Hello to everyone popping in from Willard (or wherever you’re popping in from)! MUSICA (sorry that the Musica doesn’t work unless you can open two screens at a time on your device. If you can, click on the link, then come back to this page while it plays) . . . Welcome to my pink kitchen!
Well, it’s not really pink. But there’s yesterday’s sunrise . . . see what it did to my kitchen . . .
You can see the reflection of the sunrise from the windows directly across from these . . . turning daffodils, walls, and Beatrix Potter People sunrise pink!
The stove was splotched in pink too . . .
Morning sun sent rays across my dishes cupboard . . . had to grab the camera! Such a nice way to start the day! 
Later on, a breeze came up from the harbor and under blue springtime skies, out went our sheets for . . .
. . . a little flight in the cool salt air . . .
And that reminded me, of a really good idea I had, of the perfect 30th Anniversary Giveaway for some lucky person . . . I thought perhaps a vintage quilt would be just the thing! The Grand Prize I mentioned in WILLARD. . .
I actually decided to do this way last summer . . . you can tell by the leaves on the trees and the green . . . to give away this quilt, the one closest to us in the picture, white with the patches of color . . . I’m not sure where I got it, I’ve had it for so long. Be sure to sign up for it at the end of this blog. I do this A. because I have lots of quilts and it’s fun to share the wealth. B. It’s the 30th Anniversary of Heart of the Home and that would never have happened without YOU ♥. And C. In honor of my dad who told me to 
Here I am in 1999, thrilled because I had just gotten my first collection of fabrics with Springs Industries. They put me on the cover of Giftware Business (which I don’t think exists anymore), wondering, in the headline, “Who the heck is this person?” So this was an unexpected thrill. I never imagined my cookbooks could lead to designing fabric (I couldn’t even imagine cookbooks!). We won a prize for our booth at the 
International Quilt Show in Houston that year.♥ My corner of their huge showroom was set up as a bedroom, furnished in white wicker, a bed (the headboard), chairs, desk, even a hope chest, and the Springs people had made everything in it from my fabric, pillow cases, duvet covers, throw pillows, dolls, dresser scarves, cushions, quilts, book covers, wall hangings, lamp shades, table toppers, you name it. At a time when so many quilting fabrics were tea stained, we stuck out, not like a sore thumb, more like a rainbow on a sunny day. I’ve always loved sewing and quilts and embroidery and every kind of needlework so designing fabric with my watercolors just seemed like a natural to me, and now they were actually letting me do it! How could it be anything but fun?!
And it was fun! After Springs Industries, I was lucky again to be approached by RJR and I designed fabrics and quilts for them for several years. The only thing about fabric designing I didn’t like was that they would print the fabric only once and after it was sold out, that was it, they didn’t make any more. You’d blink and it would be gone. Like everything you see above, all gone. So it wasn’t all roses in that respect. And it was hard to get the fabric stores to know you existed, because consistency was impossible.
See those cute little teapots? I was heartbroken when they sold out and no more were made. “Why?” I wailed . . . But, it was fun while it lasted and I did love having fabric, I loved designing.
I had so much fun piecing together quilt design ideas with paper on my living room floor.
I’ve loved quilts ever since my grandma gave me one that her mom made. That was it, I was hooked, and since then I have looked for old quilts wherever I go, antique stores, flea markets, anywhere and everywhere.
I used to quilt a little bit myself, but then I learned that I could paint quilts faster than I could sew them. So when the time came, I was thrilled to design my own fabric. I just wished it could be around longer.
But no, I was not in charge, it was all gone, no cupcakes, no blue flowers, no hearts with teacups in them, no flipping tea balls. Months of work, on the parts of so many people, only six months on the market, it was all gone.😳
The licensing business has gone topsy turvy in the last 15 years, along with many manufacturers and many fabric houses. Huge wonderful Springs Industries, for all practical purposes, doesn’t exist anymore. So I have waited, still getting letters all the time from you asking for fabric, wishing and hoping and thinking, maybe someone will find me again someday.
Gone↓
But so far I’m still waiting. And while they were not finding me, wonderful things were happening on the Internet. New ways of doing things were being invented. Even our small studio could give you free bookmarks and stationery to 
print out. We could send you patterns, via email. A new world was opening. And somewhere else, genius people were learning how to print fabric on demand. ON demand!!! Which meant a designer could put a fabric design onto their website, a customer could find it there, and get just what she needed, a quarter of a yard, 10 yards, whatever. The customer had a choice of designs that were available in no other place. And those print-on-demand sites have just been getting better and better.
