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!
Your posts are just like chats – so wonderful all the way through, and sad when they end. But I noticed there’s a Willard in my box, so I’m going there next. And then I’m heading over to Spoonflower!
HOLY COW!! You have just given me the boost to get into my back room and make room for my sewing. I can’t believe the fabrics! And the creativity that spoonflower can give. I can’t wait to go online and see your collection. Spring is here and the urge to clean clean clean. I just finished our back deck. All the pots with plants feel much better, the deck couch with the little gazebo over it “outdoor girlcave” is all spruced up and ready for morning tea. Took me most of the day, but boy do I feel good!! I almost jumped into our pool……but my toes went to the first step….and the rest of me said…….maybe we’ll wait just a little bit more. 67’…just a bit too cold. Hot tub called my name and my sore muscles.
I have always loved your quilts. My first one was from my Grandma made out of fabric from her old dresses that I remember so fondly. As you have…..I have several four leggers……our fun name for our kitties. I want to put the quilts on our bed….but our one old guy “Tigger” is a tenderizer……and I worry about him tearing up the quilts. But, if they stay in the closet, and I don’t enjoy them…..what’s the use. Such a quandrey. So, Susan, once again you have inspired us! Looking forward to seeing you in Calif. Safe Travels.
Cheers
Jan from Northern CA
What a lovely quilt & lovely idea for a giveaway. I have an old, damaged quilt made by my great-grandmother in the 1800’s, so I was tickled to see your idea about quilt repair. I read Isle of Dreams all day on Sunday – laughed and cried and just adored your kitties and your little house. I hope you write up your next trip to The Island (following along in blogland, but another book would be even better!) when you take us along this year. Happy Anniversary!
I can’t wait to check out your fabric! Instead of wrapping paper my family wraps presents in cloth gift bags we make…I think your Birthday, Baby,and Christmas lines are going to make some very cute bags!
Hi Susan,
I just got caught up with Willard and your latest letter. I received my copy of Martha’s Vineyard Isle of Dreams. I am saving it to read on the bus to the Paducah Quilt show coming up. From this comment I am going to check out Spoonflower. I have some of the Tea Cup fabric that I am saving for a special project. I can’t wait to see your new fabric. As usual I’ll keep my fingers crossed to win the beautiful quilt. Also, I have May 15 marked on my calendar to see you in St. Charles, MO.
Hey Susan ❤ Happy Anniversary! Thank you for sharing your talents, enthusiasm and bits of your amazing life with us! I’m hoping to see you at one of your book signings very soon! If I win the Fairy Tale Trilogy I will give it to my Mother!
If I win the Quilt, I most likely will faint with joy!
Susan, I live vicariously through your blog! I love following your travels as it is something we always would love to do, but, alas, due to lost jobs, financial hardship, and a fixed income, that won’t happen.
I received your first book for Mothers Day, gosh, years ago! The good thing is, that I still have it. Happy Travels, and looking forward to following your adventures!
What a wonderful giveaway!
Love your quilts. Took one class and was hooked if I could do only hand quilting. But… I realized I am a needle pointer and do not need another hobby.
Thank you Susan for sharing your wonderful gifts with us, you are a true joy and I have been following you since Heart of the Home came out. I live in the country and don’t see many people and being on your blog really puts creativity in my life. I love needlework too and homemaking, I shall see you in Morro Bay and with all your other girlfriends I love you too!
Susan – How wonderful about your fabric designs! I have a set of curtains made from one of your fabrics from a long time ago and they have moved around with me from house to house, serving in all kinds of rooms!
I want to tell you that one line in your book knocked me down like a crashing wave and woke me up like nothing in a long time. It was this…To begin, begin. Sometimes we make things harder than they have to be and this is so simple it made me smack myself on the forehead. I have been wanting to write a book since I was 8 years old. I am now 54 and I know that the time is now, thanks to your willingness to share your story and your hard-learned wisdom. You have inspired me beyond words. Thank you, thank you, thank you!!!
