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!
WOW! 30 years, congratulations. Thanks for this wonderful and generous giveaway.
Marion
Susan, I just love your books and I’d give anything to be able to paint and sew like you do! Don’t stop dreaming and designing for us.
Hi Susan,
As someone up above noted, my home has little bits of you everywhere! Of course the bookcase – and the cookbook shelf in my kitchen has your books. But also your cheerful dishtowels are hanging on my stove handle. I started collecting little Beatrix Potter characters because I thought your windowsill was adorable! When I pick a few buds for my tiny vases, I think, “Susan would do something like that!” Thank you for sharing your ideas and helping me fill my home with sweetness! Can’t wait to see you when you are in “Hot-Lanta” in June! XOXOXO
I have Heart of the Home from way back! Congrats on a successful three decades!
Susan, the rest of this year is going to be so much fun for you & Joe. Have fun and take good notes so you can write another book for us!
Oh, the quilt is so beautiful. I have some quilts my great Aunt Della made when I was a little girl. Quilts are true treasures. Can’t wait to see you in Hudson, OH on May 5th. Safe travels to you and Joe.
Oh how exciting and looking forward to your updates in the blog. Beautiful quilt, looking forward to reading your new book!
Your Willards and blogs are a highlight of any day! It feels like a friend stopped by to chat, a very creative and fun friend! I have your newest book sitting here, waiting to be read, but I have to wait for the perfect day where I can sit with a cup of tea and spend an extended time with it. I am so looking forward to that! And I look forward to meeting you in Pasadena in June! Got my name badges printed out and waiting! Enjoy your cross country trip!
Love you.. Love your books!
I loved the new book! I really felt like I was there with you. Love the new fabric. Can’t wait for the trip to England. Happy Anniversary! Kisses to the Kitties!
That spoonflower website is really something! I got caught up in looking at it and whoosh! quite a bit of time went by! So fun!
Well you sure have lots going on! And before I forget- Happy Birthday! (a little bit late) Bet you had a great time with your girlfriends!
I think once you know your way around, it’s like your favorite supermarket. You just go to the aisles that have the stuff you want!
I was happy to see in Willard today that men love your events and it’s okay for them to come along, since I’m bringing my husband to meet you at one. He’s excited too! I would dearly love to be at that picnic in Stourhead but will settle for hiding in the picnic basket if you don’t mind. 💖 Annie xoxo
Love to have you there, and your husband can also get in there. Joe does like to see men at these things ~ I kind of like it myself! 🙂
What a lovely Willard, what a lovely new edition of Heart of the Home, so very happy for you!!! I read Isle of Dreams with my second edition of Heart of the Home open for reference and I highly recommend it…makes the story and recipes even more special!!!
Happy Anniversary!! I have been a fan all along!!! Have a fabulous time on all of your adventures, you lucky duck!!!!
Wow! What a generous giveaway. I’m glad you discovered Spoonflower. I, too, am so impressed with the quality of their work and like that they are in the USA, in North Carolina, back where our manufacturing belongs.
And should never have gone away. xoxo
Susan I just finish Isle of Dream and cried and cried, good tears, so you made me cry twice today once when they gave you the Little Women book and the end. We girlfriends are all alike in many ways. Can’t wait to meet you again this time in Danville, Ca. last time at Madonna In and way back in 2007 at Quilt Market. My girlfriend and I have been reading the book at the same time what fun to text back and forth about you and we just have to ask what happen to the little house? I know your house is near as your walk seams the same. Lindy Munday “Everyday is a Munday”. My Girlfriend name tag resides on my Dads white beret he got in France in the ’50
The little house is owned by someone else and she has enlarged it quite a bit. But many things have stayed the same. Joe was too tall for Holly Oak, so he went out and discovered the house we’re in now, and of course, who could resist.
I absolutely love your blog – the pictures are gorgeous – chock full of lovely things….
Hi Susan,
Hope you enjoyed your birthday. I received my copy of Martha’s vineyard in time for my birthday on the 15th. Another beautiful book. I just checked out your book tour and was thrilled to see that you’re coming to Ridgewood, NJ, 10 minutes from me! Can’t wait to meet you. Have fun on your tour 🚐
So many comments before I even read this post!!! I’m still going to enter, maybe I will win??
Happy 30th anniversary to you, I love you and feel as if we’ve been longtime girlfriends.
