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
Congratulations! Boy am I glad you started to blog! I have always wanted to quilt. Wouldn’t it be cool if my very first quilt could be made with your fabric?!
I’d feel blessed if I won any one of your three generous giveaways. I’d absolutely love the fabric bundle since I’m in the process of making my daughter a quilt/duvet cover – She is a Block Island girl and the colors are perfect for their bed. The prints would be framed and hung over the bed and the books would be situated on the nightstand. So no matter which I won, I’d feel blessed.
Congratulations on your double anniversary! Congratulations on your love of life and light and colors and a good husband and two incredibly sweet kitties.
I’m a quilter! I believe in the old adage that you can never have too many quilts OR too much fabric! I love your Tea Party Collection! Thanks for your wonderful blog!
Congratulations! Love your art, your books, your blog, face book and everything else. You are a special touch to my day.
Susan
I have followed your blog for quite a while now. You are so inspiring and I love your outlook. Keep it up!
Beautiful dishes! Fabric! Antique quilts! Watercolors! Tea! These are some of my favorite things (wrong season for snow on eyelashes), we could be best friends! Congratulations on the anniversary and thanks for the giveaway!
Your blog is a delight, Susan! It calms me, inspires me, and helps me make my home a more inviting place to recharge. Congratulations on your anniversary! It’s going to be 103* here today but there is always a quilt in sight. I’m working on one for our prayer quilt ministry that the fabric started life as a fabric children’s book. Have a wonderful summer.
Revisiting yesterday ‘s post and starting the day off with a SMILE :)!
yes, dear Claudia, it does start our day with a smile!!! Love it, don’t we!
Your quilts are beautiful, Susan. What a treasure it would be to receive the quilt that you are sharing. Your gardens are an inspiration for all of to try to duplicate. Happy Summer!
Congratulations on your anniversaries! And best wishes for many more! What a fun give-away you are having. My daughter keeps asking to make a quilt as our summer-vacation project this year!
Thank you for the blog!
I have been a SB fan since your first Heart of the Home cookbook. Both of my daughters are fans, too, and several of your recipes have become family favorites.
Any new posts on your blog always make my day a bit brighter. I just returned from clearing out my mothers estate and was delighted to find among her things a Susan Branch teapot that I sent to her for mother’s day one year. Of course it is mine – I didn’t even give my sister’s a choice of who it belongs to now!
Happy Anniversary, Susan! I have loved your unique and wonderful art since first coming across it in the pages of Country Living magazine. I pulled all those recipe pages and put them in a box frame, which hangs in my pantry and I change the pictures seasonally. And I’ve been a follower of the blog from the first posting. Thanks so much!
It certainly IS a Happy Anniversary! Congratulations! I am so happy that you have seen dreams come true in such beautiful and fun ways!
My breath is taken away with the new “giveaways”. I almost fainted from the beauty and cuteness of everything. To be given Jack…..! haha…just kidding. I know you could not help it if he has to ham things up for the camera and be seen. I agree with you about quilts and all that they represent. My Grandmother had the most beautiful quilt that she framed and hung on her entryway wall so it was the very first thing to be seen when entering her home. Quilts are definitely works of art, and I find it amazing that you have been able to create so much from their inspiration! We are definitely richer because of it. Just in case I might win, I have my sewing machine set up and waiting….! It is such fun to be a girlfriend! 🙂
Oh, how you have inspired me today, reading your blog and seeing all those lovely quilts and fabrics!! I just adore your art and love of color. I must get busy in my own sewing room and work up some lovely things myself!! You always make my day, girl!! And happy gardening, too!
Huggies, Marie
Hello from beautiful OR.! Happy Anniversary dear Susan, yours is the best blog ever, and you do make my heart sing every time I jump in! What an exciting drawing GF, I love all your great gifts! Yesterday, we BFFs visited 3 quilt shops & celebrated with cupcakes! So we’re all ready for your quilt giveaway! Such fun, huge thanks & heartfelt hugs my dear!!!! XO
Fun Joan! XO!
Hello Susan, thank you for always sharing loves and thoughts. Your books,your fabrics and everything else your heart has created…so make our world so much better. We have been so Blessed to have Susan Branch in our lives. Thank you for sharing always.
