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!
Happy Spring! 🌷 I’ve been enjoying your talents since I lived on the Central Coast in the early 80’s. I picked up a copy of your very first book back then in a lovely gift shop in Cambria, and the rest is history…always brings a smile to my face…along with a cup of tea!
How exciting to know that we can order your fabric!
Well after our giant spring snow storm here in Denver last weekend, we are so looking forward to seeing the green underneath, when all the snow melts. Would also love to gift your books to a neighbor, who’s been through a rough go of it lately. Oh, and when you come to Denver, please try and make time to have High Tea at the Brown Palace Hotel. Not too far from the Tattered Cover. See you there!! So excited.
Wish I had a way to connect to the girlfriends who are quilters as, due to our move, I’m selling a treadle sewing machine which works in a nice cabinet! It is fun to read the excitement about the fabrics. Safe travels on your book signing tour. Will think about you and Joe when you come through Iowa. We’re tied up in the move at that time. If something changes and you end up coming up to Minnesota, let us know and we’ll see you. 🙂
Happy anniversary my friend! Your very first book was my very first glimpse at you and in my mind we’ve been dear friends ever since. I won’t be able to visit with you as you tour around to sign books and meet friends this time around but am still pinching myself that I did get to meet you some time back when you and Joe were in Grand Rapids, Michigan. (*you signed a book for me and one I was sending to my pen-pal in Minnesota.) 2016 is a special year – your 30 anniversary and my 50th birthday. Thanks for inspiring me to keep following my dreams and not let fears of any kind stand in the way. We’ve got this! Blessings to you and to Joe. xoxo
How exciting that your cute fabrics are available on Spoonflower! My sister designs fabrics for quilting and says the industry has really changed since she started years ago. So glad you found a way to make your sweet designs available again!
What a beautiful quilt!! Can’t wait to check out Spoonflower, thanks for sharing!!
This is sewing news! Sometimes I run out of fabric in the middle of a quilt, none available online or in stores- now we can print the length we need! WooHoo!
Can’t wait to try this puppy out. Wish I was reading your book(s) but I’m working on a wedding quilt. Loved your fabrics. Got some for my birthday and this month is my birthday month too. Isn’t it great to have a B’day in April?
H.B.D. Susan (late)
Coming over to your blog on my 45th birthday is a feast for the eyes. I dabble in watercoloring myself, love tea, have the Rose Chintz pattern dishes (well the teapot and necessaries for tea for two), dream of visiting Beatrix Potter’s home, love England and your Fine Romance…can’t wait to get a copy of your newest. My mom is the quilter and she and I gifted your Fine Romance book to one another the year it came out! Needed to see beauty as today’s highlight will be a new refrigerator….gotta get cleaning!
Hi Susan!
I have most of your fabric collections all untouched! I keep waiting for that perfect project, but honestly…I think it’s just my SB fabric collection now 🙂
Everything you design is just so perfect and comforting!
xoxo
Old quilts are like hugs from our grandmas
DEAE SUSAN, THANK YOU FOR THE SPOONFLOWER INFO!!
LOVE YOUR CHARMING BLOG!
JUDTH
The minute I saw the new fabrics I wanted aprons. I will order some soon. I love all things Susan Branch.
Happy Anniversary Heart of the Home and Susan! On my first trip to Martha’s Vineyard in 1992, I picked up a copy of your book – 2 in fact – one for me and one for my mom. We have both been HUGE fans ever since! Wishing you love, luck, and joy on your cross country trip!
Greetings, Susan! Thanks for letting us know about this website. Good stuff!
Such a surprise for this new blog! I’m anxious to see if I’ve gotten the new Willard yet. I’m a little behind for not being on the computer these past couple days.
Spring is definently in the air and oh so warm at 88 degrees! Loved the pictures of your kitchen and from the kitchen window of the sunrise. Love it when there are a number of colors shining through.
Hope this time Vanna can see my comments and think perhaps she would be a good candidate for prizes. I love the quilt!!
