Happy Anniversary Girlfriends! MUSICA
Today is the day we’re going to begin our June celebration for two wonderful events ~ It was June 11, 2009 that we started connecting with our wonderful Friends on Facebook. Two years 
later, on June 9, 2011, the Blog went live (still quiver when I think about it) and our connection to our Girlfriends began! That’s pretty good! But it makes me wonder, why June? I didn’t plan it that way, in fact I was kind of surprised to see how close the dates were. Maybe we were inspired because it’s such a pretty month. I’ll tell you one thing, it smells like heaven here on the island. The Beauty Bush and the Mock Orange are in bloom (to name just two), I picked my first four strawberries today and look at the foxgloves!
Magic.♥ One more reason to celebrate.
Three years ago, when I first started blogging I had NO idea how it would go ~ “going live” was so scary! I wondered how people would find me, and if they would even come. I knew how I wished it would go and tried my best to make it something 
everyone would like, hoping everyone liked dishtowels, dishes, and old movies as much as me! Any of you with a blog knows exactly what I’m talking about. Saying to yourself as you are writing a post or putting something up on Facebook, “I hope they like this!” then letting the chips fall where they may! Scary! And first time you’re “liked!” Or, then, to be “shared!” How wonderful it is to get your first comment! How amazing to have your first give-away! And that excitement and amazement really hasn’t gone away. Traveling to England together put the frosting on the cake. I loved it so much, we’ll definitely do it again (yes we will!). I just wish there were more hours in the day for blogging. Such a creative way to connect with kindred spirits. So how do we celebrate? Easy: By saying “Thank You” to everyone who helps to make this dream come true. Which would be YOU, thank you very much.♥
As many of you know, it has been my dream for years, way before there was any such thing as a blog or even the Internet, that the people who’ve written me such wonderful personal 
letters (since 1987 when my first book came out and I started getting mail), could meet each other. The letters were so nice, so full of love, I always thought it would cheer people up to know that despite what we see and hear on the news, the world is filled with wonderful home-loving, creative, family-adoring people, in all countries, all parts of the world, and even in countries where we might think our “enemies” live.
Even there, the cities and towns are filled with regular tea-drinking, flower-growing, music-loving, tender-hearted, 
soup-making, peace-loving kinds of people just like you and me. You just don’t hear that much from them because the other kind are so obnoxious and loud. But there are many more of our kind of person in this world than of the obnoxious ones. Truly. No matter how different we may look from each other on the outside. And we need to band together in our appreciation for beauty and a gentle way of life. It must be scary to live in a land where the maniacs have the keys to the castle. You would probably feel trapped and worried about your children all the time. Let’s pray for them, and then give them this 
place, and each other, to meet and celebrate the little things that make life sweet ~ and especially, all the ways we are so very much alike. They like apples, we like apples. They like gorgeous blue tablecloths ~ we like gorgeous blue tablecloths. They like picnics and the sounds of nature and going barefoot, and we do too! They like starry nights and big moons and us too! It’s an amazingly wonderful beautiful world.
Imagine all the people, living life in peace ~ You may say I’m a dreamer, but I’m not the only one . . .
So, to celebrate all of this and all of us, we are having not One, not even Two, but Three Give-aways in this blog post, and this contest is open to everyone everywhere on the planet! If someone in a faraway land is chosen in this drawing, we will mail their package to wherever they would like it to go. Because it is true, we are the world. What the Internet has brought has surpassed my wildest dreams . . . I thought it would be good, but I didn’t know it would be this good! So here we go, let’s start off with some inspiration! Mas Musica? Frank? Oui!♥
You should probably get a cup of tea or something cold to drink . . . this could be a long one! The inspiration for this giveaway came from a request in a Girlfriend’s comment a couple of months back ~ she asked, “Could we see more of your quilt collection.” Oh boy, yes, you can! Here we go!
From the very first quilt I got, which happens to be the one my Great Grandma made for my Grandma who then gave it to me, it’s always been the colors. I love the old-fashioned fabrics, the soft pastels and simple patterns and I love that they used lots of white. These are the colors that inspired my watercolors.
A little worn, a little faded, and never signed. Just so lovely and artistic, and humble and oh, if they could talk. You know they were made by creative women, and often in groups. Could we please listen in on one of those conversations, oh dearest back-in-time genie?
All those tiny little hand-made stitches. I have so much appreciation for this art.
It’s easy to relate to the hearts that made them.
I made a few quilts when I was young, never as beautiful as this one, but then I learned to paint, so I painted quilts instead, and I learned to go to antique stores and there I found old quilts . . . which I’ve collected for years . . . now I drape them over sofas . . .
