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
Susan, congratulations on your blog and Facebook group. But most especially, thank you for sharing your talents with all of us. The beauty and designs if all your work joyfully shout “love, peace, friends, home, family and pets. What a treat to read the blog, comments from readers and see your beautiful artwork. You paint the colors of your world for those whose own spaces may be less colorful. You give and share so much inspiration to others I sometimes wonder if you are actually a well loved icon like June Cleaver, Betty Crocker, or the Campbell soup kids. But you are a real sincere loving woman who we can really meet sometime if we are lucky! Thanks for being you.
Happy Anniversary Susan!! So happy to be one of your “Girlfriends”! Such a fun and colorful blog! Love everything about it! I wish you continued success!
You are so kind to be sharing with everyone on your anniversary!! Your blog is a treasure and gift in itself. I can’t wait to hear about your trip to Stillmeadow, take lots of pictures!
I’m in the midst of reading “A Fine Romance”. What great descriptions-I feel like I’m along for the ride. Ready to start over again and check the links on your website.
You are appreciated!!
Susan what a beautiful blog. Just like all the other girlfriends – a new post makes my day! Thank you for sharing.
Hi Susan, I love all your quilts! I had a right knee replacement in April, so I’ve been re-reading all your blogs. I love all the pictures you put in the blogs, especially the kitties! I got excited when I thought you were giving Jack away (just kidding) he’s such a cutie and so is Girl Kitty. I hope I win one of the prizes. Love everything you write!
What wonderful prizes-hope I win one. I have the first “Autumn” book and it’s my favorite. Love looking at it all year long. Thank you for your great blogs, such a joy to read.
Happy Anniversary! Wishing you many more! You spread so much joy and I thank you. You make me smile and I appreciate that.
Wonderful give aways Susan! Congrats on 5 years! I devoured “A Fine Romance”! Can’t wait for the new Autumn book! Enjoy your beautiful island summer!
Be still my heart! What wonderful fabrics and prints. It makes me wish I had a guest room because think how pretty it would be to have a quilt and some prints there!
Thank you so much for the amazing giveaways — I’d be so thrilled to win any of them. 🙂
Today’s blog was just what I needed to clear my touch of melancholy. I would feel blessed to receive any gift from your collection!
You are such a warm fuzzy. Just love you Susan and thank you for spreading happiness
I’m so happy that I found your blog not long after you began. You inspire me in so many ways. Because of you my home has more personality and I have learned to create small pockets of joy on little shelves, window sills, ledge above my stove, all over the place. Thank you for all the ideas, the art, the recipes. I’m looking forward to many more years of fun and inspiration! Oh, and especially thank you for the wonderful trip to England. I’ve always wanted to go and could never afford it. I lived vicariously through your blog for every glorious day you were there.
The fabrics, the quilt, anything would mean the world to me! Good look to all who enter the drawing. (But maybe just a tiny bit more good look to me!)
Sherri, you are so sweet, thank you! xoxo LOL, love that last sentence!
Susan,
I always look forward to your posts. They are so bright and cheery. Also love your quilt collection. I have the honor of having my Grandmothers and also my Moms quilts that they made. Last year a friend of mine asked me as she was cleaning out an old house if I would like an old quilt that was left there. “Are you kidding me?” I asked. “For sure”.
I also have a copy of the Autumn book. If you can let me know what color the ribbon is in the new one, I will add one to mine. Looking forward to the give away! Thanks Susan!
I will, it’s a kind of crimson, like the leaves.
Oh, wow! First, congratulations on both anniversaries! I wish I had known about your blog from the beginning but I’ve been a dedicated reader for about a year now and a Friend on Facebook, too. Second, your quilt collection is marvelous, thank you for sharing the pictures. And certainly not least, your giveaway is beyond amazing! Of all the things I have ever entered, this has to be my favorite. As a quilter and a grandmother of a beautiful 2 year old girl, I’d love to win the first prize…but actually, I would be thrilled to win any one of them! I surely hope Vanna is drawn to my comment. Now please excuse me, I’ve got to go check out your new book and see what fabrics are for sale, etc. Hugs!
Joy is a good name for you!
Your generous spirit of sharing is infectious! I already know what I would do with the fabric… make quilts for all my friends ( that I have yet to make one for!). Many are Susan Branch fans and would absolutely adore your fabric! I would like to thank you for your wonderful giveaways, as well as the time it takes for all your blogs to be written. How do you ever have the time to also do all the beautiful painting? Thanks for the chance to win something from wonderful YOU!