Hope you can travel to Oregon some time. 😊
I agree it is a shame fabrics come and go so quickly. There are so many I would love to use again and again, and your designs are some of them! I’m glad you are using Spoonflower so we can all enjoy your lovely designs.
Makes me very happy to be there Janine, thank you!
So glad that spring is here and that your beautiful blog is full of spring goodness!
WOW!! This sounds wonderful !!! The fabric line and the free books and even a chance at a free quilt. You are too good ! Thank You Susan. 😀
Just came back from my first trip to England and enjoyed Pear Ci Da, thanks to you! The countryside was stunning and I had a fantastic time!
SO happy to hear that Teresa! Welcome home!
So much terrific news you have shared. Love your blog and all of your art.
Thank you for all your talent Susan! I love sewing and quilting, and I’m working on my 2nd Grandson’s quilt right now. I enjoy you so much…love to you from West Virginia💙.
Dear Susan, I am beside myself too!!!! Actually speechless to hear all that can be done with fabric, design and the internet! Oh my goodness!! I became a nurse back in the 60’s but always loved fabrics and the desire to design them too but that wasn’t a career choice for me at the time. You have been a real “trailblazer”!! I love everything that you do from your drawing, photography, writing, designing etc. etc.. You are a real inspiration! You had even got my hubby interested in Downton Abbey just from reading your comments on the episodes…..gave us alot of laughs!!!! We just returned to Coeur d’Alene from Austin so will miss your book signing in town, sadly. Excited, though, to visit Martha’s Vineyard in September. Have a wonderful book tour! Hope to catch you someplace someday!!!! Hugs, Miriam p.s. My hubby is loving your books too!!!! (two fans at this house!!)
Tell him I said Hello, Miriam! He sounds like he has excellent taste! *Loves Downton!* 🙂 xoxo
Oh my heavens! I’m so excited. Can I get more of your language of flowers line of fabric reprinted? I did my porch chairs and table years ago in your fabric. It was so inviting that most of the people decided to rest themselves on my porch. I still have the sun bonnet kit and several of the pieces left but keep it under lock and key! I love it would look great in wallpaper too! I have collected your fabrics for many years but your Christmas fabric you came out with came and went so fast I couldn’t even find it. I was very disappointed. I have been quilting since our son was in kindergarten. Each student made a 13×13 square with permanent markers and I put it together with elementary colors. There was pac man, rainbows flowers etc what was popular in 1981. I had room mothers come over and help quilt weather they had ever quilted before or not. We gave it to the teacher that year at Christmas. That was my first quilt and I have been quilting and collecting ever since. I hope another line of fabric is on your bucket list. Thanks for so much happiness
I’ll see what we can do about Language of Flowers! Thank you Brenda!
Thank you Susan for your blog and for making me a Willard friend, you send me to my Happy Place!
oh this is soooooo exciting!!! i LOVE, love, LOVE fabrics!!! thank you once again miss Susan for gifting your artistic heart! some day i will meet you . . . but until then i savour your blogs and Willard’s and soon will order your books and calendar and hopefully some fabric (i guess i will budget this out over some time haha) perhaps i’ll win the books! and the Wisteria seeds! OMG would love the seeds too – oh this is just too exciting – wishing you happy, happy trails on your road trip!
Oh, how dearly I would love to win!! (plus 10 more exclamation marks)
Your quilts are so beautiful, your giveaways are always so generous. Thank you!💕💕💕
Just received my copy of ” Isle of Dreams”. Couldn’t wait to get into it. How very brave and courageous you were Susan. Living on your own in the woods! Wish I knew you then. Glad I know you now.
I just love your work! I have your Chistmas Memories album filled out with my kid’s Christmases growing up. It’s one of my favorite things. I am also an artist and art teacher, and your work takes me to a happy place. Congratulations on all your successes and hard work!
I’ve seen some of those books filled out and they are some of my favorite things too! xoxo Thank you Susan!
Congrats on 30 years! Thanks for sharing Spoonflower.
Love all of the beautiful fabrics, love your wonderful books and love that beautiful vintage quilt!!! Blessings Miss Susan!!!! ❤️
I’d Love,love, love to introduce my sister, Kelley, to your wonderful books on her birthday, which happens to be the same as Beatrix Potter’s, July 28th! Please, pretty please with sweet sugar on top, pick me as your trilogy giveaway winner!!!!