Great big hugs and more thank yous – Beth
That’s what I learned too. To start, start. Remember you are making something that doesn’t exist and has never been done before, your way. Don’t expect yourself to “know how.” Just step over it, and do it. That’s all there is to it. Nightmare alley.😜 Be prepared. But, if you persevere, there will come a time when it will be done. Good luck Beth!
I am patiently waiting on Williard to arrive in my e- mail. Loved the blog and chance to win something of yours! I love quilts! You cannot have too many – and with so many uses for them !
Hi Susan,
As I was reading this post and feeling bad about your fabrics no longer being available, I was thinking about emailing you about spoonflower! As I continued to read, I was happy to see you already know about it and are creating fabrics again! How wonderfully fabulous!
Ummm….I love that quilt. It is lovely! Thanks for being such an inspiration. Your blog is such a comfort!
Vicki
Susan, you are so clever. I hope that you will offer many of your old fabrics through spoon flower. I was just drooling over them. Several of them, I see in pretty blouses and others in quilts. (I’ve just started quilting) I love the happy bright colors of your prints.
Spoonflower is pretty amazing. Vogue pattern magazine did a write up on them. I can’t believe what they can accomplish in the way of printing anything.
I have a question. What kind of water colors do you use? Tube or pan and do you have a preferred brand? I work mostly in pastels these days but would like to try my hand at water colors.
I use all kinds, both tube and pan . . . and buy them whenever I see something interesting. I just love colors. I wrote a bit about the watercolors I use at the top of the blog . . . click on ABOUT ME, there’s a drop down, there are a couple of posts about how I do my art there.
Thanks, I will check that out. Looking forward to seeing you in Asheville. And I also love color. Isn’t it just yummy. To be surrounded in a fabric or yarn store or by embroidery floss makes my heart sing!
I loved this Willard! I’ve quilted for years and recognize some of your fabric. It’s thrilling that your designs will be available on Spoonflower. I am so anxious to get your new book when I meet you in Cincinnati. Waiting is so hard! Wishing you and Joe beautiful traveling weather.
Susan,
The quilt is beautiful and I absolutely would love to have it for my master bedroom! Dreaming! Fabric, wallpaper – oh my! This blog entry is amazing! Yes, I have too many exclamation marks in this comment, but I have to show my excitement! Once again you have ignited my creative juices~School is almost out and I will have whole days to write and paint. YES!
I know, the grammar police yell at you for exclamation points. But really, how are we supposed to not use them? Insane!!!!!
I have a number of your books from the very beginning, but kind of lost touch as life and it’s demand sometime prevail, but I am really excited to read the three books of your story. Also, just watched some of your YourTube videos and enjoyed those. It’s like coming home again. Thanks, Debra
Congratulations on your new business! Although I can only sew buttons, I’ve always admired quilts and anyone who can create them. It’s another art form. I have a pair of antique shoes that look just like the ones in your picture. They are stamped “Skylark” on the sole. They belonged to my great-grandfather.
Just received “Isle of Dreams” yesterday. WOW! Is so neat. The pictures are wonderful.
Dear Susan,
Thanks to your dad for telling you to be an elf! Thank you for the many ways you brighten my days with your words and artwork.
I am so loving Isle of Dreams! Besides your story I just love all the illustrations you did for the book…the borders, the tiny flowers, the kitties etc., everything is just so pretty. I’m spending at least as much time reading as I am looking at all the artwork. I can’t wait to read another book written and illustrated by you.
P.S. I hope Vanna picks me to win the beautiful quilt.
I can’t wait to order some of your fabric at Spoonflower! I’ve ordered from them before and the quality is wonderful. I was looking for Dr. Who fabric to make a quilt for my daughter and at that time they were the only company to have any Dr. Who fabrics. Your website is wonderful and I can’t wait to get my first Willard!
