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!
Ohmygoodnessgracious. I am BEYOND THRILLED that this new cooperative you have set up is MADE IN THE USA!!! I am continually disappointed by VERY well known bloggers who start new lines of their wares and do not have them manufacturered in the USA. SO THANK YOU Susan, THANK YOU! I will definitely be purchasing from Spoonflower!!! And PLEASE OH PLEASE draw my name for this giveaway. I would die for this quilt. I sew quilts (very slowly) but have never had one sewn for me. I don’t have a grandma or aunt or mother that gave me any sort of heirloom. I would consider this my first! (No more pitying- haha). Love you and hope to meet you in Denver!
Hi Susan, with my kitty Cheddar in my arms, getting his daily lovin I just wanted to say how I look forward to your blogs. They are always so cheerful! I received your book “Martha’s Vineyard, Isle of Dreams” last week and I am loving it. I noticed the baby shoes in that picture! You had such courage to venture out on your own all the way across the country. I am glad you did because if you hadn’t we wouldn’t have these wonderful books to read and share your life! Thank you for all you do for us girlfriends. Love to you, Joe, Miss Kitty and of course Jack!
P.S. Would love to win of the giveaways!
Oh, my stars, Susan! What a dream come true! Am I sleeping or is this for real ’cause what could be better than Susan Branch fabric that I can order online? Holy! I am beyond the moon excited! And, then I wonder HOW you can be so generous as to share a quilt with some lucky ducky. And a trilogy of books….actually the wisteria seeds would be a prize all in itself too! So very exciting!!!!! Party on, dear Soul! You sure do brighten our days~
Spoonflower opens new realms. I’m already making a list of future projects!
Hello Susan! Happy Anniversary and a Happy Birthday too! (It IS April isn’t it?) I would love to win ANYTHING at all simply because it comes from YOU! By the way, LOVING Martha’s Vineyard Isle of Dreams. Laughed right out loud about you in the dune buggy feeling like Wilma Flintstone!! Get myself nice and comfy/cozy every night and read until I fall asleep. Such a great way to end the day! The only problem? Now getting to the end of the book. I DON’T want it to end. Safe travels to you and Joe in your cross-country journey.
SO glad that you found Spoonflower, and that we can order your fabric!!! So happy! I love your work and have been a fan for a very long time! Hope I win, but even if I don’t, I feel like a winner knowing your fabric is available to purchase!
Heaven…I’m in Heaven…FABRICS!!!! I’m so excited and can’t wait to order some. I have lots of fat quarters of your stuff that I picked up on Ebay, but alas, no more to be found there now. But this is the best news!!!!
See ya in Asheville 🙂 xoxo Jacqui
Susan,
Happy Spring and best wishes for a fun and safe road trip!
I hope to see you in Pasadena on June 8!
Susan Branch you make our days so bright! Thank God for you and your wonderful creative brain!!!
I love, love, love this idea! 🙂 So much fun. And I might have to have some of the toile … and some of the Christmas fabric … this makes me want to quilt, myself! Thanks, Susan! 🙂
Susan,
I quickly glanced at this blog post on my lunch break today (it’s a really busy week, but a “good” busy! I plan to go back and re-read tonight) I almost fell out of my chair when you wrote about Springs Industries! The old Springs Mill is about 11 miles from house! When I was in college, I started out as a Fashion Merchandising major and as a project, I actually toured Springs and watched the steps of how cotton bolls are transformed into fibers and fibers into fabric. The folks there were very kind and accommodating. My father was also in the textile industry as he was a sales rep for a paper tube company that produced the paper tubes on which bolts of fabric were wrapped before they were shipped. How sad the textile industry is no longer what it used to be but it will always have a special place in my heart as it provided a career for my daddy and food for our table!
Thank you for another wonderful post and stirring up wonderful memories…:)
Martha Jean
Oh, I can feel your excitement! Other options are always wonderful. The antique quilt is beautiful and bright, just like you!