Congratulations on thirty years! I love that you’re printing your own books. The quality is wonderful. So nice that you’ve found a way to offer fabrics again. Made in America with your designs on good fabric is worth paying more for. Thanks for sharing a little of your creative thought process. Many inspiring ideas.
I was so excited when I opened my email and discovered I had a new “Willard” to read. I am excited to learn about the new fabrics available and the endless possibilities for using them!
Thank you from the bottom of my heart for all of the joy you have given me for so many years. I am only a wee bit younger than you and you have inspired me to give water colors a try again. And now when I have a question in my mind regarding anything, I ask myself……What would Susan Branch do? 💖🌺💖🌷🌺💖🌷💖
💖🌺💖🌷🌺💖🌷💖 All back to you dear Kathy!
I loved Isle of Dreams and am so happy for the hope it inspires. Happy late Birthday! Safe travels! Love you!
Dear Susan, Just read the latest Willard and am so excited you have the giveaway of your art, and paintbrushes and all the other wonderful things you give away! Love it! I’ve read all your books now and implore you to write more, yes please! You need to write about your trip to Scotland! I can’t stand it that I’ve read all your books and Downton Abbey is over! Well all that said, I’ll see you in July at the Brewster Ladies Library for Beatrix’s party! Can’t wait!!!! Love you and all you do!!!!!!
It’s going to be fun Sandi, thank you!
Fabulous news about the fabric website! I’d LOVE to see your classic red-and-white-check (like on the cover of your new version of Heart of the Home) in a drawer liner/wallpaper! Looking forward to seeing you in New Hope, PA!
I’ll make sure we get that one up very soon, Janet!
The photos of your home and the quilts are so lovely. Would love to see it in real time. Congratulations to you for being the Author Onboard the Queen Mary 2 when you return from England. We enjoyed seeing Mary Higgins Clark and Shirley Jones on past cruises….wish it had been you! Lucky passengers for your crossing.! ❤️
I bought Heart of the Home 25 years ago! I lived in a tiny town in AZ and we went on a trip to California where I found your book at a bookstore and fell in love with it! I was pretty young and that book and lots of your other ones have moved all over with me. I’m so glad you discovered spoonflower! You are wonderfully inspiring and I can’t wait till they make those movies!
Susan–
While I’m very excited to read your new book and meet you at The Learned Owl next month, I’m most excited about Spoonflower. Thanks for sharing that info. I can’t wait to order some of your fabric from them. Thanks so much!
I just saw in your book tour link that you are coming to GEORGIA! I am so excited that I might just have to go on up to Woodstock now and wait for you to get there! What’s a couple of months between friends?!
I am very excited to hear about the new fabric line! And am anxiously awaiting Martha’s Vineyard Isle of Dreams to arrive in my mailbox!
Oh, my! A Willard AND a lovely blog post in one day! Now I’m sorry I didn’t check my email earlier! Both were just wonderful to read, as usual.
Ohhhh, the fabrics!! Just beautiful! I know they’re a little pricy, but they are just gorgeous! Happy 30th Anniversary for your lovely book. I was so happy to find one online last year. Mine is a 1986 edition, and it has the remnants of a T.J.Maxx sticker on the back! I was happy that someone decided to give it up, and I got it! I would love to add a new edition to my collection, too!
Oh, Susan!
How extremely generous of you to giveaway one of your precious quilts! How lucky one of us will be to win and get to display that in our home.
When I moved into my first home, three years ago, I did not think my that house, which was relatively new (built in 1990) would be appropriate for vintage things. But slowly, I have incorporated my mothers, fathers and both grandmothers things into my space.
Who would have thought that my paternal grandmother’s tatted doilies would find a place framed on my wall? My mother’s green depression glass, my maternal grandmother’s wedding pictures, my father’s treasured mission oak clock, as well as my great aunt’s Smiley Pig cookie jar have all found a home in mine.
When I bought my home, one of the big selling points (besides the 4 acre view out the back door) was the space on top of the kitchen cabinets and above the kitchen island. I dreamed of a snowscape with all my Hallmark musical snowpeople at Christmas, as well as my extensive Fall and Halloween decorations in autumn….yet I never figured in the family collections as part of my decorating scheme. Now, I could not think of my home without them…
And for a bit of whimsy, I have just begun collecting Beatrix Potter Beswick figurines. Thanks to Susan, and through the pictures in her blog, I fell in love with them, too. My small collection has a place of honor on our fireplace mantle…
As I dig through boxes left to me by family members, I continue to find pieces of family history that I proudly display in my home. I like to think that my family members that have passed on continue to be alive in their things that look so at home in my contemporary space…
Hugs to all….
