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 love the Spoonflower designs- I’m not a great sewer (though a simple square Susan Branch quilt might have to be a Winter ’17 project) but I see that the patterns can be wrapping paper! I love it. I am going to buy the Christmas prints this year for wrapping my presents, and since I have Santa Joe as a tea towel, I would love to see him as wrapping paper too! Just pre-ordered my 30th anniversary HOTH and got some luggage tags as well. Thank you so much for the giveaway chance- very exciting!!
A lovely surprise! At the top of page 22 in the May/June 2016 issue of Victoria magazine is an enticing, eye-catching half-page notice of your new memoir, “Martha’s Vineyard.”
Serendipitously (?), my thoughts ran to a quotation I have in my personal “Many-splendoured Things” collection, which seems to reflect your own spirit and the spirit of your books and blogs:
“She taught me to hold on to things passed on to me, whether the object suits my current taste or not, and that there is untold value in something well loved by someone you love well. She is not particularly sentimental, but holds dearly to things given to her by those she loves–tokens well wrapped in layers of invisible memories.” -Brittany Williams, “Victoria, May/June 2010, p.68.
Susan, I look forward to reading your Fine Romance book. What kind of watercolors do you use? I am wanting to try some simple watercoloring this summer and hope my daughter tries it as well. You rock!!
I just started learning yo quilt gave several from my relatives. The patterns and fabrics are so amazing, I woul love to win this one, it would be so special. I love your fabrics and cannot wait to get the Martha’s Vineyard as I have a special relationship with the vineyard. My grandson was born there! His Nana still lives there. Loved today’s blog!
Thank you for sharing about Spoonflower! What a charming concept! It’s almost mindboggling to think that someone like me could have access to customizing fabrics, paper and whatnot! I’m so excited you found them! And then the possibilities! Goodness! You were rattling off so many possible projects with that wonderful imaginative and creative mind of yours! Dangerous! Could it also be the season? Who knows! Such fun! Praying you and Joe have a fantastic road trip! Looking at the picture of your books stacked up – “the story of your life”. So so happy for you Susan! Thank you a million times and then some for sharing with us!
I love that you say ” your Guardian Angel goes with you” – lonely is a word that wouldn’t exist if we all remembered our Guardian Angel is on duty 24/7 keeping you company, keeping you safe and enjoying the ride😊 . I’ll look forward to following along with you, Joe and Susan’s angel😇! X
Beautiful sunrise, beautiful quilts, beautiful fabric, beautiful life! Love
Thank you for being you, Susan Branch! I am a quilter and can’t wait to purchase some of your fabric from Spoonflower. Your generosity is so much a part of who you are. We see this in every book, blog etc. you share with all of us. I am so in love with, “Martha’s Vineyard, Isle of Dreams” I can’t put it down and yet, don’t want it to end so I am trying to pace myself. 🙂 See you in Madison, CT in May. ox
Your blog has helped the cold winter days (which I love) pass away in the most delightful way. Thanks so much, Susan!
I’m so excited … fabric designs by Susan Branch at Spoonflower … be still my heart!!!! 🙂 I do adore old quilts. I have one on a sofa upstairs that the kitties love. They probably shouldn’t be sleeping on it (it has seen better days), but I don’t have the heart to close the door. Seems they and the quilt have a beautiful relationship! Happy Day!!!!!!!
Beautiful post! You have reminded me that we truly live right now in the Kingdom of Heaven. Love the quilt and the play of light in your kitchen. Congratulations on 30 years of doing what you love and sharing it with the world!
Hi, Susan. I too had one of my grandmother’s quilts which sadly disappeared during one of our moves. I would love to win your quilt. But just looking at is special. Thank you for sharing your creativity with us! Have a happy summer.
Thank you for your message today, complete with sunrise pink! Our sunsets are so different now in that the lingering rays fill my house with gold! Loved your new book, am into my second reading. I would dearly love to win your quilt. I have some draped across my rope banister on the balcony overlooking our living room. So will now start my day with your messages in my heart, too.
Spoonflower and you just may inspire me to create a fabric design of my own!
Thank you!
What a nice way to greet the new day with a Willard!
So excited about the new fabric designs! Thanks, Susan!
Finished “Isle of Dreams”. Loved every word, art and pictures of it. You gave some important information on how a person can heal and move on in life without knowing what the future may hold. Isn’t life wonderful when you can love every little thing like kitties, porcelain bunnies, making curtains, stencils……..