Susan-
I can’t believe it’s been 30 years since your first book! I bought it that first year and have loved it ever since (and bought for others). I would love to read your newest books – as we are from the same hometown 🙂 Graham’s Art store was my absolute favorite store to go and wander! Safe travels!
Ooohing and awwwing al the way from Gualala CA today… Along with a happy dance💫👍🌟🎈 I especially need the Birtday🎈❤️🎂Fabric. I loved the book! Finished it in one day. 😊Now all we need is a Susan Branch coloring book☺️🌟🙃
Not one uncreative bone in your body! Thank you for sharing the background of the fabrics. So exciting!
Looking forward to the fabrics AND checking out Spoonflower! Plan to share this with my ASG group this evening!
What a gorgeous morning God splashed throughout your kitchen! We’re enjoying a deliciously warm spring in the Pacific NW filled with color. Your lovely quilts dancing on the line have been saved for a painting one day. Someone will enjoy one of those sweet bits of grandma…hope it’s me!
Susan, I love your PINK kitchen. I am so happy to see that your fabric prints will be available again (now to decide which to get).
P.S. I’m almost done with your new book. I don’t want it to end.
Your early morning sunrise pictures are beautiful! Early risers win!!
Thank you for another delightful post! It is exciting to see your fabric designs available on Spoonflower!
Thanks Susan!! For your blog and your books and your positive outlook on life, You are a sunbeam in my day. Always an uplifting, cheerful…… well, I could go on and on. Just Thanks!
This is music to my ears. I just pulled out my collection of your fabrics last week. I love them so much, I have used them so many times. I was sad that they were almost gone. I LOVE Spoonflower! When I started reading this it popped into my head before I even read down a bit. It’s a PERFECT idea, just perfect!! If it’s tea time or baby, or flowers we want we just order. I LOVE this idea!! Brillant! And price, well I have sewn for over 50 years, you get what you pay for, if I am going to spend my time making something wonderful, I want quality, if it’s a few $$ more, so be. Sounds wonderful! I get to see you on the 30th in Plainville!
Dear Susan,Your new book is wonderful. I just could not put it down.To think we can now get all that lovely fabric.Like you I fell in love with the quilt my mom gave me that was my grandmothers. When I take it out I think of the her and how it had to be a prize possession. It is baskets of tulips filled with lambs wool.So fragile these days.I thank you for all the wonderful inspiration you give us.Enjoy your book signings.Mary Elizabeth
I love the simplicity of antique quilts. I do love what is happening in the quilt world today with art quilts but the antique quilts and the newer “modern” quilts are wonderful in their simple blocks and quilting. And, YEA for Spoonflower. I have been hoarding scraps of your fabrics and now I can get more for a special quilt or two.
Susan, Thank you for your wonderful books and ideas, your generous sharing of ideas, and now, Spoonflower Susan Branch products as well as creative options for us all.Enjoy your book tour, wish Maine was on the schedule.
Oh, Susan! However do you leave your beautiful home and garden for 2 weeks, let alone 2 months!! I’ll be doing that a year from now (weeks, not months) and I’m anxious already- not In a good way😟 The song from Camelot- If Ever I Would Leave You- comes to mind. So much in my little corner of the world! There is something to see every season on your island and I’ve so enjoyed seeing it all from the cozy chair in my family room. I look forward to your next adventures in England. It amazes me how many places you go and see!! Thank you for sharing with with all the chicks back home. Thanks for the new Willard, too!
Can’t wait to read your new book! Just received it in the mail yesterday.
Happy Belated Birthday!
Love the new fabric and book! Received mine in the mail. I am the girlfriend who emailed tattered cover and suggested that the store have you come and speak ! Would be so grateful to win the drawing !!!💖
I just finished M. V. Isle of Dreams also and was sorry to see it end. It was indeed enchanting! I was surprised to see the chapter about your family history. I am a Foster by marriage and we too have a Foster that went to Harvard years and years ago, and a female relative that was the victim of the Salem Witch Trials. Our geneaology trip back East was fascinating. Am looking forward to following your “across the pond” trip. We went to Ireland in June and it was amazing. Best wishes to you on your upcoming travels!