I sneak it in. I have a little pile of sketches and ideas here on my art table, I’m going to start working on them later today. Paint! Yay!
Oh Susan, I already have your “Autumn” and “A Fine Romance” books! I hope you will self publish your “Girlfriends” book again, I gave one to my BFF when they came out and there are others I would like to give them to.
Have a great summer Susan!
Maybe we can do Girlfriends next year!
I am so excited! Love everything ! Congratulations! I am a fan since my first book, over twenty years. I can’ t wait for more. I want to win and share with my grandaughter, Lizzie.
Can you believe that just before I checked my email and got this awesome blog a very dear friend stopped by to give me a antique quilt her friend was throwing out….the shame of it…she knew I would treasurer it and I do. It needs repairing and a good airing on the clothesline and then it will be folded and put with the rest of my antique treasurers.
Congratulations on the blog…I love it and feel very connected to women like myself whenever I read it. Thank you dear girlfriend and I will look for my winning email!
Wonder why this is still awaiting moderation. Did I do something wrong?
No, it’s just that so many came in at once, I’m getting there, only 70 more to go!
Every blog post from you is a present in itself and now a whole “treasure-trove” of stuff!!! You make our day, you know, every time you weave us a story or take us into your home to show us your treasures or take us along on an adventure. What a joy to find you here every time I turn on my computer. Blessings to you!
Oh boy, do I ever love looking at all of those quilts-the imagination and hard work that went into them and those soft, dreamy colors…wouldn’t I love to be able to make a quilt of your darling fabrics? Yes indeed. I am a big lover of a tea party. In fact, I have one every morning for myself. ha. That quilt that you made-I have never seen that pattern. I LOVE it. Hearts and Flowers. I believe in both. 🙂
Thank you for all of the joy you bring. You bring out the best in us.
(Ever since I went to Ireland, I have been smitten by lambs. How cute are those dancing across your fabric?) *Ruthie*
Happy Anniversary! I have anniversaries on my brain as we are celebrating our anniversary this weekend. What beautiful and fun giveaway prizes. I have so much fun reading your blog and looking at your great photos too.
There are so many things you show on the blog that are “no longer available” and it makes me wonder WHERE WAS I when they WERE available? Not at the right place at the right time I guess. I miss seeing your stickers in stores. I remember when you first mailed out the Willards and you’d always include a little surprise, often stickers. Best wishes from east central Wisconsin.
I thought I posted a comment a few seconds ago but now I can’t tell. The comment I wrote was filled with heartfelt comments and gratitude. I hope it isn’t lost. Just in case though, please enter my name in the drawing.
Oh Susan!
I’ve just finished A Fine Romance and ordered a surprise copy for my best and dearest friend, with whom I’ve shared a love of all things Susanish for many years. Your work inspires me on so many levels, and I love that you allow us all to come along on your journey through life, bringing beauty as you go.
Blessings, and many happy returns for the joy that you allow your creativity to bring!
Happy Anniversary, Susan and all our Bloggy Girlfriends:)!!
Susan,
THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR A WONDERFUL BLOG…. AND ALL THE GIFTS ARE FOR US!!!! You are very generous and kind…… If I should be so lucky…. I have a quilt in mind already…..”TEA AROUND THE WORLD” …..My sister Patty, does not know this yet but she will be helping me get it all together …SURPRISE. Gifts 2 and 3 are just as exciting…have plans for the calendars already and have a special chair for the quilt…If I should be so lucky. Your blog inspired me…..you are so right…we all drink tea and love apples and picnics…..peace loving people. I will be ordering the books also…so much to do and Christmas is just around the corner hahahaha..but I shop through out the year. Thank you for all your kindness and gifts! Love Susan P.
what a dreamy giveaway! congrats on 5 years. I am a huge fan of your blog. 🙂
Thank you for bringing us all so much joy in your blogs and all the beautiful things you make. The world is much brighter because of you!!
Just discovered your blog, although I’ve collected a number of your beautiful and inspiring books through the years! My dh has made a tradition of gifting me with one of your beautiful calendars every Christmas! Your artwork and words are always to cheery and bright! Thank you!!
I am enjoying a second reading of A Fine Romance. You have created a wonderful world of appreciation for everything that is charming and beautiful. Many thanks !
Happy anniversary! I discovered you years and years ago and fell in love with your artwork. I still have that little book somewhere, so precious. I didn’t discover your online presence and blog until your wonderful “A Fine Romance.” And now that I’m here, I’m not moving. Love reading your blog, drooling over your beautiful homes, and wishing that I could pet your kitties. Thanks for the giveaway!
