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 always am sad when cozy winter ends, but then it’s spring and it is delightful. My wisteria is blooming this year after the rains, and I agree wholeheartedly with you about the smell. Looking forward to coming to your book signing in Morro Bay!
Me too, that will be very special . . . plus I get to see the Pacific Ocean!
I am so glad to know your designs are now on Spoonflower. I have purchased some fabrics online and they were terrific. Good luck on this new re-adventure into the fabric world.
Thank you Lorna!
happy 30th, susan and “the heart of the home”… I’ve been a fan from the very beginning… eagerly waiting for every new book… calendar… stationery… sticker… recipe card… Willard and so on… and so forth… feel like we grew up together. ☺️
I’d love to win the quilt… but if not… that’s ok… it’s nice just being here too.
lots of aloha from the middle of the big pond out here to you in that big pond over there…
Aloha!
I love your articles, your pictures, your ideas for making things comfortable for a beautiful home, your books, and your quilts. I have been a quilter for about 25 years and have a small collection of beautiful old family quilts with stories attached to them. I have them scattered around my house for people to wrap up in as the spirit moves them I am so excited to have tickets to see you in Plainville on April 30. Can’t wait. My friend and I are planning the weekend around our time wit you, Take care, and happy packing
See you there Judy!
Judy from Maryland.
I love your articles, your pictures, your ideas for making things comfortable for a beautiful home, your books, and your quilts. I have been a quilter for about 25 years and have a small collection of beautiful old family quilts with stories attached to them. I have them scattered around my house for people to wrap up in as the spirit moves them I am so excited to have tickets to see you in Plainville on April 30. Can’t wait. My friend and I are planning the weekend around our time wit you, Take care, and happy packing
Quilts around a room are, to me, the same as flower bouquets . . . only they stay fresh and beautiful forever, even the raggedy ones!
Hi Susan! Enjoyed the latest Willard! I’ve been reading them since they came by snail mail and have all of my copies tucked safely with my complete collection of your books. I had a girlfriend over the other day and she spotted your little “Hats” book with matching envelope on my side table in my entry where I have my grandmothers hats on display. She found your book utterly charming so I had to show her the little Halloween one as well. I’d be honored to win one of your quilts and add it to my collection. My first quilt was purchased in 1977 while on a trip to the Amish countryside in Lancaster, PA. A sweet Amish farm lady was selling her quilts in her front yard and I picked a beautiful pastel diamond pattern. Safe travels on your trip across our amazing country! I just finished the new book and just have to ask – do you ever visit the cottage in the woods and do you know the people who are so lucky to enjoy all the charming touches you gave it? Just curious😊
I do go back every so often, of course I do . . . I took pictures last time, I should show you sometime. Some things have changed, she enlarged the kitchen. If I had it, I would take that off. But she kept some of the wallpaper from all those years ago. The fireplace is there, and of course the summer house out back.
YES, I’d love to see pics of the house now.
Love beautiful fabric. Thanks so much. Love Martha’s Vineyard book too. It makes me want to go. Maybe someday. See you in May.
Connie
Hello from the middle of the UK not too far from the Cotswolds which I know you’ve visited. I love textiles because they tell women’s stories in a way that lets the ‘reader’ invest their own experiences and imagination. Quilts are the best examples ever. I am also a knitter and crocheter – not quite a beginner but still a novice. Sewing is my next stop and my first tutorial is this Thursday when I hope to make something small and special for my daughter’s wedding. I’d love to win your quilt to remind me of our shared traditions (I’ve just read The last Runaway by Tracy Chevalier).
Nice to see you here Francey . . . Happy sewing!
Wow! This post was so full of good news! Fabric, wallpaper, and wrapping paper, oh my! Counting the days until April 30 when I finally get to meet you. One question, is there a limit to the number of books you will sign? Don’t want to bring too many and be a signing hog.
You only have to deal with the people behind you in the line! Best to disguise the pile!
Susan,
I just found your blog from another blog “Talk of the House”. I was so surprised when I looked you up and found out that you are the author of the Homemade Recipes Scrapbook Binder that I had purchased years ago. I did not know anything about you when I purchased the binder, I just knew I loved the binder. It has been fun checking out your website, in fact like many other “girlfriends”, I am afraid I am hooked.