Happy Belated Birthday!
Hope I win! Love your books & artwork….Love quilts!
What nice fabrics, especially the ribbon one. Great colors. Never too many fabrics to choose from.
Susan,
I am so excited bout your trip to England and Scotland and crossing on the Qeen Mary! Love it! My husband and I spent 2weeks visiting the same two countries. I so enjoyed having homemade soup and artisan breads in the castle cafes that we visited! We loved the Isle of Skye and being on the water there.
I will be with you in spirit as you picnic together with other girlfriends!
See you in Hudson on cinco de mayo!
Ruth
Looking forward to seeing you in Woodstock, Georgia!
My mom is meeting you at a signing in Hudson, Ohio next month. She loves your books and has all of them, and I came to your website to try to figure out what to get her for Mother’s Day. 🙂 I love your tea set, I’m so envious! Thank you for posting such great pictures.
She might like a gift certificate for the new Heart of the Home? You’re a good daughter Sarah!
Susan,
Thank you for sharing Spoonflower and your sweet fabrics with us! I can see it turning into an addiction quickly with baby, wedding and life events in the months ahead. Treats all around this Willard!
I love your blog, Willard, videos, and books. Thanks for sharing your life. Read all three of your books and enjoyed them immensely. I share some of your likes. I’ve collected Beatrix Potter figurines forever. Also, have had Kitties all my life. The two in my life now are Abby and Arnold. I love everything about the British Isles and have been there twice. Would love to go again. Would love to sneak along with you on your next trip. Enjoy, as I know you will. I, also, collect Antiques and have purchased a couple of yours online. Love them. Thanks again for everything you’ve shared.
Congratulations, Susan Branch! Each time a hear a little more of your story I’m am so intrigued, so impressed, and so proud to call you my girlfriend! I’m coming to see you in person in Prescott in June and I’m bringing my 1st offspring with me! I now have 12 of your books. and they are all lined up like proper soldiers on my bookshelf in my sewing room just waiting to be called up for duty. Right now The Summer Book is lying on the coffee table in the living room for all to enjoy. And Sweets for the Sweet is sitting on a shelf as decoration in the kitchen. They make Home a home for me. Thank you!
I cross stitched a quilt top when I was a teenager but always wanted to make a pieced quilt. Then as I got older and still had not made one, I thought I would just buy one. Then as I got even older, I thought that’s a little too much for the fixed income I have retired on. And now that I am 70, I have a chance to win one! That will do quite nicely! And I do hope I win, for I have long admired them for their beauty and ability to be an heirloom.
Another thing that is making me very happy right now, are the fabrics! I have helped you mourn your fabrics for years, and now at the thought of having some of them back, just makes me giddy with happiness. Get out the sewing machine; actually it’s already out! I’m ready! See you in June!
See you then Judy, hope you win!!! xoxo
You are awesome. You always leave a smile on my face and heart.
Love your books, blogs, calendars – EVERYTHING.
Susan, congratulations on 30 years! I’ve slowly been collecting your cookbooks (absolutely thrilled about Autumn) over these years. I must say, I don’t cook much from them, because I just love looking at all your beautiful watercolors.
So excited about your Spoonflower collections! Wish I could quilt, but I do know someone who does!
Thank you for the giveaway!
I LOVE ALL YOUR BOOKS, AND COOKBOOKS WHAT A INSPIRATION THEY ARE FOR LIKE MINDED PEOPLE , YOUR BOOKS AND BLOG GIVE ME AN OUTLET TO BE INSPIRED AND LEARN, THANK YOU SO MUCH.
Overwhelmed in such a good way. Thank you for all the inspiration.
You are so genuine & FUN! Love reading every word you write….So excited about the fabric! I too hate it when a collection comes and goes in a heartbeat. Not like in the 50’s & 60’s when things were around forever… 😉 Thank you so much for giving so much of yourself to us. I hope you have a wonderful spring, summer, & autumn – you will have a fun busy time, but be glad to be home finally, and your kitties will be ecstatic to have you back with them! Bon Voyage!!
So looking forward to seeing you in Pasadena! I will be coming from San Diego.
