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
Wow! I have some of your scrap booking supplies from way back! I always loved your soft watercolor style and would love to be one of the lucky ones who will be chosen for the Anniversary Give Aways!! Love this blog from the first time I clicked here! And I will always treasure my copy of A Fine Romance!! Susan, you are wonderful!
Dear Susan, Yesterday I left a comment so I could be entered into your drawing. I hope you received my comment because I just checked it, and still says waiting moderation.
I also wanted to let you know that I called the RJR FABRIC hotline today. I requested that they sell your fabric line again. I hope it works.
I thought if other girlfriends called the RJR FABRIC hotline maybe they will listen to our requests and sell your fabrics again. Your Devoted Friend Alice
:-)!
Wishing you a happy anniversary Susan!
We’ve been decorating our nursery and I have been looking for places to find nursery fabrics. We have pastel yellow walls and a collection of Beatrix Potter special edition paintings which we’re framing. For a boy we’re adding apple green elements and for a girl we’re adding lavender elements. Can we still purchase your fabrics?
I love all the same things you do. Included in my garden are beautiful blueberries and tart lemons.
I can not even imagine how happy the lucky people will be to win any of those items. Personally, I would be tweeting like that little bird banner that goes by every time I open up you site. I seem to be hung up in waiting moderation and I want to be in for the drawing.
Love the blog Susan!
Dear Sweet Susan,
I fixed your Lemon Linguine and your Angel Dream Cake for our supper last night. Umm umm good! My husband loved both of them . He took them for his lunch today at work and his office mates were drooling. Just wanted to wish you a wonderful trip and weekend for your Gladys Tabor event. I wish I could be there for it and meet you too but will be content with your post of the weekend which will be like I was there. I know how much this weekend means to you, maybe on the level of your trip to Hilltop. So happy for you!!! Petty pets to Jack and Girl Kitty and XOXOXO to you and Joe.
P.S. We are going to see Ringo Starr and his band at Wolftrap tonight so I will extra enjoy him for you !
Susan — Happy Anniversary! I’d love to win your set of fabrics. I am a crazy quilter and a friend of mine has just co-authored a book called Quilting…just a little bit crazy. It combines traditional and crazy quilting. Your fabrics would be perfect for one of her projects! I also love your quilt in the 3rd give-away. I’m wearing two of your charms — I hope they bring me good luck! Take care.
I am so happy in the past I discovered your website, received your “Willards” and most importantly in the beginning…. found your stickers at a store. Thanks to you I am now a “sticker girl” and I cannot imagine sending out a card or letter without one of yours on it!
Wow! Over 3,000 comments – must be some kind of record! Such a wonderful post, Susan. This is a very lovely “community” to visit each day. Thank you.
Happy Anniversary, Susan! And what a generous way to share it with all of us! I have loved your fabrics from the moment I saw them…lots of quilting ideas come to mind. Thanks again for so generously sharing!
Regarding the always generous and extremely wonderful gift give aways…I always try to act very nonchalant and let the chips fall where they may..but…I just can’t…..me me me..I hope its.. m e ! ….seriously, best of luck to all and thank you Susan for your kind and giving spirit.
I love all of your things Susan, and especially your fabric. I’m a quilter and I buy it whenever I see it. Would love to win any of these things. Thank you for the opportunity.
Happy Anniversary! Love your blog!
I adore all of your designs and have been purchasing them for years. However, I didn’t know you had fabric and I am a huge quilter. Please, please draw my name!! I have to sew with your fabric.
So glad you started your blog! When I first found you, I took an afternoon and read every single post (about 2 yrs worth). Quilts are actually my little business, and your Hearts & Flowers quilt is just as charming as your watercolors are enchanting. Fabric and quilts and watercolors, the perfect giveaway! Thanks for showing all your delightful collections.
Would love the bundle of fabric. would make myself a quilt with lots of half square triangles
Seeing your quilts made my heart sing. They are beautiful! Since I am a quilter I would love to add those beautiful fabrics to my stash and create a quilt with them.
Happy Anniversary! You’re an inspiration to me. 🙂
Everything is just beautiful ! I would love to win……anything.