Love your new ideas for fabric especially the bird one. Hope to see it soon for sale.
Wow so much going on. Happy Anniversary Susan!!
I am excited about all the new things you have coming out.
Thanks to FOSB I have the greatest penpal in S.C. We write almost every week.
So, pick me, pick me, I would love to share my prize!
Fun way to get unique fabrics
I love your creativity and you inspire me! Thanks for keeping your dreams alive for all to share!
Hi Susan!
I just finished “Isle of Dreams” and loved it as much as I loved the other two. My mother in law is going through radiation for breast cancer, and I’m sending it her way to read as she recovers (she’s the one who introduced YOU to ME, but I’M the one who introduced the trilogy to HER!). Thank you for sharing your life with us, it’s been a treat. See you in Salt Lake City on May 24!
So much information today!! And, all of it GOOD! 🙂
Thank you! Thank you!
I had to laugh at your ideas for your ‘idyllic worlds’ because I always thought it would be great to be a ‘Mrs. Claus’ baking cookies in a little gingerbread house during the Christmas season so the shoppers along some little Main Street somewhere USA could bring the kiddies in for a treat! Oh! Well!
Love you and everything you do!
Your values, ideas and lifestyle are so wonderful to read. Love your inspirational photos, too! Enjoy seeing and reading about your furry purries 🙂 Many thanks .
Congratulations Susan on so many dreams come true…all I want is your paintbrush!!! Thank you for making this world a better place…and for sharing, dianab
I love seeing all fabric and quilts!
Oh my. The fabric came just at the right time. I need tiny designs, in pastels! I liove quilts and would love to win! Cheers, Barbara in Lodi, CA
I love the fact that your fabrics can be purchased again! That makes my heart sing!!!
I’m so excited for you (and for us)!
I love the thought of being entered to win the books or the fabulous quilt. Thank you for your generosity. And now I’m going straight to Spoonflower to check out the fabric! Oh, the possibilities!
I LOVE this quilt–what a wonderful give-away! And what a wonderful idea the fabric is! I see quilts, aprons, all kinds of articles for home decorating–the possibilities are endless!!!! 🙂
Yes, yes, yes, sign me up!
As always, Sue, darling post, wonderful news and much inspiration!
Thank you!
Leslie
Marysville, WA
Thank you for another “Willard”, your latest book, (which I tried to make last as long as possible, but 2 days and I was finished) and your blog, which I check for almost every day.
I am so looking forward to your next trip. I am an “armchair traveler” and I am excited about “our” next adventure!
Sign me up Susan, maybe I’ll get lucky! I need to reread this blog, will for sure look into Spoonflower. Do you just say I could have a picture of my puppy and kitty on fabric? Looking forward to Willard. Thanks, Debby
My Dear Susan,
What a lift you give to my day! Thank you. I hope to see you in Wilmette.
Love, Linda joan
What a great blog to read today! Of course I had to go right to the fabrics and I see pillow cases in my future for Christmas gifts.
Cannot wait for the London collection!
Thank you, thank you, thank you for sharing your talent in yet another way 🙂
Julie
I absolutely love the quilt. I would love to wrap myself in it while I am getting my treatments. I can’t wait to meet you in June here in Georgia. Someday I still hope to come and visit your island. I am half way through the new book and I am enjoying it as much as the others. Have a safe trip and I will see you in June. Brenda
Happy Anniversary! Oh happy day! Another giveaway. Another chance to dream. Oh how I love living in my Susan Branch world. Louie (the cat in residence) and I already are dreaming about snuggling under that gorgeous quilt. Snuggle time!
Your joy is practically leaping through the computer screen and it’s infectious! I’m so happy you get back a part of your artstory (art +history) and we can, too!
A willard question: should I be signing up each time? Because I’ve received one issue in the last 18 months I think, but maybe not? I know I didn’t get this one or the last one. I just luckily clicked on my bookmark today.
