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!
Hello Susan! I love your blog and Willard and I am so excited about your new book and fabric!
We first “met” the year my third child was born…he is 29 now and a new daddy.
I found “Heart of the Home” at a delightful gift shop in Mission Viejo, CA in 1986 and you have filled MY heart with each book, calendar, pack of stickers (back in my scrapbooking days), and more. Much love to you!
Oh, Susan, you have met and exceeded your goal of bringing cheer and encouragement to others. I just completed Martha’s Vineyard, Isle of Dreams and feel closer to you than ever. You are the BEST girlfriend. I love so many things about this book. First, it was very satisfying and comforting to come to peace with dear ol’ Cliff! 🙂 The way you honored and memorialized Agnes was heart warming. Your description of your emotions, your days, your healing process, your cottage and how you purchased it and how you and Carlton lovingly enhanced it, meeting Myron and Ellie, their friendship, your introspection, your walking path in all seasons, your conversations with your friends and family (bless your daddy and Jeanie for coming to visit and help)~~oh, all of it, was amazing and refreshing and so well done.
I love the way you included in one sizable paragraph about some of the trials (not so small) that you endured, but you mainly told the good, without negating the pain you endured. You truly have a gift, and now you know “how writers write”! 🙂
Thank you to you and Joe for all the time you both invested in this trilogy. I love the way music has been such a big part of your life. I like the person you think you might choose to play YOU when the movie or TV show is made. 🙂
After the story was finished, I was so thrilled each time I turned a page and saw that you had written more! You understand how difficult it is for us to come to the end of the book, so you added very satisfying answers to our questions about various key people in the book. Thank you for that!
I cannot adequately express how much I enjoyed this book. I have read A Fine Romance several times; it has been on trips with me and is showing a bit of wear. I believe …Isle of Dreams will be the same.
By the way, I have a couple of copies of A Fine Romance on my bookshelves. My daughter-in-law stayed in our sunrise room last time they visited and she began reading A Fine Romance. I meant to tell her to take it with her when she went home, but I forgot. I sent it to her and she was delighted to have it.
I could go on and on, but you have other things to do. Thank you for being an amazing friend to all of us!
Lots of love,
Paula
Thank you Paula, that was so nice. Of course I had to read every word to see what you were thinking. Martha’s Vineyard, Isle of Dreams is still so new, and a part of me is still on pins and needles about it. Thank you, I’m so happy you liked it! xoxoxoxoxo
Hi Susan. Looks like you are enjoying the Spring months where I am enjoying heading into Autumn.I am looking forward to cold, rainy days where I don’t feel guilty about sitting down to some hours of crochet and knitting. Enjoy your trip cross country.
We’re having one of those cold rainy days (ours being spring) right now! Happy fall to you Judith!
Happy Birthday, and many, many more!
Susan,
Loved reading the Willard!!! I think your fabrics are so lovely. I’m thinking about taking up quilting when I retire. I just pre-ordered my Heart Of The HOME!!! Can’t wait for July to get here. Have a wonderful trip, and enjoy every moment!!! Kisses to Jack and Girl.
I really enjoy reading your blog! I have several of your books and love each one! We seem to share a lot in common!!!
I saw you when you came to Albuq,NM last time……I was so excited when I saw that you were going to be here at “Bookworks” because I buy your books and calendars………………….I LOVE all your artwork and writings and I look at every little detail!!! and I love my home and all my collections and its so fun to see yours……I love to cook and enjoy all your recipes.
I lived in London (Ruislip and Harrow) for 3 years so its so fun to read about your trips…….I would love to go back there………any of your “girlfriends live in Ruislip??? I’m also relating to your old life in the new book (love it) since I was married for 23 years and my husband left me for someone else………………….but I am so happy now and love the new life I’ve lived for 30 yrs …………I wish he had left sooner!!…………
Have a wonderful book signing trip and a really Wonderful trip to England!!!!!
Your loyal and faithful friend, Lori Templeton
LOL! Oh you Girls, you are the best, funniest, smartest people! Thank you Lori! Had to laugh at the “I wish he’d left sooner” comment! xoxo
Congratulations on your beautiful fabric!!!