Hi Susan, Spoonflower is so cool! Peel and stick wallpaper! I love it. How have I never seen this website before?! Thanks for the share and congrats! I’m on Ch. 6 of “Isle of Dreams” – so wonderful! I’m thinking Rachel McAdams for the younger version of you and definitely Diane Keaton for the present day version😊 plus they played mother and daughter once (“The Family Stone”) so perfect! Thanks for all your joy😚
I love R.M. too. So many choices!!! 😊
I am so excited for your book tour! You reeled me in years ago with your calendars. Then I had to have everything. 😍
That was some good bait. xoxo
I’m so excited about the Spoonflower fabrics! Seeing Willard in my mailbox was a welcome thing, too. So many beautiful flowers and so much going on!
I look forward to living vicariously through your travels both in the US and abroad. 🙂
Hi – Several years ago I was a manager for a fabric store, a national chain that has now gone by the wayside. I used to love running my hands along the bolts of fabric as they stood row by row by row . . . those days are long gone now, I’m afraid. They don’t print/design/weave fabrics like they used to.
Love your blog and books and happy pictures!
Running your hand on the fabric, to get the magic, so filled with creativity, those raw materials, to be used and made into so many different things by so many creative people, things that will be treasured forever . . . it is magic!
It is always amazing to receive a post from you. I love your fabric and your support of this company. Any thoughts of rug hooking designs?
I am so excited to read your new book. You signed my Fairy Tale Girl book at the Innisfree Book store in New Hampshire last year. That book was a pure pleasure so the next one could not be more eagerly anticipated!
I also love to quilt so will check out your new fabric collection…the birthday fabric will make such lovely gifts.
Have fun on your book tour and travel safely.
Hi Susan, I enjoy your blog (and you) SO MUCH, and learn a lot of great things following you. That is amazing how you can have material made with a special design. Look forward to see what you will offer!! Thanks for the give a way. I would be absolutely thrilled to win something from you!! A fan, Joyce
You have come a long ways lady friend! 30 years! Happy Anniversary and new book too. I want them to make your MOVIE! Well your pictures are all gorgeous and Spring has finally arrived! Our Magnolias are in still somewhat blooming, but the wind took most of them. But it is pure joy to watch other plants burst, like almost over night! Happy Spring and God bless your travels across the USA!
Love your quilts and your blog . Always so homey feeling.
Susan, I was intoduced to your first book, “Heart of the Home” in 1990 by a friend I met in New York that had lived on Martha’s Vineyard. I fell in love with your style and illustrations!! I have collected every one of your books and so many other things. Your writing is so genuine, I feel like I know you and we have never met:) Thank you for being you!
I love the lamb fabric! Also, cant wait to see the Christmas print. I have been wanting to start a new hobby … quilting just might be the answer. Thanks for the inspiration.
I am so excited to see you on one of your first stops in Connecticut. Bringing my daughters this time because I want them to meet my homemaking inspiration. Did I say I can hardly wait? Oh that quilt… it’s too pretty to give away. I think you should just fold it up and put it back where it goes in your home. 🙂
Wishing you blessings as you prepare for your travels… tara
My heart be still!! Yay!!! Fabrics from Susan Branch again! Charm has returned to the fabric world. Can’t wait to order. Congratulations on 30 years of spreading joy. I’ve loved it all.
Such a fabulous Willard and post! And I would “lay me doon and dee,” as Lucy Ricardo says, for that gorgeous quilt! Glad you had such a great birthday and have fun getting ready for your book tour! Wishing you joy, joy, joy!
I just finished Isle of Dreams. I can think of only oneway to make it better. Add more ribbons! With more ribbons I can use them to mark the pages that I want to go back to. Lovely, lovely book. Thank you.
