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
YIPEE !!!!!! Wow I love your enthusiasm….. I love all the giveaways…. maybe just maybe ??????
Joy Woodman
Congratulations on Autumn! I didn’t even know you designed fabric. I’m gathering fabrics to make a Kansas Dugout quilt where it’s new but looks old! Your fabrics would be perfect for this quilt! All the best to you, Joe and the kitties.
I have really enjoyed scrolling through this blog – things have not been going especially well lately & your lovely photos provided a nice pick-me-up! Thank you for your blog.
By the way, you can pick me for any one of the giveaways – I’m easy to please!
Hi Susan and Happy Anniversary!! It’s been very lovely to read the last several posts about NYC and now your anniversary! The quilt fabric is fabulous. I am not a quilter but I know someone who IS. My favorite is your red and white one.
Have fun with the Gladys Tabor group!
As I said when I met you in Grand Rapids, MI on your book tour: Thank you for bringing so much beauty into my life!!
Oh my gosh Susan! I have been a quilter for 35 years and would appreciate anyone of these lovely giveaways. You are so generous to your girlfriends! I hope Vanna picks me!
Your postings are so wonderful to read! They just soothe my soul! Thanks for sharing your quilt collection. I love, love, love to quilt and your quilts love the care and love you give them too!
Be still my heart! Door #1? #2? #3? I am overjoyed with anticipation of this most generous giveaway. Jack and Girl Kitty make those quilts look so inviting. Snuggle here; nap here. What a lovely post. I am so thrilled to be a girlfriend.
Happy Anniversary, I love all your drawings, your story’s about your life. You do so many things well. Enjoy summer.
Susan-
Your blog has certainly been a high-point for me, after retiring two years ago. So enjoy your creativity, energy, style, books, recipes, and travel logs. Thanks for helping make life more beautiful.
Pat Bates
P.S. Vanna-You can make the “Hearts & Flowers” quilt a reality by finding it’s way to my home.
Susan, love, love, love your blog and all things that interest you, interest me. I quilt, I paint, and I read, I journal and I love cats, and especially my Calico, Callie. Thank you for sharing all your lovely collection of things and for having such nice prizes for your giveaways. I would be so excited to be named a winner.
Oh….. swoon! Your giveaways are heavenly! Even if I don’t win, it is so fun and exciting to think about it and dream of winning! Happy Anniversary Susan!
I can have a down day and feel such a lift of spirits reading your blog. Thank you for using your talents and abilities to inspire people, and for reaching even more of us these five years on the Internet. Happy fifth anniversary. I am a quilter and have just finished a bow tie scrap quilt for a wedding present to my grand daughter. It has 1830 two inch blocks and each one is from my stash and each one is from a different bolt. But, even though I had to give away some fabric when we downsized into retirement living, I definetly have need for SB fabric, 🙂 and have never seen it for sale in a fabric shop or quilt show. I wouldn’t have been able to pass up a few fat quarters. Thank you for the generous prizes to dream about.
I love the bow tie, I bet it’s beautiful!
Congratulations on your anniversary. I love your blog, and your generous giveaways. I would be so thrilled to win any of these items. 🙂
Wow, my head is spinning thinking of all the things I could do with all that fabric!
Thank you for sharing all those goodies. Can’t wait till Vanna makes a selection.
And… Happy Anniversary!
Such a generous give-away. Everything is so lovely!
Wow! Love your quilts! I bought my first one for 25 cents at a farm sale in Indiana. That was the start of a life-long love. I collect all the colors, but especially the blue tones. Mine are not perfect but to me that is what makes them special — they were used and cared for. I make up stories about the women who stitched them. I’m sure they would have loved to see their work so very appreciated!
Susan, I love everything you do – your writing, your choices of colors, your love of fabric, paper and pottery – and the list goes on. Happy Anniversary and thank you for sharing your time, talents and treasure with us.
Thank you so much for bringing beauty and civility back to my life. I can visit and just breathe, and enjoy a cup of tea (or glass of wine), and just relax in the beauty of it all. Enjoying every moment.
Susan, you rock!
🙂
Your beautiful artwork takes my heart home, Susan. Thankful to have your blog, Facebook and your newsletters to see your work more often. Winning any one of these giveaways would make me very, very happy!
