Sunbonnet Sue Quilt

Beginner Applique Class 

Two Methods of appligue will be discussed and demo

Quiltmakers have instant recognition of the term Sunbonnet, a pattern known and enjoyed by several generations.  But before these full dressed, youthful figures appeared as quilt designs, they we popular in the late 1800's as subjects for postcards, advertising, books and magazines

The universal appeal of children busy at work and at play was captured by the illustrator Kate Greenaway at the turn of the century. Her designs in books and magazines brought these fanciful children into homes around the country. It was another artist, Bertha Corbett, who christened them with the name Sunbonnet, and declared that it wasn't necessary to show the face when displaying emotions. She illustrated the book, Sunbonnet Babies, which became the basis for the idea that quiltmakers now recognize.

After the turn of the century, the popularity of the these figures as quilt patterns become apparent in needleart catalogs, magazines and newspapers.  for nearly a century imaginative quilt artists have challenged themselves to depict these busy children framed in quilt squares.  With faces always concealed beneath bonnet or hat, these girls and boys continue to be the essence of childhood.  They are each of us,  yet all of us.  They are innocence of humankind.  

Antique Sunbonnet Sue Quit purchased by Eleanor Burns in Paducah, KY 1992