Happy Anniversary! What wonderful and generous gifts you’ve chosen, but I really feel it’s we, your readers, who should be gifting you! You’ve certainly given me hours of pleasure and joy reading your blog and books. I admire your artistic talent, your sunny and positive nature, and generous, sharing spirit. Thanks so much for the time you devote to the blog, in particular. Spending time “with you” is one of my favorite things to do!
I’ve never read a more beautiful blog than your reflections on what we share with everyone on the planet. That spirit of generosity and inclusion typify all of your work–your giveaways being secondary to the inspiration you give us in every day through blogs, newsletters, and the products you share through your store. No wonder you have so many devoted followers. I get inspired every time I reach out to Susan Branch.
Thank you so much for helping to make this a Wonderful World!
Happy Anniversary! What lovely gifts for three lucky winners….. your blog has been part of my days since you started it ,when I talk to my husband about you he probably thinks you are one of my friends but I know if we lived close and could sit and chat you would become a dear friend. to share your days and your trips,your kitties, Joe is always so comforting to me! Every word you write is so uplifting and nostalgic too. I would also like to tell you that your photography is beautiful!! If you read my comment I would love to know what kind of camera you use? Thank you for bringing BEAUTY to my world!
Each morning with my tea I spend some of my beautiful day with you and your blog … it’s my “go to” read! Ironic that I was in my quilt room this week and found some of your fabric from the “Language of Flowers” line … which I believe is no longer available. Often read your books over and over and just recently made one of your recipes for my husband, to rave reviews! Congratulations on your anniversary … looking forward to celebrating the next milestone with you … I’ll have my tea ready 😉 Linda
Just love all your things, live near Arroyo Grande and loved your shop there. Thanks for sharing your life with us and all your gorgeous things.!!!!
Congratulations!! Your blog is such an inspiration to me. It gives me such good ideas for making our home comfortable. I love old dishes and just about anything else old. I would love to have been a fly on the wall and heard the conversations that went on at the supper table when the dishes that are old now were new. Thank you for giving of yourself. You can honestly feel the love coming thru your blog as I read it. Looking forward to years spent with you!!
My husband just asked me as I was reading your blog, “What are you reading.” I explained it was your blog and where I went to soothe my soul. Thank you, Susan.
Did he get a quizzical look on his face, or did he understand?
Congratulations! Ever since I first “discovered” your scrapbook stickers, papers etc. I have been a fan. I am so looking forward to the republishing of the “Autumn” book. You do inspire me regarding my entertaining and decorating. I look forward to reading many more years of your blog.
Thanks for writing your blog, I’ve enjoyed it from the beginning. Not sure why I bother to enter your give-aways, I guess hope springs eternal. The fabric made me hope that just this once you’d email me with some happy news. Oh well, dreams are what keeps us going!
As I always say, better chance here than at the lottery — a zillion times better. But still . . . I know.
Congratulations on the big success of your blog! It has been a joy to read and every time there is a new post I have to stop everything and enjoy:) Please continue taking us all along on your adventures!
Happy Anniversary, Susan! Every picture on your blog is lovely. It would be wonderful to receive any of your give-aways. Have a nice day!
God bless, Kathy in Illinois
Thank you for sharing your quilt collection and lovely flowers with us! L.O.V.E. your fabrics! And not a problem, I have my own cat to cuddle up and claim anything I might win in your giveaway!!
All of you beautiful things make my heart sing :-). Thank you for being a kindred spirit and sharing your creativity with your “sisters by another mother”!
Oh! Pick me! Pick me! I had just decided I was going to make a quilt (a couple of weeks ago…..) and needed vintage prints. I’ve been thinking of quilts all week long and looking at photos of them, patterns and then even dreaming about quilts at night! Even if I don’t win the drawing, I still “won” all that lovely inspiration and I THANK YOU! This has been a lovely blog and I celebrate all the posts you’ve given us. It’s been WONDERFUL and the best blog I’ve ever seen…………ANYWHERE! love it! and love YOU, too!
Susan, You are so generous! Sharing these beautiful things reminds me of the saying ‘The love in your heart wasn’t put there to stay, love isn’t love til you give it away’. By sharing, you are making the world a better place and showing us how to do it too! Thank you!
xoxo Bobbi!
I got married on my birthday in June- I was young and didn’t even think that I was losing one day of celebration! What a great gift any of your give-aways would be.
LOL, well Happy Birthday and Happy Anniversary Linda!
