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
Happy Anniversary Susan! The arrival of each new blog email brings an instant smile which lasts the whole time I am reading it. Thank you for the joy, kindness and beauty you share with all of us. I am working on my first quilt so seeing the stacks of beautiful quilts is a great inspiration. Wishing you a wonderful summer!
Congratulations on your Anniversary. Love your books can’t wait for this new one….autumn…favorite season.
What a lovely post! From photos of your lovely home and island, these beautiful fabrics, our friends Jack and Girl Kitty, your delicious recipes, and of course your incredibly beautiful art, your blog is always an oasis in my busy day. I always find something that makes me say “ooh and ahh”. Happy Anniversary Susan!
I make quilts & just love the ones you showed on your blog. I would love to have those fabrics! They are so beautiful & fresh. Happy Anniversary!
You ALWAYS put me in my Happy Place Susan….ALWAYS. XOXO…Ruthie
Happy Anniversary! Beautiful artwork and fabric!!! Thank you Susan!
Hi Susan~
Love all your old quilts-such great colors in them. Your fabrics have interested me for quite awhile and I had planned to get one of your patterns too (picnic quilt). I know I better move quickly to get your fabrics. What a wonderful give-away you have for us Girlfriends. Thank you. You’re always thinking of us. Have fun at the Gladys Taber Reunion. I so wish I could make it.
I am so enjoying “A Fine Romance”; thanks so much for a wonderful story!
I’m so happy you like it! xoxo
Oh how lovely! Everything is beautiful! Your blog is always a breath of fresh sea air!
Congratulations on these two wonderful milestones, and thank you for all the joy that you’ve brought to your “girlfriends” and others! I’ve collected your wonderful books and been inspired by your work for many years. I understand the desire to surround yourself with things that “speak” to you, in some way, and let them inspire your creativity. Beauty can be found in the most humble places . . . a shell, a robin’s egg, the faded colors in an old piece of fabric. Whether it’s an amazing bit of nature, or a treasure that someone’s hands have created, they bring a certain magic to our lives don’t they? And we can always use a bit more of that.
Thank you also for introducing me to the world of Gladys Taber. I’ve so enjoyed the changing seasons through her eyes. Slowing down and noticing more is a daily goal. I’m excited to be attending the FOGT reunion (as a brand new member) this weekend, followed by a couple of days on Martha’s Vineyard. I’ve never been, and am practically jumping out of my socks!
I’ve been away for a week without internet access. Your blog was the first site I had to check upon returning home today and was so delighted to read about your quilt collection. They are such a pleasure to look at (and touch I’m sure). Thank you for sharing. I did buy some of your fabrics when they were available and they sit on the shelf. I can’t decide how to use them! Happy Anniversary to you for your online sharing with us.
Always enjoy a glimpse into your home!….Such a special gift!…Thank you!
Oh I just love your fabrics! I have made pillowcases from your chicka-doodle-doo fabric. And your blog is always a blessing to read. Makes my day when I see you have a new post! Thank you!
Call me greedy….but I love all your items! I want them all. You are such a clever, and blessed lady.
Love, love, love your blog, Susan. I already wrote a long comment and wasn’t sure it posted, so am sending another ” congratulations” on your two anniversaries! I can’t tell you how much joy your blog and website have brought me. Thank you for being you!
Awesome giveaways… count me in!
Three awesome giveaways! What a wonderful idea. I love your quilt collection, such beautiful colors together all in one place. I don’t sew (I paint also!) but I’ve always admired those who do and especially the quilt makers, like my grandmother 🙂
Vanna..oh…Vanna…over here! In Canada! In the back row! With a sewing machine that loves to stitch up fabric! With a wall space reserved for a beautiful calendar! Pick me! Oh pick me!
I so love your fabrics and just wish they were still available, they remind me of my grandmothers and I love the tea cups as well
A big thank you for offering up your treasures. Be still my heart! I would love to give those cute lambs on the yellow fabric a home. Your photos are wonderful and Jack is the best! I feel I win every time I read your blog and enjoy your books and calendars. Thank you for bringing much joy into the world. And sharing Girl Kitty and Jack too. Of course.