Erin
You are magic, Susan! Even after a day that ended with an auto emergency (well, technically a scooter emergency, I was on my Vespa), a call to AAA and a long ride in a tow truck (the driver was surprisingly engaging and funny, it really wasn’t so bad! I think they know how to make a bad day better too.) and feeling a bit daunted facing the repair bill to come, I came home to find Willard waiting for me in my inbox, at the ready with cheer and good news, the perfect pick-me-up! I always seem to come away from your blog posts and Willard’s feeling happier than I was and full of mirth, thank you for that! Spreading cheer must be your special gift and you are the very best Elf to share so freely! I’m so excited for your book tour (hoping to see you in Danville, CA!!), what a thrill! Speaking of thrills, what a whopper of a giveaway, wowza~wowza!! Wishing you a wonderful summer! I’ll be following along like always (even though I don’t comment often, I love to come along for the ride!)!
Hugs from livable, lovable Lodi, CA!
And we love having you here Lisa!
You are a very generous ELF.
But how can that be ?
Because you are Sue Branch….
You see.
You are a darling doll and the fairies are watching you.
XOXOXO
Can’t wait to meet you st Stourhead in Wiltshire for a picnic we will never forget! See you there!
Fingers crossed for good weather . . . SO excited about this Suzanne!
congrats on the anni and so thrilled you found spoonflower and are putting your designs there. I have a stash of your original fabrics for quilting and hoard them aggressively. I don’t know when Ill make something out of them, it has to be special. Please do a kitty and bird line, either together or apart or some of both. Ive got you on my calendar in Denver, I think tattered cover ought to rent the Pepsi center, we are going to need a lot more room than the store! Have a great and safe trip!
LOL! Then it might have to be a sleepover! With food!
Happy Spring Susan! Would love to be entered into the drawing❤️
💜Blessings on you💜
Hello there Susan
Well I opened my emails today and there you were. On went the kettle and tea was made hot and strong. Off I went into the Willard……………… this is just what I needed after what has been some miserable weeks that aren’t going to get better for a while – nuff said – I am off to my bookshelf now and am promising myself a couple of hours after my work is done to read again my ‘Girlfriends Forever’ and ‘Christmas From the Heart of the Home’. Hope the signing goes well and you never know I might make it to Stourhead. xxxx
Reading your blog posts and each new Willard always brings a smile to my face, but the most recent Willard and this post made me jump for joy and screech with delight! I am so excited that we will have access to fabric designed by you again. The fact that your designs can also be made into paper products too is such an amazing bonus! My mind is swirling with possible creations. I am hoping to be able to meet you when your book tour stops in NJ, but if not, traveling along on your adventures via the internet will be a treat as well. In this crazy fast paced world, your blog posts, Willards, and books are gentle reminders to slow down, notice, and enjoy all the beauty and simple pleasures that life has to offer. You have been gifted with an amazing creative talent and your fans and readers are truly blessed that you share the products of that talent with us. Thank you for all you do, and for letting us all tag along on your creative life journey!
Well a very happy anniversary to you…. you don’t look a day over 20 🙂
Thanks for the great posts and gorgeous photos, especially of the lovely Jack. I’ve enjoyed your journeys from the other side of the world, we move into Autumn as you move into spring…and I’m planting snowdrops while you pick daffodils xx
Best wishes
Mo
Love love love your books!! Byeeeee. 🙂
Susan, I received your latest and greatest creation, Martha’s Vineyard, and have been enjoying every inch of it when I have the time. It is a joy to be allowed to share in your life and may I wish you my heartfelt congratulations on the 30th anniversary (pearl) of your first publication. What an accomplishment! I am looking forward to reading your latest Willard and I thank you SO much for introducing us to Spoonflower! I had actually heard about this company before. They’re amazing! I am going to share this info with my artsy girlfriend, because I just know her work would translate beautifully into fabric and gift wrap. That said, if you would pleeeease drop my name into the vat for Vanna to find when you do your drawings, I would be thrilled if my name got picked for your beautiful quilt! Of course, I would be just as delighted with your watercolor test swatches, too! Thank you for all that you do to brighten our otherwise drab existence! What would this world be without your special touch? I can’t imagine it.
