Thursday, March 5, 2015

Quiltsy Celebrates Quilting With Charity Donations


Many Quiltsy Team members donate to charities thoughout the year. March 21st is National Quilting Day, so Quiltsy has chosen the month of March to celebrate the art of quilting by featuring one member each day in March with their favorite charity.

Today's featured Quiltsy member is Sue Simpson from BackPocketDesign.  Sue's charity is
No More Sidelines.

When asked why this charity is special to her Sue replied, "No More Sidelines helps children and young adults with special needs to participate in sports and other events. No more sitting on the side lines. This is my 3rd year donating to this fundraising event for No More Sidelines. I have a friend whose son benefits from their activities and 3 years ago was helping raise money for them. I was glad to help then and continue to do so. I love the fact they enable children with disabilities to get out there and play like kids.


I will be donating a handmade quilted pillow with a Kitty Cat peeking out of the pocket.  It will be part of the silent auction at their Gala fundraising event in March."

I asked Sue to share a little about herself. She said, "I am a quilter who is constantly inspired by old denim jeans. The denim in an old pair of jeans is very soft, faded and ever so cozy. This soft denim is a wonderful canvas for my whimsical applique designs and bright colors. Critters, bugs and flowers popping out of pockets are sure to make anyone smile. A pillow to hug, a quilt to cuddle under, a purse to carry, a mug rug for snack time or a happy animal wallhanging are all wonderful ways to bring new life to this old denim."

A picture of Sue's booth at an outdoor craft show.
Sue has been sewing since 5th grade, learning from her mother and grandmother.  She started teaching herself to quilt when her son was born 24 years ago.  Sue's passion for denim began 14 years ago with a little frog peeking out of a pocket in the middle of a baby quilt for a friend.  Ever since then, she's been making pillows and quilts out of denim because it is so soft and comforting.  A wonderful, thoughtful gift for someone in the hospital or as a way to comfort when mourning a loved one.  Sue's pockets and their adorable critters or flowers "make you smile and help to make the world a better place."


Sue lives in Traverse City, Michigan "where the summers are sweet, the winters are long and the denim is plentiful."

Please check out Sue's shop on Etsy and also her Facebook page using the links below. 


Written by Barbara Wood of DownHome Designs, a Quiltsy member since 2008

11 comments:

djw quilts said...

Love the denim pockets and the little animals are so animated! What an appropriate item for a children's charity.

Kathy Kinsella said...

Delightful article on you Sues ... I love your designs!

Debbie said...

Your pocket critter's are so cute, what a worthy cause you are donating to.

teachpany said...

Great cause, and your work is so cute!

barbara woods said...

hi , i'm Barbara Woods, nice to meet you

Barbara Wood said...

Hi Barbara!

vivian said...

I love your designs -they always put a smile on my face! I hope No More Sidelines raises a lot of money at their Gala!

jmh said...

Beautiful article about a beautiful, talented woman. So proud to be your friend and to own some BackPocketDesigns! Will definitely check into supporting your charity.

sallymanke said...

Sue is a much fun as her designs. She is so giving that her charity is just a part of who she is! Thanks for being such a great team member!

thebutterflyquilter said...

I love all these designs on denim! They are all so CUTE!

cdore44 said...

Great article, Love the denim pocket animals and your wonderful Charity, Sues! Great job Barbara, too!