It’s not a huge collection, and I don’t have all the scientific information on them, I just like to drape them on bedroom chairs . . .
at the ends of the beds . . . so I can look at them and be charmed and feel happy.
I like them in the kitchen in the winter, folded over the back of a chair, even though it really doesn’t make any sense, I just like to look at them . . .
At one time I had a “Heart of the Home” store on the Central Coast of California where I sold a few vintage quilts whenever I could find them (or part with them). These were in a pile in a corner of the store, they weren’t for sale, only for inspiration, so my shopper Girlfriends could see how pretty a stack of quilts can be and begin the search to get a stack for themselves.
From the beginning, my watercolors were influenced by the beauty and the colors of these quilts. I painted what I loved. I don’t make stitches so much anymore, I paint them.
You can kind of see quilt-influence in the things I’ve made in the past . . . everything feels a little like a 1930’s quilt.
The other big influence on my watercolors was the dish variation of the quilt. To me quilts and dishes have everything in common: home, practicality, love, beauty, history, delicacy and most of all, that color again. They also reach out when I walk by at a flea market, take my hand and say right out loud, I’m going home with you. And I say, thank you, I could not agree more.
I love painting my own rendition of pattern ~
Almost as much as I love finding and collecting old dishes…
You see? Dishes ↑ and Quilt fabric ↓ ~ See the resemblance? Kissing cousins.
Especially when it’s me choosing the colors.
This is fabric from my long extinct “Tea Party” Collection of fabric.
And lots more than quilts was made from those designs. These were made at the wonderful embroidery studio at Crabapple Hill. They sell the great old-fashioned embroidery patterns you see here and in the photo before this one and lots more.♥
Even this Tea Tin is a “sub-unit” (made that up, like it) from the design of quilt fabric.
And because of the fact that all of this fabric is now gone from the market place, and there’s no more available anywhere . . . except right here in my hot little hands, the First Give-away turns out to be everything you see here . . . except of course Jack. He is not included. He is a sub-unit of me.
I hope everyone likes yellow, because the words “everything is included” means this bolt of several yards of “Honeybee Yellow” fabric.
In addition, I found a yard (or maybe a little more) of each of these three fabrics, from my “Sweet Baby” collection, the dot, the check and the lambs with the hearts. In they go!
And yes, “everything” includes a complete set of the “Tea Party” Collection in “Little Fat Quarters.”
Little Fat quarters and the bolt of bees (and the little lambs), and also a gift card from me to the winner of the drawing with love.
You can see better some of the fabrics in the pile of Fat Quarters. I hope someone out there can put them to good use! OK, so that is Giveaway # 1! This officially puts us on . . .
. . .’cause here comes the rest of the Give-aways!
Next? OK, this is Give-away number #2. Again, the cat is not included (but try taking a picture without him in it!). What these are are the unbound proofs for our brand new 2015 Wall and Mini Calendars ~ you can’t hang them, but they’re just too nice to throw away. The color is beautiful, they’re on heavy paper so I thought possibly, someone would like these, maybe to do some scrapbooking with?
Here is Jack with the Mini Calendar, you can see, the pages aren’t hooked together . . . every time I try to take a picture, he jumps into the middle of it, he makes me laugh. Kissing occurs.
But here’s more of the inside of the Mini Calendar — lots of bookmark-making or card-making possibilities here too! Knowing you, there are a 1000 possibilities!
And here’s some of the art from the Wall Calendar. Both calendars have been approved and the finished products should be arriving at the Studio any day now. So this is Give-Away #2, both of these brand new calendars, and both signed.
(Oh, don’t worry, in case you were, the big Blotter Calendar is still on schedule for shipping in late August.)
And Now, Number Three Give-away to celebrate our FOSB Girls and our Blog Girlfriends, this 53″ x 74″ quilt made with my “Martha’s Vineyard” Collection of fabrics, also quite extinct and no longer available (except for today, here).
The pattern is called “Hearts and Flowers” ~ I designed it and it was made and presented to me by the fabric manufacturer.
And I signed it with the year it was made . . . this little quilt is behind door #3 of our Drawing. I hope one of these doors suits your fancy!
And FYI, we still do have a few bits and pieces of some of the fabric collections, still have a few patterns for aprons, pillowcases, and appliqued dishtowels, many of which are free (especially our really cute gored apron). Just go HERE.
Girl Kitty thinks it’s all just lovely. She likes quilts too.
One more rather exciting thing! My AUTUMN book went to the printer yesterday! I’m so very proud to announce that the Tenth 
Anniversary Edition of AUTUMN from the Heart of the Home will be in stores by October first! Autumn will be published in the USA by Spring Street Publishing, and just so you know, this new edition is exactly like the first edition in every way except this one comes complete with a ribbon bookmark and will have a different publisher. (We weren’t completely in charge of the ribbon the last time, this time we are, so voila, we get one!)