I am a quilter and lovvvve fabric and quilts. My grandmother started me on this love by making me a quilt using fabric my mother had left from the dresses she had made me. So not only do I have the quilt, my dress patches are in their for a special memory. I also have quilt patches from my other grandmother who never finished putting them together. So excited to hear about your fabric and spoon flower!
Many years ago, as per our Christmas holiday tradition, my best girlfriend and I exchanged gifts. As we handed each other the wrapped gifts, we noticed that the gifts were of the same size. It turns out that each of us had purchased your Christmas Joy book to give to the other! Thank you for sharing your many talents.
Ha ha ha, best friends forever!
The quilt is gorgeous, I would love the chance to win it. Spoonflower sounds inspiring, I’m off there now to have a look!
Wonderful information! Sounds like the possibilities are endless! Thank you! Happy Day!
Congratulations and happy anniversary! I understand international readers can’t enter the giveaways (these are heavy gifts!) so this is just to say that I think you are amazingly generous; how can you bear parting with this beautiful quilt? 🙂
I only own one of your books (A Fine Romance) and love it dearly; I do so hope that you will write a book after your trip to Scotland, please please do! 🙂
Paula
Oh yes you can enter, we want everyone. Someone from France one the last one! So, as of now, consider yourself entered and good luck!
I just sat down and read the newest Willard and blog post! Wonderful as always. As I’m reading I can’t wait to see what you have to say, but at the same time I keep thinking “I don’t want it to end!”. lol I LOVED The Fairy Tale Girl and can’t wait to read the new one. I am hoping to get it for Mother’s Day. If not I will have to treat myself. You are so generous with your giveaways! As a hobby painter receiving that used paintbrush and bookmark would be the biggest thrill!
Oh dear Susan, how you make my heart so happy. Thank you a hundred times over for bringing joy and beauty to all you girlfriends. We love and adore you. Happy anniversary!
Good morning, love the fabrics…and the colors. Lovely! xxoo
Oh boy! I’m over the moon over this lovely giveaway and wishing on a star that it’s me!
Hi Susan! My mom, Brenda, and me just LOVE YOU! In fact we had a “star struck” moment together in Vineyard Haven in which we saw your Fine Romance can roll right past us one June! We squealed in delight and chased after it (my mom says I flew across the parking lot)! By the time we reached it… Joe had already gotten out and walked into the grocery store. We didn’t dare approach him because we didn’t want to appear crazy! Haha! So instead we took pictures together with your van! People stared at us in the parking lot. We were just so excited to have a NEAR encounter to our Vineyard hero, Susan Branch! We squealed about this the entire day and rest of our trip on your beautiful island! I have our picture with your van hanging on my fridge. BEST MOTHER DAUGHTER MEMORY EVER! Thank you for your wonderful cookbooks, teapots, fabrics, and I even have your little Christmas countdown blocks (oh by gosh by jingle…time for carols and Kris Kringle)… Thank you for your dream inspiring books. Such a treasure to me… And an inspiration! I dream of living on the Vineyard! (Heck I’d settle for off island Woods Home!). Best of luck to you Susan…always! Love, Marisa
Woods Hole…. Not woods home! Ha!
I wish I could somehow paste our funny van pictures on here!? You’d probably get a chuckle!
You win for darlingness this morning Marisa! Thank you!!!
That is a wonderful compliment! Be safe on the road for your book signing! I will be on a trip with my son, Riley, in NYC to do an East Coast tour (nyc, boston, philly and Washington) when you come to Austin on June 18th (the closest city to me on your tour!) Shucksy darn! I actually considered rescheduling my trip just for your book signing…but my dates are solid and couldn’t be changed.
That’s okay, sounds like you’re doing something very wonderful . . . we’ll have another time!
I’m halfway through Isle of Dreams…. love, love, love… and of course I’ve enjoyed all of your books. Thank you for your beautiful artwork, delicious recipes and lovely writing!
So exciting, love following along!
Just enjoyed reading the new Willard, and am dreaming of a picnic… Thank you!
Looking forward to seeing you in St. Charles MO!
I’m so looking forward to having a browse through Spoonflower. What a wonderful discovery…….I never cease to be amazed at the creativity of people. I really love quilts with a white background and would love to win this beautiful one or one of your fabulous books. Thank you from all of us for your generosity and beautiful spirit.