Willard. . .. what a comforting way to end a hectic day of teaching middle school on a full Moon 4/20. . .enough said! I hope your book signing trip is all that you ope for & the kitties are happy when you arrive home. I couldn’t imagine being gone for so long, but all the girlfriends will be so glad for a visit!
I had the pleasure yesterday of introducing A Fine Romance to a friend who has fallen in love with your style. So you have new fan. I’m in the process of reading Fairy Tale Girl. One thing I am curious about was how was it that Cliff’s grandmother ended up in Martha’s Vinyard? Had she always lived there?
Anyway, I love all you do. Thank you for sharing with all of us! God bless you and Joe!
Her husband was a commodore for one of the NY Yacht Clubs (as I remember it), they were boaty people. I never met him, by the time I met Lelia, she was, as you read, getting on, and living in the house they bought on the Island. She had two sisters too, one lived next door, and the other across the street. I didn’t know too much about them.
What nice give-aways! I always enjoy reading your blog and Willard, and I have loved your art work for years.
Love the fabrics! So fun. I spent my weekend devouring “Isle of Dreams,” and absolutely adored it. I laughed and cried, and was left inspired to create even more. Thank you for bravely sharing your story!
I love the quilt. I have always longed to be a sewer/quilter, but hasn’t happened yet… I so enjoy looking at all of your’s. I was just looking at my Sweets to the Sweet book by you, trying to decide on a treat to make for some friends next week. I love all your books!
Dear Susan, I love your new line of fabric! It’s darling! Please add my name to the list for a chance to win some!!!! I am a quilter with a brand new GREAT Granddaughter (3 1/2 months old!). I promise to use the fabric to make Gwen a quilt of her very own and to tell her all about you and your wonderful blog and books. I hope you and Joe have a fun trip travelling across our beautiful country!
What a great blog today, so exciting to read EVERYTHING
I came and got my happiness!
Holy moly, Batgirl! Congratulations on EVERYTHING you posted & wrote about in Willard…my mind is reeling! We’re going back to England?! We’re getting fabric and wallpaper and shelf paper?! I discovered you 30 years ago??? What a beautiful world. I might actually get to see you Pasadena this time. Fingers crossed. ❤️❤️❤️♥️♥️♥️
Never heard of Spoonflower before. Thanks for sharing their uniqueness!
Was especially glad to hear about your fabric designing. It’s been years since I made quilts, but I hope to make some again some day. Your prints are perfect for quilts. .. By any chance, is the quilt you are “gifting” made from your fabric designs??? That would be so awesome!
Hi Susan!! love the Quilt!! I’m a quilt collector too(there’s always room for one more! Lol) your fabrics are so pretty they make me happy just looking at them. I just finished reading Martha’s Vineyard Isle of dreams. I loved it!!! I have loved all your books and cookbooks. I bought the first book Heart of the Home when you were on QVC and I’ve been a huge fan of your books ever since. I’m looking forward to seeing you in k.c on your book tour.Safe travels to you and Joe.♥
Long odds, but better than the Lottery – count me in!
LOVE the fabric – yay for the internet! Isn’t it all just so amazing? 🙂
I’m so looking forward to reading your latest book – just got it yesterday! <3
I could not be more excited about this (the quilt, the fabric, wallpaper aghhhh!!). I have loved you forever. My step-mom introduced me to your calendars and I have been a huge fan ever since.
The cupcake wallpaper would look adorable in my little girls room.
Thank you for everything you do! <3
Having access to your fabric, awesome! Your creativity and enthusiasm is invigorating and made my day today. Have a wonderful trip!
Thou shalt sit on a cushion and sew a fine seam ….
Susan, I have been reading your latest book, Isle of Dreams, and I have to tell you that you have made ANOTHER masterpiece!! The words are so beautiful and make you feel kind of homesick in a good sort of way. I hope to meet you at Malaprops in Asheville. ~
eeeek. thank you Cheryl. . . ❤️
I love Spoonflower!! I created my own wrapping paper. It was so fun wrapping gifts in something I created and the wrapping paper quality is amazing!
