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!
Lol! I was reading your lamenting about your fabrics being sold out and I thought, “I need to tell her about Spoonflower” – and then, lo and behold, you brought them up yourself! So glad you found them!
Congratulations on 30 years! What an accomplishment! You’ve made so many loyal fans along the way of which I am one. I would be thrilled to win any of your prizes. I have really been enjoying your trilogy. I’m half way through number 3. I love your style and your writing. The music makes it seem like we grew up together since we are from the same era. Thank you for your give away and keep up the inspiration!
How perfect it is that you are a quilt lover, too! I love quilts and have been making them for years. The birthday fabrics are my favorite. Congratulations and thank you for sharing your art.
I received my first book in the late 1980’s while living in Australia. I was completely blown away by the beautiful artwork, wonderful recipes and stories. It has remained a treasure while I added most of your other works to my collection. And now fabric . . . on order. What more could we ask. Thank you for your creativity freely shared with us all.
Hi Susan! My mom and I thoroughly enjoyed Isle of Dreams. Just like the previous two, I could not put it down. You are so amazing. I love your spirit and your positive outlook. You bring joy to me and so many others. Thank you!!
I’m so glad I found you, Susan. I’m a later comer as a fan. Thank you for all you share with us.
I really love the fabric designs. I am a quilter and it would be so much fun to make a quilt from these – a warm and cuddly reminder of your books which I so enjoy.
Can’t wait to read your newest book. I have been a fan for many years and actually caught a glimpse of you and Joe walking the streets of Martha’s Vinyard many, many years ago. I was visiting with my best friend and we were on holiday. It is one of my favorite places and I can see why you love it there! I hope your September trip to the British Isles will be exciting! My parents traveled around the world on the QE2- 3 months at sea. They were world travelers who made more than 70 trips all over the world during their 65 year marriage. Sadly, I lost my father last year, so their traveling days are at an end. They shared so many wonderful memories and it is great to know that you are traveling and experiencing so many of the same special places they loved. All my best and kindest wishes to you GF!
Have always loved your fabric and what a prize that quilt is. It’s a beauty. Looking forward to your reports of the book signing trips.
Love your blog, loved reading Willard – can’t wait to see and meet you in St. Charles, IL — would love to win anything!!!
Love love love everything💕Wish you were coming to the Portland, Oregon area on your book tour, too! Love your darling books, too!
Bev in Oregon
Thanks for the chance to win. Your blog entries always make my day!
I share your love of quilts! I’ve been quilting since 1982…mostly Art quilts but a few bed quilts here and there too. I have far too many UFO’s (Un-Finished Objects) I’d love to win this beauty! (You are so generous). I’ve also designed fabric for the quilt industry ( Chanteclaire, also no longer around, Timeless Treaures and Henry Glass)since about 2000, but havent done anything in about 5 years. I share your frustration that fabrics have such a short “shelf life”, but the independent shops need new stuff on the shelves to keep their customers happy! I know about Spoonflower, but I havent tried them yet…..maybe soon.
Beautiful “pink sunrise” photos! Looking forward to reading the new Willard and seeing your new fabric at Spoonflower! Cheers to your 30th! May there be many more adventures! Deb in AR
I have been so blessed by your God-given talent and creativity–your precious art work and amazing handwriting. I own every one of your books and just pre-ordered the remake of “Heart of the Home”. I am half-way thru “Isle of Dreams” and am trying to make it last as long as possible.
Several years ago, I met you personally in San Luis and asked then why you don’t do puzzles. You said no one was interested in producing them for you. Is that still the case or do you think some company would now take you on? They would be such a delight as all of your products are. If there is something I can do to make this happen, please let me know. I love puzzles and yours would be amazing.
Keep doing what you’re doing and enjoy your trip to England–I do hope the diary becomes another book.
I’m pretty easy to contact, but I still haven’t heard from anyone about puzzles. It’s a very difficult world in licensing now…really the only way to do it is to have so many requests to the manufacturers, that they can’t help but make it a priority. Coming from me, just doesn’t seem to help. Thank you Sue, for the sweet thoughts . . . there is always a chance. We got fabric!!! xoxo
Susan,
How exciting! I love all the printed fabrics and am looking forward to the “I love England” collection. Your blog and Willard speak to my soul. Thank you for all you do for us.
You should have heard the squeals of delight as we read Willard.
especially for Girl Kitty and Jack.
Pre-order is in to celebrate 30 years.
Fabrics are wish listed.
Plans to attend book signing.
Hooray.