Susan! you’ve outdone yourself this time, girlfriend! Even if I don’t win a thing I am happy to be along on the ride with all of you. I’m into “the book” and I should never have started it with my schedule, but now I’m hooked so too bad I say to myself. I will just have to finish it. What will happen next, I think as I turn every spell-binding page! It’s amazing. Love you…Deanna
Congratulations on 30 years. I have been following you since you did pages in Country Living. I have a few pieces of your fabric left – I love it. The quilt is beautiful. Thank you for this generous give away.
Everything you do is so lovely. Thank-you.
Happy Birthday!!!! Happy 30th Anniversary!!!! After reading Willard and now this most recent blog…my head is swirling with inspiration and imagination and possibilities. Then thinking about Spoonflower…well the possibilities must marinate before I can even get my head around all that could happen with that!!!!
Thank you for your encouragement and inspiring all of us to be creative! Enjoy your trips! Can’t wait to hear about your adventures!
Love everything on your blog. Beautiful spring. Quilts are my all time favorite things. Happy 30th anniversary.
Lovely books! lovely fabrics ! Congrats on all your good things!
Susan, I love your artwork and designs, but most of all I love your spirit and creativity. You are so inspiring! Thank you!
I love your give away quilt! It’s an old pattern called “Puss In the Corner!” How appropriate! Have a good trip and I will be catching up with you on Facebook!
The Willard arrived – fun, thanks!
A fabulous giveaway – thank you, Susan!
I feel very lucky to have a couple pieces of your fabric in my stash (ebay finds!). How exciting to be able to get them on Spoonflower! I’m heading there right now to check things out. I love everything about your blog, your books, your life, and you! You’re like a sister from another mister. Love you! =^..^=
GIRLFRIEND, YOU MUST HAVE MORE HOURS IN YOUR DAY THAN I DO…..WHAT A LOT YOU GET DONE. LOVE ALL YOUR BOOKS. I HAD THIS EMPTY FEELING WHEN THEY WERE FINISHED, LIKE WHAT’S GOING ON NOW THAT SHE HASN’T TOLD US. SO HAPPY TO HEAR ABOUT THE FABRIC. KINDRED SPIRITS WE ARE.
LOL, have to live some more to get more to write about! I better get busy! xoxo
Dearest Susan…… I am so excited about everything you have created !!!! I have thought of the perfect person to portray you in a TV show or film. I think that everyone who loves “The Gilmore Girls” would agree that Lauren Graham (the beloved and fabulous Lorelai Gilmore) would be the one !!!! If time goes on and years pass before the project is underway then Alexis Bledel (adorable Rory) would also be a fantastic Susan. Both of them could be you at different times. I can hardly wait to see you in Pasadena in June !!!!! xoxoxoxoxo
You are so right, Lauren Graham would be adorable!
There are so many way which you brighten my life. My favorite item to look at is the SB (Susan Branch) shelf in my living room. As I come and go. I love to look and see my (your) books. Everything you do is just fabulous. I love the fabrics!! You rock, Susan!
Congratulations on 30 years! So glad that I have been able to spend some of those years with you. I checked out Spoonflower (just a wee bit so far) and it looks like it will be awesome. Your Happy Birthday design is the one I had my eye on that you showed us on your blog a couple of years ago. Very exciting to be able to get these now. I’ve been devouring Isle of Dreams this week….just couldn’t put it down. There were tears and smiles too, but most of all, I felt so happy for you and proud of you. It’s been a journey, hasn’t it? I felt exhausted for you just reading it. But where in the world would we all be right now without your hard journey? Something so very beautiful would be missing from all our lives. God has worked all things for good as usual. So thankful to know your story. I will read it again and again, and point others in your direction because it is an all too familiar situation in our world. You’ve given us hope and resources. I knew it would not disappoint. You can’t even begin to imagine some of the lessons I’ve learned. Thank you for all the effort you put into this project.
PS…Sorry, I forgot to tell you I absolutely loved your wee house Holly Oak. You turned her into a real beauty, just perfect for you.
She was my shelter from the storm. I would love to get her back. A perfect doll house!
“A perfect doll house”…..that describes her to a “tea!” 💕
“A shelter in the time of storm.” She was a real blessing to you. You’ve got it all figured out…you know why homes are so important in our lives.
Hope and resources. Thank you from the bottom of my heart, that is exactly what I prayed my book would do. XOXOXO
I love your blog……the writing and the beautiful pictures. Thank you!!
