A strong advocate of the Arts and Crafts Movement, Marie Webster used quilting as an integral part of the overall design of each quilt, employing the process for more than just technical or decorative purposes. Sunflower, along with three other quilts appeared in the January 1912 issue of Ladies Home Journal. Webster’s fresh artistic ideas were expressed through the intricate stitchery of the spider webs in the central part of the quilt. She described it as follows:

“The Sunflower quilt shows a very realistic bold design of vivid coloring but well balanced in its relation to space. The border, too, is harmonious, suggesting a firm foundation for the stems. The quilting in the center is noticeable attractive in a design of spider webs, leaves and flowers.”