Off to check out the new place and sigh over the Susan art!
Willard takes 4 days to go out . . . maybe yours just hasn’t come yet? Be sure you check your spam folder, once in a while Willard takes a detour!
Oh, that Willard…should have taken the left turn at Albuquerque, eh?
good morning Susan, good morning girlfriends, it is a lovely morning here, the sun is out and its a perfect day for drying sheets and pillowcases on the line. I love going to fabric stores for fabric stashes, and I love that lamb print, perfect for a baby quilt, with maybe some little yellow ducks. my little escape artist is getting pretty good at getting out of the nursery, kept me hopping all day yesterday to run out and catch it and put it back in the nursery, may have to have a serious talk with the little one about why it is in the nursery now and why it is safer there. our rooster is busy with the hens, or as my grandfather would say busier than a one-legged man at a butt kicking contest… LOL!!! the tractors chug on by in the morning for the gas station, and chug on back to their fields to get them ready for planting, soil is warming up and it is time for spring planting. with luck this weekend we will rototill the garden for the first time, we do it about 2-3 times to get all the weeds and get the dirt loosened up for planting. definitely pumpkins and squash are on the list as are tomatoes and beans and peppers, and corn. and this year a higher fence around the gardens to prevent the deer from making snacking raids on the gardens. I’d love some of those wisteria seeds to start a few plants and grow them around the chicken yard and henhouse. and maybe one along the fence by the “bad neighbor” since he will not clean up the trash in his yard, I won’t have to smell it!!!! LOL!!! well its bread baking day, have about 4 loaves to bake today, I love baking bread, the whole house smells so good. plus I have to get 3 recipes from a neighbor, 1 for spicy pulled pork, 1 for bacon wrapped pork loin roast and I plan to try her sandwich bread recipe today, along with her herb butter recipe… nothing like hot bread with herb melting on it… yum!!! have a great day everyone, Happy Anniversary and Happy Quilting. hugs….. 🙂
Pat, I always enjoy reading about your life. I look for your comments. It’s like your famous;) hee hee
I just finished reading The Fairy Tale Girl and loved it. Can’t wait to read Isle of Dreams. I loved A Fine Romance – have given it as a gift to my close friends. They love it too!
I always look forward to new blog post! Anticipating the new Willard this week as well. Always makes me smile. Thanks, Susan.
It always brightens my day to see a new Susan Branch post…I enjoy every word! Your photos of the sun-kissed kitchen are a delight and the fabrics are just so beautiful. Thanks for letting us know about Spoonflower! Now I’m off to see if Willard has arrived…can’t wait to read it! Have a lovely day!!
Susan Branch’s pretty designs on fabric again! Hooray!!!!!
dear susan….You HAVE been busy my friend!!!! WOW!!I can hardly wait to flip over to Spoonflower and check it out….a thrill for you and all of us!! I love the springtime photos, especially the sheets and quilts flapping in the breeze….reminds me of my childhood and helping my mom hang and then bring in the laundry that dried out on the clothesline….that is a scent you never ever forget….A perfect blog for the perfect happy spring day….and a lovely sweet giveaway…I have always said that people should do as their parents say….great advice Blog Daddy….. you are a wise man….
It seems impossible but only 26 days until Main Street Books in St. Charles, MO……but who’s counting????….me! me!! me!!!!!!!!!……
Thank you a sensational blog…I am checking my email every hour to hopefully find Willard…. a banner day!! off to look at Spoonflower….
love, cindy
Just love all your artistry, in your books, on your fabric, everywhere! So excited about this new technology! If we lived closer we would surely be BFF’s! Love your attitude about life, and loving! God bless you Susan!
Thank you for introducing us to Spoonflower. I have quilted but my favorite fabric store closed and I sort of lost my interest when I could not find fabrics I liked. Spoonflower sounds like the perfect solution. Will definitely check it out.