Congratulations for the 30th anniversary
Hi Susan!
I’ve been a fan for many years, and just finished “Martha’s Vineyard”. I then reread “A Fine Romance” and now will start over with “Fairytale Girl”; love, love, love all three books. Enjoy your book tour, and I hope you feel the love come back to you from all of us who get so much enjoyment from your work.
Books and fabric and Willards, oh my! Susan, you are soooooo much fun.
I am so excited about the availability of your fabric. Thank you so much for finding Spoonflower. Can’t wait to make some birthday napkins! See you in New Hope and will thank you personally!
I love to check your blog daily and see if there is anything new. When there is, it’s just like finding a rare wildflower!! Your writings are so cozy and spot on, they inspire me. Thanks for sharing your gift.
You are a true inspiration. Your creativity is over the top. I love everything you do. Now I must learn to quilt so that I can use your fabric! Safe travels on your book tour.
Well, I’m still reeling from your “Willard Loves Spring” email containing the news that your book trilogy has been optioned for a movie or TV series!! Holy cow! That is Fan.Tas.Tic!!!! Fingers crossed things go smoothly and we’ll see your stories onscreen! Wouldn’t that be a great way to fill the Downton void?? #Love!
I would love it! (I think!) 🙂
Families are like Quilts lives pieced together. Stitched with smiles and tears
Colored with memories and bound by love. I love Quilts!
Pam Schippe
Just before I read your blog this morning, I read my daughter’s. She was announcing her second fabric design submitted to Spoonflower! Talk about coincidences. After reading your posting I have fallen in love all over again with fabrics and their possibilities. Sometimes when I’m feeling a bit low I go to my sewing space and rearrange my fabrics, stroking them and sharing with them all the possibilities they present, and then I’m a new girl again.
Spoonflower… Made in America…yes! choices of fabric…yes! supporting the creative process…yes! Giveaways…yes, yes, yes! Thank you for sharing your graces with all of us and God bless. May spring bring joys abundant.
Tell your daughter I said Good Luck, Sharon! Thank you!
I’m soooo excited !!!! I will get to meet you on the 7th of May . I think after reading your books and your blog we must be sisters from other mothers lol we have so many things in common ! One thing we have in common is the love of kitty’s. I have two right now Prissy and Pittypatt and I’m about to get a kitten. I had been looking for a name starting with a P for weeks on the internet and had came up with nothing. The other day I was reading your book “A Fine Romance” for the umpteenth time and there it was the most perfect name ever !!! You can thank Joe for me because the new kitten will be Puddykins love love love this name ! see you soon.
Perfect! I’ll tell him, he has a kitty named in his honor! This will do him in! 🙂
Dear Susan,
I would love, love, love to win any part of your drawing. I just bought a quilt from your store, as I have many times before, and cherish them. And the seeds to have for my garden would be a treasure!
Thank you, for being so generous.
xoMary
I’ll hunt for more quilts as Joe and I drive across the country! Wish me luck!
Oh, Susan!! So happy for you!! That fabric is absolutely beautiful and WALLPAPER??? I LOVE wallpaper, but no one else does….except us girlfriends….we ARE the normal ones!!! Thank you for the chance to win that quilt….OMG…I would faint if Vanna chose my name. Old quilts feel so soft and cozy, like all the love that has been put into it is still there and you can feel it when you wrap up in it. Sending lots of love, tulips, lilacs and forsythia blossoms to you💗💗💗💗
Ps…if you get time watch Taylor Swift’s vogue 73 questions on utube. HER HOUSE….to die….we can see Taylor is also one of the normal ones.
I love Taylor Swift . . . xoxo
Good Morning, Susan, I can’t contain my excitement, Hudson, OH on the 5th, the generous love you share, your books, ( paint brush, bookmark, and seeds) and the beautiful quilt. ( I’m working on a new quilt now.) THE FABRIC !!! and the mention of Downton Abbey, ( I miss it so.) Kindred Spirits, for sure.
See you soon.
Wowzah!!!!!!!!! This fabric, wallpaper, etc. thing has me so excited I could dance a JIG! The possibilities are endless, YES! Oh my goodness, I don’t even like to sew, but it makes me want to if I can have fabric with your lovely designs. I love the bluebirds, especially. Have to have them to make an apron for myself.