And now, in case you haven’t heard of them, I’d like to introduce you to Spoonflower.com. Because all by myself, with no contract to sign and nothing standing between me and you, I can upload any fabric designs I want to this site, and you can get them there, in a magnificent almost unbelievable choice of 20 (twenty!) different fabrics. And you know what else? Not only can I do this, YOU can do it too! You can design your own fabric, and they will make it! Anyone can! Your child’s drawing could be fabric! They will send you one of their little swatch books for $1 (like the one above and below) so you can see all the different fabrics, check the quality, touch it and feel it. Too good to be true.
Not only can you provide your own designs, but you can shop Independent Designers from all over the world. And they have twill, they have organic cotton, they have silk Crepe de Chine, they have poplin, they have stretchy! You choose the fabric you like, and then you choose what weight you would like it in. You can cover chairs in their fabric! You can line picnic baskets! And you know what else? Let’s say you like a fabric so much you wish it was wallpaper. Guess what? You can have any of the fabric designs in wallpaper! AND in wrapping paper!!!! I am beside myself.
So I asked them to send me a fat quarter sample of my Martha’s Vineyard Toile in “Linen-cotton canvas” so I could check the quality, and this is what they sent. I wish you could feel it. It’s gorgeous. Digitally printed, eco friendly. You could make a bag out of it, or heavy drapes, or thick pillow covers. But you can also get this design in quilt fabric, you could make poplin jammie bottoms, it could be curtains, it could be wrapping paper. It could be wallpaper. And you can do this with any fabric on their site. All of it designer, all of it one of a kind.
My samples came fast too. Took maybe a week.
I asked for samples of my birthday fabric designs . . . and here’s what they sent. I thought it was wonderful. And this is a new design for me, it was never made! So we’ve decided to go ahead and let this fabric make its debut on Spoonflower! I see napkins, I see pillow cases, I see an apron. I see wrapping paper! I even see wallpaper used as drawer paper, polka dot drawer paper!
I’m a pros and cons person, so I really thought about it ~ the pros for doing fabric this way far outweighed the cons: Spoonflower fabric is made in America! No one can discontinue my fabric but me. I could wallpaper, make drapes, cover a chair, and make a duvet all in the same pattern. It ships internationally so my Australian and German and Japanese Girlfriends can get some if they want!♥
(Does anyone recognize those shoes on the window sill in my sewing room! Agnes!)
The other thing is that Spoonflower isn’t my business. They will sell my designs, but Spoonflower is responsible for the business side, not me. They take care of the customers, answer questions and are responsible for quality control. Once I upload the designs, they take over. And they carry so many choices of fabrics, they even have patterns you can buy that come with the pieces all cut out for sewing. And believe it or not, there is no minimum order! The Pros go on all day. I think they offer an amazing service. And they started their business the same way I started mine, at their dining room table. So I get to support a small business.
My wheels keep turning . . . I can have a line of Baby fabric again! My Teds! Lamb wallpaper! Lamb wrapping paper! Lamb curtains!
There is only one con that I can see, better known as a drawback . . . but even that has a pro side. It’s the price. Print on demand and “made in America” doesn’t come cheap. And their fabric isn’t available anywhere else! But prices aren’t really as bad as you might think, especially for the heavier weight fabrics ~ compared to other designer prices, it’s 
affordable. And the bright side of this “con” is that Spoonflower does not compete with all the wonderful little quilt stores that we love and want to stay around forever, because for all of this amazing service, they really can’t compete with quilt-store prices. The good side of that is that the shops don’t carry Spoonflower fabrics, and Spoonflower doesn’t carry the shop’s fabrics. They are the same yet entirely different.♥
And you can make a lot of pretty things with just a little bit of fabric. You can edge pillowcases, and make tiny quilt squares . . .
You can have sweet little appliquéd dish towels with way less than a quarter of a yard.
You can appliqué cupcakes for almost nothing. You can line a bread basket or make a window valance, or a scarf (because they also have 100% silk). You can cover boxes or line your shelves in the peel and stick wallpaper. You can use the wrapping paper as scrapbook paper. And I’m sure, with your kind of creativity, you can think of a jillion other things to do with it.
A little fabric goes a long way . . . someday I’ll design an I Love England collection. I’ve been playing with paper ever since I learned about this. I love the birds, that will be next.