Til next time !
xoxo
Carol M
Wow! I had to stop and think, 30 years! I remember ordering your first book, making the recipes for my family & friends. Incorporating your thoughtful touches for everyday and holidays into our home, and spreading the word about Susan Branch to friends & family. Along with your books ( I stand them up on my kitchen counter with the changing of seasons), your calendars are in my office, kitchen & purse because I love the detail, happy thoughts, & artwork on them! I make the bookmarks for grands & friends and tags for my gifts! Thank you! It’s been a pleasure having you in our home for 30 years!💖Happy Anniversary!🎉
Blessings to you, Susan. I have been a fan for some time but my mom is a new fan since I introduced her to your blog. And she is even more enthusiastic than I! We all love the same things and strive for an authentic life in different ways together. My mom and I always look forward to your next installment. And your books? A little vacation to enjoy where ever I am.
Love your fabrics! So sweet and happy! My mother loved her clothesline ! The best smelling bed in the world! Thanks for the memories Susan!
I am down to the last 20 pages of the new book and forced myself to put it down. I do not want it to end! I was feeling slightly melancholy about this until I reminded myself that I can re read all three books now ( in order no less!) any time I please 😃although, nothing can ever take the place of reading a lovely and enchanting tale the first time, I am comforted in knowing that I can revisit them any time I wish… Like an old friend. Thank you! And I simply adore those quilts!!
Your posts and products are always a wonderful reminder of the really important things in my life….. Thanks for the comfort and inspiration.
I’ve always wanted a wisteria vine/tree. And the fabrics sound wonderful! My old sewing machine gave out a few years back, however, so I really do need to replace it!
Dear Susan,
After finishing a particularly grueling project at work, I treated myself to a blog visit, where I learned about the fabric/wrapping paper situation. THIS CHANGES EVERYTHING!
I just ordered the Martha’s Vineyard Toile in wrapping paper so that I can wrap your books in it for my friends. Believe me, they will DIE when they see it. The only issue is that they may have already seen it on your website….but whatever. Trust me, they’ll fully appreciate the wonderfulness of having Isle of Dreams wrapped in your own design as Mother’s Day gifts.
I’m allowing myself only a few pages of your book a night in order to make it last longer….it is truly one of the few books of thousands I’ve read over the years that makes he laugh out loud — LOL, as the kids say.
Love everything about it and plan on re-reading it as soon as I finish.
Happy 30th Anniversary Susan! I’m so bummed you’re not coming to Oregon, maybe it’s time to visit Martha’s Vineyard! Love your artistic, enthusiastic spirit. And your generosity. You’re a breathe of fresh air.
The greatest gift that you bestow upon us is the joy you find in the things you love. That, in turn, reminds us to find pleasure in our little treasures–my tea cups and teapots, roses, favorite music (James Last), and many more. Thank you for that. Went to Scotland in 1984 and loved it, as I know you will. See you at Vroman’s in Pasadena, I hope.
Yea, Susan, I’m getting a new sewing machine so I’ll also be getting your Christmas fabrics. See you in Austin!
Emma
Susan, I am exhausted after reading that post….but in a good way. My head is spinning with ideas and fabric. Happy Anniversary!
AMAZEBALLS!!!!!
That’s what I was going to say! 🙂
My head is spinning because of all the wonderful projects I can see using your fabric designs!! Thank you!!! Love love love your style!
Such a gorgeous quilt! Your blog is my happy place. 🙂
I remember all of these fabrics. My most favorite was the MV toile. So gorgeous, just like you!
The fabrics are gorgeous and the giveaway so generous! I will be checking out Spoonflower for sure. Thanks for your beautiful and inspiring blog!
Oh how I would love the beautiful quilt as it reminds me of one my grandmother once had. Thanks you for brightening my day!
Love the fabric!!!
It’s no use! I need ANOTHER book! Isle of Dreams went by too fast…..just 48 hours of reading and I read EVERYTHING on the pages! It was most enjoyable. I’ve been thinking for years, how to tell my own story, me being a boomer, too. I think I should just tell it and see how it all shakes out. If no one else will read it, maybe my children and grandchildren will. Your treatment of Cliff was very sweet and proper. This was one of the things I couldn’t decide about: whether or not to tell about EVERYTHING in the old days. I am supposing that the best policy is to try to uplift and inspire, as one would do, writing a journal. So, I’m getting busy. I won’t have my brain much longer, I don’t think (teetering on the edge of 70) so I’m in a hurry. Love you, Susan. Our little journeys can inspire, definitely.