Your kitchen in morning light is so beautiful. Thanks for sharing it with us kindred spirits.
Congratulations on 30 years, Susan, and a belated Happy Birthday to you, too.
Blessings,
GG
Hi to Susan and Joe from the English Rose Tea Room in Carefree, AZ ( I retired at the end of last year—14 years, but still keep in touch—I have a wonderful new direction—Grandma! Yay of Yays!) Jo is having a farewell to Downty extravaganza tomorrow at the Tea Room and customers will be in costumes and hats, be served afternoon tea, play Downty trivia, share photo ops with cardboard royals and win prizes galore. Knowing Jo, it will be a glittering tribute to our much-loved program. Details are at carefreetea.com with pretty pictures of the cast and also the latest royal photos. Safe travels to you both—Happy Annie, Happy birthday, happy trails! Love from Bev
You DID? I didn’t realize that! Thank you for the info Bev, happy grandmothering to you!
You are always so good to us!! Happy 30th Anniversary! 🙂 I can’t believe it has been that long! It seemed like just yesterday I would grab a chair, climb my tiny child-self up to the kitchen bookshelf, and pull out your books my mom had collected. I would spend hours looking at all the beautiful watercolor paintings- even trying to create my own book with beautiful watercolor paintings (with no luck!). Now all those books happily sit on my kitchen bookshelf <3 with hopes that someday my children will do the same! 🙂
XOXO
Dear Friend,
Celebrating the 30th Anniversary of The Heart of the Home is just part of why we all feel so festive. The book would not have been born without your willingness to share your many talents with the world, a world much in need of a little bit of happy, a little bit of color and a little bit of friendship. So the celebration is really for you my dear! It is a chance for each of us to say “Thank you” for loving life so beautifully and letting us go along for the journey. Joy and happiness to you!
Oh Deborah, tears in my eyes, it really is such a two-way street. Thank you! xoxoxo
So thrilled the new Willard is here. Your blog is a very bright spot that I always look forward to and share with friends. Thank you for your generous giveaways. Love your books! Much Love, Barbara
Happy Earth Day…I’m going to admire the Pink Moon tonight….Yes, I have your calendar right next to me…every day…TWEET-TWEET//TWEET! Everyone with an April, Heart of the Home, Calendar will look over at the little singing bird encircled with flowers and smile along with me. “Let’s all sing like the birdies sing” <3
I just looked at your gorgeous fabrics at Spoonflower and can’t wait to get my hands on some of it! I am an avid quilter and would love to sew up some of that pretty fabric. I could really relate to all you had to say in “The Fairytale Girl” as we are the same age. I am looking forward to “Isle of Dreams”! Thanks for the chance to win!
Hey Susan, I’m saving your newest book for our trip to Bermuda where I can soak in every word and picture. I guess this is odd, but I have been dying to see pictures of your first little vineyard house and hear about what your life was like even before you announced you’d be writing about it! I can’t wait! I suppose it’s because I want to vicariously live through you – a little cottage of my own, tucked away in the woods? Sounds like bliss….
Enthusiastically yours,
Jillian from RI 🙂
Oh this is the loveliest post. Your custom made fabric came just in time for my mother’s birthday! We adore you and our love for you has brought us closer. Thank you, Susan 🙂
I just finished reading Isle of Dreams. What a great story. Now the rest of the story some day? Love, Linda
LOVE! LOVE! LOVE! every one of the fabrics! The old quilt is divine! Keep doing what you do, and we’ll keep following you.
Wisteria seeds, books, a quilt – Susan, I am in giveaway heaven. How wonderfully, thoughtful of you. Even if I don’t win, I still have stickers and a bookmark that I received from you in a snail mail Willard many years ago! And all of your books, and calendars that I can’t throw away.
Oh Happy Day! Really….I LOVE quilts…the only blanket I have in my house is for my friend Donna when she comes to visit as she (gasp!) prefer a blanket to a quilt. And just when I’m thinking of maybe trying to create one…to have access to your fabric designs again???? Can’t get much better. Thank you for letting us know!