Don’t be afraid. You are among friends. xoxoxo
I am commenting after number 1,313. One of my favorite numbers is 13. Beautiful quilt, Susan. I love old quilts. Thanks for the chance to win yours. Good luck everybody.
What a wonderful giveaway! I too have questioned why fabric lines are gone so fast! So frustrating to have a quilt almost finished and your border fabric you bought suddenly makes you question your sanity when you bought it. You think “I do have that gorgeous red print that is so much better.” You run to get it off of your wonderfully organized shelves (lol) and it is only two yards. 🙁
Thank you for being an elf and brightening our days.
I know. I think somehow there should be a “classics” section, where fabrics never go away. Now, who gets to decide what is in that section? Therein lies the rub! 🙂 xoxo
Happy Anniversary Sew Sue! I love fabrics and paper and especially quilts. Spoonflower sounds amazing and I am looking forward to checking it out..
Dear Susan, just finished your new book,and loved it.I too would love to hear the story of thr journey to the house you live in now. How were you able to part with your little cabin in the woods. Love your blog,can’t wait to see what you do next!
I’ll have to tell that story one of these days . . . it was kind of easy since A. Joe’s head almost brushed the ceiling at Holly Oak, and B. Spring Street, when I saw it, was beyond my wildest imagination, and yet, there it was!
Susan, please enter me. Please answer my earlier question about “WHERE do you buy your starch?” Thank you!
EJC
Oops, sorry, I thought I did that! I buy it at the grocery store. It comes in one of those plastic bottles like liquid laundry soap. You just mix it with water, the directions are on the bottle. It couldn’t be easier!
What a wonderful idea to give away a beautiful quilt. Thanks for the opportunity to win. I always look forward to your emails because they make an average day special.
…good morning, dear Susan…how you’ve blessed and enriched all of our lives ..I’m feeling beyond words..lol.. I feel like I’m running to catch up with all of the excitement..first your newest book, which I love !! folks are saying that they didn’t want it to end, but, really, it didn’t..it is a story that still lives in us daily..then , congratulations to the last give-a-way winners; and “Heart of the Home’s” dear anniversary, and now your FABRIC !! I am seeing stars !!! and now another giveaway?!? such joy you share!..safe travels, dear one ..you and mapman are having the times of your life and so richly deserved..with love, as always..p.s..your photos today are beautiful..
Thank you so much Mary . . . have a wonderful day!
Oh, how I would love to own that beautiful quilt Susan! I am so excited about meeting you soon at a book signing.
Love this!
Anxious to ck out spoonflower
Pick me, pick me. . .
Have always loved your fabrics and still a little bit of the “friends” line.
Thanks,
Stephanie
I Adore your fabrics! Just can’t wait to whip something up! As always, looking forward to seeing you at a book signing! Hugs & Happy Spring <3
Dear Susan, Your posts always brighten my day, just like your sun filled pink kitchen! Love Spoonflower and your fabrics are making me feel inspired to create again!
Thank you always for your generous heart!
My grandmother made quilts and I am blessed to have several of them. I hope that quilting doesn’t become a lost art. I have many sweet memories of sitting beside her reading a book while she sewed together pieces of beautiful fabric to make a quilt top. Thanks for the giveaway!
Moms teach their daughters (and sons). It may not make the nightly news, unfortunately, but I don’t think it will ever go away. We love what our moms love. Sooner or later. 🙂
Just finished Isle of Dreams …this cannot be the end of your story…please say the sequal to A Fine Romance is in the works!
Oh, I have lots of ideas, but what I do next, after we go to England and Scotland, is anyone’s guess! 🙂 Something, I would imagine. xoxo Maybe a novel, the story of Ellie. Or maybe a big decorating book. Or maybe a diary of Scotland. Or, maybe a book of tea parties and recipes, or . . . or . . . ⭐️ too many wonderful things in the world! xoxo Thank you for asking!