Check list successfully completed, Genie, see you soon!!! xoxo
Please enter me in the newest drawing. Oh and btw, I could not find a “little blue envelope” to click on to get notified by email of new blogs 🙁
Have a wonderful cross country trip and look forward to reading all aout it as you travel our beautiful USA!!!
Wow, I can hardly see for all the fairy dust flying around! What an exciting time for you and truly deserved. Plus another chance to win! Thank you.
Elf indeed! Thank you so much for introducing us to Spoonflower. I had heard of it before but never checked it out. Now my head is swimming with the possibilities and I’m so pleased to be able to get some of your fabric designs that I thought were lost to us. I am so enjoying Isle of Dreams and I am taking my time with it in an attempt to make it last and I long to visit someday. Love the beautiful quilt but I would really love to get some of those wisteria seeds! Vanna, please pick me!
So glad you found Spoonflower and that they are in America. Sweet post and Happy Anniversary!
Heart and Home (and all subsequent books) have been with me from the beginning of my married life❤️ I treasure them. I hope I win!
Love your blog…and everything “Susan Branch”! Thanks a million for so generously sharing your many talents with us all these years! I marvel at how you are able to do all you do! Wishing you continued success, good health and a huge helping of happiness!
Auto correct messed me up! Of course it should read Heart of the Home😁
Thank you for your books
Happy Anniversary! I love your books and your blog. You find so much joy from everyday life and spread it to your readers. Thank you. ❤️ Can’t wait to receive Willard! And the quilt is beautiful!
Oh Susan,
Loved the Willard and excited about the fabric. I was especially tickled to see the little teapot fabric which I still have bits of as well as some of the others from your collection. What a wonderful time we live in where we will be able to buy more Susan Branch fabric collections. I love the idea of fabrics from your England trip too. Are you just to excited for words? First thing tomorrow I will look in at Spoonflowers. In the meantime I’d love to enter to win a vintage quilt so I’m picturing that darling little blue bird dropping my name into the barrel. Cheers Susan your posts always make me smile.
Love vintage cottagy looking quilts and would love to win yours. Looking forward to Willard. Am loving your new book, can’t put it down! Sweetie Dave is reading A Fine Romance, caught him with tears in his eyes at one point (he’s from England so feeling nostalgic reading your book) 🙂
Poor Baby…will be needing a cup of tea to go with that, or perhaps a Peah Ci-da. xoxo
Would so much love to win!!!!
I recently received your new book and the first night I stayed up until 3 in the morning reading it! Every time I tried to fall asleep my mind kept longing to know what happened next! Someday I will have to write you a letter about the trip my husband and I took to England with “A Fine Romance” in tow! Thanks to your wonderful book and you and Joe, we too had the courage to brave the tiny English country roads (we drove!) and enjoyed the trip of a life time (gardens galore)! We plan to do it again. Thanks for all you do! You really have sprinkled some fairy dust my way 🙂 xoxoxo Kindred spirit
So wonderful Nickie! Makes he happy to think of others experiencing such a magical place. xoxo
Another drawing, how exciting!!
Loved the Willard, and still loving your book!!
I love that you have the baby shoes of Agnes in your home today. It was so
heartwarming how you honored her memory. I’m sure she was up there smiling down on you.
Have a fun, safe trip across the country. Hope to see you in Pasadena.
As I wrote in the book, I never met her, but I will never forget her! Thank you Lisa, see you soon!
Thank you, Susan…your new book…so many post-it of quotes, recipes and words of bravery and love…I read and re-read. …the best…so sorry I will miss you in New Hope …first to sell out..please come back… Love the quilt…fell in love with one last week and didn’t buy…what was I thinking…so here you are with a fabulous give away!
Thank you for all the love you give every day….you are a joy! Blessings dear friend…
I will miss you Olivia! xoxo
I just love reading your blog and Willard. I hope one day to visit Martha’s Vineyard, it looks so peaceful, and quant with all the cute shops. yHappy belated Birthday.
Dear Susan.
Love those fabrics! they are so vrolijk:happy yes they make me happy! Happy Birthday to you! a bit late but al my best wishes to you!I’m typing but I’m not allowed, my babyboy is loudly telling me he doesn’t like it in the playpenn, so I’ll get him out of it.
Lots of love from holland, here the tulips are blooming. next week we have Kingsday.
love from Willemien
I am so happy they are vroliijk! 🙂 You might be surprised to know I’ve never heard them called that before! Jolly, yes, but this is my first vroliijk and I love it! Hug your baby for me Willemien!