Gone, but not forgotten. ↓
Just so you know, this is not paid advertising, or even unpaid . . . I have never spoken to anyone at Spoonflower, we’re not connected in any way. They don’t know me from Adam. I just like them and knew that if you didn’t already know about them, you would want to. You can follow them on Twitter, along with their 33,000 other followers, of which I am one, at @spoonflower. So NOW:
As of today, we’ve put up three collections, 15 designs, HERE. And we’re just beginning . . . The first is called “They Say It’s Your Birthday” ~ the second is the “Martha’s Vineyard Watercolor Collection” ~ and, lastly, just in time for the think-
ahead people, our “Christmas Watercolor Collection.” And we will just keep adding on . . . we’d love to hear what you want, you want the big Santa face that looks like Joe? No problem! We will always do our best. Slowly, over time, when we are not crazy with new books or on the road traveling the country, we will add more collections and build up a nice little store where the fabric designs stay up forever and ever and ever. Ahhh, the Internet, how I love thee, let me count the ways.
And here are a few more reasons to love the Internet ↑ Giveaways! And we can connect in a way we never could before. This back and forth we have together is just amazing.♥ When I was in my twenties, I had to have my wisdom teeth pulled, and they gave me some sort of knock-out drug. While they were waiting for it to go into full effect, I started talking to my mom in a drugged-up-loony-bin-way about how someday, la-la-la . . . I wanted to have a knitting store, la-la-la, Mommy, where all my girlfriends could come and we could sit around and knit and embroider and drink tea from a tea pot and watch soap operas and teach each other things. The idyllic world. And guess what? If you count Downton Abbey as a soap opera, which I do, I got my dream! Pretty darn close, anyway!
So Girlfriends, Happy my Anniversary! Please be sure to leave a comment at the end of this blog. Just any little comment will enter you in the drawing . . . there will be three winners, three names drawn in a week or so, each getting a set of books (the trilogy) PLUS a well-used paintbrush, a pencil stub, a blotter bookmark, and a seed package from my own driveway . . . And then, ONE MORE name will be drawn, for the Grand Prize . . .
This gorgeous old quilt ~ and of course, a package of wisteria seeds. Because I know you. ♥ Happy Almost Mother’s Day! ♥ See you at the bookstores! ♥ Lots to look forward to in 2016!
Dig and be dug Girlfriends! Wob you!
I loved reading all this. Spoonflower looks great! I’m a follower on Twitter now. How cool!
Would LOVE to win the quilt! Also, you have inspired me to put up a clothesline in my backyard. I’ve always wanted one. Your photos convinced me.
Meanwhile, my husband cut down my beautiful wisteria in the back, thinking it was a weed. Sadness. Could use those seeds!
I enjoy reading everything you write, Susan. You have such a knack for celebrating all the little, beautiful things of life!
Thanks for the inspiration!
What wonderful pictures of the sunrise! Best part of each day. Gives hope. Love, love quilts! Just my cup of tea!
I love quilts and your fabric designs! Happy to hear there is a place to order the fabric!
I love this Willard! Such gorgeous fabrics, too. I am loving your new book and am about half way through. Trying to read it more slowly than the first, but I know I will re-read it again and again, like I’ve done with the other two. I love Mark Twain, too, and am lucky to live less than 15 minutes outside of Hartford. I will have to visit his home again soon with my family. Such a wonderful place! Glad you could visit it.
Just finished “Martha’s Vinyard” and it was wonderful! Please write soon about how you came to live in your house you have now. I so enjoyed your post about your stove as I was just getting my okm hooked up to gas and going during that time. It is my favorite post and u still read it! Keep being you! God bless you!
thanks for the opportunity to participate in your generous giveaway — your blog always leaves me with a warm and fuzzy feeling – we all need more of that – thank you
💐
I don’t know how to sew but I always admire quilts.
Congratulations on your new (old) fabric collections. I have been a quilter here in Canada since 1995 and I have never seen any of your fabrics in any quilting shop or fabric shop I have visited. I knew you did fabric, but was never able to find any of it. So I had to be content with the paper products that I could find every once in a while. I would so love to have the trilogy of your books! Thank you.
WOW! I’m soooo excited about your new fabric. So many new things going on. Have a great trip and be safe. Happy 30th anniversary, and many many more.
Happy Anniversary Sweet Sue!
Nothing is more comfortable and beautiful than a quilt. I can’t wait to check out Spoonflower. Actually, I am scared to pop over there, because I have a problem with buying fabrics. I could spend hours in a fabric store just pondering the projects that each could worked into. I am 2/3’s of the way though the new book. I keep getting interrupted. I am desperate to finish.
Martha’s Vineyard arrived yesterday! Thank you!
I love fabric scraps even though I don’t sew. All Hancock Fabric stores are closing so finding out about Spoonflowers is very timely.
Spoonflower sounds amazing and I am looking forward to checking them out. Love, love, love your quilts!