I must say I love your new book and have read it twice after going back and reading Fairy Tale Girl in between. I love the idea of finding yourself in the wise words of others and love that yours is the first autobiography to help me see how I can overcome obstacles and be true to my creative self! I look forward to exploring other stories from my heroes.
Also, the reminder to meditate and set intentions. I have meditated since I was 12 (my uncle was an instructor for Transcendental Meditation) but I have not practiced it on a regular basis and I never last long… start thinking about work…etc…etc….What should I make for dinner?? etc…. etc… Oh, yeah, I’m supposed to be meditating….
Looking forward to seeing you in Morro Bay with Coalesce Book Store (have my tickets already!). Enjoy your trip and thank you for sharing your happy gene and Martha’s Vineyard with the world! Gratitude!
Wow Susan! What an exciting year! I have been a fan of yours for these past 30 years having found you in Country Living Magazine where your beautiful recipes were printed each month! You signed several of my cookbooks at a luncheon on Conner Prairie in Indianapolis. I hope so much to get to one of your book-signings this year to see you again. Thanks for all that you do. You are such an inspiration. Safe travels! Connie Rose Woehler
Blogs from near & far, a Willard now & then, recipes, personal home photos of sweet Girl and Jack and your sunshiney kitchen. NOW, my quilter eyes read there’s fabric available too. You just fill my heart with sunshine. Happy land tripping; joyous ocean tripping! How lucky that I can follow along with you.
I hope and pray I am not too late to get my post entered into the drawing…..thank you for the great super-wonderful contest…….love the books and all the goodies- and would love to win the quilt! thank you Susan for all you do- I love your art- your books- your everything. Have a great day!
What makes me happiest and makes my heart actually quiver with delight is that you had a dream…and that your dream came true…and has touched us all. Thank you, Susan Branch, for sharing!
Happy, Happy Anniversary!! I’ve been following you since you started out and don’t see that ending any time soon. I sew and both my mom and grandmother were professional seamstresses. However, I never had the confidence to do the intricate work required in a quilt—-yours are gorgeous. I’d love to wrap up in one during the cold Pennsylvania winters. Thanks for the fabric website–my head is spinning with ideas. Happy Spring Susan!
As always, your post has made my day!!! What a wonderful surprise! And you’re even including wisteria seeds! So excited!….and can we talk about the FABULOUS Spoonflower fabrics, please???? LOVE. LOVE. LOVE. Thank you, Susan!
There is so much goodness in the new Willard it is difficult to know what to comment on without going on and on. First of all, I am sorry that Powell’s here in Oregon did not have you for a book signing. I was so hoping that would happen and then when it didn’t thought I could make it to one in California but we have too much going on here during that time. I am so glad that I made it to Titcomb’s last fall when you were there. That was a dream come true to make it to your book signing. It was fun too getting to chat with other people that love your books. Titcomb’s was a fun book store and somewhat like Powell’s in that they have new and used books. In fact the women working there told me that the owner’s niece ( I think that is who it was) works at Powells. So I now have a favorite bookstore on the east coast and the west coast.
I am so excited that you are designing fabric again. I have taken up quilting now that I am retired and was so sad when I saw that you used to design fabric but no longer did. Also, yes it is frustrating that fabrics are here and gone so quickly but I think that is just marketing to get people to buy what they may never use but think they will. Spoonflower is really the answer to that and if it is spendy so be it at least you will be able to buy when you know you need it for a specific purpose. So thank you very much for designing such cute fabric on Spoonflower.
I love the new book and your cottage was adorable. I loved that you found out about Agnes and you have kept some of her things. Sorry I have gone on so long.
You never go on too long. xoxo
Susan, I just love your sunrise photos and the wash on the line, I am coveting a clothesline right now 🙂 Thank you so much for encouraging all of us to take the time and make things extra special and thank you for the opportunity to win such lovelies. I look forward to reading your new book.
