Sunbonnet Sue – ca. 1960

This week’s antique quilt was made by my grandmother, Mary Hamrick Tague. She was a “practical” quilt maker. Unlike her mother-in-law (see previous post of Honey Bee Variation Quilt), she used whatever scraps came her way; often used fabrics from old family clothing; and pieced, quilted, and appliqued on her treadle sewing machine.

Sunbonnet Sue by Mary Tague

This is one of two similar quilts made for my sister and me around 1960 – this one is my sister’s. They contain remnants of Grandma’s old dress sewing and are quite simplified. Sue has a pocket but no arm and faces left rather than the more common right. The applique pieces have turned under edges topstitched to the white background.

Detail of Sunbonnet Sue

The sashing of tiny black flowers on white may have been the only fabric purchased for these twin-sized quilts. My sister and I adored them. It was a special treat to have a quilt made specifically for you.
Quilt owned by B J Bower.