Happy Blogaversary!! I think I have been coming almost from the beginning because your posts are filled with everything I love and you share it all so openly with us all. Thank you, thank you. What wonderful prizes too, as quilter Ido have some of your fabric tucked away and a tea time wall hanging not quite finished. (The bane of all quilters but it will be someday). And I am off to order the Autumn book, perfect gift for my monthly game with girlfriends! oh and my favorite antique quilts are the ones carefully folded in my house. One made by 3 generations of women in my family, started by my great Grandmother, worked on next by my Grandmother and finally finished by my Mom…a lovely Dresden plate mad with wonderful fabrics from the 30s-40s. I may just carefully applique a tiny label on the back so generations to come will know who made it…why have I never thought of that before! see you inspired me as always. Hugs!!
Yes you should, you will make future owners of your quilt dream about what it was like way back in 2014. xoxo
Me again… I wanted to come back for another look at everything, it’s all so beautiful!… I think you meant to call your flowers Foxgloves instead of Hollyhocks… those were my little great~grandmothers favorite flower of all… she used to tell me a story about why they were called Foxgloves… “why because those naughty little foxes would slip the petals on the paws so as to sneak quietly into the henhouse”… and I would giggle and say “tell me again grandma”… and she always did… what I would give to hear her “tell me again” just one more time… now, my Foxgloves have all naturalized and look beautiful, like yours!… xoxo Me
They are the gift that keeps on giving, Foxgloves! 🙂
I planted foxgloves (because I love them) out about 4 years ago, and this year they all died. Boo-hoo!
Was it the cold winter?
Congratulations on your anniversary….. Love the giveaways and of course Jack. I love to read your blog and love when Jack is in the pics…. He is so cute. I would love to be a winner and maybe a picture of Jack….. : )
Thank you for sharing your talent with us. You fill my life with beauty through your books, blogs and Facebook posts. You keep my Cape Cod going all year until I can return each summer to the place where my heart belongs too! Never stop painting and writing!
Susan, You are such a kind and giving person. It would be an honor to win just because the gifts come from you, no matter what they are. But of course, they are very nice and seem like such a part of you. Thank you for thinking of us, and sharing with us!
I’ve had a love affair with quilts for as long as I can remember. Imagine how excited I was to see a couple of quilts in your photos that look so very much like mine! We have great taste, my friend! (But really, is there such a thing as an ugly quilt? I think not!) I adore your blog. Thank you for allowing us to live vicariously thru you.
Oh Susan – one of your beautiful quilts is just like one I have that my Grandmother made. I think it was made from old flour sacks! The fabric is so soft and worn now. The quilt has been used by many generations. I just loved seeing your collection!
I am so excited you are bringing back the Autumn Cookbook – one of my favorites. Thank you for your beautiful creations and for inspiring me every time I read your Blog!
Fabric, Fabric, FABRIC! Quilts,Quilts,QUILTS! Teeny tiny flowers and prints, polka dots and watercolors that all warm my heart! I LOVE all of your influences that are a part of my home Susan. Quilts are everywhere, my kitchen counter proudly displays your “Perfect Tea” teapot and a pie stand that holds two plates that are the same as your china. HAPPY ANNIVERSARY Susan , thank you for all the smiles and giggles you bring to me in so many ways : )
Roxanne
Susan
Always enjoy your blogs and so enjoyed going along with you to England! Much continued success.
Thank you for offering us such wonderful giveaways. We all hope we will be winners.
I’ve actually searched the internet for your fabric! What lovely eye candy….old quilts, pretty fabric and your artwork. Thanks for the opportunities.
Oh, Oh, Oh. I was so lost in the photos of your lovely quilts and dishes; I almost forgot the blog had mentioned a giveaway. And then THREE lovely gift packages! I cannot imagine the thrill of receiving any of the three. Your fabric is so lovely (as well as priceless). The wonderfulness and beauty of your art on the calendar pages! And the quilt – I remember that fabric! As a matter of fact, my kitchen curtains are made from the red check 🙂 – <3 <3 <3 You are so sweet to us! Here's to many more years of girlfriends!!!
I will drink to that! 🙂
Hi Susan,
Congratulations on your anniversary. I don’t know what I would do if there wasn’t a Susan Branch blog. It has made my day many times. The drawings are so exciting and I would love to receive any of them. Thank you for being so generous
Hi from sunny (blistering hot) Sacramento! I will take one of each please! I have to correct you Susan – those are Foxglove not Hollyhocks in your blog picture! ha…sure just a foolish error. True gardeners know these things. Again – I will take one of each please. Love, Julie Child (not of cookbook fame) ha – same as was at the Remnants show in November last year.