Susan,
Your dreams came true,
hooray for you!!!
Martha’s Vineyard, a
Mother’s Day gift will be,
safe journey on your book tour
and the trip across the sea.
Keep counting those blessings,
it keeps us sane,
I too am dreaming of a trip to England
and riding on trains.
Thanks for all your Willards and blogs
and so many wonderful giveaways
makes me agog!!! Happy Spring!!!
Cindy W.
XOXOX Thank you Cindy, creative girl. xoxoxo
Ohhh, Susan — love the fabrics. Aren’t they smart to grab onto you!!!?? :0) Safe traveling
love, Barb
Dear Susan, I am so excited and inspired by your Spoonflower collections! I loved, loved, LOVED Martha’s Vineyard: Isle of Dreams and am now re-reading A Fine Romance. Thank you for sharing your life, loss and dreams.
What is it about quilts that makes us love them so? An old one is revered and preserved for it’s history. A new one is blissful and a joy to behold. Quilts have a way of becoming what we need them to be-a refuge and comfort when we feel blue or are under the weather. A welcome addition to a home like a new friend who has come to visit. We use them in all sorts of creative ways and to rest your eyes on one is to feel at home! So very honored that you are willing to share from your beautiful collection! Thank you, Chris
YOU are an inspiration. I haven’t been to your blog in a while. I just finished reading it while having my coffee and waiting for my husband and little ones to wake up. What I want to say is that, that was *the best* cup of coffee I’ve had in a very very long time. I will be back soon. Now I remember why I love you so much. <3
Dear Susan, Well…I love elves and I adore and collect special quilts. It would be lovely, just lovely to be able to have one of yours. Also I enjoy thinking that I could hold an old brush and used blotter that you used to create such wonderful books! thanks–Jennifer L.
So much good news…I could truly feel your excitement for life coming through the Willard and the latest blog…what a treat and life lifter for me and all your girl friends. Thank you again Susan, for being the entirely special person you are. Have safe travels and don’t forget the ones left behind, we want to hear every minute of your road trip…well, almost every minute .
Hello Susan,
Happy Anniversary and thanks for the great blog! I look forward to every post as a present arriving. My daughter (11 years) loves to look over my shoulder and find Jack as I’m reading. It’s like Where’s Waldo….only…”Where’s Jack?”.
Any chance you will be making a visit to Louisiana? We’d love to meet you!
My quilts stand in for hugs when I need them most.
Oh, I just love reading your newsy notes–& that you call them “Willard”! 🙂 I imagine my grandma sending me such lovely bits, but she’s been gone over 15 years. We live far from family & Mom sends only health and weather over Facebook. Few girlfriends in my neck of the woods, as well. But I get to be teacher and Mommy to 3 little goobers who are in love with Beatrix Potter and all talking-animal books. Spring brings out the best in all of us, with mudlucious walks & forest “field trips.”
My neighbor is a kindred spirit, & I’m hoping she will join me to Hudson, OH, which is about 100 miles from us, here in Linesville, PA. Here’s hoping I can finally meet you. I have been getting your calendars for years, have several of your books, & follow you happily online.
Tickets bought for a visit at An Unlikely Story…. can’t wait!!!!!
your new book is a life saver. my right arm broken, the story transports me away from my situation into your life in 1982. your comments about the “golf course walk” (aka bob jones trail) compared to the walks on east coast are right on. Between all the birds and all the green….it is heavenly. Your courage to make such a move is amazing.
Hello Susan,
Another delightful post!! I have given Spoonflower gift certificates to my creative family and friends. LOVE the fact that we can draw, doodle, and design and see it materialize in a way that is so unique. Glad I’ll be able to find your fabric on their site!
I’m enjoying your new book very much. You bring a lot of joy to a lot of people.
Thank you,
Helen
Help! I can’t get my willard! I checked spam on my email. Among your many talents, your command of technology is inspiring. You are a hero of mine and yesterday you inspired me to write out my goals and illustrate them of course- which made it extra fun and pretty:) Do you have meditation CDs that you recommend? My heart wishes you all the blessings of Life, Caroline
I don’t have one, because I have a running commentary in my head I use to meditate now. I was thinking, maybe next winter, of recording it. Also, about Willard, today is the last day it will be going out. If you don’t have it by tomorrow, let me know and I’ll see what I can do. xoxo
Good morning! I’m new here. My Mother told me about your blog (she has followed for years.) It’s just wonderful! I am recently married and am planning on learning to quilt from my mother-in-law. Maybe one day I’ll be able to make a beautiful quilt like the ones you showed in your pictures 🙂 Thanks for sharing!