Seeing the quilts on the outdoor clothesline made me feel as if I could smell the fresh air. Reading your blogs I AM A WINNER without having to win anything.
Keep on painting and writing!!!!!!
Your blogspot and Willard letters always make my day. Your cookbooks and now memoirs have been a joy over the years and many of them have found their way into wedding and birthday gifts for wonderful friends. Thanks, Susan.
You are like 20 people in one. How can you do so much?
Where do you get the time and energy? Tell me that, please.
I started way back, and this period in my life seems to be fruitville. xoxoxo
Quilts are my thing too, they ard such a comfort thing! Thanks for the dose of lovliness!
Hi Susan,
Oh baby fabric would be adorable! I would love to win some wisteria seeds and the new book! 🙂
Really enjoy your blog posts, as I grew up in Falmouth near the village green. I tried to order two of your England books, but needed AmEx. Would you consider adding that to your choices of payment? Pix of Jack are especially loved. Enjoy your time in CA ! Anne in Sandpoint, Idaho
How exciting to have a chance to win the beautiful vintage quilt! My daughter’s wedding on June 4th will have my quilts displayed as backdrops, cushions, etc. Made by her grandmothers and great grandmothers, she wanted them to be a part of her special day. Adding your quilt to the décor would be “icing on the wedding cake”! Thank you!
Oh what beautiful photos, of your kitchen, the clothesline, and all those gorgeous fabrics. I am all thumbs when it comes to anything crafty, but I can admire. I’m wondering now if I really did pre-order MVIOD …. how would I check?
How very lovely to experience spring again! Ours was about a month ago, and your pictures remind me just how beautiful it was. Look forward to seeing you in Asheville, NC. Have a wonderful trip and be safe.
It is always so wonderful to read your blogs and the Willard. I feel like you are sitting in my kitchen with a cup of tea chatting about everyday things. My wisteria is about to open up, another warm sunny day here in the PNW and it will be beautiful!
Love the link to the fabric online store. what an ingenious idea. Cant wait to order some great fabric. I just started quilting 2 years ago and would love some of your designs. I have a quilt that my mother’s grandmother made for her wedding and I really treasure it.
Safe travels across the country.
Dear Susan,
My longish post from yesterday got lost, so I’ll send a quicker one now. Always enjoy reading your blogs, they are filled with fun and beauty. Love your books, have the trilogy now, am finishing 3rd reading of A Fine Romance, after getting and savoring Isle of Dreams and Fairy Tale. Many congrat’s to the winners of your last drawing, I know they’ll love Dreams. Would be crazy-thrilled if my name is drawn for the quilt, but will be crazy-happy for whoever is lucky enough to win. Thank you for sharing your art, your wisdom, your humor, your “finds,”–yourself–with all of us! You help make our world beautiful.
Susan
What would we do without the internet and all it has to offer? Who knew there was a place that could print your own designs? Thanks for letting us know they exists. Have a great book signing trip!
What a lovely posting. How do you do it? Every new posting is more wonderful than the one before. I want to be able to print all of the pictures, lay them out and look at them all at the same time and to be able to keep them in front of me. You capture all of the good things in life. Beautiful light and sunshine, breezes, flowers, dishes, fabric, sewing, embroidery, books and kitties. And then you present them as only Susan can do, with love. I love the teacup fabric and still have some snippets of it. You are always so uplifting. Marian
Well, I may as well throw my hat in the ring and hope for the best.
I have been a fan since your very first book, and I am so happy for all your success and glad to have been on the journey~keep going girl…..
OH MY GOODNESS! I thought you spoke my language before, but now that you brought fabric and quilts into the conversation, I know you speak my heart language! I’d be honored to give your quilt a new home. It would be cared for lovingly and be given a place of honor on our guestroom bed. I will definitely be checking out that website for your fabric too!
My sisters ( four of us) and I are having our annual get together. The highlight of our week is having your new book Martha’s Vineyard. We are taking turns reading out load ( we each have our own) and loving every minute!
Hello to you all! How fun! xoxo
Drooling over all the fabric and love the quilts!
I have always loved quilts! I don’t own a real one, but have pillows made out of old quilts that I do enjoy.
Happy Anniversary Susan, quite an accomplishment ~ so much for you to be proud of. Don’t you love Spoonflower!!!! Love the wisteria!!