This is just too much inspiration to absorb in one week–the new book, Willard, and the beautiful fabrics! My, you have been busy, Susan! I’m familiar with Spoonflower in that I saw an idea online awhile back and sent for their sampler. I want to make a fabric print using my (deceased) Mom’s handwritten recipe cards and then sew up some aprons for me, my sister and my daughters. Would make a nice family heirloom, don’t you think? But I digress…
I’ve used a lot of your fabrics before but now I’m overwhelmed with the new choices–so many ideas of what to do with them! I may start easy with table linens for the patio with the MV toile. Love that one. My sewing machine will be getting a good workout this spring/summer once I figure out what/how much I want. Oh and wrapping paper too.
Exciting times for you and all the girlfriends, especially with the new book tour starting soon. Looking forward to finally meeting you in late June.
My best and thank you! xoxo
Wow, with Spoonflower it looks like the skies the limit! Your Bird pattern puts a smile on my face. I would like to see it printed on a ceramic mug! Happy 30th Anniversary to Heart of the Home!
All good news here. Always. Headed over the web to look at Spoonflower and get even happier! Sending love and blessings from here on the farm where it’s in the 80’s and all the marigolds are dancing for joy!
Quilts!! I just love them and the stories they tell. After reading this I’m thinking that you sent a Willard out and I have not seen it. I may need to do some checking on that. I surely don’t want to have missed it. Hope you have a wonderful spring day and thank you for being a part of mine.
I am learning a lot from you and hope to emulate your good example of being a good person. Thank you!
Words like yours mean that you have already made it! xoxo
What an exciting thing to have fabrics produced!!! And just in time, I pulled out my sewing machine and started sewing again. Thank you for everything.
Big, exciting P.S. — These nice folks at Spoonflower are located in Durham, North Carolina, just a hop on the freeway for me. Zip-a-dee-doo-dah!
Just got finished reading “Fairy Tale Girl” and I loved it!! Thank you, Thank you, Thank You!! Love everything you do – keep up the good work and can’t wait for the next book!
Just finished reading Isle of Dreams – enjoyed it so much I couldn’t put it down and read it in one day. It is very nice to know that we can get your fabric designs again. Love your blogs and Willard. Can’t wait until this most recent Willard shows up in my e-mail.
There are so many wonderful new ways to do things, and this fabric-on-demand is the latest and greatest. I never heard of such a thing and think it is just fantastic. You presented so many super sweet ideas for using the fabric/wallpaper/wrapping paper! My mind is whirling now. You certainly do have a lot going on all at once, but it seems exciting. Best wishes on your book tour.
Wow Susan, what a joy to read your blog today, FABRIC, joy of joys!!!
I am a very keen quilter and stitcher , so to be able to buy your fabric as well as your books, is just too much!!!
Yes I agree, the Internet is indeed a revelation . Why without it, however would we have met?
Off to browse the fabulous fabric again……heaven!
Much love Gill xx
Just finished your Trilogy. And Timing is perfect. I am coming out of the fog from my husband’s passing and now I’m trying to figure out how to start the next chapter without him. Meditation I am learning.Daily exercise to work off the church food friends and loved ones have so generously delivered are a start for my new chapter. I am looking forward to hopping in your suitcase for another Adventure in England. I hope to see you at your book signing in Memphis. Your Christmas ribbons fabric I ordered today and it will be the backing for a needlework stocking I finished. Thank you for all the love you send through your work. Looking forward to more inspiration.
Karen L., Thinking of you and hoping the fog keeps lifting and leaves happy memories in its place. xoxo
Oh my goodness! Fabric on demand…what a concept! I can just see the curtains, pillows, quilts, and other lovelies I’d make with your prints! Am enjoying Isle of Dreams tremendously. I’ve been trying to read it slowly to soak it all in, but it’s still going too quickly – I just can’t put it down!! My fingers
Adore your little bird fabric – am I correct in understanding that it will be coming soon? Such sweet pillow cases!!!!
Thank you, thank you, thank you for the fabric. My quilting friends and I have been lamenting recently about the lack of Susan Branch fabric. And now TA-DA here it is. Loving, savoring and trying to make Isle of Dreams last as long as possible.