Loved seeing all your quilts. All the inspiration for your beautiful work. I’ve enjoyed it for years. Have used your cute stickers. It takes so long to look at your books and calendars, there is surprise after surprise. Love them. So unique and adorable. Your fabrics are amazing. Cute cute cute! Whoever winners will enjoy so much. Wouldn’t mind it being me. As you can tell we all would enjoy. Blessings! Tanya
This is just as good as “trip anticipation”! Before actually going on a trip, the planning, the packing, the excitement…..are all a big happy part of the actual outcome of the trip itself…..We have fun and make memories before we even leave. Susan, your giveaways are like that for me…..such fun to read and look at the photos of what “might be”, and then the anticipation of “just maybe it could be me”……and then the announcement of the lucky ducks who actually….do win…..and we are all fine that it wasn’t us (again 🙂 …..because the winners are girlfriends and we are always rooting for nice things to happen to our girlfriends! Let the fun begin….and thank you for bringing us all together through fb and your warm and lovely blog 🙂 🙂
Thank you for sharing so much beauty with all of us. WOW, what a way to celebrate this anniversary milestone with the generous give-aways. Somebody is going to be really happy….maybe it will be me! 🙂
Happy Facebook and Blog Anniversary! Thank you for all you do!
Happy anniversary! I really enjoy reading your blog…it is just lovely. I have a tuxedo cat and I know he would make fast friends with your Kitty!! Again…congratulation s on your anniversary….so special.
Oh gracious, could it get any better?! Such lovelies(Jack included)! What lucky girlfriends we are! Good Luck, everyone!
Giveaway , giveaway — how do you top this ? Each one is bigger than the last — I can see your next notice now …. ” and girlfriends for the next giveaway I will include two signed copies of my AUTUMN Cookbook and JOE .” that”s as much as I can do — just don’ t
Ever expect to see my kitty Jack on the list !
No-no — not Joe either! 🙂 Dad, you are too much!
Ha, ha…BD! Joe will be too busy, pruning the front hedge! 🙂
I love the blog. Always so much to think on and dream about.
WOWW I would be so delighted to win any one of these 3 givaways! Susan, you are too generous! Thanks for your beautiful books & blog, and for sharing your heart with us girlfriends.
I love everything you do, it’s all so beautiful ! You are an inspiration !
I have thoroughly enjoyed your books, website and blogs. I too love colors!!! Your prizes are beautiful. I can see them coming home with me.
Happy Anniversary! I’ve followed you since shortly after your blog went live and was served your Cranberry Apple Crisp YUM! at my watercolor 🙂 instructor’s home! The gifts you are offering are wonderful! I have just a little of the Tea Party fabric – it was love at first sight! (found it before I knew you!!!). I keep saving it in my stash for just the perfect inspired moment! Your quilts that you are offering are sooo beautiful – that is soooo generous of you! Keeping fingers and toes crossed!
See, that Cranberry Apple Crisp gets ’em every time! 🙂
WOWZA! So many beautiful items…you are so kind to share. Thank you…and my name is now entered. I have to say I LOVE the embroidery items; I loved doing it as a child. I once did a whole picture with birds, flowers, and a saying. It was quite big. My daddy bet me I wouldn’t finish it; that was all the incentive I needed to do so. ALSO the quilts are so lovely. I only had 2-3 but lost them in a fire in 2003. Would be nice to have one again. Sending love and hugs to all the Girlfriends…and Good Luck to eveyone in the drawing.
Hmmmm. Now I want to collect quilts, too. Thanks for the giveaways! You are so generous, as always.
Happy Anniversary!
I have been with you in spirit from the beginning, all my/your books are 1st editions! I was so very fortunate to just stumble on you (your book) one day when I was traveling up north. And fell in love at first sight, kindred spirits speaking my language. And then wonderful day when you were on Facebook and then Twitter (and can’t forget the original mailing Willards), more wonderful days of inspiration. But the best, almost as good as seeing the first book that first moment was when you started your blog. It is my favorite and always brings me to a very happy place filled with girlfriends and fun. And of course lovely pictures of Jack with his tiny pink tongue sticking out.
So thank you Susan for taking that leap and bringing us a little more joy and fun!
Happy Anniversary!