I love,quilts and fabric almost as much as I love paper!
Congratulations to you and I will check out Spoonflower immediately!
Love the Quilt!!! Really beautiful, excited to look at Fabrics on SpoonFlower!!! Thank you for chance at the Quilt and your lovely drawings and inspiration!!!!
Oh my goodness, I have loved your creations forever! Love, love, that the fabric is available again! Genius. I am going to check it out right this minute. Thank you so much for sharing your sweet self in your blogs!
Hooray! I need to make this quick so I can check out Spoonflower. Just when you think they have thought of everything. Enjoy your spring garden!
What a great idea! I have already used Spoonflower and can say only the best things about their service!
I also love fabrics & quilts. I inherited quilts from my husbands mother. Some were made by his great aunt. Thank you for your generous give-away.
Look forward to meeting you in Hudson, OH!
LOVE your fabrics! And all the wonderful giveaways! I’m trying very hard to finish up my unfinished projects before taking on a new one and when the time comes, it will be making a quilt.
Dear Susan,
MV was such a wonderful book I’m reading it again for the second time! So many of us can relate to your story in so many ways.
Yes, I do recognize those shoes! One of the most favorite parts of your book. What a dear person you are to save these shoes, Agnes’s and her Mother’s baby book, photo album and the curls of hair. It made me cry to read that! Someone else might consider them trash….but your sweet heart adopted Agnes and made her treasures your own……and so they live on. I think she is looking down on you and appreciating your kindness. If only more people in this world had your way of thinking and your heart.
Congratulations on the 30th Anniversary of Heart of the Home. I love the first and have pre-ordered the new edition and am looking forward to it very much.
What wonderful generosity to offer such wonderful giveaways! How I would love to receive the set of books, brush, pencil, book marks and Wisteria seeds! And it goes without saying I would absolutely love your beautiful old quilt! How lovely indeed! I’d be so honored and would treasure it always. My dear mother-in-law, bless her soul, gave me her mother’s quilt made with pieces of her and her two sister’s childhood dresses that I treasure immensely. Preserving history is so important!
Thank you for all that you contribute to make this world a better place. You are appreciated!
Susan,
Thank you for sharing so very much with all of us girlfriends. Love your fabric designs. I have never sewn anything, but I am now wanting to try. Maybe a place mat or kitchen basket liner. No time like the present to try something new.
Thank you for being an elf. Take care. Hugs!
Susan, Happy Anniversary! I was just mesmerized looking at your fabrics and reading about them. How wonderful for quilters and crafters. Thank you again and again for sharing your world!
Love your blog. thanks will have to check out spoonflower.
Oh my, how beautiful is the sun’s reflection in your home. I can feel the warmth through your photos and it feel’s wonderful. I love that quilt and your willingness to part with it, you are indeed a true elf! Your fabrics are beautiful and I look forward to perusing the Spoonflower site. I am not a quilter but my mom is a sewer and quilter at times. I grew up in a house filled with fabric so I am able to appreciate it. Looking forward to Willard hitting my mail box soon! Have a delightful evening!
So wish I was in America to see you at one of the bookstores. Happy travels and yes I do think you need to do a Scotland book to go with the english one A fine Romance. I do love travel books and will one day get to Boston and the East coast of America again.
I’m coming to England, will that help? xoxo
Oh Susan! Are you an angel dropped straight from heaven?! I’m so happy right now and don’t want it to end – I just read “The Fairy Tale Girl” in what seemed like 1 hour…(maybe one day:-)) and am now half way through “Isle of Dreams” and am already worried about finishing it as I don’t want it to end! I’m stunned to learn all about your life and how similar to mine it has been! You don’t know me, but we really are “two peas in a pod”. It makes me feel not so bad about some parts in my history to know that, even someone as successful as you, has had some “not so perfect” pieces of life, and more unbelievable, that you would care enough about us girls to actually share these with us. It makes this crazy life more bearable to know we aren’t alone, that things always get better, that dreams come true, and that we just need to believe in ourselves…..thank you so much for that! Enjoying the simple things in life, finding our own happiness in those simple things, is really all anyone could ask for. You have given me so many new and wonderful “simple” pleasures, the Iowa eagles nest, the hummingbird nest, the seasons, flowers, birds, tea and tea cups, dish towels, cookbooks, food (especially your lobster bisque), musica, your water-colors, grilled cheese sandwiches, cozy fires with soup and your blog, beatrix potter and figurines, feeding friends and family, old hand-made quilts….. I’ve adopted them all and found more joy than I can begin to describe or ever thank you enough for…. xoxo
Oh Denise, when you write it like that, it makes tears in my eyes. Thank you, I’m so happy to have you here!xoxo
Two copies of Isle of Dreams arrived today – the very day your Willard had a matching bookmark to print. Tomorrow I’ll laminate the bookmarks and send a book and bookmark to my penpal (of 50 years!) in England – just in time for her birthday. Thank-you for sharing your art with the world. It makes my home (and my heart) a cheery place.