Happy Anniversary to you.
Everything is just beautiful ! I would love to win……..anything.
Happy Anniversary to you.
Happy Anniversary!! This month is special- so many special things happen- including my anniversary!! Such beautiful prizes- any winner would feel so special to get any of these!! I might have a mini-stroke over that quilt though!! Beautiful beautiful!!
Would be wonderful to win any of your beautiful gifts!
Love, Toni
Happy Anniversary!
Hi Susan,
I thought of you today as I went through my copy of your first “Summer Book”, and what is my favorite recipe???Bologna Sandwiches!!! My dad grew up in the depression and bologna was sometimes served three times a day and he still loved bologna. Have you ever tried it dipped in egg and fried? So yummy on white bread! I wish you many more years success.I thank you for sharing your many talents.
Your admiring fan,
Rose
No but I bet it’s great! 🙂
Susan many congratulations on your anniversary. I love your work and reading your words and seeing your beautiful paintings is like a lovely warm comforting hug! May you have many more. Please count me in for your draw! Xx
L-O-V-E this post! Those are some pretty amazing prizes!! I have always been a “blanket” person but just recently found a real love for quilts! My grandmother passed away last September and I just received a quilt made of everything GRANDMA for a wedding shower gift! From her dish towels, to her clothes to blankets of her own – it is one of the best gifts I have ever received. Even smells like her! We are 2.5 weeks out from our wedding on the farm! I hope you liked the invite that I sent you and the picture of Jordan and I kissing behind A Fine Romance!! I just had to send you one. After I designed them, I realized they even looked like you! Hope all is well! XOXO – Tara
I just realized why I love you so much….. you remind me of my grandma….. she, too, loved quilts, cats, tea cups, dishes, aprons, dish towels, embroidery, flower gardens, good books, cooking, home, and family…. and, so do I! ♥
Love, love, love everything you’re giving! Congratulations to you, too!
You are such an inspiration and a real lifesaver at this difficult time in my life. I don’t know what I would do if I couldn’t visit you each and every day.
Love everything about your lovely life.
Marilyn
What does “your comment is awaiting moderation” mean?
Your blog always brightens my day…..so many wonderful decorating ideas, and so little time to implement them before….there you are again when I log on to my computer….like a dear friend who always shows up just when I need a smile. THANK YOU!!!
Susan,
What a beautiful post! The quilts are charming. (Isn’t that a wonderful word?) And I’m going to tell you my secret when I read your blog. I click on the music link – but before I have a chance to see who is singing or what the song is, I quickly click back to the blog so that I will be surprised. Isn’t that silly?
Your blog is just a bright spot on the planet. I started following you when my sister-in-law Laura told me about this happy place and you had just returned from one of your New York City trips. It was glorious! One shot was from the middle of the street, and I felt like I was there…listening to “New York” music and seeing the sights I am dreaming of seeing. One day – soon! – I will visit NYC, but until then, I did with you.
I also want to thank you for the well-timed reminder about people around the world, living in much harsher conditions than we do, but sharing our same loves. Home, family, creativity, books, old movies, quilts, dish patterns, beautifully charming artwork…
We must remember that these people exist because you are right. We only see what is shown to us. Luckily, you are shown another side and can share it with us.
Okay, so now I will replay the music and go back through the quilts. Thank you for all that you do to make our world a happier place. Love you!
My comment from yesterday still says it is awaiting moderation so I hope I didn’t do something wrong! I just wanted to let you know that I love your glorious books and that you have inspired my husband and I to take a trip to England sooner than later. Thank you for all you do to bring sunshine to us all! I wish you all the very best.
I have grown such an appreciation for quilters! Especially those who have done each stitch by hand without the benefit of one of the new machines. They are just so beautiful. I love looking for them at thrift shops and yard sales. One of my goals when fully retired, or sooner, is to take a class and learn how. I already sew….but there is more to it! Looking forward to the new blotter calender for my desk! Can’t wait. Everything you do is inspiring to me.
Congratulations on your Blog and facebook aniversary’s. I follow both.