Loving the beautiful photos, as always! School lets out in our neighborhood this week, it’ll be great seeing kids enjoying their ‘freedom’ here in Thousand Oaks, alas, my two are done with that sweet part of youth, but won’t it be fun to do it all again when I’m a grandma? (gotta get them married first though!) Speaking of grandmas and all those lovely things grandmas do best, I can see an adorable baby quilt with all that gorgeous fabric! Pick me! Pick me!
Happy summering Susan!
Carisa, Thousand Oaks, CA
Hello Susan,
Thank you for sharing your artistic talents with all of us!! I enjoy reading your posts and looking at the wonderful pictures of your home, garden, four-legged children and the places you visit!
Happy Anniversary!!!
Thank you Susan for still being here when my grown children have flown the coop! You have allowed me to make our empty nest a cozy place our children want to fly home to! HAPPY ANNIVERSARY! (and especially a big thank you!)
Yay! You warm my heart in so many ways, Susan. It always feels like home when I dig into your blog, willards, webstore, books, all of it! I just received my copy of your England trip journal, and I’m saving it for some luxurious coffee shop afternoons. My sister got it for me as a Christmas gift, and since she takes her sweet time sending me stuff I finally received it in May! But so worth the wait to open the box and see your beautiful book tucked inside. I cried, I really did! ok, have a super day and a lovely evening 🙂
Love the fabric and everything Susan. Wish I had seen it before it was no longer available. Love those little lambs! I’m starting to decorate Susan style and it brings such joy to me. I’ve always had an English/Irish dining room and this compliments it well. Oh how I would love it! And what a great blog. Lots of fun stuff in it.
Happy Anniversary, and many more from an admiring fan, and a quilt and fabric “archiver” or hoarder if the truth be told. I love it all.
Such beautiful treasures! Happy anniversary, you really have a knack for drawing people in and making everyone feel welcome.
I love your blog most of all. I wait for each new posting and know the reading will belong a smile to my face. I’d love to win one of the three prizes, but feel I’ve already own with your blog and your books. It all just makes my day.
From Heart of the Home until now I have always felt a sense of peace and happiness when I spent any time entranced in your books or finding scrapbook supplies, tea towels and decorative pieces all created by you!! What a thrill it would be to hang your quilt in my home, or drape it over a chair. Anything created by you with love for all would be an amazing treat!! You continue to give from your heart!
Love your Blog!!! Your artwork is truly inspires me!!! Thanks for the giveaway!!!
I have recently retired an am learning to quilt, can’t wait to purchase your quilt fabrics!
Oooh! So delighted to see all the lovelies and the news that AUTUMN is being published. I have been trying to track it down the last couple of years. I gave my new daughter in law one of your cookbooks for a wedding gift. Guess where they were married last year? West Chop, Marhth
a’s Vineyard!
Oh my goodness, what beautiful things to win! I would be delirious with joy to win one of your precious belongings. Please enter me.
Thank you Susan for all you do for us through your blog and through your art. You truly are an inspiration and a blessing to me. It’s wonderful to know that there are people like you who love the same things that I do. You make my heart sing! I can’t wait to hear about your Gladys Taber experience that is coming soon. I am sure that is going to feel like you have come full circle due to her books and the inspiration they gave you when you first came to Martha’s Vineyard and bought your home and found them there just waiting for you to discover her. Life can be so magical!
WOW!! I just found your blog (thanks to a fellow crafter) and am already in love. I am a beginner quilter and love doing english paper piecing. It would be totally awesome to win, fingers crossed 😀
Well, Susan….I just got off the phone with my best buddy in the world, and she decided she needs a hobby and has chosen quilting!! Your beautiful fabric would be just wonderful for her to leap into this wonderful adventure she is planning in her head!! I love that you share you “life” with us so generously…you make my life richer….thank you
WOW!! I just found your blog (thanks to a fellow crafter) and am already in love. I am a beginner quilter and love doing english paper piecing. It would be totally awesome to win, fingers crossed 😀
(So it wouldnt let me post. so I am trying a different email. But incase it posted but i didnt realize, i am sorry )
oh my goodness… I think this is my favorite blog post ever. The quilts… the stacks of fabric… the calendars… the cat! Happy Anniversary, Susan… thanks for making the world a prettier place!
Are you sure you can’t include Jack in the prizes?
Either way, I’d love to have any of the special things you have put your stamp on!