All my most favorite recipes and most inspiring ideas for Autumn fun, both indoors and out, are there. Pumpkin Cheesecake! Corn Pudding!
Including crafts and sewing, because Autumn is the most creative time of the year, all that good Back-to-School energy never goes away! First whiff of September and I want to make something! And Yes, we are having a Pre-sale for the book, beginning TODAY. 
We have ordered an early shipment of books to be sent to the studio just for our Girlfriends. We always seem to run out of everything (no matter how carefully we plan), it seems to be our M.O. but if you have ordered a book in our web store, you are guaranteed to get it the minute they come in, before we begin shipping to the bookstores and Amazon. Although the publication date is October first, we will start shipping your books by the middle of August and maybe even sooner if we get lucky! Perfect timing, because by then, we are going to be yearning for those fall breezes. (But not yet.)
And one more thing, if you are the kind of person who likes to do their Christmas Shopping early, here is a combination that will give you something to give away and something to keep, a win-win. To celebrate our Anniversaries, we’ve bundled the two books for a very special, limited-offer, thank-you-for-being-here price.♥
You all know how to enter the drawing ~ it’s easy, just leave a short comment below and in a few days we’ll draw names. (For those to whom the blog is mailed, you should click here www.162.240.10.175/~susanbs3/susanbranch/, scroll to the bottom of the post, look for the tiny letters that say, “comment” ~ click there and leave your comment. I don’t know why, but the senders of the email blogs do not include a way to leave a comment.)
I will warn Vanna to exercise a bit more this week, clear her head, get that arm pumped ~ she has a big job choosing three winners! The first name chosen will win prize number one (fabric bundles) the second name chosen will get the calendars, and the third will have the signed quilt. And I’ll email the winners and let them know the minute I know.
I’m going back to the garden. I’m reading Gladys Taber in preparation for next week! Very exciting! Makes for a very nice life, reading this book, and smelling the flowers. Hope the same for you. Love you, Girlfriends. Happy Anniversary! XOXO
Oh my, has it been that long? It seems like yesterday when I found you on FB, and did the happy dance. Congratulations…job well done and well loved!
What exciting contests, and as a new quilter, I would be thrilled to win any one of them. My friends all talk about their “stash” and I have none. Sob…This would get me started…and it’s yours, joy of joys!
Here’s to many more years of sisterhood and the things we love.
Happy Anniversary! I have really enjoyed looking at all your quilts!!
I look forward to reading your blog. Would love to have your fabric or quilt. I am a quilter and am in heaven whenever there is fabric around! I enjoyed reading about Nancy Luce (even ordered her book from Amazon). Will you have the wood cut of Nancy on your website? I want to have one to remind me every day about a woman nobody off island knew about but who is an inspiration.
Oh my how lovely! Thanks for the opportunity.
You make my heart sing!
Love your blog–would very much like to win one of the three beautiful prizes.
Happy Anniversary, Susan! Your art has been inspiring me and brightening my house for years. Thanks for everything and may you continue to inspire us for years to come!
I really enjoy your blog. It is always a treat when there is a new post. I have only subscribed for a few years, so missed out on your fabrics. I am a avid quilter and would love to put those fabrics to use. Any chance you will create a new fabric line?
Hi Susan. As always, you are so generous by sharing your treasures. I’m thrilled that your Autumn book is being reprinted and I’m looking forward to the reprint of Girlfriends Forever. I’ve given numerous copies of both as gifts. Have a beautiful summer and thank you for being there for us.
Have been enjoying your newsletter and blog for a while now and so enjoy it all. Always a positive feel good experience.
My sister and I were doing a walking tour of Tuscany while you were on the big England Voyage. From my tiny hotel in my tiny Italian village, I would do fantastical Cirque de Soleil feats to pickup WiFi and follow along with your travels. Now I am so excited to hear that you will be republishing the Autumn book. I kept giving away my copies only to find out one day that they were no longer available. The next one I acquire will be for me.
Thanks for all the wonderful postings.
SD
HAPPY ~ ANNIVERSARY ~ to you Susan. What a wonderful blog you have created…..so friendly, warm and inviting. I feel as if you have brought all of us girlfriends into your life and home by sharing yourself as you do. When I read your blog, I get a warm homey feeling and an escape from the cruelties and evils of the world which I hear about on the news daily. Your blog is my escape from all that–like reading a wonderful novel that I don’t want to end or reading your book, “A Fine Romance.” THANK YOU FOR BEING YOU!
It would be so wonderful to win a prize!
I love the quilt for the give-a-way. I hope I win it. I need a hug.