Cheers,
Jan from Northern CA
Oh my!! I am #3,392 – that’s incredible! I adore quilts also, and also a quilter. I’ve made your design with the sweet hats. I also sign and label my quilts, and wondered what you used to sign, it looks so dark and bold and mine isn’t like that. Wish I had your writing, but oh well.
I also love old dishes and when you show them, I will scour the photos forever.
Happy Anniversary!
I love it all. Fat quarters speak to my soul. I have begun collecting quilts as well. Love the calendar pages and as I collage, I’m sure I could put them to good use. Thank you so much for sharing from your cupboards!
Thank you Susan for your generosity in all you share with us on the blog, in your books, this very special give away and for being you!!!
Happy anniversary. Love your blog and your shopping site!
happy anniversary! Enjoyed the lavender photo. The lavender in my yard was wiped out this winter along with: juniper, a peace rose, all our ivy and we had grown most of our ivy from husband’s family ivy terraces(sniff, sniff..so sad we lost it), a couple trees, pampas grass…you can imagine. Seeing lavender in full bloom tells me that the tiny new plant will grow into something beautiful again. Thanks:)
I made a very cute cupcake quilt using some of these fabrics!! Love them, but then I love anything you create! Jealous of your super cute talent! We have the same style: dishes, quilts, and happy things!
Hey Susan: Thanks for providing insight to a New England lifestyle, love to share your travels through your writing. I have been a quilter and crafter for over 20 years and would be delighted to receive any of your gifts. Thanks for adding a smile to my day. Donna Rider
Yes! Just yes to the entire post! Love what you said about the good in the world, love the fabric and how you drew from it for painting inspiration, and most of all I love how you described the anticipation of Autumn! Thank you for starting the blog and bringing all the girlfriends together!
Vanna is surely going to get her workout with all of the comments here. LOL…
Please enter me also, would love the fabric or any of the gifts I am sure. Thanks for your creativity & generosity.
Hi Susan, I know I’m late to the party, but I did want to let you know I loved your post this time, as always. Been very busy, but so glad I saw your blog show up in my email. I took a break from my work and enjoyed your quilts and kitties! Have a wonderful day!
I love your blog! I read it with great excitement in hopes that your creativity will jumpstart a new project for me. I love the material and the quilts and especially the Kitty cats right in the middle of it all!
reading your blog always puts me in my happy place!
Lovely, just lovely. Moving away from my family has been tough, but reading your blog always brings me warmth and love, as if I’m sitting back at home surrounded by loved ones.
What pretty things. I’d love to win!
Thank you for the chance to win your drawing. I’ve been a follower for many years. I made a small quilt from your first fabric line and was so disappointed that your fabric was so hard to find. Your art work just speaks to me..love it. I am a quilter and your colors are just right for me.
Love all your stories especially the ones of your home and MV.
Thank you again!
OMG Susan, all your give -a-ways are so precious. I would love to win any of them. Thank you for parting with some of your treasures 🙂 I’m a quilter and if I win some fabric, I’ll turn them into some baby quilts. I hope, I hope 🙂 Thank you for the chance 🙂
I love quilting and work in a quilt shop. Your fabrics are so so beautiful!!
Oh my goodness! Even Thorin the cat comes running when he hears the blog bird sing! You have cats that love the blog too! Thank you again for the wonderful reminders to live in peace and at peace with all!
Sending you much love and every happy thing you wish for this Summer!
xoxo Marybeth (and Thorin,MEOW!)
Hi there,
Great to see the passion and it burn my heart now! I’m working with puzzle pattern but what I can say no easy. But because of the passion, nothing is impossible.
Good sharing of the art & work and can feel the great heart behind along the photos shared.
Anyway, I like your blog and Happy Anniversary!
Wish you stay healthy always!
Regards,
Lee
A few years ago my girlfriend and I went to the central coast for a girls weekend and we made a point of going to your shop. We enjoyed it so much. Thank you for your art and everything you do. It is such an inspiration to me.