I have used your calendars for years! And I have your large desk calendar at my office. Every time I look at them it makes me smile!
Loved Isle of Dreams!!! The blueberry border on page 33 is to die for!!! Presh
I hope you do the blue bird fabric soon, I love that! Thank you for sharing your God-given genius (& your golden pink sunrises 🙂 )!
Love you new fabric!! I’m a fabriholic, as I’m a quilter. Lol My friend made a gorgeous quilt out of your older fabric and I begged her for the quilt, but alas, she wouldn’t give it to me. I searched all over for the fabric but sold out. So this time I’ll make sure I get some of your new line!
Looking forward to seeing more of your fabric designs. Too hard to choose! The quilt is gorgeous!
What a lovely post. Thank you for sharing the news about Spoonflower, if it says Susan Branch then it is for me. How fun to have kitchen drawers lined with your beautiful paper. Oh happy day.💞 So sorry Nashville didn’t make the tour. I have begged my (Joe) to head to Memphis just to meet and greet you. Praying all goes well as you begin this book tour. Love to you and yours. I really want the wisteria seeds for my love for quilts have them overflowing but with 7 granddaughters, it would find a home.
Happy Anniversary, Susan! Reading Willard and your blog post was truly a guilty pleasure today. I am supposed to be on “media deprivation” this week because I’m doing the Artist Way program. However, reading Willard and your blog is also an Artist Date (a basic tool of the Artist Way) in my opinion. In any case, my Artist-self feels fed from your writing, photos, and painting, and that’s what matters. I’d love to win one of the prizes–thank you much for the opportunity.
LOL, I did the Artist Way too, during my search all those years ago . . . later I thought that it might be the very fact that I got that book that proved I might already be creative!!! Isn’t that funny? I loved how it made me almost meditate on the things that mattered to me. xoxo
So so so SO exciting!!!
I love spoon flower.com. I have been buying from them for a few years now and I love that you can design your own fabric. I’m thrilled your fabrics are available again!
What a lovely Willard this month! I’ve been reading it (and your blog) early in the morning, while on vacation, outside, with a nice big cup of coffee..such a treat!! Thank you for your always inspirational words and ideas. My grandmother and I are so very excited to see you at RJ Julia next Sunday!!! Xoxo Erin
Travel safe! I can’t wait to jump into your suitcase! 🙂 I can live vicariously through you!!
Hi Susan,
I am over the moon about your fabrics being available at Spoonflower. I think the first thing I will have made is wrapping paper, but extremely excited to do some pillows, etc. It was a double bonus to hear about your expansion and republishing of Heart of the Home. Thank you for allowing us to pre-order!
Safe travels – I know you will have a wonderful book tour and trip,
WOW I just finished my Willard and my Hubby came downstairs thinking something was wrong, all the squeals of delight about being able to get your fabrics. I still have several small snippets of original fabrics that I have been rationing out for “special projects” because as you mentioned they were gone,gone, gone and no reprints 🙁 can’t wait to plan some new projects! the internet is an amazing place when used in a positive way. Thanks Susan !! I look forward to seeing you in Woodstock, GA at Foxtale Books 🙂
Love these pretty fabrics! Happy Spring!
Thank you for writing the way you speak, and speaking the way you think! I thoroughly enjoy reading your blog (and Willard, of course)!
Enjoy your cross country and cross continental summer!
😊💖🌷💛🌸💜🌻💙🌹💚🌟✨🎶 Good~Morning Sweetest Sue “Sunrise~Pink”…Glorious! I Love Spoonflower! It Is Amazing…All Your Fabrics…You Can Make Anything You Want!!! I L💖VE & AD💙RE The~Internet!!! It is The World at Our Fingertips!!! 😊🌟✨🎶 & It Brought All Of Us~Girl~Friends… “Kindred~Spirits” Together….To Me It’s Like a Never~Ending Tea~Party!!!….. & What An Excellent Give~Away……You Know My Wings~are~Crossed…..& Again…Thank~You For “Willard”….I Just Re~Read It This Morning….Huge Smile on Me Face! Jiggity~Jig Too! Oh Happy Day! xoxo Poof! 😊💖🌷💛🌸💜🌻💙🌹💚🌟✨🎶 P.S. Happy Birthday To The Queen! 90 Years YOUNG!!! CHEERIO! 😊💖🌷🌟✨🎶
Happy colorful YOU Angie think fairy dust girl!