Ooh, those lovely quilts and fabrics are so beautiful. Thank you for sharing them with all of us.
Congratulations on your anniversary, Susan. All the girlfriends, really, are the winners. Not only to have “met” you (through the computer if not in person), but to have been the recipients of your beauty, knowledge and ability to make us all feel like we all are really “girlfriends.”
I am not a quilter but I love fabric. Sorry I did not get any of your tea party collection, since I love tea parties.
By the way, hope your dad is doing well after his surgery.
Are you sure you can’t include Jack. When he curls up in a little ball on top of something, he is definitely asking for a cuddle. Love him.
I am so lucky to have come across your blog.
My dad is going great Isabel, thank you for asking! (Blog Daddy is his stage name 🙂 )
All the give aways are beautiful and would love to win one of them. You are so kind to give us a chance to have our names drawn for these gifts.
Your blog posts always makes my day brighter (I especially love the ‘musica’ links) always so cheerful and bright, I feel like I am sitting in your cozy kitchen with you sipping tea…I have only a few quilts in my collection, but I love them and leave them out year round. AND I can’t wait for the ‘Autumn’ book to come out, truly my favorite season of them all…
I have to say that your blog is the best one I’ve ever seen……..so many beautiful photos and always somethings fun to read about! Thank you for inspiring us with your creativity.
Your quilts are so beautiful, and you are right, I think using a lot of white fabric gives them such a good look. I would love any of the giveaways, they are all very nice. Speaking of yellow, the interior of my house is all painted in shades of yellow, it is so cheery and I never get tired of it. That coupled with blue and white accessories is my idea of decorating.
We need to hear that there are people in other countries that feel as we do. With all the news about bad things that happen in those places, it’s easy to dislike the whole country. You inspired me to try harder to change the way I feel about people who are different than me.
Thanks for sharing your quilt collection, and I loved the pics of Jack and Girl.
Vivian
My Mom and I love your sweet artwork and creative ideas: it’s always so exciting to see a new book come out! I find the pictures of your house and garden particularly inspiring – so lovely! Please keep them coming 🙂
It is always a fun experience to visit your blog. So full of beauty, color and inspiring ideas! Your fabric selections look so ‘dreamy’. My mind can wander
easily on new projects. Such generous possibilities! Thanks for the encounter.
Dear Susan,
Many congratulations on your anniversaries! You have made, so many people happy, the world truely is a better place with you to show us how to be kinder, gentler, sweeter, more forgiving to others.
Thank you so much for the generous 3 (!!!!) chances of winning something wonderful.
Happy weekend and best wishes from Holland!
Nicoline
XX
I have always loved your designs!!! Your cookbooks, fabrics, and items for the home are wonderful…..I have many and love using them daily. Your quilts are lovely!! One of my greatest desires is to learn how. What fun it would be to win one of the gifts you are offering! You have been generous over the years with your talent…..which I have always been jealous of! And your generosity shows through again.
SOOOOOOOO exciting!!! What fun! Susan…about 12-13 years ago, I made a hall hanging of your pattern with your fabrics…cannot remember the name but it was all these darling hats..in floral prints. was my first attempt at a wall quilt and I meant it to be for my first Granddaughter and she finally came along! I couldn’t find the “exact ” fabrics, in Montana, so after calling all over the Pacific Northwest…a wonderful quilt shop, in Portland, shipped all to me. It was a fun project..I was proud of my work…and I thank you to this day for the idea, pattern and fabulous fabrics!
This post is a feast for my eyes and heart. Beautiful colors, art, quilts, dishes, kittens. Everything wonderful all wrapped up in HAPPY. This little corner of the world is always a “hyacinth for my soul” …HAPPY ANNIVERSARY!
I’m so happy you began your Facebook page and your wonderful Blog! I can’t imagine not having your beautiful posts to enjoy reading and the joy I get viewing all your artwork and pictures you share with all of us. You make life a better place to be, thank you Susan! Sure hope Vanna picks me for one of the fantastic giveaways! 🙂
What a perfectly beautiful blog! Just like Christmas…I would be so happy with any one of your prizes.
