SunbonnetSue.com

What You'll Find on This Site

Once you see what Kim Bunchuck's SunbonnetSue.com has to offer I'm just sure you will be inspired to pay Sue a call.

First of all you will discover a bit of history on the development of the Sunbonnet Sue pattern including the contributions of artists Kate Greenaway and Bertha Corbett Melcher. This page includes several links to pages with even more information about these women.

Next you will discover the free patterns based on vintage Sunbonnet Sue quilts along with photographs of the original quilts. You will also find several new Sunbonnet Sue patterns. You will discover that Sunbonnet Sue can be portrayed in a variety of delightful ways. You will also find free patterns for embroidery and other projects. Of course you can't have a Sunbonnet Sue site without including the guys as well. So there are also patterns for Overall Bill, Overall Andy, Sunbonnet Sam, and Farmer Jim.

It's always fun to see what other quilters have done and you will find pages and pages of Sunbonnet Sue projects by quilters. There are embrodered Sunbonnets displayed as well.

An online store sells a variety of books, fabric that is perfect for Sunbonnet Sue projects and patterns for both quilts and embroidery. Store sales raise the funds so that the free patterns can be offered.

How I would love to be able to attend one of the trunk shows and lectures that Kim Bunchuck gives around the country. Kim is available for guild programs and other events.

If you are already crazy about Sunbonnet Sue or if this site converts you into a Sunbonnet Sue enthusiast you will find that you can sign up for a Sunbonnet Sue newsletter and an active email discussion list.

Sunbonnet Sue isn't always so nice. A link takes you to a site that shows that Sue can be quite naughty at times. Sunbonnet Sue quilts can have their serious side as well. Delightful as the pattern is it can portray an innocence that just isn't realistic in all children's lives. A page on 'Sue Anonymous' portrays the darker side of times when women were on one hand idealized and on the other hand treated with low regard and even cruelty.

A Sample to Entice You In

Kim Bunchuck, SunbonnetSue.com site designer and owner, puts Sunbonnet Sue in perspective saying,

"'That girl with the bonnet', Sunbonnet Sue, Dutch Doll, Bonnie Bonnet, Sun Bonnet Babies... whatever the block pattern is called, the Sunbonnet Sue block is one of the most widely recognized quilt block patterns.

You'll find the block made into nursery quilts, appliquéd onto clothing and decorated with ribbons and lace. The Sue figure has been depicted working, playing, and getting into mischief.

The Sue block has even given rise to Sunbonnet themed quilts. Sue is eliminated in "the Death of Sunbonnet Sue" or celebrated in 'Sunbonnet Sue comes of age'."

Thoughts and Musings

Sunbonnet Sue is just plain fun. Seeing her image in a quilt can't help but lift your heart. She brings us back a time of innocence that was more of a myth than truth. SunbonnetSue.com delights us with the ideal while still making us aware of the truth of the lives of Victorian women.

Some would cast Sunbonnet Sue aside because she represents a false idealization. I don't agree. I loved making the above Sunbonnet Sue baby quilt. It includes blocks of tiny squares found at an estate sale. Making this quilt brought me back to a time when quiltmaking was one of the few ways women could express their creativity. Embroidering or appliquéing such delightful figures must have brought joy to them as they sewed.