Love your quilts! The fabric looks terrific.
Ah, fabrics! I’ve been in a maelstrom of stitching and quilting as our group is having their quilt show in two weeks. My mantra for the last year and a half has been “use what you have” so now it’s really time to restock my fabric bins. Can you guess why I love your post today so much, Susan?
Love your fabrics, remember them from years ago. Also your hooked rugs.
I will see you in Montecito June 4th. It is one of my favorite towns. If time try to get across street from bookstore to darling pharmacy and of course Pierre La Fond, great deli and coffee spot behind the little park on the corner. You know Oprah lives maybe a mile down the road! She loves books, you never know…. Got my Fairy Tale Girl, am waiting to May to read it, it’s gorgeous. See you in June. Lots closer than we traveled to San LUis Obispo last time. Old Spanish church near there is so worth a walk thru if you have time too.
Must go to Pierre La Fond! xoxo Thank you Fabienne!
Dear Susan,
Your Willard was the best, enjoyed reading all about the wonderful things that will be taking place in your life over the next few months. Thanks again for sharing your amazing life with all of us. Enjoy your spring and summer on the road, hope you have good weather and a safe trip.
This new drawing sounds too good to be true….you always come up with the best ideas. Looking forward to hearing from you again.
Oxox Chris
Oh please enter me in the drawing!!!! Being a quilter, I will definitely be checking out Spoonflower!! And congratulations on your anniversary.
Hello Susan and all Branch Girls!
Such a wonderful Willard!! Thank you Susan! Happy Anniversary💐 Time sure flies!
I love the new way to get your fabric designs and look forward to ordering some in the near future. I also love the giveaways, your books and quilts! I hope to see you on the road! Good luck to all❤
Peace, love and kindness,
Doreen
I wish I could meet you in San Diego! My grandma and I have been girlfriends since I was 11, when I found you after my trip to England!
How lucky for you both Vienna!!! XOXOX
Your blog is such eye candy! Love your work. Would SO love to win something of yours. 🙂
How fun, to have some new fabric options! Love it!!
Oh, I am so sad! I just finished reading your new book. I tried to read slowly but I just couldn’t stop myself, it was so wonderful I just had to keep going. I think I will read all three again! Please don’t stop writing. I hope there will be a movie, wouldn’t that be great too!
I can’t tell you enough how I love the blogs, and Willard. I am hoping to make it to see you in Madison CT in May. Happy Anniversary!
You are such a sweet person…love all the fabrics….I am a quilter, needlepointer, knitter and embroiderer…..lol…love it all……
New to this blog and to your books – love, love it all!
Lovely old quilt and wisteria seeds to boot–and your trilogy, bookmark and brush–heaven! So generous of you! Yes, Long ago I searched high and low for any of your fabric to no avail. As one who quilts and loves fabric, the transient nature of fabric collections is just not fun. But as dozens come out every month, what manufacturer or store could keep THAT inventory. I stumbled on Spoonflower last year via a quilt blog and as soon as my hubby finds a new tech job, I’m so visiting their site again. Sun through the windows in the morning, oh the joy!
Excited to read about the fabrics, etc. Thanks so much for including them in your blog. As for the internet — my Mother lived in Norway for 30+ years and the internet was an integral part of our ability to remain close, so I am a big fan!!! And, as always, thanks for your DELIGHTFUL blog, dear Susan!!
Happy Anniversary Susan! I love old quilts too. Would be wonderful to win one of yours. Your quilts are so pretty all stacked up so nicely. Your Spoonflower fabric idea is interesting. I will check it out. Reading your latest book now. About halfway through and taking my time in reading it and am really enjoying it. You did what I always wanted to do, which was to move to New England on my own and set up my own little cottage somewhere. Loving all the details of how you decorated and fixed up Holly Oak.
What a wonderful Willard! Love seeing the new opportunities for fabric. Creatively exciting. Made me miss the Woof andWarp stores of SoCal from the 70’s and 80’s. Thank you for all you share. Love the early morn kitchen photos, too. My favorite time of day.💖
That is really remarkable that you can have your own fabric printed! Who woulda thought? I’m really excited about the antique quilt giveaway! Even though I’ve been quilting for 40 years, my true love is antique quilts. I’ve been restoring antique quilts for many years now and each time I feel a special kinship with the original maker. So the antique quilt would be going to a very good home if I was to win the grand prize! [email protected]
P.S. I sure am sorry I missed out on that cute teapot fabric!