Karen
Chino Hills, CA
What wonderful giveaways. I have a few yards of your fabric, bought years after it came out because I wasn’t quilting back then. But I sure am now and I love it. Happy Anniversary!
This is so awesome! I’d love to win something! ^_^ <3
I LOVE all of the quilts! I bought your Martha’s Vineyard fabric way back when and started a quilt using one of your patterns…someday I’m going to finish it!
I have a pink quilt on my bed that I adore….I’m constantly kicking myself for not also purchasing the blue one that same day. Where or where did I get it? From your store in Arroyo Grande on one of our “hubby and wife” day trips! I will keep my fingers crossed…… Lucky you for the summer on MV, where our cousins live and sister in law in Falmouth, just a beautiful place I could make home if I left Ojai CA! Happy Summer!!!! <3
Thank you for writing your blog. I am thankful you started it a few years ago. It has given me a little slice of heaven or a place of my own when my kids are running around always needing help with something and my husband can’t find something …. I retreat to your blog with a cup of tea for my sanity! Thank you!!!!!!!!
Beautiful post, love your blog !
I just love looking at your flowers and pictures your pets etc…
It is so true how we are all so much the same, that is what draws us to your blog.
Congratulations on all your success!
Love the fabric , I work in a fabric store but can never get enough.
Oh please please pick me!!!!!
I have been a huge fan since I was a teenager! I wrote you a fan letter in 1996 & to my wonderful surprise you wrote back!!! You stuffed your sweet note full of stickers- and I still have it tucked into the pages of my (your) little book on LOVE. 🙂
Thank you so much for years of inspiration on how to enjoy life & share love via hospitality!
Love, Heidi
Hi Heidi! xoxo
This is the best blog to cheer you up. Love all the resources and quotes!
Dear Susan,
Have a safe trip! I wanted like everything to be at the Gladys Taber Convention, but it was not to be. So I am reading Harvest of Yesterday, and hoping Joe has camera in hand!
Have a wonderful time. I know how special this is for you…..enjoy!
Chris
He does, but we will miss you!
Susan, I have read your book A Fine Romance twice and have it out again for summer reading in my screen room, it takes me back too England and I could relate to so much, especially the round abouts. Love all your recipes I have tried, and I also have a quilt collection. You just inspire me, my dream yo live on Cape Cod.
Do happy you like it Sharon!
I love your blog so very much. It is a feast for my eyes, heart, and brain. Thank you!
Happy Anniversary Susan!
Luv reading your blog. It never fails to make me smile with your beautiful colors, recipes, quotes, and stories…..bring them on. Let’s have another cup of tea. Enjoy your day!
Thank you very much.
Hi Susan
Hi Susan,
Your blog has become my refuge at work when I need to take a deep breath and relax from a stressful day (just like a yoga session) and I’ve shared your blog with my closet friends and sister-in-law as well. It’s comforting to find someone with so many similar interests and hobbies; i.e, the Cape (we live in Brewster– love those spring and summer smells of nature–looking forward to the honeysuckle blooming), quilts (I’ve made a few in my younger days), English tea cups (my lovely mother-in-law collected some precious ones and passed them along to me), luscious recipies and so much more! Mille Gracie!
I was having issues with my computer, so I’m not sure if my original comment was received or not. I tried to find it, but couldn’t. Happy Anniversary and thanks for such a wonderful give-a-way! Winning any of the items would be a privilege. Enjoy the Gladys Taber reunion. Wish I could be there. Safe travels to you and Joe. : )
You’re here now for sure Janet!
When I read your blog, Susan, it’s like a warm ray of sunshine washing over me! I first discovered you seeing your fabric ads in quilt magazines. I just love those prints & colors! So disappointed you no longer make fabric, but love where your creative soul has taken all of us! Happy Anniversary from Gini in Northern Calif.!!
Thank you Gini!
Thank you for being so generous with your giveaways. Love your blog, your beautiful creations and your beautiful ways. Thank you for being you.
I have been in love with you art since the first time I saw it so many years ago, but after reading this post I now understand why. All of your inspirations are all the thing I adore too — it’s funny that I have never conscientiously made that connection before now. Many thanks for all that you do and for the very generous give away!
