Why is Sunbonnet Sue wearing a bonnet?
Well, if you are outdoors in the sun, you'd better protect your skin from too much sunlight. If you are shy, a wide-brimmed bonnet will cover up your blushing face. If you're someone famous being chased by the paparazzi, then the bonnet or a pair of sunglasses will give you a certain amount of privacy.
But why is Sue's face hidden behind a bonnet in the traditional quilt and redwork patterns of Sunbonnet Sue? I think the answer to that question is that it makes the appliqué pattern so much easier; there are no small and fiddly details to struggle with.
Now, those of you who have followed my series of Sunday Stitch School's stitch sampler portraits of Sunbonnet Sue know that I allow myself a lot of 'artistic license' and hide her face, not only with a bonnet but also with her own hair blowing in the wind or by portraying her from behind.
The point is that no one has ever seen Sue's face, be it in the traditional design or my own interpretations of Sue. That is, no one has seen her face until now. So take a deep breath and don't be alarmed when I now reveal her face!
Actually, she has put on such a pancake of white makeup and drawn a gigantic mouth, fixed a red ball on her nose and donned a pair of round sunglasses, that you're not really able to see her true facial features. Once again, she has tricked us!