We’ve moved over, plenty of room for you here Margaret, so happy to have you!
Happy anniversary, Susan! Thanks for the inspiration, the beauty, the positive outlook, and for three opportunities to win. WOW!
Congratulations on your anniversary Susan. I bought a copy of A Fine Romance from the big on line book shop and the minute I opened it I was instantly hooked. You made me look at my own countryside with new eyes. It’s all looking gorgeous here in England at the moment. The hedgerows filled with frothy cow parsley and buttercups and daisies, looking just like a page in your book. I love your beautiful water colours, so pretty. The colours!!!!! Gorgeous. Thank you for the chance to enter this amazing give away.
Congratulations on your anniversaries. Do you know what I love most about your blog and writing? It’s like we are sitting at your kitchen table over tea and talking! When I read it it’s like we are old friends sharing news. I love that and I love that you have included the world in the contest. What a HUGE heart you have!! Love your calendars, books and everything and of course would love love to win one! Hugs to you!
What lovely images and kind words you shower on all of us girlfriends. Thank you so very much. Can we do anything for you, sweet girl?
You just did! xoxo
Happy anniversary! I’m a quilter and pretty fabric hoarder extraordinaire. 😉 I love all your painting and books, they are such an encouragement to homemakers like me. Thanks for all you do.
Congratulations Susan! You’re an inspiration to “sew” many ~ all of us girlfriends
would agree that your generosity is “seamingly” endless. Wonderful post, terrific photos, sweetheart of a girl! Thanx so much, always!
Congratulations on your anniversary and how nice of you to include all of us in the celebration! I have a few of my great Aunt’s hand-sewn quilts which I treasure. And there is something quite comfortable about the fabric for sleeping on a summer night! Thank you for always having a cheerful, inspirational blog for us!
Oh Susan, happy anniversary! I can’t believe how close those dates are—the 11th in year 09 and the 9th in year 11! What an awesome give-away…maybe a whiff of MV will come through the packages for the lucky winners! 😀
Your blog if a discovered BLESSING…I am GRATEFUL every day for the discovery…tell Vanna I will cherish the prize behind whichever door she chooses for me 😉
Beautiful fabrics and quilts–being a cat person I’m a little disappointed the cat is not included LOL He has such an expressive face!
Oh, I LOVE those fabrics! I never had a chance in your earlier days of getting ahold of them! But I’m soooo glad to have a chance to get the Autumn book! I’ve been checking out used book stores and keeping my eyes peeled at garage sales …. no luck so far. I hope Vanna picks me – it will make my whole summer! Thank you!
Susan,
Thank you for your always beautiful blog and for your books and all the pretty things you add to our world. I enjoy your writing and your perspective on life so very much. Thanks for helping us see the good and for sharing yourself with us! Congratulations and Love, Cassie
Wow, what wonderful surprises. I am a quilter so love all your fabrics. All the prizes look great. Thank you for allowing us all to get a chance to get one of these great prizes. BTW, your picture was not of Hollyhocks, it was of Digitalis or Foxglove. They are beautiful.
Susan,
Happy, Happy Anniversary! I have been “with” you so much longer than the internet and have loved every moment of your books, stickers, journals, checks (yes, checks!), recipes, memories, calendars….the blog and website are just the icing and flowers on the cake! Thank you for all of the joy you manage to bring to so many of us; you are truly a calm, kind, bright spot in what is often a dark and scary world.
xoxo,
queenmum
I have enjoyed so many of your recipes (Annie Hall’s Butter Cookies is an annual Christmas event:)), and loved reading your recent travel adventure,”A Fine Romance”. Your watercolors are lovely and reading your newly discovered blog at the end of the day gives me inspiration and peace. Thank you for sharing your thoughts and your talents with the world! Love your kitties and Joe sounds like a good guy too:)
Susan, your designs are just lovely. I would be thrilled to pieces to win any of your giveaways. You are so generous. I always enjoy reading your blog. Makes my day!
Oh, I hope I win. I love your fabrics and have used them in quilts I make.
I love the lamb fabric so much. Please choose me!
Love your posts most of all. They help me find balance in my life and then I remember what is important – quilts and pretty dishes of course! 🙂
OMG!!! Oh, to have all that lovely, fabulous fabric! My heart just jumped looking at the pictures! You are so good to us, and so generous. I can’t even believe you could part with all these treasures. The calendar drawings are fabulous, too. Oh, I would be over the moon to win any of these!