And that you so much for the wonderful drawings, but I feel like it should be us that give you the prize.
xoxoxo
Love the blog and your great gifts you give away. Hope I will be one of the lucky ones. I so enjoyed meeting you in NH on the book tour. Love, love, love your books..
Happy Anniversary with this blog. I travel a bit for work; and I always start my computer work on the road by reading your blog. How nice that you share so much happiness. Keep up the good work!
I have all your books except autumn…just ordered it and bought a fine romance for my friend who lives on the cape….keep the books coming…waiting for your diary from first arriving on the vineyard.
I’m working on it! 🙂
I started following your blog in a couple of months ago and now look forward to it everyday. Your work is so uplifting and I am sucker for tuxedo kitties!
Happy Anniversary Susan! I’ve loved every moment of your blog! I find that no matter what kind of day I have, I can always be elevated by your blog. The world is SWEET again. Love to take those S.B. breaks at work and school. Whatever is going on, my life is more fun with your blog and the girlfriends.
Oh and I loved the quilts and I loved how Jack was involved in all the photo opportunities he was presented. (My cat follows me along too.) I really loved your blog where jack followed you to the kitchen and sat in a big bowl, as you were doing your Spring cleaning. So cute!
Hello Susan, Every day when I come home from a challenging, and often stressful day of teaching, I sink into my comfy chair and wrap my mother’s handmade quilt around me. She has been gone for eight years now, but each evening I feel her hugs and words of comfort in the soft folds of colorful patches and tiny stitches. Her spirit envelops me as the day’s cares fall away. Quilts are such exquisite treasures. Lynne
Happy Anniversary! Just Love. Love, Love your blog and books. Those quilts, that cat! Such a fun and refreshing blog. And a special thank you for introducing me to Gladys Taber. Congrats on your success.
The colors in the quilts, SWOON! I, too, have a hand-me quilt that is one of my treasures.
Time flies! It seems just Yesterday that the wonderful visits with you, Joe, and the kitties started! Wow! Happy Anniversary!
I love the “Autumn” book! Just like my “Little Women” and “Aunt Jane of Kentucky”, it comes out every September for a lovely read…. I do the same with “Summer.” Just a hint, but wouldn’t a spring and winter book be lovely one day!? 🙂 No pressure here! hahahaha
*Squeal* over all the prizes! Good luck everyone!
Such a lovely blog! I just recently discovered it on facebook and was happy to see your posts. I have always been a fan of your books and cards. And everybody loves a contest, right?! Congrats on your blogiversary!
Oh my, what a wonderful anniversary celebration. As I’m a quilter I am drooling over that fabric collection and oohing and ahhing over your quilt collection. Quilts are inspiring and comforting. Thank you for enriching my life not only through your blog, but in your books and calendars.
Autumn is my favorite Susan Branch book! I may have to buy the new edition just to get a ribbon in mine 🙂
Seems like you just began and now it’s Five years of such beautiful things! Plus all the lovely experiences you’ve shared with us! Thanks so much!!!
What a beautiful giveaway and thank you for making it worldwide! My daughter loves looking through your books 🙂
I’ve loved your work since I received your first book, my first, as a gift years ago. Wish I could paint like you.
Love it all! ~The fabric, the calendars, the books; the kitties, the watercolors, the stories! When I see a new entry on the blog, I can hardly wait to see what is new. Keep charming us with your sweet stories.
I’m sitting with my husband, he listening to the radio, me savouring Susan’s blog on a Saturday morning, what could be better! Good luck everyone and a big thankyou Susan!
I, too, have too many ideas in my head for the designing I do. I have endless sticky notes and sketches and so little time. Still, I’m sewing constantly to get samples done…..I need at least five more of me. Yes, I know how you feel. The reward? Finishing something! The reward? Being involved in the process. I love both the process and the finish! And Gladys Taber. Yes. I’m just starting to read her books all over again. I have to do that every once in a while. Thanks for the lovely visit!
Happy Anniversary! And thank you for taking us on this wonderful adventure with you! You are a bright spot in every single day and help us to remember how to enjoy and savor all the big and small moments of our daily lives, from a cup of tea to a trip across the sea! You are a treasure and a blessing to all! Wishing you, Joe and Kitties many blessings!
I love everything Susan Branch. My kitchen just isn’t “right” without a Susan Branch calendar hanging on the pantry door for all to see. I have all my calendars since 1968 and lots of them are yours. I love the bee fabric. My grandma name is even “Hunny”.