I’ve been trying to read my Willard all day (maybe two days, heck, I don’t know anymore) in between my 103 degree delirium with the flu- but boy, am I glad I made it in time! What a giveaway! You have no idea how badly I’ve wanted that toile fabric! Now we get so many choices! Hoping I win this one!!
Get well soon Lisa!!! xoxo
You are always so generous! Thank you for sharing your beautiful thoughts and pictures with us.
hi Susan wow loved reading the Willard so excited about your new fabric line just fabulous and not just fabric but wrapping paper too! also, a big thank you to your wonderful team that is mailing out all of your books I could not believe how fast we received those books wow! We were expecting the books in a few weeks and it was just days! what, a great bunch of hard workers you have! great job. Also, Your generous give a ways the books and seeds and that beautiful quilt. I can’t say it enough thank you for your wonderful blog I tell everyone to visit your site it such a reflection of your kind and gentle soul. looking forward to your trip to the united kingdom again loved the first trip you made it so fun! thanks again!
Happy 30th Anniversary! I have Heart of the Home from way back too.
Your fabric line looks great, I can’t wait to buy some! Thanks for the
chance to win.
Loved reading “Willard” today and am hoping to see you when you make your way to California. I have always wanted to start a diary but keep putting it off. I keep thinking I’ve waited too long and missed writing about so many things. But, I think I’m just going to do it…better late than never. Happy Anniversary! =)
Happy Anniversary! Can’t wait till I have your newest book!
Susan, Love the new Willard and all the wonderful pictures. The quilts on the line are beautiful. Hoping to win the books or quilt. Looking forward to your books for my summer reading, after my husband and I move to the the country.
Happy 30th Anniversary! I love all of your fabric designs and would love to use them in my quilting! I’m enjoying reading your book.
I enjoyed your beautiful writings all winter long. Thank you, Susan!
Susan, I loved this post…one of my favorite ones yet! I have such wonderful memories of going to the small fabric store with the creaking wooden floors with my grandmother and great aunts years and years ago. Although I didn’t inherit their ability to sew I did end up with their love of fabric. And yours is just amazing. Between this post and the new Willard, together with your book which I am trying to savor, it has been a very Susan Branch week. My very favorite kind of week!
Gee willikers I’m late to the party, but so glad to get in on all the excitement. Love, love, love that we can order fabrics of your designs. Good ole USA ingenuity and technology. Happy Birthday! As always, DonnaRay
WOW, Susan!! A Willard AND a new Blog! I’m supposed to be in bed right now but I had to stay up and read. SO many new things! A movie (I love Zoey Deschanel too!), a new fabric line, a giveaway, a GRAND PRIZE giveaway, your book tour, pics of a picnic in England, wonderful old-timey music, your kitties……I love it all! I had no idea watercolor paintings could turn into fabric. I guess I don’t know how fabric is made??? Anyway, I’m thrilled with all your news and would be ecstatic if I win any of your prizes. Thanks a gazillion!
Love your Willard. Just rereading Willard brought me to smile with just an AWWWWW. thank you again Susan
I am halfway through “Martha’s Vinyard Isle of Dreams” and absolutely loving it! I am immediately transported to this nostalgic land and melt into your words, pictures and quotes. I cannot wait to see how the story unfolds 🙂
What wonderful ideas and travels to anticipate this year.
Thanks for all color and light you bring to our lives, Susan!
I’m eagerly anticipating a trip to England, Wales and Scotland on May 4th including Weathericks from your book. Happy travels to you.🇬🇧
Say Hello to Jean for us, please Rosemary, and have a wonderful time!
How wonderful of you to share your life with all of us. I can hardly wait for the road trip and tour of England and Scotland. Your generosity is overwhelming. I’m glad we’re “Girlfriends.”
Me too Linda!
Can’t wait for the lamb fabric on Spoonflower! I have some of the original and can’t bring myself to cut it up! Your quilts pictured are nice. Enjoy your book tour and drive safely!
Your generosity with your talent and gifts never ceases to amaze me! Happy Belated Birthday and may you be on the receiving end of much love and true joy this year!
Love, love your new fabrics and the Spoonflower options – very exciting! So good for you to find a way to get your wonderful designs back on fabric – can’t wait to buy some!
I cannot wait to look at your fabrics on Spoonflower! I have some birthday money from my mom that I’ve been saving until I could find just the right thing to spend it on. I think I’ve found it!
Happy Birthday Dear Carole 🎵