Happy Anniversary
I am having heart palpitations looking at all of this Susan Branch goodness!! Fingers crossed!
How exciting. Would love to win.
Beautiful,just beautiful and any door is just so perfect.Thank you for a peaceful wonderful blog and the kitties are a sweet perk!
Happy Anniversary …. what beautiful quilts – I get so much enjoyment reading your blog .. your calendars are my favorite and I have been hanging them in my kitchen for years … just finished reading A Fine Romance- I loved it and felt like I was traveling with you.
I don’t see my post from earlier – so will try again. I love your blog and the fabrics – especially the little lambs! Thank you for having the giveaways! I also love your calendars. I got my 2014 one from Vroman’s in Pasadena.
Love Vroman’s!
LOVE your BLOG, I would get up before breakfast to read it at least 2 or 3 times. Looking forward to all of your new books regardless of the them.
Susan: From stickers to calendars to fabrics to books and now a fabulous blog, For years I have enjoyed your unique art and your sunny approach to life. Thanks for being you!
Jan
Congratulations! It is always a blessing to read your blog and enjoy the photos and have a peek into your daily life and enjoy a cup of tea. Thank you for bringing kindred sisters together.
O Happy Day! I love your blog~ My mom had an extended stay in the hospital this year & I would read her your blog-or snuggle on the hospital bed and read her your book! It was like a little get away from hospital-land.
Thanks for sharing so many treasures.
You make me so happy to hear that . . . best to your mom from me. xoxo
Susan, what a beautiful blog.love them all but this is really special.
thank you for all you do to make our lives so magical and special,
Pat Beckman
Oh, I adore the fabric, the quilts, and of course the lovely books. Happy anniversary and thank you for bringing a bit of light to world that at times is dark.
Sweet Susan,
YOU are just too good to us! What delightful and thoughtful prizes for 3 of the girlfriends!!! Enjoy playing in the garden 🙂 We LOVE you soooo much for sharing the HEART of YOU!!!
Hello Susan,
Happy Anniversary! This is the 2nd post I left. I left one yesterday, June 9th, but it doesn’t show. If this one doesn’t show up on your comments, does that mean I won’t be in your fabulous drawing? Please advise on what I can do
to fix this. I wanted to express my appreciation for all you do to keep us
happy out here in BLOG LAND. Your expression through books, art, music, vintage items, moon light strolls, England, New York…. Wow! All amazing.
Sinceramente,
Lydia Alejandro
Fremont, Ohio
Susan…reading your blog and books is like taking a mini vacation. I love all of your items and made my first quilt with your tea party fabrics. I would love to be able to make some matching accessories with the beautiful fabric. Thank you so much for sharing your creativity and stories with all of us. Congratulations on the two aaniversaries!
So, sooo generous of you, Susan! The ideas are a brewin’ of what to make if im lucky enough to win….giddy, i tell ya! 🙂
Happy Anniversary Susan! How kind of you to want to shower us with gifts. I really love the fabric with the lambs:)
I have read your book and now re reading it on sunny weekend days on my screen porch and when I come home for lunch and need a pick me up, your books (I have them all), blog and newsletter just make me happy. Thank you for bringing joy in my life.
Anything of yours would tickle my fancy susan! Happy anniversary!
Just checked back again to see how many comments you’re up to and HOLY MOLY, Batman – at this moment [June 10 at 9:16 pm] – 3216! This has GOT to be a record! Congrats! Wonder what the final number will be! ❤️❤️❤️
Definitely a record for us! It’s very exciting . . . I was going to call Vanna in today, but another 147 comments came in overnight, so I think I better wait — want to make sure everyone who wants to be is IN!
Happy Anniversary! I love your blog. I would love to win your fabric.
Happy Anniversary, dear Susan! Love your words and pictures so much and look forward to each post!
What wonderful giveaways! The fabric would be so grand…as would the other items.
Happy Anniversary Susan. What beautiful prizes for your giveaway. I wish for you many, many more years to keep on creating and us still enjoying!
Your books and calendars always make me smile. Love them!
Susan, I think we must be long lost sisters! Your colors and designs have touched my heart for many years. Thank you for sharing the things you love with all of us. Happy Anniversary!
Happy Anniversary, Susan! Thank you for all you do! I am always so delighted to read your blog (giveaway or not). You make us feel like we are right there with you sharing in your everyday life!