Yes, I tried not to tell everything, because it would have put people totally to sleep! 🙂
Also…I joined Spoonflower a few days ago. I am so excited about your fabric lines!! Thank you so much!
Your fabric designs are b-e-a-u-t-I-f-u-l!!! Thank you so much for everything. Have a wonderful road trip.
oh my goodness! this is so exciting! Your fabric is available again!!! So happy for you Susan!
Clapping hands and jumping up and down for joy!! I have a stack of fat 8th’s of your Martha’s Vineyard fabric that a dear friend sent to me. I didn’t want to use because then it would be gone. But not any more!! YAY!!!!!
I have looked at that quilt for years and was even contemplating making one just like it…..but maybe just maybe I will have the original!! What a wonderful giveaway!!
xoxo Debbie
I have loved your fabrics from years past. And I still have in my “collection” some of them that I fondle occasionally and then gently put back on the shelf for some not yet worthy project! The Afternoon Tea is a favorite and I have the text prints of the tree names in browns and greens. Love those. I saw some of that used in a quilt as the top of a tree as appliqué! Perfect-o! I have been a quilt maker for over 20 years and have made dozens. My fabric “collection” is extensive and I make no apologies! Fabric has always been one of my loves from a young girl, and I now have 5 grandchildren! I think that yellow check one with the sweet pink roses went into a newborn quilt for one of the granddaughters! Gawww-jus! Spoonflower is amazing and I hope to print some grandchildren’s drawings. Wouldn’t that be terrific?
Dear Susan,
You bring pure simple unadulterated joy to my heart. I have followed you since your very first cookbook so many years ago. Thank you for you and the happiness you bring. Hugs girlfriend!
So here I sit after 11am enjoying Willard and your Blog. Yes, my studio is calling, I have a commissioned quilt calling me. But I was so, so, so excited to see you use Spoonflower. So many ideas, so little time. Thanks for the good work.
I love reading your very colorful & brilliant Willard. I have been a fan for years! Love your scrapbooking packets! Very excited about your contest!
susan your fabric is sooo pretty!! cant wait to buy some! your quilts are so lovely:) nothing makes me feel more at home than an old quilt, books and some vintage china. hope to see you this summer:)
Hi I messed up on my email, correct now!
So happy you are back to designing fabric. I loved your line and was disappointed when it ended. I will be a customer of Spoonflower, for sure!
I’m so excited that your fabric collection is on Spoonflower and that you, once again, have the opportunity to design fabrics. Isn’t life grand?
Oh I can’t wait to see who wins all the beautiful things. Thank you.
Just love your blog! My sister-in-law got me started reading it a while ago and it always gives me such a lift to read it. Would love to win any one of your prizes! Thanks for such an entertaining look into such a beautiful place to live and to such happy thoughts!
I really liked seeing all the wonderful things you can do with fabr1c!
I love quilts! My aunt gave me a crazy quilt her mother-in-law had made, probably in the 1940’s, with all sorts of material, satin and velvet and hand appliqued butterflies with beads for eyes. I still have it, protected most of the time in a cedar chest to keep away the real moths:) What a wonderful, generous gift. xoxo
What a beautiful quilt! I recently started crocheting–my first foray into the fabric arts–and have been intrigued by quilting. However, I’m not sure I’d have the patience for it and would much better appreciate cuddling up under one!
Sweet Sue, congrats on your BIG 3-0 (book anniversary, that is) !! Love all the fabrics you showed us–it reminded me of the fabric displays at a cute little fabric store in Arroyo Grande in the mid-70s called “Silver Lining”. Ginny, the owner, had a lovely outdoor fashion show there that I got to cover for the local paper, taking photos of all the sweet floral print dresses & accessories (a la Jessica McLintock, you know the romantic styles then). Such a sunny peaceful afternoon outdoors–and believe me, I used to buy large quantities of fabric there too! Bet you miss having your A.G. store, which I saw pics of, full of cute S.B. designed items. So glad you got to have that dream (la-la or not) too 🙂
I have never heard of spoonflower.com, but I will definitely check them out. What a great idea! Can’t wait to see you in May! Happy Spring!