Hi Susan, I have been with you all 30 years keeping up with all your books and all your notes and tips to all of us. Recipes and all. Good food, good books, great trips, and just all and all great fun. I have enjoyed the ride and hope it never ends. LOVE IT !!! Thanks so much. Happy Earth Day! Thanks for all you do and a Big Thanks to Joe and Dad {Willard} for their encourgement to keep you going. Well done Guys. Hugs…
I believe in another life we were best friends or sisters! We share so much in common…living near the ocean, gardening, art, inspirational sayings and thoughts, California ties. I could go on. Oh, and my husband’s family is from paradise…Martha’s Vineyard.
I love reading your blog. It’s a nice bit of sunshine on an otherwise gloomy day. I’m soooo excited to see your quilting fabric coming back! Now I now what project to tackle over summer vacation.
What a delight it was to meet Willard. Thank you for sharing your world with us. Every corner is filled with cheerful, lovelies that just make me smile.
Your words, pictures and art have brightened my day. Thank-you.
Happy 30th Anniversary! I am amazed at your generosity and the pure love you put out into the world; May it come back to you tenfold.
At a time when I am near losing all hope in humanity, you are a beacon of light!
Also, LOVE the birds! 🙂
Meet the other Girlfriends on this blog and it will fill your heart with more hope than you imagined even existed. xoxo That’s a promise. Thank you dear Lisa!
Congratulations on 30 years! Enjoy your trips for the rest of the year – I can’t wait for the Scotland Adventure book!
THANK YOU! THANK YOU dear Susan for the opportunity to find your fabrics. When my first granddaughter was born…13 years ago…I wanted to make that darling little “hat” quilt/wall hanging for her. I searched several states and finally found a store, in Oregon! This will be perfect!!
Susan … because of your inspiratiion I have started to collect vintage quilts … it started with one and now I am up to six!! Been thinking I should “stop” … but it has to be a really special-looking quilt for me to say “Yes, to the quilt”… now!
Wishing you and Joe a safe journey through your two month book tour … lucky girlfriends who will be meeting you!
I decided to savor each page of your book .. reading only 3-4 pages a day… mostly because I don’t want it to end! The other two books I couldn’t put down but have re-read them. Much Love and Aloha to you .. Evie in San Diego
They look wonderful stacked up on tops of hutches, in baskets and cupboards, draped over couches and beds, hanging over bannisters and chair backs. True bang for the buck and a bit of history all in one. xoxo
Maybe I shouldn’t … but I have been using my quilts as table linens!! Also … feeling better about washing them in the delicate cycle with cold water … what kind of laundry detergent do you use .. recommend? Thank you in advance!! Xo Evie
Love the fabric designs!
I love Spoonflower! Such a fun idea to be able to get your designs there! And I LOVE this quilt–whoever wins it will be lucky indeed! Crossing my fingers . . .
Hello! My Willard came in yesterday afternoon; what fun reading it. I have many of your wonderful books, including the trilogy: Fairy Tale Girl, Isle of Dreams, and A Fine Romance; beautiful, warm, funny, wise, filled with lovely art and photos.They all deserve Amazon Review’s 5 stars! I have a bit of trouble posting to this blog, I don’t seem to show up; but if there is still room for the drawings, please count me in. I will be delighted to win anything (books, which I’ll gift to like-minded girlfriends as I already own, or or quilt), but will cheerfully congratulate the lucky ladies who do win. That’s all for now, I’ll keep reading, so please keep writing!
You’re in Rosemary!
Congratulations on 30 years! I have all of your books, and I framed many of your recipes that used to appear in Country living magazine! Not only do I love your artwork, I love the way you make us all feel. In this uncertain world, you give us the balance we need to keep moving forward, and to be sooooo thankful for all of our blessings. My longtime girlfriend is moving away, so I got her a copy of your girlfriends book, so we will have that to remind us of all the happy times ahead, and to remind her we will always be close…even though she will be 900 miles away. Thank you for always being there for us!
Nancy
Awful to have a best friend far away . . . they are not replaceable! xoxo
I love all you do, and make! I can’t think of better gifts, please enter me. I was so excited when my Willard arrived, couldn’t wait to read it!
Happy Spring!!
What a fabulous way to design your own fabric and wallpaper. Looking forward to hearing more about your trip to England & Scotland. Having grown up in the Lake District I loved reading your blog posts from your previous trip. x
Just finished reading “Martha’s Vineyard Isle of Dreams” for the second time. Next I will attempt the recipes! The book itself seems a recipe for a happy life.