Such wonderful news. Congratulations on the fabric!
Love your blog! Thanks for sharing all of your blessings with us. Please send photos of the peonies in bloom. Hugs……..
Hi Susan! Thank you for yet another delightful, feel-good blog. You inspire me! The info about Spoonflower is very exciting. Thanks so much for sharing!
I’m so sorry I won’t be able to see you in New Hope – the event sold out lightening fast – but I wish you and Joe a wonderful (and safe!) trip.
So, I am half way through your new book and cannot put it down -it is wonderful!! I just love the handwritten style, your paintings, old pictures and all of the quotes. I especially love how you made it your mission to carry on for Agnes. If she only knew 🙂 thank you for being you!!
Happy Anniversary!!! So many wonderful things to celebrate! It’s so exciting to see all of your fabric designs available through spoonflower. I love their name, btw…I’ve been hand sewing a Grandmother’s Flower Garden quilt with reproduction 1930’s fabrics and it’s so exciting to see it come together. How I would love to win your beautiful quilt, though!!! Eeeep!! 💙❤️💙
Dear Susan,
I just finished Isle of Dreams today as I had tea on my chaise longue with the sun streaming in to our bow-front windows. I love the book and was so happy for you at the end–not just success with Heart of the Home but the love of your life coming into your life. What a lovely ending.
Yesterday I cried when I read the part about Little Brown accepting Heart of the Home–so much nicer to have a Boston publisher do it than a New York. Such a nice old Boston, New England experience you described when you went to their offices.
I remember that Laura Ashley store on Newbury St. where you celebrated; I went there too and still have a beloved pink Laura Ashley skirt with roses, which I wore to death but have saved to use the fabric for quilting someday. I also went to tea at the Ritz in the same era, as I moved to Boston in 1985.
It was such a pleasure reading about your little house and your life there. I didn’t want the book to end.
Good news about your fabrics. I will probably order some.
Thank you for all you’ve given us in your three-book memoir series.
Deborah
Yea!!! Fabric!!! I knew it!!! I thought for sure it would be a line called “A fine romance”, But I love all of your designs and have your older fabrics you made. I will be checking out the on-line shop for fabric. Sounds terrific. Hope to win the giveaway. You are the best Susan!!! Thank You!!!
Love the beautiful fabrics. Now I will have pick my favorites for a quilt.
See you in Ohio!
THANKS for the info on spoonflower , And i love quilts like you, the time that is involved unmaking one , i see the love that went into each one, a work of art, and one of a kind . Hoping i win , I am really enjoying reading your book isle of dreams. such a life you have lived.
Ooooh! I just love to see Willard in my inbox. I save it for the evening so that I can go slowly and take it all in. Such lovely photos. Fabulous fabric and quilts!
Very exciting about the fabric!! I am going to check out the site.
I just finished Isle of Dreams and what a feast for my soul! Your books are the loveliest I have ever read! When you’re in Denver for your signing, if you have time you should have afternoon tea at The Brown Palace – I think you’d love it!
I wrote that down!
The Brown Palace is wonderful.
Hi Carrie, I noticed you here, tiptoeing through the tulips.🌷 xoxo
Hi Susan,
So excited for you! Your blogs can turn a not so great day into a wonderful one. Thank you for that.
-Kathleen
Yep, I definitely dig you, Susan!
I have heard of Spoonflower but I was put off by the price per yard. I’m a quilter with a fabric budget that I try to stretch by mostly buying fabric on sale and usually online. Your fabric is still available today though and has not disappeared at all! Search with your name at overtherainbow.com where I’ve purchased some yardage of In Love With Nature from 2008. The internet IS a wonderful thing! Thanks for another great issue of Willard and for this giveaway.