How exciting to get another e-mail from you…I think of you as an old friend…..I have all your books and just absolutely love them. On some days “Girlfriends” is my favorite…..other days it is other books…they are all so wonderful. I belong to a quilting group and they are a wonderful group of Girlfriends also….I am forwarding this article on to them in case they haven’t heard! I also have my grandmothers quilt, which I have used way too much, but love it ! The only thing is about Willards……I used to get them when they first started, but now don’t…I subscribed again, but nothing has happened! Oh woe is me! Love your fabrics and I’m sure will love Spoonflower. Can’t wait to check it out. I hope some day you will get to come to the San Diego area….Be safe and have a wonderful trip.
I’ve had Susan Branch book 30 years no way!
Yup.
Susan, your readers are so blessed to have you in our lives. Safe journey for your hubby and you. I’m going to check to see if I am on one of your whistle stops. Wish I could be packed in with the luggage!
Oh yes, please…an I Love England fabric collection would be just the thing!
Just wanted to thank you so much for spreading your love! You our a wonderful kind hearted person!😊💕 Take care!
This is so exciting! I love quilts and wished I had the time to learn. Our church does them for people and pray over them as they sew them. I signed up with twitter.
Thanks for the Spoonflower information…who knew?
Yay!! for the fabric!! I used to own a shop in San Diego where I made and sold country dresses! That was back in the early 90’s and I used a few of your fabrics in my designs and loved them!!
Now I live in the Kansas City area and I can not wait to see you when you are here at Rainy Day Books!! I was one of the very lucky Girlfriends who got to meet you last time you were in town, but that was too long ago and we have all missed you very much! Can’t wait for May!
And the best news of all…after I read A Fine Romance, I gave my Mother a copy to read. (She actually started to read mine when she was visiting…but it was the signed copy and even though I love her very much, I was not about to let her swipe my very precious, signed by my friend Susan copy of the book!!) So I bought her one of her own and then after she read it, she bought a copy for her best friend and after a couple of months a whole group of ladies out in San Diego had read the book and fallen in love with the idea of going to the English countryside!! So this September, a group of them, including my wonderful Mother, are sailing on the QE2 to England and following your footsteps through England! I have already alerted them to the Picnic, so be on the lookout!
I am excited for them! Unfortunately, I do not get to travel with them. I have 6 children at home that I have to tend to, so my traveling days will have to wait! But lucky for me you are traveling here!! To Kansas City!!! See you soon!!
Blessings, Maureen
THAT is so exciting!!! How fun for your Mom’s friends (and for you despite the fact that you can’t go this time … someday you and your mom can go back together and she can be your tour guide!). I pray for a smooth sailing. Remind them to get their sea bands and to wear them starting DAY ONE. Take no chances!!! Tell them I said Bon Voyage!!! xoxo
I received your new book and read it in a couple of days and loved it! My goodness, girl, I think there is nothing you can’t do! Thanks for you and thanks for your wonderful blogs. I was so surprised to hear from you today!
Vicki
Just finished Isle – fabulous! Thanks so much for sharing your journey – very encouraging. 🙂
Thank you for the new Willard! What a wonderful way to start the day! Safe travels as you and Joe begin your Spring/Summer/Fall adventures. Lookin forward to following you around the country. I need to look at your fabrics 😊. It would be wonderful to win a beautiful quilt or a set of your books!
Susan, As always I enjoyed your post. I’m so looking forward to reading your new book which brings me to the question….Why not stop in Indiana? Looking at your map you are passing us right by. I dream of pulling into the book store parking lot and seeing your van parked there and know that you are inside ready to share your new book. What a thrill that would be!! Peg
We couldn’t find an Independent Bookstore! We tried, we have friends that live in the Indianapolis area, and even they couldn’t name one. Do you have one you can suggest . . . we can try next time.
What an exciting blog you have- beautiful sunshine, beautiful quilts, beautiful fabrics. Thank you so much for sharing the Spoonflower website information. I love finding something different that is not in all the stores. Fabric, gift wrap and wallpaper too – I have a million ideas going through my head!
