This episodic topic usually highlights the work of an art quilter. However, I decided some levity was in order. I found that quality in a quirky Florida quilter who uses a lot of vintage stuff and unusual embellishments.
I discovered Teddy Pruett at a recent Florida quilt show where she was doing appraisals. Since I had no quilts with me I planned to bypass her booth, but my eye was caught by the three quilts hung behind her. Wait, are those Royal Crown Bags? What on earth is Sunbonnet Sue doing? Whoa, that scalloped border is bananas.
Church Ladies
The Salacious Secrets of Sam and Sue
Sock It To Me, Hot Lips
Check out Teddy’s website for more of her quilts. They are concrete evidence of her approach to quilting:
I have a particular desire to recycle the needlework made by unknown women who came before me. Perhaps I love working with old used fabrics because I don’t want people to look at my quilts and say “Oh, I have that fabric!” The truth is that I can’t bear to see someone’s hard work thrown away. I use bits and pieces of anything made by hand – embroidery, crochet, aprons, etc., and I recycle vintage yardage for the wonderfully mellow – and sometimes tacky – look.
The Snarky Quilter 
I love it! I have tons of gloves and stuff and would have never thought of incorporating them as is.
I wonder if the Sunbonnet Sues feel a little frumpy compared to the svelte Southern belle that dropped into their quilt.
Maybe she drove them into the arms (and car) of Sam.
This is so totally up my alley! Vintage linens, quirky irreverence, and a send up of that annoying Sue! Thanks for the introduction to this quilter!
You were the first person I thought of when I saw those gloves and hankies in the quilts. And, the icing on the cake, putting such thoughts into the mouth of Sue.
Let’s hold Sue down and wash her mouth out with soap! Wouldn’t that be fun!?!?
I have a feeling that Sue needs advice on pregnancy prevention more than a clean mouth.
Just came across this post about vintage textiles and thought of you http://www.amymeissner.com/blog/the-6th-boxes-of-mystery.
That is SO amazing–thank you for thinking of me!! What a cool thing she is doing. I could really relate to those mystery boxes she writes about. One of my favorite things is to get a “mixed lot” auction from eBay in the mail. To open it and examine the treasures . . . . such bliss!
I’d love to use some of my mother’s old stuff (hankies, gloves, collars, etc.) in a quilt; but my attempts to date just look sad.
What fun! Thanks for the thumbs up, it’s always great to know that someone “gets” these nutty quilts.
You get my thumbs up being the only quilter ever who used stove knobs in a quilt.
I’ve found myself deluged with people who have their Mothers, Grandmother’s, Aunt’s, etc old quilt tops that they want quilted. While it’s NEVER profitable to hand quilt for someone else, three times in the past five years I’ve been unable to resist hand quilting these treasures for their surviving kin.
Why? I guess because in the back of my mind, I’m wondering what will become with my box of UFO’s accumulating in my sewing room.
I think it’s best to draw a curtain over that thought. I hope I’ll have the sense to give away as much of my stuff while I’m still able to – at least my finished work.
This is the BEST I’ve ever seen Sunbonnet Sue! Thanks for sharing the photos and a good laugh.
This is definitely the round heeled Sue version.
I like it! Thanks for making me smile 🙂
I’m so glad it gave you a giggle.