I’ll buy ALL of those:) and I’m still hoping for another something Christmas. I think I am going to do another tea party like I did for the Downton opener, but this time since there is no DA and it is Beatrix’s 150th birthday…
I will do an evening Beatrix Potter Tea with all my figures and books for decor… lambs, sheep, pastel china, quilts and tweeds, fairy lights, wildflowers and we will watch Miss Potter. I just found this wonderful violet liqueur called Creme Yvette. It makes the most lovely pale lavender champagne cocktail. Maybe I will candy some violets too and I will definitely make your orange lavender polenta cake. YUM!!! You inspire me;)
Sounds delightful Charissa!!!
Thanks for telling us about Spoonflower (great name). I will definitely check it out. And thanks for showing us your fabric designs, they’re so pretty. Happy Anniversary!
I love the quilts! Would love to have one to love! I am trying to read your new book, but an not sure I will ever get it finished………keep having to reread and reread the lovely, sweet, strike-a-cord-with-me comments! Seriously, I am just loving the book….not disappointed!
Thrills me to hear that Susan! I’m so glad!!! While I was writing it, I was all hopes and prayers, it is not only wonderful to read your words, it’s a great relief!!!
As a former home economics teacher, I love fabrics so I think Spoonflower is awesome! Happy Anniversary!
It’s in home ec 7th grade sewing class that I made my first apron, and a lined gym bag, and that was the beginning of a great love affair, so I thank you along with all your lucky students for that introduction to self sufficiency!xoxo
I love the quilts! Would love to have one to love!
I am reading your new book, but am not sure that I will EVER get it finished….. keep having to backup and reread and reread the lovely, sweet, strike-a-cord-with -me words! Seriously, I am just loving the book!
YAY!
Hi susan. I too was curious how it came about that you left your cottage. Will order heart of the home. So happy will have second chance to be able to win one of your brushes and bookmarks to frame. Will keep my fingers crossed again.
Love looking at your BP window display and comparing with my collection that was influenced by you. Anxious for May 3. We are extending our stay to antique in Bucks County. Have a safe trip and hope you find a lot of goodies along the way. See ya❤️Joan
Just earlier this morning I was wishing for wrapping paper that looks like your wonderful art – and gosh-golly you have already give me a way of having it. How wonderful – and it is not even 8:00 o’clock yet. What excitement this day holds!!! Thank you so much for the happiness you share and the joy you bring to so many – I loved your books – have all three of the new one and a few of the older ones. Now I am excited for the reprint of your first and some soon to be had wrapping paper with your art. Susan, have wonderful travels this spring/summer and maybe I will see you at a bookstore in Ohio or Illinois. Be well and happy.
Would LOVE to win this quilt — it’s simply beautiful! Thank you for the Willard — I loved reading it and can’t wait to check out Spoonflower Fabrics!
Thank you for writing and providing inspiration to the world — we appreciate it so much!
Enjoyed reading ! Looking forward to the book signing in Austin, Texas !
Looks like I missed the conversation about who might play you in movie/tv, but I think Alexis Bledel ( when she has bangs) would be nice!
Have fun on your book tour and safe travels 🙂
Susan, your “morning kitchen” reminds me of my Baba’s (Grandma’) house. The sun would be streaming, in via double windows, through the “cold porch” (no insulation) that was used as a pantry and canning. It overlooked a flower and vegetable garden, with a mountain view to die for. Sitting in the kitchen, in early morning, the sunlight would put on a show for us, just as in your sweet kitchen. I just love my Baba memories! Thanks, Susan, for sparking that one.
Let’s not be so busy chasing the extraordinary, that we don’t stop and be grateful for the ordinary.
High Five, to all your great happenings, Susan!
Yay for Spoonflower! Thanks for sharing your designs too.
You always brighten my day! I’m not a sewer (yet) but do love wrapping gifts…to wrap in your sweet designs would be such fun! Thx for spreading the love😍
I love reading your blog and looking at all the wonderful photographs you include as part of it…thanks!
Thanks, Susan….for everything. What a “bright spot” you are:)
Thank you again for your generosity! Who wouldn’t cherish that lovely quilt?
And Spoonflower is just another place to go for new ideas…..love that you share.
Loved all your books! But I am sooo jealous of hearing that most everyone has read your newest book. Still checking my mailbox everyday for my pre-order way back in January! Still hasn’t come yet! So I have ordered another from The Learned Owl yesterday in Hudson, OH. Can’t wait to meet you in May! I love hearing you speak of your “happy gene”! I truly believe that some people are just born with it!