I also share your love for old quilts – do you wonder about the ladies who made them and think about who they were, where they lived, was it made as a special gift for someone or from someone. Quilts are like little mysteries in time.
Waiting patiently for the Willard to hit my inbox!
Fun fun love the fabric
Susan you are such an inspiration! I so enjoy your writing and your painting and now fabric?! Could it get any more exciting? You are lovingly generous too. And I’m not just speaking about your give-aways, which are certainly fun, but the generosity of spirit that suggests we can all create our own lovely places on this earth. And you give us the tools to do so with this collaboration with the online fabric store. Marvelous! Safe travels as you and Joe head out for your next adventure together.
Like you I just love old quilts – I’m not a quilter just a collector. I look for them every where I go. Such fun to benefit from another’s hard work of quilting and thinking of the fun they had gathered with their friends making quilts. Now I can display them in my home and my friends always comment on them. Lovely conversations. Thanks so for your blog!!
I just began reading your lovely book last night and could NOT put it down…so I was a sleepy head and slept in this morning 🙂 I hurried through all my necessary daily duties so I can read all afternoon!! Thank you so much for jotting it all down and sharing with us!! I think many would agree with me—you need a monthly magazine 🙂 Hey Vanna, pick me pick me~
It’s always such a pleasure to read your latest posting. I’m a little puzzled, though. In your April 19th post, you mention Willard. Thinking I must have missed it, I searched my spam folder and don’t see anything since December. Maybe I’ve fallen off the mailing list. If so, could you just dust me off and plunk me down on the list again? I’m having “Willard withdrawal!” Thank you!
Susan…Oh my goodness I have to have your fabric. I’m going to be waiting for the birds….I can see it now made into curtains for my bedroom….be still my heart. What an honor it would be to own one of your quilts….I can see it now on my bed with my kitties all snuggled down for a nap in the warm spring sun. Happy Anniversary to you with all the best for many more!
Hi Susan,
I just read Willard and as soon as I am finished here I am calling California to order the NEW Revised and Expanded Heart of the Home cookbook! I am so excited that you are offering this book again, and can hardly wait until it “is born”! I am hoping you will eventually do this for your Christmas book some day (not the smaller JOY book, but the larger Christmas Memories). Thank you for all of your beautiful work; I only wish I had “discovered” you sooner! Thanks! 😊
Love the new fabrics! So fun.
Happy 30th Anniversary, Sue! Ever since I stumbled onto your blog and website, I’ve become an avid fan. Have fun on the road trip!
I loved this blog. You have impeccable taste in quilt patterns. I may have my friend look at the patterns with me and pick some out. She makes beautiful quilts, etc, as do you! See you at Joseph-Beth’s in Cinci on May 7th. I still need A Fine Romance signed. So much to be excited about! Life is good!
Oh my, you have the most wonderful giveaways! You have such a generous heart! It is a beautiful quilt! Always a pleasure reading your Willard and your blog posts!
“One who sleeps under a Quilt is comforted by love.” How comforting it is to sleep under a quilt you know was made by someones loving hands.
I would LOVE this quilt!!!
Hi! I’ve actually used Spoonflower once before, to make gift dishtowels using heirloom recipes (I just sent them a copy of an old recipe card in Grandma’s handwriting, and it came back as dishtowels for all my sisters!) Thanks for reminding me of that! And bless you for your home-centered heart. That’s where the joy is!
How great to know that wallpaper can be made from your wonderful designs! I have a powder room with Marjolein Bastin’s wallpaper – from years ago – not available anymore. Cannot bear to take it down. Will be the same with adding a Susan Branch design to our home! How Great!! Thanks so much for the infomation.
I would love to win this beautiful quilt as I celebrate my wedding anniversary this month because I love quilt.I love your blog and inspiration words.
Thanks
Wonderful news about the fabric! Even us rural people in Iowa can order online. thank you for all you do… Love the new book and you. 🙂
Oh my! Not even sure if I would love to have my name drawn for the books etc, or that gorgeous quilt!
Thank you for the opportunity to be included!
Aloha from Maui, where we use quilts, oh yes we do!