Beautiful fabrics. I’ve had your Autumn book since it first came out. The recipes in there are SO good. 🙂 I have a bolt of fabric you designed many years ago that I bought at a fabric store in Houston. My mom made little aprons out of it for my daughter when she was little to “cook” in her play kitchen, and we made a tablecloth out of it too. I’m just hoarding the unused portion because it is so pretty. I have it in a drawer and it makes me happy every time I open it. 🙂
Oh, what lovely quilts and fabric…I would love to win one of the giveaways. I’ve sewn for years, however just started quilting last year. I also love making tote bags. I can see some lovely totes made out of your fabric. Thank you for the opportunity to join in the fun…love your blog!!
each one of your giveaways is an extraordinary treasure! Thank you for your generous sharing of your talents.
I am so excited. I am fairly new to quilting and I’m addicted to fabric. Winning that fabric would be like a dream come true. Pick me! Pick me!
Suellen
Any of the give aways would be lovely. Too bad Jack isn’t included though. I just finished A Fine Romance and some of the places you describe I have actually been with my mother in 1980. Made me “homesick”. Anyone else want to run away with me? Of course, you know we will have to take Susan with us.
We are all homesick, even some of us who’ve never been there — yes, you must take me!
All I can say is WOW! What a wonderful give away! I can’t believe that you are parting with the wonderful items you have in the contest! It shows how much we out here really mean to you. But not half as much as you mean to us. Just keep up the great creativity that you were blessed with that we can continue to enjoy.
Happy Anniversary,Susan! I love to look at and read your blogs! You are so right about this crazy world we live in but there are so many ” normal” ones who want just a good and simple life. Oh, I love your music selections too! Happy Summer!!!
Susan…you bring the light, the inspiration and the beauty in the world to our awareness. You make life better by decorating it with generosity, possibilities, simplicity and country charm. My day is always better with a blog from you! Thank you so much!
PS California Chrome…go for the Triple Crown! We are all excited here today in Northern California!!!
I watched it too, rooted for that GORGEOUS horse, felt sad for him and everyone.
I am a relative newcomer to your blog which was recommended by a friend and fellow Anglophile. I love your book “A Fine Romance”,which I received for my 65th birthday this
March. My other present was a trip to London and to Wales to visit cousins and a dear 89 year old uncle. My mother was British and this trip meant so much to me.
I would love the lovely fabric bundle,especially the darling lamb fabric which I would make into something for my cousin in Wales. They have a few sheep there! I only wish these prints were still around as I would buy them. Anything related to a cuppa!
I know you are still celebrating so I feel fine about wishing you a very HAPPY BIRTHDAY!
Hi, Susan,
I just retired from working for 32 years with precious special needs children and the best teachers in the whole world. Guess what I got from my fellow coworkers/girlfriends? Yes, your “Girlfriends” charm/bead!!!! It was the one gift I hoped for!! Aren’t I blessed with such caring friends that know me sooo well?!!
Happy Anniversary, Susan! You, too, have brought such joy to my life for many years! Thank you!
Ohhhh, that just touches me no end. How nice Elaine, Thank you for the years and years of pure giving. xoxo When you see your co-workers, tell them I said Good Work, and Thank you. xoxo
Just LOVE the quilts!!!! And looking forward to reading “Autumn” , again!
wow Susan, what an amazing giveaway and congratulations !
You are an amazingly talented lady and your beautiful blog is a joy to read. Thank you so much 🙂
Mega CONGRATS! Some things just keep getting better with time; long live your abundantly creative imagination! As always, thank you for an inspiring, grace-filled, consistent blog that’s loaded w/ photos! All the best from IA!
I love your comment about the maniacs having the keys to the castle. Thank you for your beautiful blog! Please keep up the wonderful work.
Dear Susan, Tomorrow, June 8, is our anniversary too! We have been married 51 years! The anniversary gift I most cherish is a beautiful Grandmother’s garden quilt made by our daughter for our 25th silver anniversary. It is still adorning our bed . I’m hoping (with luck) to add one of your quilt surprises as another treasured memory. Your recent blog showing the quilts was wonderful! SMH
So many anniversaries, but of course, it’s June! Silly me. Happy Anniversary Sharon!
Happy anniversaries, Susan! You have brightened my life with your lovely artwork and enchanting blog. Thank you for being such an inspiration!
Oh Susan, you made my heart skip a few beats with this giveaway!! I’m a quilter, my 46th wedding anniversary is June 9, my in-laws anniversary is June 11 and I am a devoted follower of your blog. What more can I say? It would thrill me beyond words to win all that fabric but I would be just as appreciative of either of the other two gifts also. One thing is for sure, whoever wins is one lucky person (I realize there are men catching on to your blog now). Best wishes to all of us out here in blogland and blessings to you and your generous spirit. Love you Susan.