Vickie
I bought your first cookbooks many years ago as they each came out. I’ve been enchanted by your sensibility and soul ever since. Everything I can think of to say about you and you
work has been said here many times over. Count me in with all the rest!
Susan, You are so generous and good to us!! I so look forward to each blog. I wish we were neighbors! Thank you for being a bright spot in every day! 🙂
You have such a generous heart. You brighten our days. Your quilts are beautiful…I remember growing up with one similar that my grandma made. I wish it was still around.
I was so excited to be able to shop in your CA store while on tour. I absolutely loved it and was so sad to hear that you were closing it. I have some beautiful things that were bought that day! I treasure every piece. Please enter me into the contest and Happy Anniversary! You’re an inspiration! Thank you so much Susan!!!
Best, kim
Beautiful quilts!!! I love my quilts made by my mother and grandmother. Wish that sweetie Jack was a bonus gift! 🙂
How exciting! I hope I win – anything! You know those are not hollyhocks but digitalis you posted. Maybe the wrong picture got chosen but I’m happy as they are my favorites!
Fondly, Barbara
It was the wrong word that was chosen, the picture was the right one! 🙂 Oh well!
Susan,
Very simply, I love everything you do! Whether I am reading the blog, shopping in your online store, or looking through my collection of your books, it just makes me feel happy! Thank you for many years of happiness!
Congrats on your anniversary! Your Jack reminds me so much of our Jack-O-Lantern (Jack for short). The coloring and his name of course is so much like your Jack. I miss him a lot since we had to put him to sleep as he was very sick. I enjoy seeing your Jack all the time!!!
Happy Anniversaries! I would love to win any of these prizes! I’m not a quilter myself, but I love them and have several made by family members. I’m sure I could find someone to make something beautiful out of the fabric for me. I also have lots to celebrate in June. My Mom’s 65th birthday is Monday and my 45th birthday is later this month! Plus, Sunday is the one year anniversary of our adoption of our two kitties. Yay for June! Thanks for the chance to win and for making my day brighter!
The prizes in this give away are ALL so wonderful! Hope I am one of the lucky winners. Congratulations on the anniversary of your blog … as soon as I read one post, I already look forward to the next one. I have gotten so many great ideas and recipes from you. Thank you so much Susan!
Oh Susan, Happy Happy Anniversary! I just love your work and drool when perusing your site/blog. I would be so excited to win one of your awesome prizes!! I am a quilter and would so love to include some of your fabrics.
I lived on Cape Cod (Truro & Wellfleet) years ago for 5 years. I was able to visit your “stompin grounds” many times and oh, I loved it so much. Some day I will return. Again, thanks for your generous give-away. Fingers crossed I win!
Fondly,
Barb
Happy Anniversary, Susan. And, here’s to the girlfriends all over the world – they make life a little sweeter for those around them. What lovely giveaways, that fabric bundle will surely be a treasure trove for some lucky reader. I haven’t been here since your start on facebook, but I was on board for the launch of the blog, and have continued to be an avid follower. Just a big thank you for all your artistic projects, the books, and now the communication through social media. Your time with us is greatly appreciated.
A friend and I make a point to search for SB fabrics wherever we go. Always love them, always can spot them!
I discovered Gladys as a young busy mom when the peace and simplicity of her life gave me a small escape as well. Have loved her books ever since!
And you, Susan, have been a Joy to follow and read your Willard’s for many years! Many thanks for sharing your time and talent with all of us!
Love your blog so much! I just finished reading A Fine Romance for the third time last night! I am planning my trip to England for next year and making unending lists! I’m dreaming of winning one of your 3 giveaways!!!! Thanks for the beautiful inspiration of your books and blogs…and I really loved getting my first Willard! 🙂
Happy to hear that Barbara! Glad you liked A Fine Romance — I’m excited for your trip!
How sweet of you to do so many give aways. Everything is really special. I love quilts, too. Hope you are having a lovely week.
I have so much fun doing them, so it’s really my pleasure!
Hello Susan and Happy Anniversary!! I remember when “Willard” was delivered to my mailbox ( out by the street) and how happy I was to receive it each time! Of course, things change but I am always so happy to read ” Willard ” and your Blog. I look forward to them, take my time reading and enjoying them. They are like old friends!! Thank you so much!!
Linda
Thank you Linda!
I agree. The Willards and the blog are wonderful.