Happy Anniversary!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! sew sew sew
Susan,
Thank you for being you, it’s always such fun to be included in your world!
Xoxo
Such a fun Willard!!! I am so excited about the fabric line! How exciting! I am looking forward to projects with the birthday fabric and Christmas ideas. Well, I need to get busy with some fun things for this summer and winter. So much fabric, so little time! 🙂
I’m sure I speak for many of us here when I say you are such a bright light in my life. Total joy when I spend time reading anything from you. I have all your books except your latest which I plan to get at Bookends when you come to Ridgewood, NJ.
Love, love, love the guilt!!! Will look perfect on my bed!!!! And the new fabrics are gorgeous. The toile is absolutely my favorite!!!
Hi Susan, you are so talented! I adore your blogs and always look forward to them !
We are hoping to vacation on Martha’s vineyard next year! Can’t wait for Willard to arrive in my inbox!
Oh, what a wonderful gift! From you to us! thanks so very much for sharing! I have a few things of yours…and love them all. You have a marvelous talent, Susan! I do not have a quilt but have always wanted one…love to look at them in shops and fairs…but, alas, have not been able to afford one…One always has to have hope, right? Thank you for sharing the Spoonflower site, as well!! Great ideas!!
I love your books and I love to quilt. I have some of your fabric.
I so look forward to reading your blog. It is always so special.
I am one of the people responsible for your fabrics selling out all those years ago. 🙂 I lived in Houston at the time and there was a fabric store that sold them briefly. I bought several bolts (I think we had to buy a bolt as a minimum) and my mom made all kinds of things for my house. I still have a bit of those fabrics. I am thrilled we can get them again in any form we want. Thank you!
Thank you for doing that Sarah . . . I’m so very glad they didn’t gather dust on a shelf somewhere! xoxox
Wow! This is exciting! I don’t quilt or sew much, but wrapping paper and wallpaper…sounds fun! I love little lambs! Oh! And bees! Do you think that you will do some bees? I am a big Emma Bridewater fan and adore all of her patterns. I think your fabrics will be just as surprising and pretty. Thank you! More sunshine coming our way!
Oh, there is so much to admire and love about Susan Branch! Excited about Spoonflower. What a great concept! And what an incredible give away – each one so very generous of you.
I love the idea of girlfriends sitting around stitching together, drinking tea, and watching DA. Just the thought makes me want to plan a little gathering.
I’ve made a couple of quilts, but mostly I admire the antique and vintage quilts for their softness and wonderful fabrics. They all would have amazing stories to share could they talk. I’m glad that the art of quilting is alive and well.
Congratulations on the 30 year anniversary of Heart and Home, and thanks for all the joy you bring to the world, Susan Branch.
Oh, and I was at that quilt show and vividly remember your booth. White wicker and Susan Branch fabrics – YES! Definitely a rainbow on a sunny day!
Oh Happy Day!!! fingers crossed!!! Now I would be over the moon with a paint brush, bookmark, or better yet a grand prize quilt!!!!
You ARE the best elf I know!
Latta gatta, Janegal from Texas
Susan,
Enjoyed your post today! Fabric is like candy to me, I’ve already added Spoonflower to my favorites. Since I have retired I’ve made quilts for my children and one for me and my Hubby. It keeps me out of trouble! The Musica was so nice. How do you research this? I’ve found the most amazing music and artists thru you. Always love visiting Susan Branch’s world. Hope you have a grand and safe trip.
It all sounds wonderful Susan ! My mother was an avid quilter❤️. I helped her with many of them & I am so thankful I inherited many if her favorites . So generous of you to share one with your give away.
I do belong to a wonderful knitting circle –THE KNITTING GODESSES💃. We make chemo caps for the infusion centers in our community -lap blankets for The VA -& 14″x11″ blankets for a cat shelter ( no kill faculty). Wonderfully talented ladies -willing to share info on crochet to knitting projects . I’ve been doing this for 4 years now & just love this group !
Penny
I love them too, just reading about them. Thank you Penny, and thank them for us, please xoxoxo
I just ordered a fat quarter piece of fabric from Spoonflower. Colonial salt box houses from Lori Brechlin Notforgotten Farm. It was so fun.
Can’t wait to find your fabric. Would love to win something…I never do🙃,
Luv and blessings. Lee
I love reading anything you post! You write in a way that makes us seem as intimate friends. I love your designs and seeing all the photos of your home and daily life. You are such a joyous person and you bring joy to so many!