Happy Anniversary Sandy!! And yes, men are coming — isn’t that wonderful!
Susan, I found you for the first time just yesterday. I don’t know where I’ve been for so long, but I’m glad I’m here now! It was only by chance that I found you at all, because I happened to see a photo your books – stacked up and topped with some pretty tea cups – posted on Facebook, and I was drawn in immediately. Thank you for your beautiful website and blog, and for all the wonderful things you’ve created. It would be such a joy to win any of your lovely giveaways, even though I’ve already found such a heartwarming “prize” in your online home. Thank you so much for sharing your heart and talents.
Nice to meet you Jean!
Congratulations on the Anniversaries!!! So delighted that you pour your joy and homemade ideas onto the pages to inspire and encourage girlfriends to likewise add joy and happy homemade inspiration to our surroundings. Everyone benefits and of so much life is brighter and softer.
Thank you!!!
Very inspiring post! I can totally see how those lovely quilts have inspired you- and in turn, your joy for beauty and life inspires us!
Oh, Jack! I admit I wish you were also part of the giveaway prizes, though my own two fur-boys may not feel so sure! 😉 But really Susan- a huge congratulations on three years of internet delight! And I have found each and every post delightful . . . thank you for your infectious joy!
On a totally different subject, I turned your mini calendar page to June and made a ‘oh!’ breath at it’s beauty. I love all your pages, but the colors and simplicity of this one really spoke to my heart. I think you captured just how June makes me feel 🙂 Have a lovely weekend!
Jennie
Your one in a millionth girlfriend will be thinking of you at the FOGT reunion, and praying for a grand time for all! Since I cannot join you, I think I shall spend that weekend on grandma’s quilt amongst the flowers in my garden having tea from my prettiest cup, listening to birdsong and reading the best of Stillmeadow. Thank you for endless inspiration! PS stays a secret between us but thank you.
Susan Branch friends are as varied as the patterns, designs, and fabrics of your quilts. Yet, we are like minded in our love for home, family, and friends. Everyone who reads this blog is a winner. Thank you Susan.
We all have much more in common than not! Just by being women for one thing, and sisters, and moms, and makers of things.
You have the best give away’s……
I’m a quilter and would love the fabric.
Just love your blog…..where do you get the time?
Happy Happy Days, Susan! We should be sending you the gifts, for all the wonderful inspiration and cheerful thoughts you share with us.
kim
What a wonderful post! Love all the quilt pictures, the new book, the calendar art, everything. I am crazy for china too…I have Spode Christmas plates, Flow Blue Thanksgiving turkey plates, plates from my Alma Mater, blueberry plates, Spode Blue Italian plates…you get the picture. I just can’t resist!
I’m going to forward this post to my niece who is posted overseas and having a lovely time but…a reminder of home would be great for her. I know she’ll adore this blog!
Give her my best Ann!
I love old quilts..what I wouldn’t give to have the material to make a new quilt..also love the quilt made from your fabrics..such fun to see what you make
I have never commented on a blog before, but I had to this time since I’ve been in awe of Susan’s talents since I first came across her books in the 80’s, around the time I married my hunny. His mother was a calligrapher and tole painter and she loved your work as well. I’ve been a quilter since the 90’s and would love to receive any of these treats. Thanks for making them available!
Happy to see you here Linda!
So thankful that you “branched” out (pun intended) to the internet with your blog! I love all your photos and beautiful watercolor patterns! They are very relaxing and soothing after a long day of teaching! Blessings to you during the month of June!
Your creativity is absolutely incredible, particularly today’s posting of the quilt fabrics. It make want to jump right into my laptop’s monitor. Wish I had a million dollars and I would have a heyday purchasing my favorite things.
I appreciate that you do the give-aways – it’s always exciting to think about the possibilities!
Susan Arnold
What exciting news! So happy to read the blog and recenter myself to a better place. Love to see all the pictures.
Congratulations Susan! It must be wonderful to know you touch so many people. Your blog keeps me inspired and makes me smile with every new entry and I love the kitties. I have always wanted to quilt and maybe this could get me started. All the best and keep blogging!
Happy Anniversary, Susan Branch! I look forward to seeing you in Connecticut next week, as my daughter, my husband, and my granddaughters make the trek from Indianapolis to the Friends of Gladys Tabor Reunion where you are the guest speaker. Can’t wait! I would be deliriously happy to win any of your giveaways, but the fabric with the little lambies is so precious! Just what I would love to make something special for my daughter or one of her girls. Thank you for the chance to win some of your lovely items!
See you all there Joansy!
WoW…….what a fabulous anniversary celebration….you are an inspiration to all of us who hold hearth and home as precious gifts. Thank you for your talent and the generosity to share a piece of your life with us.