Oh, my goodness! I don’t know why I didn’t buy all your fabric at a quilt show called Road to California a few years back!! I really need to win some!!
Wishing you a very happy anniversary. I enjoy all of your posts. The quilts are all so gorgeous. Hope you will open them up and let us see more! Thank you for all your hard work writing this blog. It always makes me smile.
Happy Anniversary! Love your quilt collection and all of your fabrics! And all of your books, and stickers and calendars! I also have my own collection of Beatrix Potter figurines (16). I even had them before I knew about all things Susan Branch. Please enter me. I’d love to win any of these treasures!
Well, dearest Sue,
Will my comment be the last one?? I have read every one of your postings from the very beginning and you are still–hands down–my favorite blog:)
I didn’t start commenting right away. It took several months to realize that I, too, could be a blog GF. I am so glad I did. You deserve all the success you have had with your blog and your wonderful book A Fine Romance. I am so happy for you!! You make ME happy! Your giveaways always amaze me. They should really be called Wonderful and Charming Gifts Chosen Because I Know You Will Be So Ecstatic To Receive Them!!!
Here’s to Many More blogging years to come!
Love ya,
Linda from Lancaster Co.
Susan,
Your positive attitude lifts my heart during those sad times. Your drawings are so simple and sweet. Thank you for opening your life and heart to all of us.
Susan, your words and your art are so dear to me. Years ago I found your cookbooks – brimming with scrumptious recipes for family and entertaining – and then later really started to read the prose amongst the food. It has been such a delight to share your adventures! This darling blog is the cherry on top of the sundae. Thank you profusely!
Oh my gosh! I just LOVE all the prizes! So excited to be able to purchase your Autumn book. My friends and I love your books. I was able to find Girlfriends on Amazon at Christmas and purchased two for my dear friends. Hoping it gets published again since I didn’t get one for myself. Thanks for the giveaway 🙂
I love your taste in fabrics!!! These are my favorite colors and prints. Most of my quilts are 1930’s prints. Those are the ones I collect too. Happy Anniversary! I’m still gifting your book, A Fine Romance. I smile every time I think of your wanderings through England’s rural areas. Thanks for the opportunity we win some of your treasures!
Take care,
Bonnie
I love your art — no matter what form it’s in! (And I’m a Crabapple Hill fan too, so it’s great to see those photos too.) Thanks for all you share.
So many memories, so many years of loving and admiring your art. Thank you!
Everything you do is so full of hope and joy and comfort. I so enjoyed reading your blog and seeing your collection of things you have done over the years. It has been a joy to use your products.
Happy Anniversary to you, Susan, and to each of us girlfriends who consider any day that brings a new blog post a particularly special day. Thank you for sharing your home, your family, your travels, and your art with us. I loved A Fine Romance and will be pre-ordering the Autumn book. Bless your heart and thank you sincerely.
Hi Susan! Thank you for all the fun you make for all of us! I wish I lived on Martha’s Vineyard and could come over for tea. I love kitties, quilts, artwork, and books 😉
Love, Char
Love the fabric, love everything, love you!
Wow, love your designs!
Hi Susan, Reading your blog just inspires me and give me a renewed sense of creativity. I have also started collecting quilts. I love the fact you love rabbits and have a Peter Rabbit room because I have the same thing in mind. Whimsy is a wonderful thing! And cats! I have 3 rescues and love them to bits. I think your cats are so adorable. Happy Anniversary!
Simply the best blog! Can’t wait to get my hands on the new Autumn Book to add to my collection! Happy Anniversary!
You warm every corner of my heart and soul,Susan. Thank you for sharing somuch of yourself with all of us!
Oh, what a delightful post! Each photo was a treat for the eyes and a reminder of my best friend’s birthday coming soon…she NEEDS your Fine Romance book because it made me feel the way she makes me feel: so happy, so content and so full of laughter. THANK YOU for taking the time and trouble to make these images, to write these words. Happy Anniversary!!