Sweet Sue! Time To Twirl Under The Pink~Moon! I’ll Meet You There! Make~A~Wish! xoxo Poof! 😊💖🌷💛🌸💜🌻💙🌹💚🌟✨🎶
Thanks for your delightful blogs, Williard and the Musica always adds to the experience. . . Books, Wisteria, Peonies, Road Trips and visiting Scotland and England OMG – you are living my dream! Have a safe and exciting trip – don’t forget to fill us in on all the good stuff. I recently purchased 4 copies of Girlfriends Forever (used books and one actually was signed by you to the original owner!!) and gave them to my four nearly life-long best g-friends (and the youngest of us is 58)! Amazing that what you wrote in 2000 is so very true and relevant now – how do you do that? Ok well enjoy your trip – btw – I’ll see you when you come to PA in May. Me and my Bestie have our tickets and we will be at the signing in New Hope! Can’t Wait!
Just the basics my friend, we stick to the basics. Home, family, best friends, delicious food, girl parties, men, heartbreak, cocktails, dancing, clothes, joy, love, children, . . . how could we go wrong? Going on since the beginning of time.xoxoxo See you in PA, dear Patti!
My Mom and I love all of your wonderful designs and books… thank you for sharing your talents with so many ‘girlfriends’! Good luck on your book tour; I hope to make it to Austin to meet you.
Happy Anniversary! I love reading The Williard when in arrives. I cannot wait to go see what the Spoonflower.com has on it’s site. What a joy! Weather has been a joy here in PA too. Sunny skies, and planting some of my garden today.
The fabric designs are great and the Internet is truly amazing with all that we can do now–from our computers. Who knew when we were growing up that such an amazing thing would come into being! Good luck on your tour–I’m sure that you will have a wonderful time!
Dear Susan,
I adore your trio of books, your life’s journey. First I must tell you that I read Martha’s Vineyard Isle of Dreams in one day! I was so inspired by your ability to work through adversity while keeping positive, something that’s not easy to do. You kept your sense of wonder and your childish enthusiasm! You stayed true to yourself not trying to be anything less. Such an uplifting message for all of us struggling with doubt. I love knowing your roadmap of daily living through walking, cooking, creating a home, always reaching out to connect with others and especially mediation and art making. Thank you, thank you for being more brave than you thought possible and freely sharing your message, your light in this sometime dark world!!!
Your forever girlfriend,
Tracie Lyn Huskamp
PS I would be so honored to win your incredible giveaway!!!!!!
Happy Anniversary! Safe travels to you and Joe. 😊
I hope to see you in a bookstore near me.
Thank you for being you and for your inspiration.
I have recently discovered your enchanting blog and I just love it! Your words, photos, gorgeous paintings – everything charms and delights me! As a newcomer I now have the pleasure of reading all your older posts – it’s like discovering a wonderful book you just can’t put down! Thank you! Naomi (from England)
So excited about spoonflower and your fabrics. Life is good… (oh, that could be another fabric – one with some of your favorite quotes scattered throughout!!!) Anyway, I’m going to try to make it to your book signing in Wilmette. I saw you last time at Anderson’s Bookstore in Downers Grove, IL but it doesn’t look like you’re going to be there this time. I’ll do my best. Enjoy your road trip!
Susan, I read your blog and every time I feel like I’ve found a kindred spirit! I have been collecting your books for more than 30 years. I have virtually all of them. It would be my dream to meet you. I hope you make it to Nashville on your next tour! Your generosity of giving away your beautiful quilt is inspiring. Thank you for inspiring all of us in SO many ways!
I’ve been a fan for so long now and was happy to read Willard this morning. What a lovely giveaway… — to curl up with that quilt would be some heaven.
I’d dream of wisteria blooms swaying in the breeze.
Love the blog, love the fabrics, love the Willard, love the books! Now, mas adventures!! So much to look forward to!! Safe travels!
Happy Spring!
I really love your blog.
So inspiring 🙂
I am about half way through my book and trying to go slow to savor it. I would still love to win a copy for a friend though:) And I know just the one. She is a true kindred spirit.
What a fun giveaway, Susan. Thank you! I love reading about life on Martha’s Vineyard, and I can’t wait to read Isle of Dreams. Congrats on the book release date. The movie option is soooo exciting! Thank you again for the giveaway. Happy Belated Birthday!
Spoonflower sounds amazing! Can hardly wait to browse their site. Thanks for sharing! I love Willard. He reminds me of our kitty, Oreo (named for the cookie). A few years ago, after my son and daughter-n-law married, they happened to stop at a pet store, and just happened to see a kitty for adoption, also named Oreo. They knew it was meant to be! He’s been a warm, puffy, loving part of their family ever since!
