SUNFLOWERS

"The sunflower has developed unique meanings across the world as it spreads in the modern age, but many cultures share similar views of the flower thanks to its physical characteristics. Some of the most common meanings include:

• Long life, mainly since most varieties stand in full bloom for months on end during the hottest days of summer
• Feelings of adoration, admiration, and platonic love towards a person, such as a family member or friend
• Loyalty and strong bonds between two people, as represented by the strong and upright stem
• Seeking out positivity and strength, as the bloom turns to face the sun
• Nourishing yourself and others, since the sunflower produces an abundance of edible seeds
• Brightening your mood, through the vibrancy of the yellow or orange petals
• Good luck and lasting happiness, especially in the Chinese culture."
  https://www.flowermeaning.com/sunflower-meaning/
  

My interest in learning more about the meaning of sunflowers was piqued when guild member Melody Day shared an article titled "An Interview With Sunbonnet Sue," and I made a connection between sunflowers and Sue. While my intent was to share that article for August, my research led me to believe that first we need a primer on the history of this quilt celebrity. Consider this Sunflower Sue, Part 1. 

The History and Mystery of Sunbonnet Sue

"You might know Sunbonnet Sue as a redwork design, or perhaps an applique on a 30’s quilt. But like all young women, she has a history…

Sunbonnet Sue began her existence in the 1870’s in England as an illustration in greeting cards, although she looked a bit different then. The illustrator, Kate Greenaway, was the daughter of a seamstress so her designs were pretty elaborate. However, she soon began simplifying her designs for use in children’s books.

In the late 1800’s, Americans Bertha Corbett and Eulalie Osgood Grover teamed up to write a series of nine books featuring Molly and May, the Sun-bonnet Babies. These babies had their heads covered by a large sunbonnet and expressed their feeling through the actions they took. They might walk the dog, carry books, pick flowers to give to a friend, or even get into a bit of mischief.

These images later began being used as redwork designs.  By 1910, Sue was an applique' motif, reaching fame and fortune by the 1930s.  She was an easy design for beginners to make with a large sunbonnet hiding her face, a dress shaped like a bell with capped sleeves, and shoes just barely peeking out from underneath.  She was lots of fun to embellish, much like the paper dolls of the time period.  

Bertha Corbett also designed the Old Dutch Cleanser girl logo, which might be why Sunbonnet Sue is sometimes called the Old Dutch Girl or Dutch Doll. 

Sunbonnet Sue was a cheery soul, always working on fun activities, ready to bring happiness into the Great Depression.  Often made using scraps, she showed up everywhere in the house, not just in quilts.  She was a happy face on dish towels and pillowcases, as well as covering holes in tablecloths and clothes.

As Sue got older, sh evolved once again into Holly Hobbie, that 1970's design that seemed to be on every girl's lunchbox. 

However, like any famous figure, Sunbonnet Sue had/has her critics. The Bee There quilters of Austin, Texas, created a quilt called Scandalous Sue. In this quilt she drinks, smokes, and is pregnant.

The Seamsters Local 500 of Lawrence, Kansas, created a quilt they named “The Sun Sets on Sunbonnet Sue,” showing Sue’s death by hanging, lighting strike, nuclear fallout, etc.  Barbara Brackman has a fun post post on various types of Sues – my goodness, she does get into trouble!

(Webpage Editor’s note: Images of Sue in her less-than-cheerful personas  (Scandalous Sue) have not been included in this posting. You will have to explore those on your own.

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