Check with [email protected]/~susanbs3/susanbranch/ ~ they’ll have a record of your order and can make sure it gets to you asap. Sorry Judy!
Thanks for sharing your designs. I love receiving your posts.
Susan, there are too many words in my head and yet, not enough! I have loved fabric since I was about ten years old and Mom taught me to sew… The rest is history! I’ve loved your books since day ONE and remember the fabrics from years ago…how exciting to know there is a new adventure for you ((and us!). MV book was like tea and dessert–perfect! Will meet you in Woodstock, GA soon. We girlfriends are so blessed! Love always to you, an inspiration for years and years–bless YOU!
Wow, I’m so excited about getting out to the Spoonflower site. Your prints have ALWAYS been a love of mine. So sweet, mostly pastel, just love them. You go girl, always finding new things to make us happy! THANKS
You make my day even more special Susan thank you! I love quilts!
Would love the quilt as I have a small collection to add it to. Looking forward to
New Hope, Pa on May 3.
I do not sew but those fabric patterns would tempt me to learn! Congratulations on such a good find!
I remember when your fabric line came out. I purchased some to make a picnic quilt. The fabric service is just amazing! Imagine the special-ness of designing your own fabric for an heirloom new-baby quilt!
Thank you for the great give-away!
Oh I love two posts so close together! Thank you! Spoonflower (love the name too!) looks wonderful and bits of your fabric which I found years ago and never saw again (now I know why) grace small items in my house. I’ll be ordering some from the site especially to make cupcakes with a birthday theme! The white quilt is dreamy hanging on the line and blowing in the breeze. How generous of you to part with it. Would love to use it as the palate for our retirement home which I know will be white walls with color, lots of color on everything else. Don’t you love thinking of all the people who have something inspired by you in their home! What gifts you share with us and not just in give aways! Bless you!
I used to walk around my house picking out all the things I made, saying, like the seagull in Finding Nemo, mine. mine. I made that. Polishing my fingernails on my shirt. So the answer to your question would be yes, I’m honored! The most thrilling one is when I see one of my Baby Books all filled out with someone’s pride and joy. That’s just too much!
Thank you – for everything. Your work is a breath of fresh air.
I have ordered from Spoonflower about two months ago – love it! I am so thrilled your designs will be there. It seems new fabric designs come out of the manufacturers, and if you cannot decide what to quilt/make, get ALL you require, and then poof! The fabric is gone, you may be short some and it is unattainable….. Erg. Love all your designs, Susan!
Yes, drove me crazy too! Yay for Spoonflower!
Oh, such beautiful fabric! You are right, a little fabric would look lovely on the edge of a pillowcase or tea towel. Thank you for the opportunity to win your beautiful books!
Oh sweet Sue! This is truly a great week. My 3 grandbabies were born Monday evening. They came very early (my daughter was only 28 weeks) they are beautiful and are breathing with just little oxygen tubes in their noses (nothing down their throats!) I could not wait to get on here and share my news and then I see what wonderful news YOU have. Thank you so much for everything, you are truly an ELF!
Oh Joy, oh JOY…. xoxoxoxox Congratulations. Hugs to your daughter . . . and let the fun begin!
Wonderful news. So happy for you!!!!xoxo
Hi again, Susan!
Willard arrived this morning and I just finished reading it. Happy belated Birthday! Happy anniversary to Heart of the Home! Happy and safe travels to you and Joe! I wish you happy everything because life is wonderful!
I love quilts. I have one that my great-grandmother stitched. It hasn’t made it through the years gracefully, but it’s still treasured. Adding another to my home would be wonderful!
Heading over to Spoonflower after this. Great idea….just wish I could draw. Love the idea of the different fabric types.
Beautiful blog! Especially love the sunrise photos!
Love to read your blogs…such an uplifting way to start the day. Your fabrics are lovely and I am glad to hear of spoonflower. com….I will email the blog to my daughters. I have a very old quilt, I bought it at an antique show, about 30 yrs. ago and it was very old then. It is a log cabin design, with browns and red fabric…they were very fragile and it needs some repair, but, I have no idea on how to accomplish this. Do you Susan? I don’t sew myself, but, love the look of old quilts. Of course, I would love to win your beautiful quilt. How generous of you to use one, as a give-away, on your 30th anniversary.