I am so excited for the people at Spoonflower – thanks to you, they are about to find out what BIG LOVE really is. They won’t know what hit them – a shower of love out of nowhere!
Hi Susan, I’m so happy for you and that you found Spoonflower for your fabrics. You are just so talented, in so many ways. You are coming to CT but I won’t be able to be there – I’m so sad. I wish I could join you on your cross-country trip, that’s a dream of mine someday. Happy and safe traveling here and abroad! My fingers are crossed to possibly be a winner of your books or quilt. XXX
The sun is up and it’s a beautiful day! Making tea this morning I thought the day couldn’t get any better. It HAS!!!! I am so excited about your fabric being offered “somewhere, anywhere”. I’ve been searching far and wide for your teapot fabric for years!!!! I’m always on ebay, craigslist, checking at yard sales where there is fabric. I’m so excited I could throw sewing needles up in the air!!!
Happy Anniversary! I have read/used your cookbooks for a LONG time (love!) and can’t think of anything better than to read your fairytale books. The giveaway package is awesome. Thanks!
Soooooo looking forward to meeting you! Thrilled that you are coming to St. Charles, MO! You’ll love Main Street Books! Safe travels!
I’m so excited about your fabrics! I haven’t sewn in years, but now I feel inspired to sew a quilt again!! I’m thinking another memory quilt is in order. 🙂
I am imagining a room wallpapered and prettied up in your Spoonflower printed gorgeous designs! Ahhhhhhh. I will see you in Hudson, OH in just a couple of weeks! YAY!
Thanks for the work that you always share with us. What a beautiful talent you have. I have always wanted to visit the vineyard and reading your book (and blog) makes me feel like I am right there.
I have two quilts that my mom made for me and there is nothing better than wrapping yourself up in something made with love!
Safe travels to you and Joe. Looking forward to traveling with you! 😉
Susan, you keep all of us on the edge of our seats to see what you are coming up with next. How you do it is beyond me. But thank you for bringing me such joy and something always to look forward to! My three sisters and I are setting aside some time while we are together this week for a reading circle, taking turns reading Isle of Dreams aloud. We love you!
Kisses to the sisters! xoxo
Just received my copy of “Martha’s Vineyard Isle if Dreams” yesterday…how do you gobble up the pages, and try to slow down a savor at the same time? What a joy to read…my tears flowed on pages 95,96, & 97…thank goodness your courage helped you to stay-the-course even if you were uncertain what your course was to be. You done good! I think we all have to climb out of the pit at some point in our lives, and each of us have to find our own way of doing it. I too believe there are guardian angels, quietly going about the business if helping us find our way in this uncertain world. Thanks for sharing your path…a true kindred spirit.
Thank you Joyce!!!
So much hard and delightful work! You are very blessed, which is what happens to those who bless others!!!
I had no idea about Wisteria seeds!! You (and Joe and the fuzzy children) are often my favorite part of the day! I appreciate all that you do for us more than I can say. I can’t believe we get this for free!?!?!? Thank you, thank you, thank you!
Good morning Susan! I just wanted to let you know how much I love all your books! I am just about finished reading The Fairy Tale Girl. It is so good and such a joy to read. I am hoping to get the sequels for my birthday, fingers crossed. Your art and books and website are a bright spot in my day. Your yard looks so beautiful with all your blooming trees and I love the vintage cute vibe in your house, my style. With all the craziness going on in the world it is so nice to escape and remember the simple and the beautiful! I love your quilts too and your happy fabrics. Thank you Susan! Have fun on your book tour, I wish I could see you but I live in Canada, too far to drive. Lol. Have a great day😀
So excited about Spoonflower and all the possibilities!
Susan!
Sooooooooooooooooooooooooooo looking forward to meeting you after all these years!
See you in New Hope! You and Joe will so love the town… hopefully you can spend some time in this little Artists Colony!
Hi Susan –
Just finished your new book (loved it!) and looking forward to your 30th Anniversary Heart of the Home book. I think they will make excellent Christmas gifts for my nieces (yes – I said it “Christmas!”).
Also, I wanted to mention that I loved the Best Friends poem from your new book – I would love a print to give to my best friend. Hope you will consider it!
Lastly, no book talks or signings in the New York area – would love you to come to Buffalo!