Susan, I just wanted to share that I’ve been feeling inspired. My mother is quite the accomplished quilter & I’ve finally decided that even at 54 years young, one can always learn something new. I signed up for sewing classes recently and dug out my great Auntie’s Singer sewing machine born in 1961. I even have the original receipt. Happy Day 🙂 Kristen
Oh my……am I toooooo late to say HAPPY ANNIVERSARY!!!!! I SEW want to play too!!!! Thanks for the joy of your blog….thanks for the inspiration to find JOY in all things. XXXXX
You just made it! 🙂
Without a doubt and without question, you have the best, happiest, cheerful-est, most delightful blog in all of blog land!!’ I hope I’m not too late to wish you a wonderful Happy Anniversary to your blog. Truly, your readers are the lucky ones – because of all the joy and happy everything you share with us. You enrich our lives with so many gifts.
Thank you so much!!!
Happy Anniversary to FOSB, the Blog, & all things SB! I used to wait (somewhat impatiently) for the next Willard to arrive to get my SB fix; now I can go to the blog anytime I want, and if I’m caught up, I go to the archives. I never tire of reading your posts. Such inspiration!
Several years ago, a SB girlfriend & I treked from Texas to your Heart of the Home store in CA. Spent several hours (literally!) wandering & looking, shopping & buying. What a treat. One of the best days ever! Came home w/ a suitcase full of SB! If I had lived even remotely close, I would have been a frequent shopper. HOTH would have been my “go-to” store for gifts and parties. I shop the webstore, but there was something really special about seeing it all in person.
I don’t have a quilt collection, but I do have several handed down from grandmothers & great grandmothers. Such treasures and keepsakes. My grandmother hand made a quilt for our wedding gift, and one for each of my 1st 2 children. They are treasures indeed.
Thank you for warming my heart almost each and every day. Happy Anniversary!
Susan — thank you for all the inspiration! You make a difference in our lives!
Happy Anniversary! I really enjoy your blog. Loved “A Fine Romance”.
June 13, 2014
I simply do not win drawings, but am going to put in a comment anyway:) Your blog is such an inspiration to me. Our library has a nice collection of Gladys Tabor books and it has been quite a long while since I have read them. I checked out the one “Country Chronicle” to read this week end. I also looked at all the beautiful material and crafts made with them and that quilt is beyond words. Anyway it inspired me to make some kitchen towels as much like yours as I can. Anyway, thank you for being a “kindred spirit” to quote Anne of Green Gables!!
Love you and all your friends and the antics of the kitty children!
Joann
I enjoy reading your blog so much. It makes me feel and think about all the beautiful and fun things on this earth…….makes me happy. Thanks.
oh my I want to win!!! Had trouble leaving a comment here before so I hope this one gets through!! I love catching up with up with you!! It makes me so happy!
Happy Anniversary! I’m a Beatrix Potter fan too and I’ve made sure my two sons love her as well. I need to get two copies of A Fine Romance-one for me and one for my sister!
Quilts from the 30’s are my absolute favorites. It would be a joy to work with some of your fabrics. I love embroidery as well. and the pictures on your blog of the flowers are a joy. We are under water restrictions, so no flower beds for me this year. I really enjoy your blog.
I have been out of your loop for a while. Sure hope I’m not too late for your fabulous drawing. If I’m in time, I think I’m just getting under the wire. Happy Anniversary on your blog. Love, love, love the photos of your quilts. Simply “eye candy”!
Shelley
So my mom just gave me a copy of “A Fine Romance” for my first mother’s day gift and I have been sitting here enjoying this rainy day reading it aloud to my newborn Daughter, Makenzie. We are currently on page 130 and both enjoying it very much! It is rather special since she was conceived last year on my first trip to England. (Sorry if that is tmi ). Anyway happy anniversary from your two new fans!