Congratulations Susan! I love all your quilts but would love to make a quilt out of that fabulous fabric! I will send you a picture!
I would love that!
Just ordered your Autumn book. Can’t wait for August. Thanks for all you do.
Oh my, dear Susan! You do give us a comfortable resting place to sit and enjoy a more gentle, beautiful side of life. You continue to bless our days in such sweet fashion. If only we all could be your neighbor! Happy Anniversary! (said twice)
Thank you Collette!
Oh, my stars — what a giveaway! Visiting your blog always gives me inspiration – and great music, too! Congratulations on your blog anniversary. We celebrate it with you. Blessings from here on the farm — and a special hee-haw from the donkeys and contented cluck-clucks from the chickens!
Congrats to you! I am very happy for you. You deserve it. You bring so much happiness and beauty into the girlfriends lives, words fail me. Wonderful contest, you have outdone yourself. Thank you…
Oh joy! I’ve followed you since your very first book. Have them all, plus scrap booking, stamps, stickers, on & on. Always look forward to new posts & products. Thank you!
Maybe me….. please let it be meeee. Love you and everything you love Susan! Thank you for sharing your beautiful life with us all. 🙂
Susan, I was so excited to see your Anniversary Post today and enjoyed reading every word — always so positive in this world of gloom, especially here in Seattle today. I love EVERYTHING in your collection. I am a quilter so the fabric would be so fun but having a quilt already made is even better. THANK YOU for your generosity and all the fun pictures.
I cannot tell you how much I look forward to your blog postings! So cheerful and full of wonderful ideas and thoughts about everyday life! I want to be you, Susan Branch, “when I grow up!”…. =^..^= (Hello to your kitties!!)
Everything is so wonderful! I couldn’t choose between them, so it’s good that you will do that part for me! And yes, I am a big fan of yellow — it’s the color of sunshine, you know! 🙂
I have a very dear friend who has the knack for quilt making. I have received a few from her and have also had a few made. I love them on the back of the couch or chair or at the foot of the bed but I think the best is when my daughter on a chilly night will grab one and cuddle up. I love all the colors of the fabrics. It is definitely a gift that takes patience and practice. Thanks for sharing your quilt collection.
Lynnette
sounds wonderful!! count me in 🙂 thanks susan!
Happy BLOG Anniversary Susan!! Quite an accomplishment! I love to write but mostly journaling that only I will read. I had never thought of how daunting a feeling it would be to put your writing out there not knowing what will come in return. But for you and us it seems to have been a blessing! THANK YOU for taking that first step of faith!! WOW!!!!! I cannot believe your generosity!! I think there will be 3 girlfriends screaming with JOY once they receive your e-mail notifications!! I LOVE all three items and any of us would feel very blessed to receive one of them!! Check out the first picture in this blog of Jack….LOL! It is as though he is saying…”You know the fabric doesn’t look quite as nice without me don’t you?” OR “Will work for rubberbands”. You are so right about quilts being your inspiration for your art. That is what they remind me of!!..I have always LOVED quilts and I think that may be one of the many reasons I enjoy your blog, art, calendars and books so much! The teapot you were inspired to draw and paint from your dishes…LOVE it! Thinking that should be for sale…..would buy one in a heartbeat….so pretty!! So xcited about your NEW Autumn book…. .that just happens to be one that I do not have. And the desk calendar…… I wrote and requested they bring it back and they did….Happy, happy girl here!!!..Thank you! May you have many more HAPPY and delightful blog years!!
Love “will work for rubber bands!” Thanks Belinda!
I love you Susan Branch You blog and FB make me smile. I have every one of your books. I bought your Autumn Book when you made a stop at Conner Prairie Pioneer Museum in Noblesville Indiana. It was wonderful and wish you would come back. Thank you for making the world a sweeter place.
My mom and I had a wonderful time there! Thank you Genan!
Thank you for sharing so much if your home & your collections with us! I love that the colors in the quilts were your inspiration. Thank you too for the giveaways!
I am PASSIONATE about anything YELLOW… and black and white kitties (I have one – my dear Iris) and every word dear Susan Branch puts on paper… your wonderful upbeat life attitude comes through very clear on your postings! You always raise my spirits and touch my heart.. So grateful for you, Susan..
Oh Susan! You are the best! What great giveaways….such special items. Congratulations on your 5th year anniversary….I have been following you since the start and love your creativity and way of living. So homey, cozy and satisfying! You always bring a smile to my face! Happy June!