Oh Susan,
I so enjoy our little chats, well, I love listening to you chat, and seeing your beloved kitties. As adorable as Jack is, there is something so sweet in the pictures of Girl Kitty, I just know it’s her sweet spirit!!! All that beautiful fabric is enough to make a girl (or 53 year old woman) want to learn to sew, the pages of the calendar wanted to make me want to study every little detail but the quilt – it took my breath away. I can’t imagine being surrounded by so much wonderfulness but it’s easy to see why everything you do is so beautiful – you’ve surrounded yourself with beautiful things – from your beloved Joe, to the kitties, to your home, the birds, your art, the sea, your dishes, your Beatrix Potter figurines, your wonderful food……oh I could go on and on. Thank you for sharing so much of your beauty with us!!!!! xo Julie
Dear Susan,
What an exciting time! Thank you for sharing your rare talents and for taking the time to make us all feel special… I look forward to every one of your posts for the transport to sheer BLISS!! The treasures you are showing are beautiful and honestly I can’t imagine you would part with them! 🙂 But we are all very exited at the possibility of being the lucky recipient!
xoxo Denise
Susan, Happy Anniversarys! Your blog is like getting a little surprise present every time you post, always excited to see something new! The giveaways are amazing, I love the photo of Jack casually leaning on the quilting squares with his tongue out, so adorable. Anyone would be very lucky to win any of those fabulous prizes, but the best prize of all will be meeting you this weekend at the Gladys Taber reunion! I can’t wait to say hello and tell you in person how much you have inspired me over the years. See you soon!
I’m so excited! See you there Karen!
Dearest Susan, a short while ago my sister-in-law was visiting her daughter on Cape Cod. I had told her about you, your blog, your books etc. & encouraged her to look up you/your books. She surprised me this past weekend with a copy of A Fine Romance !! I was thrilled…and then to hear how you were willing to sign a book at bunch of grapes bookstore (turned out to be mine). It illustrated how special you are! Thank you so much! I’m also excited to be entered into the drawings. You are so generous. Thank you again! Gotta go…I have a wonderful book to read! 🙂
Aha! Brenda, I was wondering if I would hear from you! Your sister-in-law loves you!
Thank you for yet again another amazing blog. Everything you do and say is such a joy to my heart! I don’t sew much anymore but would love to “love & nuture” your “hearts and flowers” quilt! 🙂 So exciting to read all that is happening to Susan Branch!! You deserve it! Many congratulatory hugs to you! Miriam
I do enjoy your blog! You have a wonderful gift of making everything seemingly ordinary into extraordinary! Thank you for sharing your creativity and love for beautiful things. It is such fun to see what you come up with next. Happy Anniversary!
Love, love your collection of beautiful quilts. I love to make them as well and appreciate all the love and work. Congrats on your anniversary, I love everything Susan.
Look forward to your blog, it’s a bright spot in my day. Thanks for letting us know about Gladys Taber. I’ve read two of her books now . She really was a special lady
Hello! I just want to thank you for introducing me to Gladys Taber. I’m finishing up Stillmeadow Sampler and have truly loved reading it. I have collected a nice stack of her books, that should last me into the Fall I hope (will have to save one at least for a train trip). Also, a big Happy Blogging Anniversary!!!
I’m so excited about Autumn. 🙂 Happy Anniversary! I recently found your blog. I was disappointed because a lot of your books are out of print. Glad you’re reprinting them.
Congratulations on the anniversaries. I love each and every blog posting. You always bring a calming spirit into my world and I thank you for that.
I would so love to win any of these lovely things. It’s ALL eye candy!
I love your work Susan, I use your books as decorations for holidays and seasons <3
So could use a little pick me up right now. Your fabrics and Quilts are looking so nice.
Your words and pictures never fail to bring a smile to my heart… I love to be in world you create for us <3 Thank you for being such a special Blessing in my life !
Happy Anniversary and welcome back to the east coast! Your blog, artwork, books and recipes have been the source of inspiration and tradition for me and my family. No Christmas would be complete without making dozens and DOZENS of Christmas wreaths and your lemon bar recipe gets made all summer long. I’ve been a collector of cookbooks and some of the “fancy schmancy” ones with great pics have really disappointing recipes. Not yours!! They taste great and I smile everytime I look at your books! I even have a large box of Susan Branch cards that I have never (and will never use). They are for me to look at and we just bought a summer home and I will frame them and decorate our farmhouse with these precious pieces. Thank you for your inspiration and love through your art. 🙂
Love your blog! My daughters and I have been collecting your books over the years and look forward to purchasing the new ones! Love your fabrics, too!