Google Vintage Quilt repair and see what you come up with. There are lots of wonderful quilters who are willing to try to save an oldie but goodie!
Very exciting news! The Internet opens up such a wonderful new world.
Also exciting to receive a copy of your new book in the mail today. Looking forward to reading your story and finding references to places I visited on the island. It certainly is a most beautiful place.
Happy Spring Days to you and Joe!
Betty
As above?
I am a die-hard follower of your whimsical musings – from ‘snail mail’ WILLARDs to today’s blog posting! Too bad your New Hope appearance sold out in an instant!
Oh, my, Susan – I’m one of those “up at 4 a.m.” Gals. I poured myself a very hot, very black cup of northwest (Seattle) coffee, and settled in with the musica to read your posts. Between Williard, the Spoonflower news, your travel schedule, movie dreams, etc., etc., (and two more cups of coffee) I’m already on overload for the day and it’s 5:32 a.m.! I cannot EXPRESS how much I loved, loved the book. I tried to limit myself to devouring it all at once, but found myself sneaking it into the car to read, my phone of flashlight mode to finish a page. And now it’s done but I intend to read it again BEFORE I travel from Seattle to SLO on the train for twenty-nine hours to see you!!! AND I think that I will cry when I finally meet you! You are so very dear, generous, funny, inspiring, and you get me back to the heart of the home. With all that is happening daily in this world, you ground me, encourage me to pray, to be kind to others, to share, and on and on. Thank you, dear Susan! See you soon.
Thank you dear Jane, I will love to see you!!! Such sweet words! xoxo
Dappled light has taken on an entirely new meaning thanks to you, Susan! I will never take it for granted ever again! In fact now as I rejoice in it’s glow I find myself saying out loud “Good morning Susan and all the girlfriends!”. Blessed we are!
I would love to win this beautiful quilt!! Loved reading your blog this morning. A great start to my day.
Shirley
Love reading Willard. What a great gift to win! Keeping my fingers crossed!
AH
we are so fortunate that you were born with the “HAPPY GENE.”
— makes us happy, too.
kiss
kiss
Teri
Good morning from Upstate NY!
I Just want to say that I love reading your blog. It always makes me smile. I find I sigh as I read it, in relaxation. I feel as though I travel to your kitchen or parlor and hear your stories. Thank you for sharing your heart and your life.
Loved the info on Spoonflower. What an amazing idea!! Thanks for sharing with your girlfriends😀
Hi Susan. Spoonflower – WOW! Boggles the mind, and I know you are thrilled to be able to use your fabric designs again. It gets my creative juices flowing. And your blog continues to be my most-looked-forward-to….. hope I win a prize!
It is wonderful to know beautiful things don’t have to disappear forever! Wonderful win/win for you, us, and spoonflower
Ooooooh I love the birds, can’t wait for the fabric. My Grandmother said always have something to look forward to. Thanks for another wonderful “something”. Me and the girls will be trying for tickets to Beatrix’s Party. We have our collected fingers crossed. If we don’t make it we will hold our own party but, it wouldn’t be the same without you! Also hope to see you at Titcomb’s on July 2nd. Enjoy your travels sweet girl.
Can I just say I love wisteria and the thought of seeds just gives me a happy feeling. I fell in love with the glorious flower when I was twelve and longed for a plant of my own. Here in Alabama my mother said it was akin to kudzu, “give it an inch and it takes a mile”. I am now fifty-nine and only worship it from afar. There is lots of it to enjoy on the roadsides on my drive into work and a perfect picture of the lovely stuff on the opposite bank of a pond that casts a beautiful reflection of its glory into said pond that is breathtaking. Most of ours is in the last days of bloom, but there is always next spring…
Until then I have it stenciled in my guest bath with it dripping down to a wreath that I did when we moved in over twenty years ago.
Much love and best wishes to you, our club queen.
I love quilts and this one is so beautiful! I’m so happy to see some of your fabrics will be available again. My first artistic journey was sewing and I would love to have some of your fabric. I missed it the first time around. Happy Spring!!