I cannot image how you could top this book but please write another.
Hi Sue,
I read Martha’s Vineyard the evening I received it and then I started over and read it again. I would hate to definitely term it your great masterpiece, because who knows what you’ll write next, but for me I truly think you have outdone yourself. I love that on the dust jacket it is under “self help”. I think it should be required reading for all young women. It – and all your books – have the added bonus of being art journals. I found Heart of the Home in spring of 1987 in Chagrin Falls, OH when I was visiting my sister in law to help plan her wedding and I have followed you ever since. I cannot tell you how many of your books I have given as gifts. I know each of your book/calendars/notecards, etc is a work of art, but I always wish there were more, faster! Can’t wait to go on your trip with you. I have met you at events in California before, but unfortunately, I will not be able to see you this year. Thanks so much for sharing your life with us, Sue!
Love, Sue from Simi
Hi Susan,
Just finished your new book. You did such a wonderful job, again!! I always read your books over and over again. I do wonder how Joe puts up with how much you write about Cliff – I understand that was a bit of your life, but I would like to hear more about Joe, he seems like such a doll. (just saying). Love, love, love our books, and keep up the good work.
Vicki
Oh, Susan – I cannot tell you how much joy your Willards and your blog posts bring to my life! Thank you for the lovely pics of your kitchen, with the morning sun shining rosy tints along your shelves, and little pretties. And how refreshing to see linens flying on the sea breezes! I cannot keep the smile off my face.
The Scriptures tell us to “Think on These things” … whatsoever is true, pure, lovely, honest, good … (Philippians 4:8). Well, your books, your blogs, your Willards, your art, and your words … all of these fit the bill, my dear! Thank you for this!!
Happy Trails, as you travel on your book tours, and simply as you live your lovely life.
Debbie
Happy Anniversary and wishing you safe and superb travels as you depart on your book tour. Road trip to the 10th power! 🙂
Another lovely surprise. Love the Spoonflower business idea. Now, I just have to decide what I want first from the endless choices.
Today I pre-ordered the 30th anniversary edition of Heart of the Home.
You contribute so much joy to our lives, Susan. Thank You!
I just finished reading Isle of Dreams and it was as wonderful as Fairy Tale Girl. I can’t wait to read A Fine Romance!
Happy 30th Anniversary! I so look forward to stopping by to visit you. Every visit is filled with uplifting images, thoughts and ideas. The fabric! Oh, I love the fabrics. My imagination and your fabrics ~ let’s see what I can come up with now. Thanks for all that you do.
I just love your books, blog and Willard. I can’t wait to follow you on your journey’s over the upcoming months. Next I’ll be looking at those fabrics.
beautiful quilt!
Hello Susan, greetings from Toronto! I love reading your blogs and always look forward to them. You feel like a best friend that I have never met. I am a wife, mom, retired nurse and kitty lover (have two, just like you). I have had your calendars for a long time and have a Days book that I kept as a journal for several years. I now keep it in my drawer and pull out once in a while and reread to reminisce the happy times when my two sons were growing up. Such a treasure. Thank you for all you do and I look forward to reading about your up coming book signings and adventures. Any chance of visiting us in Canada in the future?
I will definitely be checking out Spoonflower, after leaving my comment. Prayers said for you and Joe to have safe travels and wonderful adventures on your book tour! Blessings, Marie
Congratulations! What a blessing to be able to do what you love for 30 years! I love reading your blog and the Willards are a treat! And Spoonflower! That is awesome! Thanks for being the best girlfriend ever!
Aloha and Congratulations on so many years of lovely art work. I can’t believe all the different fabric prints you have designed. Just love them! Love “Isle of Dreams” as well. Almost finished with the book but just taking my time as I don’t want it to be over. So refreshing and yet so familiar with all the little things that remind me of the simple pleasures, in life. SO BLESSED!
Thank-you Susan, you are an inspiration!
Aloha,
Susan from Maui
I love your Willard newsletter and I just love your drawings and prints. I also like quilts and I am looking forward to looking at the Spoonflower fabrics. Your new book sounds soooo good. I have never been to Martha’s Vineyard but it sounds like the best place. I enjoy seeing your pictures of your home and yard especially in the spring and winter. Thanks for the great giveaways.