Yippey, Skippy and congratulations! So many wonderful and beautiful things, however, my favorites are the mini calendars. They are always my go to little gifts for all my besties.
How exciting when I opened your blog and saw your beautiful fabric. I enjoy all your ideas and sentiments of life. I have wished your fabric was still available, it is just the style I love. Thanks for sharing your life and loves with all of us.
Congratulations on the anniversary of your blog. I so look forward to each and every one. This was a particularly beautiful one with a beautiful message. There really are so many of us out here who love the same things. And your blog is one of them. It’s such a happy place. Love, love, love all of the giveaways. Keeping fingers and toes crossed!
Susan, So glad that I checked out your blog today. Your quilt collection makes my heart sing! I have a small collection as well, and you have given me new ideas on how to display them:) It has been a rough month or so, as I had a stroke recently (at age 48!) and need uplifting sites and blogs like yours to cheer me up:) So hope I win one of your prizes. They would be going to another charming home with a black & white kitty. His name is Gary, and he is sitting on my lap right now. Of course!
Sincerely,
Kim Goodrich
I love your positive approach Kim … keep getting better. Gary will be your best help! I love his name!
Susan Branch, your work (and play) set my heart aflutter! You just fill the world with beauty! Thank you!
Wow! Such nice giveaways! I love it when it when I connect to your blog and you have a new posting. It makes my day. Congratulations on your anniversary, and keep ’em coming!
Happy Anniversary Susan 🙂 What a wonderful giveaway and I would be so tickled pink to win! Love all the colors of the quilts and I too love them just never had one made for me by anyone but hope to learn how myself one day. How exciting to get the New Autumn book(I have the old one but I think it needs company) and can’t wait for all of the new calendars to come out….love the blotter on too. Have a wonderful June girlfriends <3
Hi Susan, What beautiful items for us to see and possibly have. Lovely to look at. I think have the same curtains you have on the ironing board (is that a sunburst pattern at bottom?) Love your old dishes and those vintage embroidery patterns are so comforting. I am reading Gladys Taber’s Stillmeadow Seasons now and of course a Miss Read book is always on my night stand. Thank you for the trip to England. I wish I could get the courage to go…….
You inspire me everyday. Love to you and your awesome kitties.
That one is actually the dresser scarf from the sideboard in my dining room. Looks like a curtain though!
Happy anniversary, I will be one of the first in line to receive your Autumn book, I have the previous one, but this print out of Autumn will be so very special – for it will have your final special touches and from your printing name – I want a whale like the one Mimi was holding in the picture you added when you went to Elizabeth’s yard sale – was so unusual, loved it, just wondered if it came from a shop on the island. Thank you for filling each day with beautiful inspiration , I also love to watercolor and thank you for giving to me such constant motivation –
The blue whale came from Midnight Farm on Main Street in Vineyard Haven. They had more!
Welcome home for the summer!
Thank you for your blog. I find inspiration here & love to accompany you on your trips!! We’re all kindred spirits.
You always make my day! I love reading your blog – – – and YOU!!! I am praying that my name is chosen. I would love any one of those wonderful prizes. Checking your blog is the highlight of my daily routine. I can not wait for your new book and congratulations on all you success. You deserve every bit of it!!!
I have enjoyed your blog from the beginning–thanks for sharing all that good stuff with us. Thanks for the brightness you bring to the world.
Beautiful~~simply Beautiful!!!!
So many lovely goodies. I am a huge fan of vintage quilts. And all of Susan’s wonderful and too cute goodies, its so hard to choose. Good thing all I get to do is say yes please I would like to enter the drawing.
Everything you do is lovely!! I would make a quilt with your fabric ASAP if I am the lucky winner. Thank you for your generosity. And I love your kitties! 🙂
Hugs,
Shann
Congrats on the anniversary!! I am also excited about Autumn’s rerelease!!! Oh and loved your kitty!! Very photogenic cat!
Susan, you are always an inspiration and your blog is such a happy place to visit! Happy Anniversary!
I’m in awe of all the gorgeous things you make. You are truly an inspiration to me Susan! I’m going to my local fabric store tomorrow to see if they give a beginner’s class. I want my home to look as cozy and beautiful as yours. Thank you soooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo much for your talent, your blog, your stories, your inspiration but most of all thank you for being you and sharing yourself with all of us! Luv you!!
You are going to have such fun and find lots of kindred spirits Mamey!
