Quiltsy Cares-Featuring Sue Simpson of Back Pocket Design

Today we are featuring Quiltsy member, Sue Simpson of Back Pocket Design. Sue's charity, No More Sidelines, is a non-profit organization, run by volunteers, committed to helping children and young adults with special needs in the community. They provide children and young adults with special needs, ages seven and older, an opportunity to play sports year round and to participate in community events and outings. Sue said "I love that this charity helps children with special needs play sports and enjoy being kids."

Sue's brown bear pillow

Sue told me she has donated a quilted pillow made with recycled jeans.  It will be part of the silent auction at their Gala fundraising event this coming weekend.  A sweet brown bear is appliqued on the denim and looks like he is climbing out of the jean pocket!  "This is one of my newer designs and I am currently writing this pattern."

 She says, "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 wall hanging are all wonderful ways to bring new life to this old denim.  Custom memory quilts and pillows are very special projects as well.  I am honored when a customer trusts me to make something with such precious clothing."

A few of Sue's other original designs.

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.  She began working with denim 14 years ago with a little frog peeking out of a pocket in the middle of a baby quilt for a friend.  

Sue's favorite things to make are her quilted pillows. "They are fun to hug, provide comfort and the pocket is a great place to keep your TV remote! I also LOVE adding a bit of denim to my quilts.  The recycled denim adds a wonderful texture to a quilt and makes them so very cozy!"

Sue's booth at a craft show.

Sue lives in Traverse City, Michigan and has 

been a Quiltsy member since August of 2013. She enjoys very much the friendships and support of all the members in this team.  

You can find Sue here:

Etsy

Facebook

Instagram:  backpocketsue

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. 

Sue's Etsy Shop

Facebook Page

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