Congratulations on your June anniversaries. I can’t tell you how much pleasure I receive from you blog posts and the FB posts. WOW! Three giveaways at one time!
I would be thrilled to win any one of them. Also, I must take advantage of the book bundle (thinking of gifts!). Finally, thank you so much for your day-brighteners and hope every day of yours is bright.
Thank you for the give away chance. The fat squares would be a treat to make into a quilt.
Susan, Congratulations ! It is always a treat to see a new blog entry and read the comments from your friends…Keep up the good work !!!!
I’ve just been so blessed by your “homey” style ~ your books, blog, calendars, etc. Everything just speaks to me of my roots ~ my great grandmother, grandma and mom, as well as what I want to pass on to my five daughters ~ a love of home and simple things! Bless you and know I am blessed to have found you. Happy Anniversary, from a friend.
Always look forward to your blogposts. Vintage dishes and quilts are some of my favorite things too. Love your artwork and color sense! Happy Anniversary!
Happy Anniversary Susan!!!!! Your writings about gentle people in the world gave me a happy tear! Thanks! Your blog is truely inspiring. I just re-tired from teaching Pre-School [2 wks. ago] and feel so free…like a kid in a candy store or a lady in an antique store!!!! So many ideas of things to do. I love scrapbooking and I once embroidered a quilt for my husband and my bed! Still have it. Think this fall I’ll hang it over a couch or chair like you, instead of storing it on a linen closet shelf! Thanks for ALL you do! xoxo
Such nice memories with that quilt in full view!
Yes! You are right! Enjoy your Monday! xoxo
Oh me, oh my…what a fabulous give-away! I’m a crazed Kansas quilter and love your fabrics. You’re right that the dishes & fabrics inspire each other. And thank you for introducing me to Gladys T.!!
“Crazed!” 🙂 You are so welcome Shirley!
Hi!
What a lovely post! Happy double anniversaries! It just does not seem last long!
Oh my God! What beautiful materials and quilts. I love old textiles…reminds me of my Grammies.
I love the Autumn book. I have first editions of all you books except Heart of the Home…which I bought after the Christmas …Heart of the Home….which was really a present from my Hubby. I have 8 others…the last being England. I just can’t pick my favorite!
I loved the blog on the Merritt Parkway…we travel it every time we come to the Cape…what a great roadway.
Thanks again for giving us such great blogs to read!
Kathie from Limerick, Pa
Oh my goodness. Beautiful homey quilts. My favorite pictures are of your cats. My cat is sitting right here (half on keyboard) watching intently. Also two morning doves are sitting on the fence outside the window but she is more interested in looking at the computer. Happy anniversary!
I am so relaxed after reading your blog. I am so happy you decided to start it and truly appreciate all the time you put into sharing you thoughts and ideas. Enjoy you trip.
YAY! YAY! YAY! I am soooooooo glad that Autumn will be back! And the frosting on the cake? Printed in the USA complete with ribbon book!!!! Wo0Oo0o00o hOoo0oo0! Simply cannot wait!!!!! xoxo peg
XOXO Peg!
You have brought so much joy to so many people. How kind of you to embrace the whole world with your caring, love and talent. Thank you.
Beautiful. Thank you for writing your blog!!!
Oh, you are always so sweet. Here you are, giving away some lovely things, when it is we, who have had the privilege of adoring you and your blog for these past years.
Long may your creativity well up and overflow- showering us with love and passion for living!
BTW, I just went to the machine quilting show here in Salt Lake City and came away burning with inspiration. There really are so many lovely, creative people in this world -and hallelujah to that! 🙂
xoxo
Congratulations on your wonderful achievements. I love all you do and spend many hours reading and learning from you. Most of all I love how you love us. Blessings to you and Joe and cute little kitties….love his little tongue in the picture. He’s a good boy. Thank you Susan
Happy Anniversary! I am so happy you started the blog. It is always a treat every time it is posted. Thank you!! And the most generous give-a-ways! WOW how fun each one of them would be. I still have some of the Susan Branch stickers. I just never could use them (although I did used many in my paper scrapping days)–makes me feel like a hoarder…LOL. Now I need some digital scrapping stickers…hint hint.
Happy Blog & Facebook Anniversaries! I love the way Jack is sticking his tongue out in the quilting pieces photo as if to say “Na Na. I’m not included in giveaway!”
I have just found your blog and what a beautiful time I’ve had reading some of your posts. When I saw your fabric, several quilt patterns started to dance through my mind. What a lovely give away to have a chance to win. I will be back to visit you over and over. :0)