Your giveaways are always so wonderful!! I love fabrics and quilts! Happy anniversary of your Facebook group!! I love being a part of it! Thank you for your generous giveaways!
Have loved your beautiful water colors from the first book! Happy Anniversary!
Oh, my, my, my…you will make three people very, very , happy, Susan!
Congratulations on all anniversaries! I so look forward to your blogs, Facebook posts, and new creations. I am quilting now for my daughters & granddaughters so the fabric would be great. I really love yellow, too I would be so happy to win any of your drawings. Thanks for everything.
Always a delight to read each new addition to the blog.
I am now craving something with rickrack – desperately!
Oh Susan, you are so generous!! If I won one of these prizes I would think I had died and gone to heaven. I am a quilter and an artist and so appreciate what you are giving away. Thank you for all the inspiration and joy you share with others.
OH my goodness, I am so glad you started your blog, Miss Susan! It gives me joyful happiness and jump-up-and-down giddiness. Thank you for sharing your life with us through the magic of technology. And those yellow quilt squares, calendar and darling little quilt…..oh Lord…. Vanna pick me! Ohhhhhhhhhh. ok, I’m calm.
A lovely blog and give-away! You are very generous. I have only started reading since discovering it last Fall. What a blessing it is!
Thank you for adding pleasure to my life!
Nancy
Many thanks for taking us all to your beautiful island and home. It’s like a mini vacation every time. I’m still swooning over the fat quarters. I still have some of your pansy fabric from way back when…too pretty to cut up!
Happy Anniversary! I too, like so many others am glad to find your blog. I love the breath of fresh air it brings each time I read your entries. Your giveaways are wonderful and I must say that quilt is beautiful. So glad to be a part of the “girlfriends” and so appreciate the care you take in sharing so many wonderful things you are interested in and so much of your life. I off to work in my vegetable garden, I am harvesting some radishes and spinach for dinner tonight.
Susan,
Your blog is a wonderland for stress relief and inspiration. It so nice to know that someone else has memories of their grandmothers quilting.
The first time I went onto your website it was like seeing myself in some of your posts. I have been a fan of Beatrix Potter since I was a young girl. Your new book “A Fine Romance Falling in love with the English Countryside” is such a joy to read.
I have collected your beautiful books for a long time. Time that went so fast it seems like yesterday. Every time I open one and begin to read it seems I find new things. I love your art and recipes! Of course I hope to be picked to win!!
Wow! This makes me feel better. I love quilts but am just not a quilter! But looking at all the talented things that you do to us quilt patterns makes me think that they would help me with my photo books and collages etc. Lots of ideas are popping into mind! Happy Summer (guess Spring never really appeared!)
Cheers XOXO
How very generous of you today with all these giveaways! The quilt is absolutely gorgeous, and I would love to win it. Or anything else for that matter. Congratulations and many more years of your wonderful designs and creativity and of course, your blog.
The photos of your quilts were so beautiful, that I could actually smell and feel the cotton ! I know that my three kitties would love one for the bed that we “share” !
You always brighten my day! Thanks for all the inspiration your blogs delivers to so many people. Congratulations are your grand accomplishment!
Dear Susan,
A very big Congratulations!!! on your many accomplishments in so many areas. Your blog is always a delight and I enjoy the posts on Facebook too. Your perfect store in Arroyo Grande was my favorite place there. My husband and I would wander through as we made our way to Cambria for a weekend away. When it closed I actually went into mourning. I did find a darling chest with small drawers on sale there. It now sits on our dresser and reminds me of all the beautiful things you used to have there.
Thank you for always seeing the beauty around you and sharing it with so many!
Was it white?
I am so excited about your new book and about the quilt photos! Two friends and I are starting a quilting club this summer. I’m hand quilting a 1940’s quilt top for my just graduated daughter to take to college this fall! Keep up your beautiful work and inspiring words. Thank you for encouraging us quiet, peaceful people!
How do I love thee? Some times I think you are certifiable! The work and effort put in to all you do! What a delight you are! Is there ever a minute you just sit down and breathe? I suppose when you are painting, it is like that for you! Love you to death! That much!!!
I breathe every day, really I do, because for one thing, I go on that walk. I am certifiable, however, this is true. xoxo
Susan….I have loved your calendars, books and artwork since my BFF introduced me to you a very long time ago! No matter what kind of day I am having, after reading your blog and seeing Jack (in almost every photo) my day becomes awesome! You have such a gift for helping us feel grateful for the little things in life..thank you 🙂
Wrapped in a robe and stockings on my feet trying to stay warm. 88 yesterday and barely 60 today, brrr. Hope summer isn’t over. I will not tempt the fates by looking at the Autumn book although you make me want to pull it off the shelf. Count me in for the wonderful drawings. 🙂
Your colors are eye candy for the soul. Happy Anniversary!
