Bad Sunbonnet Sue

Bad Sunbonnet Sue Blocks

Towards the end of 1998, several women on the quilting mail list named Quiltopia, discovered they each had something in common, their dislike for the traditional Sunbonnet Sue block. After much discussion on this via email, we formed a new group of swappers for Sunbonnet Sue blocks, with Janet Shurts as our swap hostess. Only, this would not be just ANY block swap! We would make blocks that showed the lovely Sue in some unflattering circumstances.

A private list of emailers was established for the sole purpose of being able to share our ideas about the blocks we would be making. The due date was to be Feb. 19. Many ideas came rolling in, some quite humorous, and some downright naughty. Below, you will see some of the creations that have been made. It is only meant in fun, of course, and should be looked at as such. We just let our twisted senses of humor take over and had fun with her. We hope you enjoy these blocks as much as we enjoyed making them.

Texas Tarts These first two images are of a block made by Peggy Raley of Texas. Peggy says "These ladies worked Post Office Street in Galveston about 50 years ago."

Sue Grows Old ... Janet Shurts designed this Sue. She based it on this poem. I Shall Wear Purple When I am an old woman, I shall wear purple With a red hat which doesn't go, and doesn't suit me . . .
Bare Bonnet Sue Suzanne Pratt created this block. It is a variation on a block done in the original swap . I wanted to try to show more water and other beach like stuff along with Sue taking a walk in what appears to be a very brisk day!
Sun Bonnet Hester This block was also created by Suzanne Pratt. It is from The Scarlet Letter by Nathaniel Hawthorne. The block depicts is a very pregnant Sue with the scarlet A on her collar -- kind of the literary classic bad girl, I suppose.
Easter Sue Sunbonnet Sue is serving up the Easter Bunny this year!
Sue goes to the Loo Here's an activity that we thought we'd never see Sue doing. She should be more of a lady and close the door!
Bad Sue puts a frog in the teacher's drawer This block was sewn by Donna Roche.
Sue bathes her dog with Nair Another Block by Donna Roche.
Bad Sue melts the snowman Another Block by Donna Roche.
Bad Sue colors on walls Donna Roche has done it again.
Bad Sue peeks under the men's room door Sewn by Donna Roche .
Bad Sue moons the boys next door Sewn by Donna Roche.
Sue drags her quilt through the mud Being a quilter, Sue should realize how bad this really is. This block was sewn by Janet Shurts.
Evil E-mailer Sue By: Sherri, from Florida If you've ever experienced the negative responses to "off-topic" conversation on e-mailing lists, you'll identify with this block. The thought bubble reads, "Hmmm........What "off-topic" post can I send today?"
Sue Shaves her Cat Sue's parents have locked her in her room as punishment for her previous bad deeds. Unfortunately, the cat was trapped in there too. When Sue got tired of phone-ordering pizzas to be delivered to all her neighbors, she decided to shave the cat. Naughty, naughty, Bad Sue!!! Sewn by JoAnn DeSantis.

The End of Sunbonnet Sue

These blocks show Sue meeting her end. Check back to see the blocks as thy come in!

Sue's Voyage on the Titanic Poor Sue. She's booked passage on this famous voyage and didn't get a life boat. The block was sewn by Kim Bunchuck of New York.
Road Kill Sue didn't remember the rule "Look both ways before crossing!". This block was sewn by Janet Shurts.
Gator Sue Sewn by Suzanne Pratt.
MobSue Sunbonnet Sue had been running numbers for the mob when she began skimming money off them as well. Now she is swimming with the fishies, cement shoes, chains and all. What a dumb broad! : ) Sewn by Susie Morehart
Guillotine Sue By: Sherri, from Florida Poor Sue is beheaded in front of a crowd of spectators.
Firing Squad Sue By: Sherri, from Florida In this block, the unfortunate Sue is about to be shot by the firing squad for heinous crimes.