How lovely to have a chance to win an “old” quilt,,wonder who made it,,I have been quilting for 5 plus yrs since I retired from nursing,,one of my first quilts has your material for the backing,,it is white with multi colored small hearts all over it,,I think I purchase the material at one of the quilt shows in LA,,, Thank you for your generous heart,,,,Judy
Your joy never ceases to spill over!! Thank you for sharing your abundance with us all! 🙂
Wow what a wonderful post and what a great idea. Just thinking of all the quilts that could be made. Marie
Everything you do is so wonderful and inspiring to so many. I look forward to reading Martha’s Vineyard and hearing the rest of the story! I too have always loved quilts and would love to win the one you are so generously parting with. It looks lovely. Here’s to happy packing and safe travels!
It has been many many years since I’ve made a quilt, but just this past month a dear friend announced he and his wife are having a baby. My head went into full in quilt making mode, and now your fabrics have been announced. It is kismet. I have been a fan of yours since I was in my early 20s. I learned how to really cook with your cookbooks! Such a part of the fabric of my life…
Thank you Susan for another great blog to brighten my day! We’ve had serious flooding here in Texas this week and we are ready for a brighter, drier day. “Sew” fun to read about your beautiful fabrics and how they came to be.
Happy Anniversary! I love reading your books, taking my time and enjoying your latest Martha’s Vineyard, Isle of Dreams.
I am so excited to read about all your new adventures! Susan, you make my day brighter in ways you will never know. Hopefully, we will meet at one of your book signings.
God Bless!
I would just love, love, love to win those books! Thanks for the opportunity!
The pink light in your kitchen was just dreamy! AND so is the sweet quilt! It would look darling on my orphaned granddaughters’ bed. Hope I win it for them.
I hope you win Janette!!
Hello Susan 🙂 Your love for the little things in life, the ones that our memories are attached to, has caused my heart to pause and remember moments in time that make me smile. Thank you for sharing your moments with us. Beautiful images that flow from the end of your paintbrush. I love all the ways that you keep “the sweet by and by” tucked gently here and there. Just waiting for us to discover and become a part of our memories. Enjoy your journey Susan. Iris,SavedbyGrace
Love your blog, books, calendars…. everything you do! I had some of your garden theme fabric years ago and used it all up. Would love to have more to make “girlfriend” gifts!! Can’t wait to take a look at Spoonflower. Thanks for letting us know about it!!
Oh I love sheets flapping in the breeze too! Can’t live without a clothesline stretched across the lawn, and your quilts are lovely. So very farmhouse,we have a local artist who painted a big beautiful farmhouse with quilts draped over the porch railing. Of course I had to buy it.Thanks for the chance to win a quilt and congratulations on your fabric venture.
xo Pat
Hi Susan:-)
Wow. Wow. Wow. First, your book. It was in. spir. ing. I could not put it down, although I tried to read slowly because I didn’t want it to end. I laughed and cried. There is such a common thread running through all of us. It was SOOOO affirming to read about your struggle to start and then just deciding to DO IT. Loved every bit. The handwritten, quote- and art-infused pages are treasures. Thank you for being so transparent and sharing yourself and your stories. So many lessons, but one I am hanging onto is “To begin, begin.” I also have to say that I jumped up and cheered when you were true to yourself at the après horse-drawn sleigh dinner. That is a lot to resist (in a way), but take Holly Oak over jets and porchless houses any day. 🙂 Secondly, thank you for your ever-wonderful, almost as good as Christmas morning blog. New fabric! Woohoo! Such wonderful news. Hopped on over to Spoonflower.com – how fun! I wish you and Joe and the kitties happy spring days. Red-letter days! 🙂 All the best.
You have such exciting summer and fall travel plans! Cant wait to enjoy reading about your adventures from Southern California!
oh, Dear Dear Susan
I’ve been a fan of yours since we became friends when I ‘met’ you in Country Living magazine…waaaay back in the day! It was an instantaneous friendship and I clipped and saved all your delightful drawings/recipes that surely you wrote just for me! All – yes, every single one – is in ever ready view! And there’s more!I’ve introduced to many friends who now call you friend, too! Thanks for the inspiration, the joy, the boundless love. Honored to call you friend!