Hi Susan,
I just returned from shopping at my favorite quilting store and lo and behold here was your blog waiting for me to have lunch by. I was excited to see the bundles of your lovely designed fat quarters. I love the colors and have some pieces that are similar. I don’t have a Jack though, but he looks good with your collection. Thank you for the inspirational influence that you have on all of us. You put a smile on our faces!
xoxo Pam
OH, what a fabulous, fabulous giveaway! I have loved your art ever since the days when you had watercolor recipe pages in Country Living — think I saved every one I got my hands on! When I discovered your website I was thrilled (and subscribed to Willard at that time) but when you began blogging it was even better. It has been so special getting to know you better and to meet Joe, Jack, and Girl Kitty as well as many of your friends. Congratulations on the two anniversaries … and how I would love to win any of the three giveaways! Thanks for the opportunity!
I love fabric as much as I do dishes. And books. And cats. Are you sure Jack can’t be included?
I hope Vanna chooses me out of the proverbial hat!
Hi Susan,
It is a quiet Sat. afternoon and what a wonderful way to spend it – reading your posts. You always make my life a little brighter and put a smile on my face and a song in my heart.
Thank you!
Mae
Sheer bliss on this cold summer afternoon in Minnesota (56 degrees And raining) to snuggle in with my puppies and read your latest blog, like being cuddled up in one of your lovely quilts! In Minnesota we have a saying, “I hope summer falls on a Saturday this year”! Still waiting…
My darling Susan,
My esl students would support your kind statements: we are all so much more the same than different. They show me that every day. I’m off to France and Belgium with my French students soon, to help them learn what you put so beautifully, we are all one, we all love beauty, kindness, flowers, art …
Like you, I have loved vintage quilts for years: my first was made for my grandmother by her best friend, it’s a Dresden plate design on a yellow background, and I already know who will love it the most, my full-of-sunshine niece Laurel who loves all things yellow. My next quilt was a tattered and worn blue and white butterfly quilt, found at a garage sale when I was feeling tattered and worn too. As soon as I was able, I loaded up my little blue car with my treasures, including the quilt, and headed for kinder places. Now that quilt is my garden picnic spot, where I use my Auntie Elsie’s pink and cream china for tea parties under my crabapple tree. My friends and I talk about your blog, your beautiful projects, your delicious recipes, and of course how cats are the best company ever.
My newest challenge is learning to quilt, and luckily for me, my SB-loving friends support and inspire me in this. Your fabric would make sweet and sunny projects, which I could use to show my sewing classes next year.
Merci beaucoup, mon amie, you brighten our lives in so many ways 🙂
Bon Voyage, have a wonderful time, thank you for teaching truth and light to your students.
I make quilts for Newborns in Need – Skowhegan, Maine and OH! Wouldn’t it be Heavenly to make some out of your beautiful fabric!
Every day is better when I see you have a new post for us.
I so enjoy reading your blogs, looking at the pictures. Waiting for the blotter calendar!
Each time I see your e-mail arrive I seek out a quiet place to immerse myself in the happy tranquility of life in Cape Cod. Such a gift to share with the world.
What a blessing that the world gets to enjoy not only the beauty of your art but the beauty of your soul through your blog. I look forward to each and every post and would be thrilled to receive any give-away.
I love to read your blogs. My niece, Sandy, told me about them and how to get started. I’m
84 years old and love antiques, so I love everything you show – quilts, dishes, furniture, and any thing that is old, just like me!
Congratulations celebrating two anniversaries! I first found you years ago at Michael’s Craft Stores, and was enchanted with your stickers, until one day, I couldn’t find them again. I’m so thrilled to have found your Blog, thoroughly enjoying all your news, looking at your items for sale, and your great island pictures. I loved your book, A Fine Romance, which was informative, with beautiful pictures. Thank you for a charming Blog.
Happy Anniversary! I was doing some rainy Saturday afternoon cookie baking today. While waiting for the timer’s ding, my kitty, Allie, and I were enjoying your writing. I became so involved in your anniversary blog with the lovely stories,photos, and drawings, that the last batch is borderline crispy/burnt. It is well worth the loss of a few cookies. My waistline agrees.
LOL Lynn!
Dear Susan,
You are so good and kind to do this large of a giveaway. Thank you for being an inspiration–it has been said that people can’t help being who they are–so that makes you an incredible bright light in this world! Shine on girlfriend!
Deborah
Susan,
I would love love love to win! I am a fabric / quilt lover from way back and this is a chance of a lifetime. Thanks so much for the chance. I am a big fan!