Just when I think you can’t get any more lovable…up pops the QUILTS today! Counting the days til we meet in Wilmette…and sending you tons of love! Xoxo
This is a wonderful surprise! Thank you Susan! We can’t wait to meet you in Ohio in 16 days!
WOW! Susan, you are an inspiration! You are so talented… and productive! I have so many ideas and projects that I can’t seem to follow thru to the productive end…. I’m at the point that I have to tell myself I don’t need to learn to play the violin – so I sold it. I don’t need to make polymer clay jewelry – so I’m giving away all my text books, tutorials and tools. But I still love to do bead weaving, knitting, crochet, weaving, (sold the spinning wheel – didn’t need to learn that either.) And I love to sew – some simple quilt projects – wall hangings, table runners, etc., and repurpose clothing. And, I make lace with my fancy embroidery machine, which I fashion into jewelry. Still so many interests that it’s hard to prioritize! But, if you can do it, so can I! As I said, you’re an inspiration! I love reading about your life on Martha’s Vineyard and your travels. Thank you for sharing!
Susan, just remember, once those fabrics disappear from the quilt shops, it means that lots of quilters and other sewists are at home fondling and oohing and awing over them and dreaming up new creations, sometimes years after they buy them. (Ask me how I know.) Just took a quick peek at your new fabrics…yay!!! They are great designs and say “Susan Branch!” so well. I will be planning on which ones to get to combine with my existing Susan Branch stash when I get back from my quilt retreat this weekend. Love the quilting on the quilt you are giving to some very lucky person. Congratulations on your new endeavor from the hot Pacific Northwest!
Yay! I’m so excited there’s another giveaway!! I’m also looking forward to meeting you at the St. Charles, MO book signing. I’m (99%) sure we can be there. My daughter (Autumn) and I are the ones who sent in the Easter Bunny cake photo you included in your Easter blog 🙂
And thank you for the information about Spoonflower. I’m excited to take a look at that as well!
Take care!
Thank you so much, Susan and thank you so much Spoonflower! I am so pleased to be able to have your fabric available to hold in my hands again. Now to make some of your quilt patterns with your own fabric!!! Yippee!
I am starting “Martha’s Vineyard” book tonight. How will I make it last? “Fairy Tale Girl” and “Fine Romance” read so quickly (but wonderfully – sigh). Well, after the holidays, snuggling down during the cold and snowy winter sounds like a perfect time to enjoy these treasures once again. Another yippee!!
Thanks for all the Willards. I love them.
Happy trails, Susan and Joe. Enjoy the journey and see you in May.
Dear Susan, I love your fabric! Still have some from your first collection. I’ve purchased fabric from Spoonflower before. It’s fab quality. Could you paint some rose fabric like your wallpaper? I can think of a zillion things I could make with it. Happy Anniversary and thank you for your wonderful books and blog.
Cindy Ayers
That’s great news! I’m a quilter and I will can’t wait to check this fabric out! BTW, I loved Martha’s Vinyard Isle of Dreams! Didn’t want it to end! I have the cutest pic of my cat Macintosh sitting on top of the book, all tucked up like a hen. He just knew it was something good that he should be close to! Wish I could send it to you!
There is nothing quite so beautiful as a hand made quilt. Each piece chosen for color and cut to size. Sewn with love and filled with the beauty of the person who made it. Your quilt is beautiful and I love the colors. They are especially beautiful flowing in the wind on a clothes line. Thank you for sharing so much with all of us.
Thank you for sharing your darling fabrics! Love Willard too! 😉
Susan,
so happy to have received your wonderful book..love,love..Would just love to win another book to give to my best friend for mothers day.. that would be so special for her..
so if my name is selected.. she will have a new special book to read from you, to me to my friend..
take care and safe journey. xoxo
Rosemary from fort lauderdale
Susan, how I enjoy your blog and look forward to reading the latest Willard. Thanks for your generosity to give away a quilt! You truly make my day.
Beautiful fabrics and the best contest ever! Happy 30th anniversary! Quilts are my favorite thing next to books they both go together when you want to snuggle down and have a little alone time.
You always inspire me. I’m reading the latest book after my world got turned upside down. My Mom died and 13 days later my Dad did. I just realized I need to learn to quilt! My Mom did and so I shall learn how to carry on her craft. I also owe you a big thanks because through your web site I found my pen pals that have helped me get through the last month. So thanks for your books your blots your products etc etc.
oh, dear Robin. my heart breaks for your sad, sad loss. no matter how “big” (meaning old) that we are…the loss of Mom & Dad are just ever-so-sad. very heart wrenching. prayers for you are on the way. take heart and take care of you. it will be a long process. be patient with yourself. every so often…you’ll feel a little smile come upon your heart. hold onto that. they are watching over you. hold onto that as well. we are all here for you.
