a girl wearing overalls and a shirt instead of a dress and apron.
- Sunbonnet Sam: This design is similar to Sunbonnet Sue, but features a boy wearing a hat instead of a bonnet.
- Dutch Girl: This variation features a girl wearing a Dutch-style hat and dress.
- Amish Girl: This variation features a girl wearing an Amish-style bonnet and dress.
These variations have added to the versatility of the Sunbonnet Sue design and have made it even more popular among quilters.
Other names
Sunbonnet Sue is the most commonly used name for this quilt block, but there are also a few other names that have been used for variations of the design. Some of these names include:
- Dutch Doll
- Bonnet Girl
- Sunbonnet Babies
- Little Lady in a Bonnet
- Prairie Girl
- Sunbonnet Lass
- Sunbonnet Twins
Each of these names reflects a slightly different variation of the classic Sunbonnet Sue design, but they all share the same charming and nostalgic feel. Whether you prefer the classic Sunbonnet Sue or one of its variations (see above), this timeless quilt block is sure to add warmth and character to any quilt project.
Check out the one at the Piedmont Store in the Piedmont Community of Dandridge, TN. This one though is Overall Bill but on a similar premise.
Check out this one in Gray, KY off US-25E.
Conclusion
Sunbonnet Sue is a beloved quilt block that has stood the test of time. Its simple yet charming design has captured the hearts of quilters for over a century, and it remains a popular choice today. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced quilter, Sunbonnet Sue is a classic design that is sure to add charm and warmth to any quilt.
Upcoming Events
This is a list of the upcoming events that Steve Sews will be at. If you know of one in the East Tennessee area, let me know.
November 4, 2023 – 9 am to 4 pm – Fall Expo at Rutledge Elementary School – Rutledge, TN.
Meet …
Meet the staff and/or equipment for Steve Sews.
- Brother Stitch (Current Sewing Machine)
- Forge (Circuit)
- Interns
- Lovees (Stuffed Animals)
- Mendi (My Wife’s Sewing Machine)
- Rosie (Antique Sewing Machine)
- Steve (Steve himself)
- The Masked Bandit (Steve’s older Sewing Machine)
- Trainees
- Van the T-Rex (Helper)
- Zee (Face Mask Model)
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