Sunday, January 15, 2012

Nedra's South - "Sunbonnet Sue Goes South"


Being a native southerner, I thought this would be a breeze.  However, I had a very difficult time settling on an idea, even though south brought to mind many words, sayings and pictures.  I dismissed most of them for various reasons.  The singular picture of "The South" that kept recurring in my mind was of the beautiful live oak trees draped in Spanish moss that dominate the landscape where I grew up.   Having seen the same landscape in Charleston and Savannah,  I decided that was what I wanted to portray.  I discussed my idea with Andrea, who knows I have a special attachment to Sunbonnet Sue.  She thought I should incorporate her into my design somehow.  Well here she is!!
“Sunbonnet Sue Goes South” wearing her crisp white “sundress” – but wait!!  Ever wondered what she looked like under those unflattering dresses?  Now you know. 

The leaves of the tree are painted with Setacolor paint.   The moss is thread painted and then embellished with an eyelash yarn, that I pulverized with my rotary cutter, and fused on top. The tree, sue and flowers are fused and machine quilting finishes it off.

10 comments:

  1. Oh, Nedra, clever, humorous, original--those words popped right into my head as I viewed and read about your Sunbonnet Sue South quilt. A voluptuous Sue, in a bikini, no less, under her "Mother Hubbard" dress! I love it! Love everything about your quilt--too many details to mention, but suffice it to say: It is wonderful!

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  2. Very, very clever & I'm so glad you did decide to incorporate Sue into your design. Love everything about it & looking forward to seeing it in person. Was this quilt 1, 2 or 3 ?

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  3. I actually giggled out loud when I saw your wonderful little quilt. I love Sunbonnet Sue as well. Perfect!!

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  4. I'm smiling :) I can't think of anything you could have done to improve this piece. It is refreshingly original and executed with ample talent! Love the color,composition and subject matter. You rock!

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  5. Sue is a little vixen! Your quilt is delightful. I can visualize the trees dripping with moss and love Sue. I guess she knows how to keep cool!

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  6. Oh this is edgy!...I am glad Sue can get cool and I feel the moss dripping from the trees is perfect.

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  7. Hi Nedra - I actually laughed out loud at your second "reveal!" I'll never think of Sunbonnet Sue in the same way ever again :-) Loved your thread work, the leaves, the bark on the tree, and your oh-so clever translucent outfit for Ms. Sue. Great job ! Kathy

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  8. Nedra, what fun! It was fun to get a giggle from a "Sunbonnet Sue". Cute is always there, but a pink polka dot bikini is just plain fun! Love the spanish moss. You really used a great technique to give it that effect.

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  9. Hi Nedra. What a delightful and fun quilt! The trees really do look like Spanish moss is dripping off them. And, what can I say about your clever depiction of our sweet, innocent Sunbonnet Sue! Clever, humorous and well done!

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  10. This is so cute, Nedra, and I love that flirty dress!

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