Hi Susan,
Love the pics of your home. So inspiring. Thank you for sharing about the company Spoonflower. I can’t wait for the “I Love England” collection. I think I have discovered another downside though. Choosing what to buy! All your designs just make me smile.
As a this was brought up ages ago thought, I think Valerie Bertinelli should play you when you have a TV series or movie. Just saying and if someone else has already suggested it I’m just agreeing then. 🙂
Still waiting for your new book to arrive! I am soooo jealous so many people have already read it! I check my mailbox every day! Planning to see you on May5th @ the Learned Owl in Hudson, OH. How wonderful your news about Spoonflower, I love knowing I can get your designs in fabric as I am a Dollmaker & I think I may still have a swatch of your cupcakes! Love, love, love all your books, Susan!
Oh My Gosh! I am so excited about this new fabric and it’s possibilities. Incredible! And I hope I win something, too. I must say that a quilt is such a labor of love, I love them. Thank you Susan. I love looking at them and seeing your paintings of them.
Это что-то невероятное! Как интересно узнать такую историю тканей! Ваше прекрасное фото в журнале! Удивительно!
С радостью приму участие!!!!
Alice
Intheorderofthings.blogspot.com
Dear Susan,
You are a ray of sunshine ☀️. For years now I have been following you and all you have accomplished! Congratulations on a successful career and finishing your books. I bought your first book Heart of the home years ago and I look forward to its new re-release. Thank you for sharing so much with us, your family, your pets your creations, recipes, Willard and your blog, your art etc … I will keep my fingers crossed that your books will be made into a miniseries on tv! How exciting… You live the life we all dream of… Keep dreaming your big dreams and sharing them with us💞
oh, my goodness!!!! why, Susan, i must say….life-with-you….just keeps getting better and betterer!!!!! wow. FABRIC!!!!! what I would love to have is the ones where your quotes seem to be…..wow……and, teapots…teacups…..oh, my! what can I say??? this is WONDERFUL to think of. mmmm. again….THANK YOU!!!! for just all-of-it!!!!! thank you….for being you! no one else could do-the-job….for sure! all love and best wishes for a safe, fun, wonderful journey as you cross the usa. you are loved.
Susan,
Love all you products! My house is full of your creations. Thank you so much for sharing with those of us who love your designs. Happy Anniversay, and hope you had a Blessed Birthday.
The internet can be a wonderful place, especially for a project like this. SO glad your fabrics are back!!
Well, lots of wonderful news. Love that your fabrics are now available online. Looking forward to many more lovely prints. I have some of the old ones and I’m embarassed to say I haven’t used them yet but one day I will find just the right project for them. I’m enjoying Isle of Dreams so very much. You are a natural born author and I’m enjoying you books as much as Gladys Taber’s. I’m losing sleep reading after I go to bed; hard to put the book down and it usually falls on my chest as I cannot hold me eyes open any longer. I’m about half way though it and I have laughed and cried and find it so engaging. Thanks for sharing your story. It is a doozy. xo
Hi Susan,
Just finished ISLE OF DREAMS and loved it! Now I’m going to reread A FINE ROMANCE. Thank you for letting us into your life and being internet girlfriends!
I have that exact same Best Maid needle pack with the kittens on it. I’m 45 and my mom had it the whole time I was growing up. There’s no telling how old it is.
I like the Spoonflower news – how fabulous and this a lovely cheery post – so much news – I’m overloaded! now off to read Willard. x
That is amazing about being able to have fabrics made when you want it! Too bad the price per yard is so high.
I started collecting quilts when I got one my great grandmother made. I just love them! I’d love to enter the drawing and I look forward to meeting you in person on tour in the coming weeks! Have a safe trip.
Hi Susan,
I’m so excited about your fabric designs making a comeback. I will have a hard time choosing!
Very excited to hear about your fabric at Spoonflower! Love your new book, and I am trying to slow down and savor it!