Susan, I’m presently reading A Fine Romance and having lived in England, twice for a total of eight years, reading it is making me long to return. Just ordered the other two in the trilogy and can’t wait to read them as well.
You truly sound like you enjoy all that you share with us …Thanks for that..and THANKS for just a chance to be ”the winner” … we ALL are just as excited as you come across thinking of us !!!
Smiles and Sparkles …BLESSED BE
Looking forward to meeting you in person when you come to Utah. I have been collecting your books and recipe binders and such for a very long time. Nice to see the fabrics. Seems like you have this resurgence and it is so nice. I will have to order fabric to make a Christmas apron. I tried taking a quilting class out here in Park Vity, but it is really hard!
I am re-reading A Fine Romance while on a trip to San Diego. The format is so great. It reminds me of a UK magazine I subscribe to called Daphne’s Diary. Are you familiar? You would love it, I am sure.
Thanks for what you do! You have inspired me over the decades.
Today I was outside here in Pennsylvania just gulping in the clean Spring air and then came in to read your blog. I realized that the air smelled just like those fresh quilts on the breeze! Thank you for putting a name to it! Thanks for being so generous! Happy Spring!
I still have some of your fabrics, they are lovely!
Well, here I was just logging on to tell you that I JUST finished your latest book, and I’m greeted by a spectacular new post! But, first, here I come, elbows swinging wide to push to the front…I’m waving wildly and shouting your name! You turn and wave back. I’m clutching your book, smiling wildly, and with eyes shiny from a cry that was all from gladness, I’m shouting how I LOVE your book. The main course is finished (but I love that we ate dessert first) and my heart is glad for so many reasons. I don’t need to say how or why because you get it. We just smile and that’s all we needed to say. But because I never know when to stop, I have to add, “Thank you, Susan. You are AMAZING!” And now the fabric??! I have to go lie down with a cold compress. What a spectacular start to my day!
That was Perfection commentary Teresa . . . elbows swinging . . . I envisioned it all and you were DARLING!!!
Sue, huge favor to ask. Please add some tiny floral fabrics to spoon flower! I’m searching for a soft, yellow, green and Rose prints, but they need to be flower and bee related. I know you’ve done these in the past. Please please!
Love ya, Barbara
So excited about your fabrics! I love Spoonflower too. I am a bit of a fabricholic so now I will be even more tempted….sigh…. I know I have zero chance of winning but I would sure love to win your book set, etc. love you girlfriend!
I have many if not all of your books, calendars, among other items, I am a quilter and would love, love to have these wonderful fabrics! I believe I still have pieces from several years ago. Such sweetness. Can’t wait to meet you in SLC! For your book signing! Safe travels😊
I love looking back over time and seeing how decisions and circumstances lead to me to where I am today! Congratulations on finding a way to make your fabrics available once again. I look forward to meeting you in June at Foxtale Book Shoppe in Woodstock, GA. Yippie!
Dear Susan, I wasn’t going to comment, since I found 50 quilts at my mother’s when we cleaned out her house……but, having a quilt from you was just too tantalizing. And, I have all your books, but I’d love one of you paintbrushes, pencils, and paint/pen testing bookmarks. So, here I comment.
I am SO excited, for you, for all of us, that your fabric is going to be available!!! I hope all those who sew will share what they make….what fun that would be. Are you going to give Spoonflower your first designs? I would love some of the blue morning glories.
I’ve been out of town for my 50th high school reunion (WHERE did those years go?), so didn’t realize Heart of the Home was available for pre-order. I will do so right now.
Thank you, Susan, for all you give us. The world is a much better place because of you……and all the girlfriends…..and Joe, too, of course.
Love, Rachel
Oh Susan, You do make my day! Thank you for sharing your wonderful talents with all of us. Can’t wait to follow your up and coming trip. It is almost like being there.Safe Travels!
I absolutely love the magazine cover! The jumper you appear to be wearing makes me think of Dorothy in the Wizard of Oz & I expect to see Toto scampering around your heels! Maybe through in a few grazing sheep in the background…. . Mixing ideas, true, but it is just magical! Seems that dreams really do come true….. !
Looking at your photo of stacked books with the spines showing, inspired me to get going and complete all the unfinished books I’ve started. I’m posting that photo on my desk and look forward to sending you a picture of my books from the heart. You’re inspiring to so many… keep being you.
Such an exciting post – Plus the idea of a quilt givaway!