Oh Susan! You said to leave a short comment……I will do my best even though I would love to be in your kitchen now with a good cup of tea and talking away to you! What lovely treats. I have been trying to collect pieces here and there of your fabrics! I am online hunting frequently. And I have to confess that on rainy days I go through your blog checking out your collected quilts for inspiration. I am a card and collage maker, a quilt lover and a wish I were better quilt maker. But…..I love what I make because I make it with love! Happy gardening! xoxoxoxoxo
I love the pic of Jack sticking his tongue out! you have such sweet kitties 🙂
Your website never fails to make me smile inside and out!
SUSAN, YOU ARE AN UNENDING RAINBOW
OF SURPRISES AND DELIGHTS.
Dear Susan,
Good morning! What wonderful and generous giveaways you have put together for us this month. I have enjoyed reading your books since I purchased your “Heart of the Home” (from a store called La De Da!) many years ago. Your posts are wonderful and inspiring because they focus on the goodness in the world. Thank you for spreading the love. Kathy
As always, your paintings help us all to take a break in our hectic and sometimes difficult lives, to focus on beauty, simplicity and joy. I am so grateful for your love for old quilts, china, and other nostalgia. The simple beauty of past times will continue on, refreshed with your amazing colors, and designs and whimsical touch! Thank you so much Susan.
Went to Cal Poly SLO a few years ahead of you. When we retired from working, we decided to move back to the central coast. Just finished my first quilt and would LOVE to make my next one from your fabric. Miss your little shop in AG.
Oh my goodness, you are so incredibly generous! I would love to win any of your giveaways! Thank you for doing this!
I absolutely love your blog! And your calendars and books! You make life so happy and are so kind to share your gift (and adorable kitchen) with us. Thank you for being you!
Dear Susan,
Happy Anniversary! What a great time it has been and it just keeps getting better. You have taken us to so many places and I just can’t wait to see what is around the next corner. Here’s to many more!!!
Wow – what an amazing giveaway! I’m so glad you’re online – have loved your books for years. Having access to visiting you at home (& elsewhere) via your lovely blog is the icing on the cake
Darling Jack, who won’t want to lay on all your mama’s goodness? Peace on earth and a HUGE thank you for all the love and inspiration you spread. Kisses to Joe for sharing you with us. Happy Anniversary and many many more.
xxxooo e
Your posts brighten my day, Susan. What a treat it is to find a new splash of joy in my day from you! I would feel so blessed to win any of your giveaways. I am starting my first quilting project next week when my school year is officially over.
May you and Joe have a blessed summer!
I don’t know how you do it all and make it seem so stress free. Loved all the info on your quilts – not a quilter myself (no patience) but I sure love looking at the finished products!
I share your love of quilts. My favorite memories of my grandma is her quilting. Someday I plan on trying to piece one together. Thank you so much for sharing your life with us!
I’ve come in for a little break from the unglamorous task of clearing out the shed. Stopping by your blog is always a treat, Susan. I have only two quilts, one made by my mother and one by my sister-in-law;I love them both. I wonder if 2 can make a stack!
Have a beautiful weekend.
Two is a stack! 🙂 Happy shed cleaning!
Hi Susan!
Yesterday, 6 June, was both my 20th work anniversary and 33rd wedding anniversary — so I absolutely resonate to your Anniversary Celebration! Your gifts are Lovely, but as I already have these items please do not include me in the drawings. Honestly, with 850+ comments, I’ll feel I’ve won if you just find my comment of thanks to you. You sincerely are an inspiration to me. I wish you all the happy celebrations you can hold. <3
Happy two Anniversaries to you too Dee! Aren’t we lucky! xoxo
Oh Susan! The fabric is absolutely georgous! I have been quilting since 2000, and have made many, many quilts to give as gifts ~ including one for each of my six sisters. Thank you for the chance to win the fabric!
I have been a fan of your for sometime now. I’ve collected your books since they have first came out. Following your blog etc gives me my “SB fix”! We are lucky to have this World Wide Web so that we can touch each other’s lives so often. It’s so fun to follow your travels and gain inspiration from your blog!Happy Anniversary!
Your blog is at the top of my “favorite things” list! Congratulations on a job well done!
Would love to have any of the three thoughtful things you chose to give all of us!
It is such a pleasure to read your blog and peruse your website daily. It just makes my day better and reminds me of my special times with a wonderful grandmother-aprons, cooking, quilts and love.
Thank you!
I look for a new post every morning and get excited when I find one! I have several pieces of your fabric, but a quilter MUST never run out of fabric! (like that is going to happen). Thank you for the inspiration you give us all!