Hi Susan,
I received my new book last Saturday, just in time for my vacation week! How’s that for luck…a week’s vacation and I got to spend it with a friend.
I’m going to check out Spoonflower ASAP. It sounds fantastic!
Debbie
My sister is going to be so excited to see Susan Branch fabrics again; I’m excited for her!
Enjoy your book tour/road trip, then off across the ocean for more sights to see.
Your trilogy has been a journey for all of us. It’s as if you crept into our minds/journeys, yet you expressed it all with charm and joy.
Always, thank you.
Joy Joy Joy!!! So happy to see the fabric available this way! I am at the sewing machine quite often and have used all your fabrics in the past – – – have really been sad when they sold out, so this is a happy day. Congratulations on all of your book endeavors – – I would choose Zoey too!
Susan,
I just read Willard and your latest blog. It’s still morning and I am exhausted with all you are doing. And you are just a few years younger than me.
Love the fabric news. I’ll be telling my mini quilt group tonight when we meet. We recently began a blog just for our small group because one of our members moved all the way across country to North Carolina. Hopefully, tonight we’ll learn how to get pictures out of our phones or cameras and onto the blog. Hope our youngest member and blog starter is back from Italy to show us.
Have a great trip and hope to see you in Danville, CA.
Susan, like you I love quilts. All types. I was at an auction 2 years ago and purchased 15 Amish made quilts for $12-$15 each! It was in the winter, bad weather had come to eastern Iowa. There were very few people at the auction and nobody was bidding. The quilts are wonderful. They range in size from crib to queen. Even a sleigh quilt. The colors are such I can change them out with different seasons, so I can enjoy them year-round.
Your new fabric is beautiful! I was hoarding a yard of my favorite piece from your previous fabric but I recently sent it to a good friend who I knew would turn it into something lovely. I don’t sew like I once did.
Now I mostly do paper crafting (speaking of which, I have a few hoarded Susan Branch stickers but nobody is getting them).
You bring such beauty into our world. Thank you.
I’m beyond thrilled at the potential to once again obtain your darling designs on fabric!!! Especially because I now have a darling 19 month old baby granddaughter to sew little outfits for. 😍 Halfway through my second reading of your latest book and love love loving it. I will read it a third time just to admire the pictures and then I plan to re-read Heart of the Home 💕
Thanks for the link to Spoonflower! I naively clicked and an hour and a half later came to. What an inovative business! The imagination soars. Now I have to go back and trim down my selections.
I just finished my second reading Isle of Dreams. First for speed–what happens? Second for all the substance and texture–much slower. I am astounded and somewhat at a loss for words.The combination of the professionally designed tableau of drawings, quotes, photos and recipes with a painfully honest narrative of destruction and loss is unique. The effect is–what?! Here is where words fail me. Astounding? Touching? Provocative? Yes all of these and more
Thank for all of this and sincerest congratulations on a true work of art.
Susan,
love! Love! !LOVE! the fabric!! Thank you for pursuing that on the side of painting, writing, and photography!! Creating is what keeps my spirit alive and well!! and now I have your fabric to sew with! Awesome. Enjoy spring and Happy 30th!! See on May 13th!
Kathy
Oh, I am IN, I am IN, all the way! It’s a Susan Branch day, it’s a Susan Branch world! Books, art, food, journeys, and comfort. Happy Spring1
So excited about the fabric!! Can’t wait until I get back to start something new. Remember, My daughter, Nicole and I are sailing on the QE 2 and touring the Lake District in May. We are beside ourselves with anticipation. I don’t know how to fit 3 weeks of clothes in one suitcase. I will be taking your book with me. I hope the new one arrives before I leave.
Blessings to you,
Bernadette
What lovely give away prizes! I like gift away because they are really gifts from the heart!
Thank you so much for the information on Spoonflower…I’m not much of a sewer, but even I could manage something using your adorable fabric or something my grown children had drawn in their early years. I hope to make it to The Learned Owl in Hudson, OH to see you again.