Yes, I agree about the price. That was the only drawback. And I know if you dig around on the internet you can find some of it here and there. But I wanted more of a collection type of availability, with matching colors and things like that. Also, to get it in heavier fabrics, to make totes and drapes, to get wallpaper and wrapping paper, and all of it made in America? I could not resist. xoxo Glad you enjoyed Willard!
OMGoodness!!! Spoonflower where have you been all our lives!?! Wonderful news, Susan! Bless them. Bless you! Let’s see, what do I need, want, need, want, … Oh darn! Can’t decide!!
So excited when I checked the book signing schedule. You are coming to St Charles and to Kansas City! This Southwest Missouri girl is the same distance from both, but will have to choose St Charles since you will be there on a Sunday and I am a Mon-Fri working girl. 😀
I just received Isle of Dreams for my birthday from my SB buddy, Pat, and I am trying not to devour it, but to read slowly and enjoy the artwork and the lovely words.
Safe travels to you and Joe! Kisses for the kitties!
ox
Deb
Hope to see you in St. Charles . . . I hear it’s a darling town filled with very cute shops . . . I’ve never been, but looking forward to it! xoxo Thank you Deb!
I received my Willard today and my Isle of Dreams book on Monday. I’m at the coast this week, which makes for a perfectly serene locale for reading both. I’m in Susan Branch heaven right now. So happy 🙂
Enjoy checking in on this site, it is my sunshine.
🌞
Just finished Martha’s Vineyard and don’t know which is my favorite. Your never-give-up attitude and your bravery to find new things to do when you had suffered so much loss and change are so very inspiring. How you found a publisher for your first book was my favorite of your stories in Vineyard! And I’m giving my 13 yr old granddaughter a copy of the reprint of Heart of the Home because of your words about the recipes being for anyone – even children. She used to have to cook only with her mom/dad or me, but now she is venturing on her own. I know your book will help her cook HAPPY!
Oh I hope so, love that JoAnn! xoxo
Hello Susan! I’ve been meaning to check out spoonflower, so now I have no excuse! Would love to win the quilt or the books! You are very generous to share a little bit of you with us! Thank you for all you do and for brightening my day whenever I see there is a new post!
Love the fabric idea! And that the designs can be printed on so many other forms of creativity! I’m a paper person. I make cards. So I will have to take a look & see what is available.
I have some of the old fabric in my stash still. I love it too much to use it up.
Hello Dear Susan….
So very much excitement with so many pieces to read all at once and I am so excited about Spoonflower……and all that brings to mind… I write a bit of a small blog to friends and neighbors to alert them when i see you post a new blog or Willard Letter so no one will miss your wonderfulness…and have enjoyed introducing you to dear friends who I feel will also find joy in your work……So when you and Joe leave on your second Queen Mary 2 adventure I will warch closely and will invite this special guest list for a picnic on the day of your great European Picnic somewhere very special here in Colorado……..The menu will be taken from your books, as I have them all and we will take photos to send to you…..and be sending our love to you and all your guests too!!! I also must tell you that I knew Julia Child for about 8 years while living in Santa Barbara and we will have to include a cube of butter in her memory……..Thank you for all you do and all the great Joy and stimulation I always receive from you………The quilt is beyond imagining, but the Wisteria seeds are the treasure!!! Love, Kathleen
A cube! LOL, yes, never fear, the butter will be there. How lucky you are to have known her. I met her once, it was such an honor. Just being a person, doing her thing, and she changed the world! I love your idea about a picnic … We need to get more people into local parks, they are a little bit of heaven. Blanket, book, sandwich, what more does anyone need? Thank you Kathleen!