You have so many exciting things happening in your life, I bet you can’t wait to wake up every morning! You inspire me xoxo Thank you :), dear Susan.
Sign me up! Your fabrics are wonderful and Spoonflower sounds like the perfect response to the wishes of your many fans. Many years ago I attended a quilt show in San Francisco. Each quilt had a story attached to it, and under one made in the 1800s was written, “I have stitched all my joys and all my sorrows into my quilts.” I loved that and think of it whenever I see a hand-stitched quilt.
You are just so sweet! Every time I read your words I just want to give you a hug.
Your blog springs eternal……it brings light and happiness to my days…..
Just to thank you for each time you share the day with us….
Good Morning Susan…I missed receiving Willard newsletter yesterday but have really enjoyed blog on your Beautiful fabrics! I just want to tell you
Happy 30th Anniversary and how much I have Loved the Fairy Tale Girl and MV Isle of Dreams!
With Love❤️
Thank you!
Love your quilts and LOVE the fabric idea.
I am getting SO addicted to you Susan! LOL. I started with “A Fine Romance” and after I finished that I went to “Martha’s Vineyard. Isle of Dreams” and now I’m thinking of ordering “The Fairytale Girl”. I guess I’m a little backwards but that’s ok!! Thank you for all the wonderful stories. Hugs from NC!!
Congrats, Susan! How great that you are using Spoonflower! Aren’t they amazing? Looking forward to your visit to Denver in May at Tattered Cover! Wahoo!!
Ordering you 30th Anniversary book today!! Can’t wait to get it!!
So happy to know your fabrics are back! Love all you do! Thanks, Susan.
Your work makes me happy. Thank you.
Also thank you for sharing about Spoonflower. I am a quilter and my father’s 90th birthday is this summer. I may have to order something special to make him a quilt for the occasion. Have a happy and safe book tour.
I love quilts and made a few in my younger days. Love your blog and Willard. Safe travels on your book tour.
Donna in Michigan
Just enjoying the latest Willard, as I try to s-t-r-e-t-c-h out my reading of “Isle of Dreams” as long as possible. It SO good, and I don’t want it to end so I’m rationing …but I know I’ll finish it before the weekend because its hard to put the ribbon between the pages, close it, and put it down!
Hope to see you in Hudson OH on May 5 (but if our hockey Lake Erie Monsters happen to have a home playoff game that night I may have to forego the pleasure of meeting you for the third time!)……Enjoy the signing trip!
💓
I love your beautiful blog posts–better and cheaper than therapy!
Oh, what a lovely, lovely bog! So happy to read about Spoonflower. One of my dearest possessions is the log cabin quilt made by my great-grandmother in the mid 1800s. Every inch is hand stitched. It led to my love of fabrics, old quilts, and quilting. Thanks for sharing.
I can’t tell you how excited I am about purchasing your fabric again!!! Was so sad when it stopped being available. Always a treat to read your blog. Thank you for the gift of sharing your life.
Good Morning Susan and Vanna,
Just a quick note, hope you find my name in your huge bowl of entries. I would love to try and grow wisteria in Denver and I have a trellis next to the deck that would be perfect. Loved the Willard and now will bounce back and read the newest blog.
Looking forward to seeing you next month.
Rebecca W.
I commented on your last blog that I was just recently introduced to you, your blog and books by a co-worker of mine. Since then I have read The Fairy Tale Girl, A Fine Romance, and am currently reading Isle of Dreams. I’ve also been reading past blogs so I can catch up 🙂 I can’t tell you how much I am enjoying reading your books – thank you for opening up your heart and home to all of us. I have also just recently started quilting (something I’ve always wanted to do), so have thoroughly enjoyed reading this, my first, Willard with all the pictures of the fabrics and quilts. What a beautiful quilt for a give-away! My co-worker and I, as well as a few other girlfriends, are all looking forward to meeting you in Wilmette, IL, in May. Praying for safe travels as you make your way across this great country of ours!
I will be able to see you in just 16 more days and can’t wait !!! as I read threw your books and your blog I have decided you have to be your twin sister from another mother. We have sooo many things in common . one thing is kitty’s and I have a kitty named Prissy and one named Pittypatt and have been searching for weeks for a cute name starting with a P with no luck at all until I was looking threw A Fine Romance for the umpteenth time and there it was the perfect name [ Thanks to your Joe] !!! His name will be Puddykins . It’s the perfect perfect name love it ! See you soon.