Dearest Sue,
My mother is a quilter (such a loving talent). I am looking forward to looking at your new fabrics and checking out Spoonflower. It is so exciting! My best friend & I are looking forward to meeting you in Madison CT in May. Happy travels, and many many thanks to you for your inspiring, happy posts. They bring a smile to my day!
I love it! Susan Branch fabric! Hallejah! And oh that quilt is beautiful!
Karen Carpenter!
Well Susan, it’s been an awfully long time since I’ve commented, but I’ve never stopped following you or reading any of your wonderful blogs and books! Just wanted to say that I am sooo excited to have tickets to meet you in New Hope, PA! I am bringing one of my four sisters who, now, is also a devoted reader! So excited about the fabrics – I’m thinking of aprons as gifts for our next sisters weekend! I so enjoy all of your creative work – you never fail to brighten my day! Wishing you and Joe a wonderful, safe journey ~ see you in 2 weeks!
I’m not a quilter, but I love quilts! And pretty fabrics . . . Great post! 🙂
Blog update and Willard were so wonderful!! Loved the new book–couldn’t help myself I read it too quick. But then I got out Heart of the Home and rediscovered the paintings and recipes with a new appreciation!!! Now re-reading Girlfriends Forever and discovering more about the friends we met in new book!!! Love them all! I will definitely splurge on some special fabric. Wob you too!!
I have some of your material and now can’t wait to get more. It makes me happy to look at it. I would love some with your stove on it for my kitchen. That was the first thing I bought when I discovered you! I love pictures of antique stoves.
Happy Anniversary, Susan!
Congratulations on all of your accomplishments over the years! Thank you for the chance to win!
Thank you for this chance to win a beautiful quilt. Love, love your fabric! So much fabric, paper and books and never enough time to sew, draw or read everything that we would like.
Love all your photos and stories.
Thank you for sharing your life with us!
Diane M.
PS: I also Love England! We were Blessed to have lived there for almost 3 years and believe me that was not long enough. We’ll be going back for a visit this summer and I’m counting down the days.
I look forward to every post… They brighten my day! I met you at the Cape last fall at Titcomb’s Bookstore…such fun! Hope to catch you again this summer! Thank you for all you do.
Yay!
Oh my, more reasons you make my day. Happy fabric. Love it! Thank you!
I love the idea of your art in fabric form. Oh! The possibilities. Going to look into this right away, Have a wonderful book tour! And trip to England.
What a wonderful surprise to read about your fabrics and how they came to be! I don’t sew much at all, but I love quilts and like to collect fat quarters to roll up and tie with pretty ribbon or stack them up, look at them and appreciate them like art.
I would be thrilled to become the caretaker of your quilt, but mostly I would love a packet of your seeds in their pretty envelope. Such beautiful and simple pleasures you share with us! Thank you, Susan.
Susan-
You are such a ray of sunshine!
So relaxing to read your blog after an extremely stressful day. I could actually smell the air dried quilt and sheets and feel the crispness of them! Thank you for bringing back memories of my childhood.
I just try and wrap my head around how you do it all…!!!
Happy Anniversary! I love your prints-so excited that they are available through SpoonFlower!!
Oh how I wish I had your talent, what a gift ! I love your painting, books, quilts, your whole outlook on life . Thank you for bringing so much joy into so many of our lives .
The fabrics are beautiful and it’s so exciting to find out the many options there will be with Spoonflower! When I think of quilts, I can’t help but think of them as a “cup full of comfort”! Goodbye for now and thank you for always thinking of us!
I am so excited about your fabrics! I am in the middle of buying an old farmhouse out in the countryside of Texas to get away from the hubbub of the city and I can make curtains, pillows, bench covers, quilts etc. to decorate our new/old house!! Yay! Thank you for giving us so much inspiration!
Love from Texas,
Lisa xoxoxo
I so am looking forward to meeting you in Hudson, Ohio at The Learned Owl Bookshop! Thanks for sharing all your pictures & creative thoughts. Happy Spring!🌸🌹🍀🌼🌻🌷
Your site is wonderful….and love all your ideas and special touches……thanks so much for sharing your ‘wealth’…….blessings……
Susan…I just simply love getting lost in your artwork and world! How kind of you to offer a beautiful quilt!
I just love to read everything you write and see everything you design.