I just love your emails and website/blog…I have been enjoying your Willard newsletters since they came out on paper—-whaaat?? I love seeing your new Spoonflower fabrics…I have a table runner in my kitchen I made with your fabrics and just last week my girlfriend gave me some scraps of your fabric which I just had to have!!!! Thank you for sharing your books and your life. Your art is an inspiration. —My Grandma’s name was Agnes Orr and she was a great lady…so I have always felt there is a connection between us (who knows maybe our grandmas were related.) 😉
Oh Susan you are amazing! I am savoring Isle of Dreams right now and yes a book about Scotland would be great. Well any book you write will be great. I love your fabrics and Spoonflower sounds wonderful. Thank you for your blog and Willard and a chance to win lovely prizes! It would be great to win, but it doesn’t really matter, reading your blog is so fun.
love the quilt! and what a great idea Spoonflower is!
Susan, Love the quilt, love that you are doing fabric again and of course your lovely books. You are the girlfriend everyone wants to have next door. To talk England, tea, flowers, music and cats. Thank you so much.
I love hearing about this new way to get delicious fabric. A member of our quilt group just passed away and we were lucky enough to get to add the binding for a quilt she was making for her grandson. Such a connecting gift quilts are… Bless you for sharing!!!
PS Gobbled your book up in two days, now I am rereading it slowly with tea!
Can’t wait to see you in Denver as I feel like I have known you for years….
Such fun designs! Happy Anniversary!
love all your fabrics. Ive made two quilts using just your fabrics. they are lap quilte & i cozy up in them. thanks you for your books too. have five & will get two more when you come to Denver next month.
See you then Penny!
Love your blogs, love your books and especially love that you are a fan of Gladys Tabor. A friend and I took a road trip to see Stillmeadow in 1908. We knocked on the door just wanting to know if it was okay to walk around and take picture.. wonder of wonders Anne opened the door and invited us in. I thought I’d died and gone to heaven (so I knew how you felt when you visited Beatrice Potter’s house). She was so gracious. Best day of my life! I don’t sew or quilt but love the Amish quilting stores in Ohio.
SO lucky!!!
Love the fabric! How exciting!
What a charming post. I love what the rising sun does to my kitchen too. I guess I’m a ‘dapple’ nerd, but I get excited over how the sun’s rays bathe everything in a beautiful yellow/pink/orange light. It makes my heart happy–so worth getting up for the sunrise! 😉
BTW, the day my copy of Martha’s Vineyard, Isle of Dreams came, I didn’t get ANYTHING done around here. I just read and read. It was delightful, as are all your books!
What a great give-away. I love quilts, and I am blessed to have one made by a great-aunt from the turn of the century. It’s definitely a favorite possession.
Have a fantastic day!
You too Amy!
Thank you Susan for this informative Willard. I am going to share it with our DIL who sews. She and a friend are trying to make purses to sell out of heavy fabric with a wooden handle. I think they would enjoy being able to design their own fabric if possible. You are such an inspiration. I am almost finished with Martha’s Vineyard Isle of Dreams and loving it like I did the first two of this trilogy. Dear Agnes had the perfect place just waiting for you, didn’t she? Sometimes we just have to go through a tunnel before we find the light. I wanted to tell the younger you as I was reading that it would all turn out beautifully, but then that might have put you on a different path…and we all really, really wanted you to meet Joe! Hope to see you on the road. Praying Traveling Mercies for you!
And now it’s me wanting to tell the younger ones, it’s going to be okay!
I love reading about your life, on your blog and especially your books (I have all of them!) so thank you for that. They just make me SO happy, like we’re sitting down for a cup of tea and slice of lemon pound cake at the kitchen table, just chatting about life. I’ve quilted my whole life, but there is something about old quilts, the softness of the cotton, and faded colours, that stir the heart. I always think about who sat and stitched it with such care.
I’ve added Spoonflower to my feed. What fun! I remember as a kid going through the Sears catalogue to check out all the new fabrics for cotton dresses. It was a harbinger of spring as much as the saucy robins and tulips popping up!
What a year you have ahead! Enjoy every minute.
Stitched with care and not even signed. Wow! Just signed in tiny stitches filled with love of family. Thank you Pam!
No. Thank YOU. So much love, from all of us kindred spirits out there.