Hi Susan, Everything is so exciting and I love your new fabrics. I have an old sewing machine and was thinking I’d like something a bit newer as I have heard some are self-threading……………….so I may have to consider that as well. Joe wants me to keep the one I have but it is very heavy…………too heavy I think even though it has its own sewing cabinet it lives in. You’ve even started me thinking about going abroad again. We came home on the Queen Mary 2 a few years back on our trip home from Ireland (actually got it in Southhampton). We took Holland America over to Ireland. Wonderful trip……….we hate flying. I know you will have a blast. Hope you enjoy every minute of your cross country trip here as well. With hugs to you…………..Gail
It never ceases to amaze me how alike your dreams are to my dreams. Really just blows my mind……so…….I will vicariously through you!! One day I may get the nerve to pack up and move to Martha’s Vineyard and work in a restaurant, or own my own restaurant and live above it…..or a bed and breakfast……one day….. That would be amazing……Until then, I’ll keep dreaming. You are such an inspiration for me!! Loads of love kindred spirit!!
Susan: Love absolutely everything about your “story.” I saved your full page recipes that were published in magazines in the 80s, have read your past three publications, and purchased some of your other reading material.
Nothing would please me more than to win the quilt. I have quite a collection that were made by my grandmothers, and my mother too! Those are the best blankets to keep warm.
Always look forward to reading your blog…keep up the good work.
I just love how you share so many wonderful treasures with us…all to keep our nests during each season.
I’m so sorry it didn’t work out for you to come to Portland, OR but I will be part by following the story online.
Starting to read “Martha’sVineyard,Isle of Dreams”. So excited to dive in!! Also, really looking forward to May 3rd, my mother & I will be in New Hope, PA for the tea & talk!!!! See you there 😉
You have done it again…warmed my heart! You are such a giving elf…you remind me of the elves and shoemaker fairy tale. Just when things look dark and dreary, there you are with a gift to light up our lives! So happy to be able to enter for your gifts. I have been quilting for 3 years and love it so. Surely made me appreciate my grandma’s quilt. I only have one but it is so special. And the chance to get some of your fabric to make a Susie Elf quilt…can’t wait! And the sunshine…God’s paintbrush is so lovely as He painted your kitchen with Pink happiness to brighten your day….as you have brightened mine! Blessings on you, Joe and kittie kids. Love from Lin in Michigan
OMG Spoonflower is simply amazing! What a revolution in the fabric business!! Thank you, thank you for sharing! I have bits from each of your collections that I’ve purchased from various shops throughout the U.S. Now I don’t need to “hoard” it!!
Hope that your spring continues filled with wonderful things of all sorts!!
<3
ALL your new things make my head spin. Spring is here yahooooo!!!! Great news about the fabrics will check them out. Going noe to read Willard, and start some new projects, Have a great day.!!!
Oh, Susan! This photo of your giveaway quilt has always been one of my favorites! I often told myself that I would make one just like it when I had time….I’m still waiting for that time to magically appear!!! Maybe, maybe, maybe I could end up with this one….I love quilts, quilting, your books and blog…this was a wonderful Willard. Thank you!
AMAZING about the fabrics! Just incredible. God bless Spoonflower.
I am a jewelry designer and my focus is cupcake jewelry, so I would LOVE to be able to get your cupcake fabric.
And thank you for the prize entry. I have all 3 books but would love to be able to give a set to another fan of yours. And that quilt? In my guest room, the colors would be p-e-r-f-e-c-t.
Thanks, Susan.
The idea of passing along seeds for the Wisteria is great!!! We did our part for Earth Day (Friday)last evening by going and moving a little fir tree from our lot where it was going to be graded down to a safer place. 🙂
So nice of you to share your early morning pink kitchen with us. Every time I see your Beatrix Potter people I think of just the ONE that I have–it’s Benjamin Bunny. I also have loving thoughts of my Grandmother Eve Lena who gave it to me. She also gave me lovely English tea cups which I really enjoy using! So fun to see the sheets, and your beautiful quilts. hanging on the clothesline–perfect place for them. And your quilt giveaway has inspired me to find out which of my husband’s third or fourth cousins would like to have a well-loved quilt that was made by their ancestor. Your fabric, wallpaper, and wrapping paper designs are exciting.
That was a darling pic of you on the Giftware Business Magazine cover!