This is the first time reading your blog and I love it!! I found it on Zite. I am a quilter and collector of quilts and China. I have every one of your books and I sometimes just sit and read them to relax. They put me in a happy place. I would love to have your giveaway and knowing it came right from you!! Thank you for making life happy and special❤
Dear Susan,
Happy Anniversary! When I wake up in the morning, the first thing I do is check to see if you have written a new message on your blog. What a great way to start the day and then re-read it with a cup of tea or coffee. You are such an amazing renaissance woman who can really “do it all”…a wonderful and inspiring talent who shares her heart and imagination with the rest of us.
Thank you so much. Cheryl
I’m not sure you can truly say you do it all if you don’t have children. That is the biggie! Moms are the truly amazing ones! But thank you so much Cheryl! Happy to have you here!
What a fantastic giveaway! I have enjoyed your art for years, as well as your blog ever since I found it about a year and a half ago. I always look forward to reading each new post. The content and the look of your blog is so charming.
Thank you for sharing your quilts with us! I’ve always wanted to see more of your “inspiration” or quilts. I agree that all your wonderful work looks like it stepped right out of the ’30s era, and I do so love those colors. You have inspired all of us!
Happy Anniversary! Love coming here to see your flowers and quilts. Love all of the color! Happy weekend! ! Xo
Hi Susan,
Such beautiful fabric! I’d love to win! So vanna pick me! Lots of love from Holland, I’m feeling a little bit under the weather, got a headache and sore throat, but drinking tea in the sunshine would do the trick I should think (smile).
Love from Willemien
Feel better soon Willemien!
I just Love, Love, Love your fabric! I haven’t made a quilt for some time, and looking at your beautiful material, it is inspiring me to get out my sewing machine and start sewing. My only problem, is that sometimes I take out my fabric, speard it out on my table, touch it , ooh and aah over it and lovingly resold it and put it away. It’s so pretty that I can’t bear to use it because than I won’t have it in my stash anymore. Does anyone else feel that way about fabrics, or ribbons, one gorgeous designer papers? LOL. Or is it just me? Thanks for all your inspirartion.
Looking at your blog is like going to visit a best friend……you feel immediately at HOME. Thanks so much for starting this wonderful piece of home…..
Street Party!!!!!!
Well, that’s the good, old fashioned British way of celebrating the very best things that happen, so I reckon a Street Party is called for ~~~ I’ll make some of my buntings, all customised for the day and occassion ~~~ but wait! It’s a double header! Even better. Two parties. Twice as much bunting, twice as much fun! We can have two parties, right?
Love looking at your quilts, and those two giveaways are amazing! Fabric {sighs} stash ~~~ This time I’m *not* going to say “if I win, can I nominate a friend Stateside!” 😀
This is a blog to keep coming back to and dreaming of ~~~
Waving from Across The Pond in wibbly wobbly windy Wales ~~~ Debs xoxo
😀 just trying to make sure I’m in the cup o’chance!
Wibbly Wobbly Windy Wales . . . xoxo
Wish I could attend the Gladys Taber reunion. I’ve loved her writing almost as long as I’ve loved yours, Susan.
Happy anniversary! Your blog always brightens my day – always enjoy seeing the kitties, garden updates & what’s going on in the kitchen.
Hi Susan. I’m so glad to see that your Autumn book is being published again. I finally got my hands on a used copy after going to great lengths to find it. It is one of my favourites of yours, partly because Fall is my favourite season. I would love to win any of your giveaways, but the quilt fabric would be especially coveted. I’d love to show it and share it at the quilt guild I belong to – Weyburn Crocus Quilters. I’d make sure it gets a good home! Take care.
Just love, love, love, all the “give away” items. Any one of them would be wonderful to win! Congratulations on your anniversary – it’s always exciting to read a new blog! And thank you for sharing all of it with us girlfriends. Your the best!
What a generous heart! I’ve loved your blog ever since first finding it. It’s a bright spot in any day. You give so much of yourself away and it’s all refreshing, fun and happy! Thank you!
The highlight of my day is reading your blog! You are always so inspiring and uplifting, like a breath of fresh air. You inspire me to do more gardening, cooking and quilting. We need more peace in this world and you provide us with that when you share your life with us. Keep it up!!