Wob you sweet Sue!! Thank you for enriching our lives with your words, paintings, pictures, and inspirational life!!! Go forth and conquer girlfriends!
With coffee in hand and a quilt (and two doggers) wrapped around me, I sat down and read Willard. What a lovely way to start the day. Safe journey, Susan. Looking forward to following you around the country.
I love the idea of getting your designs in so many different formats, especially wrapping paper.
Quilts are a part of who we are. Each one is so special,the tine care and love goes in each one!linda p
Susan! Oh My Stars!! I LOVE your fabrics!!! I am going shopping!!! (online of course) I also love quilts, and I wish I had the time to make one, but alas, no time, right now…… (perhaps I will win one??) Love Martha’s Vinyard!!! My mom, my daughter and I were planning to see you in New Hope, NJ, but unfortunately the venue is all sold out!! WAAA, WAAA 🙁
Blessings to you and Joe!!! (and the kitties too!)
So sorry, I was hoping they’d squeeze in a few more chairs!
Old quilts and new fabric! Happy happy happy!!
I think I have your first book Heart of the Home. It was a gift, and I’ve been a Susan Branch “junkie” ever since!! I don’t have ALL of your books, but I hvae several and I’ve re-read them dozens and dozens of times!! You are an inspiration, and proof that if you work hard your dream can come true. I love your blog and am anxious to follow along on all your upcoming adventures! Blessings my friend!!!!
Every time I check your blog and see a new one, I have tears in my eyes by the time I reach the end because it makes me so happy. Thanks for making my day, Susan!!
Outstanding news/information as I am about to purchase a new sewing machine. I am learning how to quilt at my local county extension office/workshop and really like the look of your fabrics for upcoming projects. Have y’all on my prayer list for safe travel ahead. Don’t forget to write “home” a time or two while you’re gone.
I’ll blog it as much as possible, yes, write home . . . so you’ll be able to see what we’re up to!
Oh gosh Susan…everything you do makes me smile! We are such kindred spirits! I wish the world was full of Susan Branch clones…what a happy, beautiful world we would live in! I was just thinking the other day that I probably wouldn’t make any more baby quilts or sew so much. Now I’ve just changed my mind. Thank you!!!
There aren’t any clones, but if you read these comments, you will see there are jillions of kindred spirits and it’s pretty much the same thing!!! xoxo
I too, learned to sew in 7th grade home economics…It’s too bad that these classes are the first to be cut for budget reasons. Never enough quilts, never enough fabric! Thank you for the giveaway, and safe travels!
Thank you for this wonderful information. I have heard of Spoonflower, but have never followed up with a query – world-wide excuse coming up – I did not take the time. Well, I have certainly looked them over now and wouldn’t a yard of “specialty” fabric in cotton make a truly wonderful gift wrap? I love to wrap my presents in fabric since I am a quilter and try to always make my gifts. Sign me up for your giveaways for sure. Most generous of you and congrats on another new adventure in the fabric world. JudtC
Old Quilts are the most wonderful thing in the world. I always wonder about the lives of the women who made them. Such a grand work of art. I read your book and enjoyed it so very much. I was kind of sad when it ended. Hopefully, I will see Martha’s Vineyard some day. Have a great trip!
So thrilled to be able to find your fabric! Maybe some day your pillows and rugs could be made again☺️ All things are possible, this I believe! I just finished the book and LOVED every single word, picture and recipe!!! Now I’m going to go back and reread the other two books…thank you for sharing your journey. Happy anniversary and keep those books, fabrics and wonderful pictures coming, so inspirational😘 I still haven’t received the new Willard, does it take a while to send to everyone?
Hi Susan,
As always, a new blog just makes my day! Love your fabrics on spoonflower …I can see little Christmas pillowcases for the grandkids, aprons for aunts, coasters to put in gift baskets…oh my! I made quilts for my granddaughters when they were little and now that they are older (21 and 15) they both told me that they always felt safe sleeping under them. I would never have thought of that. Love to you, Joe, and the kitties…have a safe book signing tour.
Awesomely Fantabulistic! I so enjoy your work, your writings and all you share….continue on your chosen path my friend; you have been given a gift and you’re using it well! Safe travels….Road Trips are The Best!