Shawn in Michigan
Happy Anniversary!!! I have enjoyed every blog that I have read and hope that you continue to have a blog for years to come. I love the quilts that you have collected. I bought a very old worn out quilt once on E-bay. It had worn spots and holes in it and was not repairable but I did get to use it. I made a snowman and sewed him a jacket and hat out of the quilt. It was a perfect way to use the wonderful quilt that someone made years before. I am a quilter and love making them and also love other peoples quilts. My Mom was also a quilter but everything was sewn by hand. I cherish all the quilts that she made. Keep up the wonderful words and the beautiful paintings and good luck with the new book you are writing. I am patiently awaiting it’s finish.
Hi, Susan. Your blog is always a bright spot in my day! Keep the good news coming!
Thank you for all the inspirational thoughts, flowers, fences and charm. I am currently traveling with you and your husband through the English countryside. So fun! Takes me away from the mosquitoes here although with them comes gardenia’s perfume, amazing blue/violet spiderwort, trillium, host and frogs in my side yard.
Having a little trouble with autumn photos but when September comes I will be ready to embrace.
Cheers to your blog anniversary! My website is a gallery I own and operate with others-almost four years old.
Take care.
Congratulations and Happy Anniversary….I’m short-circuiting all over the place thinking about your latest give-away. Oh My!!! Wouldn’t I be tickled pink, blue, yellow, red and white to win what’s behind any of those doors. Thank You for being such a huge inspiration to all of us…….NJ Hugs
What a well-spring of inspiration and positive energy you send with each and every blog entry!! Please know that you brighten my day each time I open my email to find SB in my inbox. Kindred spirit, general smile-maker, girlfriend, whatever you want to call it ……… thanks for sharing so much of your life and talents with all of us. Sunshine in my inbox — what could be nicer?!
Congratulations! So sorry that I didn’t discover your art until after so many of the lovely products were no longer available.
Happy Anniversary! Love your quilts, china, fabrics, books and calendars!
I loved looking at your quilts. Just gorgeous! I inherited two very old quilts my grandmother made, and I have one she made for me when I was an infant. I have no idea how old the two I inherited are but she’s been gone for 40 years, and they were quite old when she passed. I look at them in amazement, the stitching is meticulous. She didn’t use a machine yet every stitch is exactly the same in length (tiny little stitches) and perfectly straight. Such skill and artistry.
I’m so thankful you decided to start blogging. Every time you post something I do a happy dance. Thank you for sharing your talents and your joys with us.
I love your blog and would love to win any of the prizes.
All so lovely. Thank you, lynn
Thanks for inviting me into your home and your garden, and on your trips. They are so delightful. I particularly enjoyed the home store in New York, and seeing the quilts at your home today. Such fun!
Hoping for my name to be drawn by Vanna! You’re the best, Susan Branch!
Finally placed an order for my first Emma B cups! Happy anniversary!
I am salivating at all of the giveaway goodies! Three years…already?!!! It has been an absolute joy reading your blog, being inspired and uplifted…..ah, that’s how the time has gone so fast….having FUN, FUN, FUN!! Congrats to you and a big THANK YOU too!! Love, Kathy
I have given your website to so many many friends and have shared your Autumn book with my daughter and therefore have shared your love of life. I am making a quilt for my newest grandchild, expected in October and would love to use your fabric. Great post as always
Oh Susan! what a thrill to even be allowed to enter this drawing….I’m sure I speak for all when I say PICK ME! Just this morning I was selecting fabric for a quilt for a baby-to-be, whose shower is in July. How fun to even dare to think that perhaps I could win this drawing (or any of the 3). I’m thinking today of my “Susan Branch pen pal” that I got from your FB page – her name is Karen Stephenson, and today she is becoming new bride marrying her love Everett!! she is in Maine, I am in Michigan, but I’m thinking of her all day long and hoping the weather is picture-perfect as it is here and wishing them all the love and happiness imaginable. 🙂
Greetings –
Such a beautiful site with such charming, lovely, inspiring things & ideas; what a treat it would be to win one of your giveaways ….
Jeanne
Congratulations! Your posts are like a calming medicine!
Congrats Susan aka Vanna! And thank you for thoughtfulness. ……..
I’m sitting here watching the old Disney “Pollyanna” film and wishing I could live in that town–it’s sort of like visiting your blog, especially today. Peeked at my copy of “Autumn,” yep, no ribbon bookmark. It always delights me to pause on the pages–all of your books do that for me. Congratulations and Thanks from the heart! I cannot believe the giveaways–never a winner, but they do inspire me to enter. Our daughter’s cat Flynn is a proverbial, “if I fits, I sits” anywhere he pleases. Seeing Jack always remind me of his antics.