Opps, haven’t had my coffee yet! I meant to say I love Jack!
There’s fabric? Eek – I’m in love!
Susan,
I love your books, and blog. I am also going to go find your fabrics. I am a sewer and therefore a fabric hoarder. I love your colors and your whimsey.
Have a safe journey, and I will try to find you in a bookstore near me!
Happy Anniversary! Your artwork makes me smile.
Congratulations! What a wonderful way to get your fabrics. Happy travels! I’m looking forward to reading about your adventures.
I love your posts! Congratulations on following your heart and living your dreams!
You are amazing. Thank you for sharing your life with us. Safe journey!
I am so tickled that I am not the only person on the planet that loved the original Banana Republic catalogs. I even think I might have one or two tucked away in some box somewhere! Loved all three of your books, hoping for more, and plan to add my 30th anniversary edition of Heart of the Home alongside my ORIGINAL one! Thanks for the chance to enter. Thanks even more for your art.
And don’t you LOVE spoon flower? I use them when I teach art quilting to make up fabrics for my thread painting class (in the unlikely event you have time to read all these comments and even more unlikely event you have time to surf hotlines, I’m at http://www.SarahAnnSmith.com). I have some of your print fabric from that first fabric line on my shelf, and am thrilled to be able to buy some via spoon flower. The Organic Cotton Sateen is beyond heavenly!
Oh duh… I said I loved all three of your books…I mean the biography ones, of course there are more! (Blushing madly.)
I almost couldn’t find the bottom, so many comments! I can’t wait to visit Spoonflower. Any chance of more teapot fabric? I love that design!
When the world feels scary, I turn to Susan Branch and feel immensely better!
I love your fabric. I have a fat quarter bundle of yours that must be 20 years old which I have not been able to cut into because it is so pretty. One of these days, I will…
I love your blog. Every time I read it, it’s like taking a mini vacation. Happy anniversary.
Willard has made my day!!! Such exciting news! Yes, please put Joe’s Santa face on fabric. He is the best Santa I have ever seen! Hope to see you in Austin!
Your wisteria looks gorgeous! What a perfect place to sit and enjoy tea – hot in a favorite mug, or cold and sweet in a tall glass!
HAPPY 30TH ANNIVERSARY, THE PEARL IS THE SYMBOL OF THE 30TH AND YOU CERTAINLY ARE A PEARL OF A PERSON. HERE’S TO 30 MORE YEARS OF YOUR WONDERFUL BLOGS, WILLARDS, BOOKS, PATTERNS AND EVERYDAY QUOTES.
THANKS FOR ALL THE SMILES.
JANET
Dearest Susan,
Good Morning from central Missouri,USA! A most lovely spring morning, cool, damp,with the promise of new beginnings. Oh, ya !
This is my first attempt to blog, so wish me luck! Just breath, also learning how to do it properly. Who could have guessed I wasn’t doing it properly. Better!
Thank you all so much for sending my mornings into brightness with your loving thoughts for all to read.
Thank you for creating JOY where ever you go. You are not just an elf, you are OUR ELF.
Thank you!
Linda Blake
Osage Beach, Missouri USA
Thank you Susan for enriching my life.
Oh Susan, my mind is flying like a hummingbird with so many ideas for your fabrics.. I wish I was a quilter but patience is not a strong virtue for me.. I like projects that can be finished in one or two settings. You covered soooo many different topics in this post and Willard , first I wish all birthdays for everyone could be as sweet as you describe yours…and second, my daughter and I can not wait to vacation to the “isle of dreams”, my only fear is she may love it so much she may not come back home!😀. Love the giveaways… Thank you for the opportunity..
I just read Willard! And OH OH OH how wonderful would a series be? Every week we could sing along and dance to the groovy musica that would surely be part of the show! And yes Zoey would be SO YOU! GAHHHHHHH I can’t even comprehend how excited I would be for that TV series – and I don’t even watch TV very often. Except for Fixer Upper – I’m addicted to Fixer Upper! I’m keeping all of my fingers and toes crossed that this actually happens!
Well with your fingers and toes and mine too. . . who knows what can happen, Kathy!!!
You are such an inspiration to me and so many others! Even the other women who post on your blog have become an inspiration! Wouldn’t it be great if we ALL got together in one place at one time…….? How much joy would that be? Thank you Susan for more than you will ever know.