Susan, what a lovely sentiment about us all being alike…and that we can all come to this spot to get refreshed from whatever is heavy in our hearts….neighborhoods that aren’t safe…family members dealing with illness…people surrounded by negativity. What beautiful things await here…peace, joy, creativity,love …the list goes on. Thank you for sharing your heart and gifts you were blessed with!
Congratulations and thanks for a wonderful give away.I love painting quilts too.Count me in.
Just being one of your ‘Girlfriends’ is prize enough! Thanks for sharing your talents and sweet genuine self….. I truly feel blessed having you in my life!
Congratulations! I am so happy to be a part of your world. It brings the love you have for quilts, old movies, books, gardening, and so much we more that we, your girlfriends all can experience together; making all of our homes full of love.
I love the giveaways, so extra special!
I am going to wait very patiently for your Autumn Book, for it is the one missing from my collection, well I am going to try hard to be patient.
The quilt fabric is so lovely!!! And the pattern with the hearts. It drives me to distraction that fabric production is more transient than leaves on the trees. Seems good stuff like that should stay in production much more than a season. A decade maybe. Your blog makes me happy, thank you for taking the time and care with it that you do.
Congrats on your successful blog! I’ve enjoyed your work for many years and am so happy the desk pad calendar will be available in August! I have really missed it. As a quilter, I would so enjoy winning some of your fabric … Crossing my fingers and my heart!
✫*¨*.*¨Happy Anniversary Sweet Sue! 🙂 This Blog~Post Like Every One Of Your Blog~Posts is Pure Magic! Vanna is Going to Be A Very Busy Girl! 🙂 My Wings Are Crossed… 😉 I Love You! Twirling into The Magical World Of You! Susan Branch! Make A Wish! xoxo Poof! ✫*¨*.¸¸.✶*¨`*.✫*¨*.¸¸.✫*¨*.¸¸.✶*¨`*.✫*¨*.¸¸.✫*¨*.¸¸.✫*¨*.¸¸.✶*¨`*.✫*¨
P.S. Hey Don’t Forget…Today The Race! Belmont~Stakes & You Know I’m “California~Chrome~Dreamin’ ” of The Triple~Crown! My Wings Are Crossed Sweet Sue! xoxo Giddy~Up! ✫*¨*.¸¸.✶*¨`*.✫*¨* 🙂 Have A Dazzling Weekend! 🙂
Oh boy! I’m excited, this is such a pretty horse! My wings are crossed too! LOL
Yay! 🙂 lol xoxo ✫*¨*.¸¸.✶*¨`*.✫*¨*
Hello Susan, It doesn’t seem possible that it has been 5 yrs. we have all been blogging and sharing our feelings and love of EVERYTHING vintage (nice way of saying old)? I adore quilts and my Grandmother made each of us a quilt and mine had the Sunbonnet Sue “kids” (remember those)? I always felt secure and loved wrapped up in that quilt. I’m not sure where all our quilts have gone and I’m sure they are worn and even yellowed but I would still love to find them. I cannot see a quilt (all of yours are just lovely) without thinking of my Grandmother/Aunts and it just takes me back to a time shared with extended family and a less hectic, hurried time. I also want to say to you how much I admire the stamina that you have it gives me hope. Thank you for a chance to win one of your giveaways I’m sure the winners will be so excited. I also wanted to tell you that I did not dig up the Gladiolus bulbs last Fall and we had such a harsh Winter but all of them came back which truly surprised me. I cannot wait to see what colors show up it will be a gift since I didn’t have to plant them this year!! Wishing you a wonderful time when you go on your Gladys Taber Adventure, Have Fun!! Good Luck to All the Girlfriends.
Beautiful post as always. I always love the photos of kitties and quilts! Once again, your give aways are so generous! How exciting the next few days will be, just waiting for Vanna. Have a great time at the Gladys Taber celebration. A hearty congrats on the F.O.S.B. and your blog which I would miss terribly if you stopped!XOXOXO
Happy Anniversary! I love your work and have very much enjoyed reading your blog! Keep up the great work!
I always enjoy tea as I read your blog. I would love the autumn book for me andI would share the other book with.afriend simce I already have it.
What lovely give aways! All of them are amazing and generous. Thanks Miss Susan for the time and energy you put into this visually delightful blog.
Well another giveaway! I really I hope I have a little knock on my virtual door and am told I won something…. That sure would be nice. Thanks for being so giving! You are a joy to us all!