Your blog makes me feel as if I’ve time traveled back to an era I wish I had lived in. The colors and richness of your life shared with Joe and the kitties on a magic isle is a great escape for someone landlocked in Indiana. Keep doing what you do to feed our souls! I live with corgis and have a sign that says Corgi Cottage by our mailbox. I discovered Tasha Tudor in the early eighties, the Tabor books and you soon after. Thank heavens!
Kindred spirits!
Congratulations! What a lovely thought to have three giveaways at once, and what beautiful gifts they are. Even though I don’t expect to win one, it has been a pleasure to enjoy seeing them.
Yay! Happy Anniversary to one of the greatest blogs to ever be started! I am so thankful to have found Susanbranch.com within the past year, and wish I had been a follower from day one (I had to go back from the beginning and read every post to catch up..yes I did! ) It brings such joy to read your blog and it is such an inspiration. Every post is like a dream that I am whisked away to and makes me what to travel to Martha’s Vineyard every time I read it!
Congratulations and thank you so much for giving us the opportunity to be “whisked away” 🙂
Thank you Susan for sharing your beautiful quilt collection with us. I loved seeing Jack curled up on them. My cat, Socks, does the same thing and looks a lot like Jack. He has a heart on his face instead of a mustache. I would love to win any of the give aways. Tell Vanna to pick me please.
I love your blog , but mostly I love the kitties!
Thank you for bringing all the kindred spirits together…your blog is truly one of the sweetest things in life!!!
First I want to say “Congratulations” on your new publishing business, how wonderful! I am so happy for you, no one deserves it more. And congrats on your face book and blog anniversaries. Can’t believe how fast the time has gone, 5 years and 3years, wow. I am particularly glad of your blog, Susan, I don’t know what I would do without it. Seriously, it is my very favorite thing in this internet universe, so that is saying something. I wish I could be at the Gladys Tabor reunion with you, but I can’t, so I will be holding my breath until you do a post all about it. (Can’t wait)! I love your garden flowers, so pretty and that Jack having to be in every picture, he is such a little character. Loved pretty Girl on top of the quilts too. Thank you for the chance to win some of your beautiful fabrics and or calendars. Can’t wait for your new book to come out, and I’m still waiting for the Martha Vineyard Bead, do you think it is going to come in? P.S. Don’t forget your bag with the blue handles when you leave for Conn. I think that’s the one I jumped in!!
LOL! I’ll bring it! Working on the MV Charm . . . we have three new ones coming soon.
Susan, I would LOVE to win! My fingers are crossed…
My daughters and I love coming to your website to be inspired, stay current on your beautiful look on the bright side of life, and to see the daily activities of our virtual snuggly loves, Jack & Girl kitty.
How exciting! So thrilled to be part of this amazing lucky dip! Also thanks to your call for pen-friends a few months ago I am now corresponding with a lovely American lady and so happy about it! Thank you Susan, you are the best kind of friend; one who brings other friends together!
I love the Penpal part of this, it’s just so great! Thank you Penny! A scratch behind the ears to Meg and hello to Scotland!
Susan are you telepathic?? How do you know about my big daft dog Meg?? Penny X
I have my ways. 🙂
Sitting down again to enjoy what you have posted for us. Takes me aaawwwayyyy.
Thank you.
Oh how lovely Susan!! Thank you for brightening my day!
Oh, Susan! How kind of you to do this, but we are the lucky ones! The few (thousands) of us you allow to see inside your home, life, and are so glad to take part! Thanks for giving a little extra beauty back to the world. We should all do the same!
Tim (one of your male “Girlfriends” 🙂
Happy Anniversary – thanks for all you share. I love so many of the same things; even a black & white cat (Abner)
I love your blog, and indeed all your art in whatever form. I’d love to win one of these giveaways! The clear lovely colors which surround your life are always an inspiration and a comfort. Thank you for the gift of beauty you have shared with so many of us, a gift of healing and inspiration, joy and strength! Thank you, Susan Branch.
Best wishes on your anniversaries. Everything is beautiful.
Congratulations, Susan, and how exciting that the new edition of Autumn is coming out soon! I am thrilled for you that you are your own publisher now! Isn’t it so exciting to put all of the special “touches” on your work, just the way you want?!?! What a wonderful world! Thank you for including all of your Girlfriends in these special moments!