Robin, you’re reading to your newborn. That is such an adorable picture in my mind. xoxo
Hopefully I’m not too late! I don’t see my first comment and I am never sure that they post. I am a quilter would pay good money to find some more of your absolutely beautiful fabric. I would even trade non-family made vintage quilts for its beauty. Happy summer y’all! <3<3
Please enter me in your drawing. If you have a bigger fan than me, I’d love to meet such an “over-the-top” kindred spirit! I spend so much time on your blog that my husband asked me why. I said it’s because your writings and art make me happy, like having tea with a dear friend. I’m glad you extended the drawing date. In March I bought a darling teapot in England which has printed on the front “I’m a Little Teapot Short and Stout. Pick me up and Pour Me Out.” I’ll bet you could design a similar one which we all would buy!
I love your work!! You are amazing! Maybe this will be my lucky month…it is my birthday month.:) Thank you fot the wonderful giveaways and your lovely blog.
Love, love, love your site – and would love to win one of your giveaways. Blessings to you and your’s, Susan!
Hello Susan,
You work, especially your quilts, inspire me……now in my “old age”. LOL
My plan is to make as many quilts, like yours, to give me something special and inviting to look at. I plan to spread them throughout my house.
Hoping to be a winner.
Love your blog, I had a cat like your Girl Kitty in fact 2 , the female “Smudge” passed on at early age, tragic accident. The male “Pudge” lived a good long life. Aww…(sigh) I miss that big Pudgie cat. Brings back memories when I see your sweet ones. Thanks for such a great blog !
Dear Susan, Happy Anniversary!!! I am new to your site as I just joined after I finished reading your book A Fine Romance. I adored the book, one of the best travel books I have read as it makes you want to plan a trip to see the countryside of England as you and your husband experienced. After a very tough week at work, your blog makes me feel so cheery. It really is calming and gives one a sense of peace and tranquility to browse the blog and look at your pictures and your lovely quilts and of course I can’t forget the adorable kitties!!! Thank you for such a wonderful blog, it has made my week end on a high note!
Love love love all of your fabric. Not currently a quilter, but I promise, if I become the caretaker of the beautiful fabric, I soon will be!
Be still my heart!
gg
I just got done teaching a sewing camp to a grandmother and her 11 yr old granddaughter and I see this lovely fabric in a FB post! I am in love! Inspires me to teach another camp!
Paige
As always, visiting your blog is refreshing like a sweet summer breeze :0) The fabric is wonderful too!
Dear Susan, Thank you so much for your inspiration in all you do! I have copies of your Christmas From the Heart of the Home (1990) and Autumn (2004) books and I still enjoy using both of them. I too am a Susan and also enjoy watercolors. I took up painting when I retired from teaching in 2003 and enjoy painting landscapes of where we live (on a lake near Yosemite). Keep inspiring us! Susan Engle
Looking forward to your blog re the Taber reunion and Stillmeadow. My husband and I were fortunate to be able to rent Stillmeadow for a week some years ago. To sit at Gladys Taber’s desk, have a fire going in that very special fireplace and just BE there was like a pilgrimmage! Loved it all.
I love your fabrics! I made my daughter a tablecloth and napkins from the tea set for her dolls. I even still have a bit left over! Would love to have enough to make a quilt from it.
Oh how I would love to win a quilt! My paternal grandmother was an old-fashioned quilter—did it all. Instead of batting, she always put a wool flannel blanket in between the front and back. It made for a warm quilt without the heaviness. I remember going to her house and the quilting frame would be up in the dining room, and she would steal a few minutes here and there to put in some stitches. All of her quilts were used. None of this keeping the quilt for posterity. If she gave you a quilt, it better be on someone’s bed. I’m not sure if she was nervous that the quilts weren’t “good enough” to be considered art, or she was down to the bone practical. When she died, my dad got some of her quilts. They are quite worn now, but I am going to take one of those quilts to the assisted living facility where he lives—he’s 101 now!—and we will reminisce on Father’s Day. So you see where I got my love of quilts. My grandmother would be so proud that my twin sister is carrying on the tradition. She is a quilter, too!
Smart, the blanket, to keep it light and not mash down the toes!
Happy Anniversary Susan. Your photos are the epitome of everything I treasure.
I would so love to have some of your sweet fabrics to make my own quilt. Good Luck to all!