Chris
Love your Willard newsletter! Thank you for sharing!
Thank you for sharing about Spoonflower. So excited to check it out and start some sewing projects. LOVE your books! Waiting for a coloring book – oh, things would be complete with a Susan Branch coloring book 🙂
Thank you for introducing us to this amazing shop. I know many girlfriends that will be very excited to visit this site. Have a wonderful book tour!!
I’m about halfway through “Martha’s Vineyard Isle of Dreams” and loving it! I am instantly transported to a nostalgic land by your words, pictures and quotes. I can’t wait to see how the rest of the story unfolds.
Oh, Susan! You make me laugh! You make me cry! You’re enthusiasm is so infectious! Happy to hear about your fabrics. I’m not much of a sewer myself, but I do enjoy hand sewing little cute things for the home. I made your cupcake under glass “eat dessert first” tea towels a few years back as Christmas gifts for my nephews. Very cute!
Thank you so much for your blog and “Willard” and all that you do. I can’t tell you how exciting it is when I get a reply from you!
Love,
Laurie and the Six Pack =:3
Introducing us to all of the beautiful and whimsical items on your window sills, shelves, tables, stove and more reminds me of so many cherished small things from my mother and grandmother. My girlfriend, Mary Margaret, said, “I grew up in a house where nothing was valuable, but everything was precious.” Your photos and descriptions of the many delightful fabric samples and beautiful quilts really touch the heart. Through your writing, we are all winners. 💕
Dear Sweet Susan,
I printed off my Williard last night and enjoyed savouring every word. I could see from the Williard that you must have posted another message on your blog. I opened your blog this midday to find your beautiful post. The fabrics were beautiful! So happy that you shared about Spoonflower and about all the different media that they produce design on. How exciting and how endless the possibilities. Congratulations on the 30th anniversary of “Heart Of The Home”. I enjoy mine and am looking forward to buying the new and expanded version when it comes out. I am looking forward to the wonderful drawing coming up and congratulations to the lucky girlfriends who won the last drawing. When you think that it can’t get any better you always find a way of topping yourself. How exciting is this drawing going to be. Vanna, keep my name in your thoughts as you place your fingers in the lucky drawing bin and wear your prettiest dress. I received my strawberry placemats from French Garden Home and they were perfection. I can’t believe that handwork embroidery can look so perfect that it looks like a machine did it. When you have a free moment go on the internet and read about the Marghab embroidery company and look at the sites that have pictures of their work. It is so sad that it closed in the 80’s. Their work is beautiful. When French Garden Home sent my package they enclosed a tea sample in a card shaped like a teacup in a blue china pattern. The company is Dammann and they have it on Amazon. The flavor is THE NOIR parfume 4 FRUITS ROUGES Flavored Black TEA with an accent on the e in the and one on the e in parfume. It is heavenly. It reminds me of the wonderful strawberry tea we used to be able to buy when we lived in Germany. The company also has a caramel flavor I ordered to try. Hope that all goes smoothly as you pack for your roadtrip-Booktour. Wish you were coming our way but in the Washington D.C. area the large chain bookstores make it difficult for independent bookstores to survive. But having been a professional book buyer-seller, you can’t beat the atmosphere and selection of a small family owned bookstore. Hopefully someday I will get to meet and have a girlfriends moment with you. Thank you for all the lovely sweet things you do for us.
Hugs & KissesXXOO
Your giveaways are the best! Congrats on 30 years!
Hi Susan,
Wow- this Spoonflower company sounds awesome. I’m a rug hooker,so please include your darling sheep design as a fabric. It could be used to make some darling gifts for my hooking friends. We love anything with sheep. Also, please include your labels as a choice because they could be use to label my rugs. Thanks for always thinking of ways to share with us. Yea, I get another chance for a paint brush! It would be so neat to paint with a Susan brush.
Have a great and safe book tour.
Labels went up 2 days ago . . . it takes a few days for them to go “live” on Spoonflower, look for them next week. xoxo
Beautiful quilt, fantastic books, charming Willard, generous spirit…! Safe travels as you roam the country – wob you too!