Interview with Sue Spargo - October 2007

Meet Sue Spargo, designer of our new "Sue Spargo: Folk-Art Dreams software"

by Penny McMorris

Q: Sue, I remember being so struck with your work when we first saw it at your booth at the International Quilt Market several years ago. When did you first start displaying your work and selling patterns, and what got you started?

I formed my own company 3 years ago in May 2004. I had collaborated with other artists and done some designing prior to starting my own business. It was mainly a hobby at that time. I had been through a major change in my life and had become responsible for educating my 4 children. So I either needed to go back to nursing or take my creating seriously. I had always wanted to do this but this was the impetus that got me going.

Q: One of the first things that attracted us to your work was the colors you used: acid greens, earthy browns and golds, turquoise, orange... how did you develop such a beautiful palette of hand-dyed colors?

I am excited by international folk-art and saturated colors. These colors in wool are just impossible to find. As it was very important for my family to see me independent my sister Wendy Morris suggested dyeing hand dyed wools to sell on my website. As the colors I wanted were not available she painstakingly formulated 37 colors which has become our "Earthworks" solid wool line. We laugh today as we never thought she would ever be dyeing the amount of yardage she does each month. I am sure if she had realized this then she would never have suggested it.

My color palette has changed over the years and I attribute that to the changes in my state of mind. I starting out using dark primitive colors and during my divorce I made many black quilts. As I have become happier I find myself using more and more saturated colors and making much brighter quilts.

Q: You combine solid wools (and even velvets) with cotton prints - a wonderful combination because of the contrasts: nappy vs. smooth textures; saturated solid colors vs. graphic patterns. What is it about using wool and velvet that you love - what special qualities do they have that works well for your imagery?

My imagery is simple and graphic. I love to use solids as they are restful and lend themselves to layering and endless creativity. Adding colors of hand dyed wools and velvets add subtle textures you will never find in cotton fabrics. The saturated solid colors lend themselves to creative embellishments that enhance the design.

Sue and her sister, Wendy

Q: You were born in Zambia, grew up in South Africa, and lived in England. How did this multi-cultural landscape influence your outlook and your design?

Having been privileged to live on 3 different continents I learnt to appreciate the value and differences that each culture had to offer. I have experienced living in landscapes that varied from arid deserts to lush green hills and the contrast and colors have had a big influence on my work. I believe having been surrounded by African art and culture at a young age has had a great influence on my love for folk-art and design.

Q: Where did you actually first learn to quilt and what made you start? Did your mother quilt?

I made my first quilt in high school; it was a paper pieced grandmother's flower garden. As far back as I can remember I have had a fascination with piecing and creating. I made many garments for my Barbie dolls and took many art classes. My mom does not quilt but taught me to sew and knit at a very young age. I remember that quilting fabrics were just about impossible to find in South Africa. Back in the 70's my mom and dad traveled to the United States regularly and always brought me back wonderful calico prints which I treasured.

Q: Your imagery clearly comes from within - was art important to you when you were growing up, or were you a later bloomer? And what type of art really speaks to you?

Creating was a very important part of my childhood. My dad is very talented and both my parents encouraged my sister and me to take art classes when we were young. I remember taking pottery and pastel portrait classes with my dad at a very early age. I also loved to sew and cook and took classes in high school. I remember making many of my own clothes. I also developed a love for art museums and exhibits from my parents.

Non-traditional folk-art and colorful Outsider art created in different mediums really speaks to me. I also have a love for international textile art.

Q: Your pieces are all embellished with beads, buttons and embroidery, but subtlely, so the embellishment really enhances each piece, rather than being the first thing you notice. These additions become punctuations, rather than the subject of the piece. Tell me more about how you use embellishment.

I am looking for an appliquéd look not a penny rug look therefore I do a whip stitch appliqué using wool thread. I choose the fabrics and appliqué the piece first before I even think about the embellishments that will enhance the piece. The last part I do is the embellishment; I believe it is an intuitive thing in response to the piece. I use hand dyed yarns, Rick-racks, silk cording, beads and buttons. Many are African trade beads and more unusual finds that I hunt for on my travels.

This was a thought provoking question as I have not given it much thought other than I respond to the piece with what I think it needs.

Q: Tell me how important students are to you. I know you offer a gallery of quilts by your students as well as your own work in your new software, and that you travel and teach around the country.

My students are an integral part of my creative process. I have 3 small groups that meet in my home. We have met monthly for an average of 6 years. I love to brainstorm and I find I learn a great deal from my students.

I also teach nationally and find that my students inspire me to create. It keeps my designs and techniques fresh and challenging.

Q: Your "Folk-Art Dreams" CD will really be an interactive design program, allowing people to mix and match, and recolor your block and quilt designs, to make them their own (or use them as you've designed them). How would you encourage users to freely experiment with using your blocks in new combinations and colors?

I encourage you to use my designs as a spring board to create a one of a kind piece that is uniquely you, using colors and textures that you love. Mix and match the blocks to make a quilt that speaks to you or use a block in the center of a purse or sewing kit. These blocks are so versatile they can be made smaller and used in a small project like a pin cushion or enlarged and grouped together in a table rug, bed quilt or wall hanging. Use the fabric library to experiment with color combinations that may push you out of your comfort zone. I encourage you to have fun with it. The possibilities are endless!


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