Dear Susan— You are, without doubt, the loveliest, most talented, and accomplished person I have ever known. I have most all of your books and frequently refer to them. I absolutely love your latest book about your life on Martha’s Vineyard. I read it straight through—couldn’t put it down! Your writing and illustrative art are exquisite and the high quality of the dust jacket and pages are to be commended. I’ve had the pleasure of visiting many of the places you mention in the book, so it was doubly delightful…thanks for sharing your many gifts with us!—Fran
Thank you Fran for the sweet comment. . . I’m so glad you enjoyed the book!!! xoxoxo
Oh my word. Spoonflower???!!! Just too good to be true? I am having to take deep breaths to keep from short circuiting on ideas. What fun. We requested our local library purchase your new book; we think they will because we asked them to buy AFR, and they did! : ) Have a wonderful trip across this great country, and just for the record— we don’t bite in the PNW. Some folks even think we are THE place to visit in the lower 48 : )
So sweet Kathleen, thank you . . . I love being in libraries!!! And we LOVE the PNW, just couldn’t fit into the bookstore’s schedule when we tried for Seattle and Portland. But maybe next time! Joe’s never been, and it’s so beautiful up there!
I am in the middle of Isle of Dreams. I am so identifying with you. I have filled my apartment with old quilts, German China and sewing machines. (11 at last count). I would love to put on my bed the beautiful quilt. Enjoy the wonderful days of April.
I do so love quilts—especially old quilts. So I’m commenting in the hopes of winning! And the books would be wonderful,too, of course. Love your blog and really hope to go to MV someday!
What a wonderful blog. You sound SO excited! I’m so happy for you about Spoonflower. I’m not very crafty and don’t sew…except in straight lines….but I love, love, love that other people do and I get to enjoy it. Spring has sprung out here on the Canadian west coast and I can see that you are enjoying it too. Have a happy week. Enjoy your posts so much.
Love, love your fabrics. I was fortunate to have purchased quite a few of your fabrics. I did with the intention to make a couple of quilts. I made your “hat” quilt pattern you sold a while back. I guess quite a few years ago. The other fabric, it is in my craft room, in its own little tote. A few blogs ago, you mentioned hopefully bringing your fabric line back, I went in the room and just opened up my tote and laid out the fabric. I was in pure fabric heaven. Hope to see your line again.
thanks again Susan, for being you.
And thank you, Uelita, for being you. xoxo
Thanks for the spoonflower info. I’m excited! And I’m excited about spring, which always plays hide n seek here in my part of Colorado. Hoping to meet you when you visit Tattered Cover in Denver.
I love pretty fabric too. I used to piece quilts by hand but not so much anymore but I still love looking at beautiful fabric. The quilt you are giving away is very nice but oh that pink one next to it on the line is awesome. Loved your pink kitchen also. Enjoyed this blog as always thanks for sharing.
I’m looking forward to meeting you in Cincinnati at Joseph-Beth Booksellers on Sat. May 7th. May is a glorious month to visit Ohio! Safe travels to you and Joe.
You make the world a more beautiful and fun place 😉
Oh my goodness….fabric and beautiful old quilts. Be still my heart. Thanks Susan!!
Hugs,
Shann
Isn’t Sprintime just Divine?! My lilacs are blooming early and the fragrance is mixing with the apple blossoms and it smells all so wonderful! We’re enjoying record-breaking (for us!) warm temps this week in western WA and it’s heavenly!! I’m just about half way through your book, Martha’s Vineyard, Isle of Dreams and am enjoying it oh so much! When I finish it, I’ll have to re-read A Fine Romance again! So excited about your venture into designing fabric again, and wow, what a cool way to market it! Amazing! Excited about the latest give-a-ways you’re doing, too! How Fun and generous of you! Have a Great trip tootling across the U.S.A! (Still wish you were coming up here!)
Susan I look forward to your blogs as they brighten my day. Waiting for my Willard to show up in my email. It’s been a long time.
Keeping my fingers crossed to win one of your lovely give aways. I’ve been trying for some time.
Wishing you and Joe a safe journey on your next cross country trip.
Dottie in Pa.
Godspeed on your book tour! Sending love, hugs and kisses! And Happy Belated Birthday!
So much good news!!!!! Happy and safe travels!