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!
Love your fabrics but never been able to find them. Always looking!
Susan, my heart is beating so fast after reading your latest blog entry that I must lie down after writing this!!!!! I am a quilter and a quilt collector and I have many of your fabrics still in my stash, only to be used for special people and special projects. Now this newest fabric venture is too exciting for words and the possibilities are endless. I love this beautiful quilt you’re giving away—-you are so generous and take such good care of us! Thank you, thank you!!
Im about halfway through the new book, so I was delighted to see Agnes` shoes on the window sill. How sweet! I can’t wait to find out how it ends, but then I will be sad that the book ends! 🙂
Hi Susan! I am reading your book in little bits to make it last. It is so inspiring. People tell me I have talent, but I have very little self esteem when it comes to my art. Who knows why…but your book is doing wonderful things in helping me to overcome that. Thank you, thank you! Doubt I will ever be at your caliber, but just believing in myself is a fabulous start! You are wonderful! Love hearing about Spoonflower…that will be a great resource!
Mary
Happy to hear that Mary. Self esteem, it’s a problem. Just have to live with it, and do your art and make your dreams come true anyway!
Go Mary J!!!! xoxo
Hi, Susan! I LOVE vintage quilts so I am leaving you a comment so I can be entered in your drawing. I have subscribed to your blog for many years and enjoy hearing from you. I visited Martha’s Vineyard many years ago and believe it is heaven on earth!
Thanks again Susan for letting us into your life……you have some fun don’t you?
Love your fabrics…..I’m going to have to check out that website.
What a beautiful old quilt, Susan. As a quilter, I would certainly love to own it. I wonder what its history is, was it a quilt for a new bride? It definitely looks special. I still have some small pieces of your fabric collections and as long as I have some left, I like to include a piece in anything I’m making. But now that there is Spoonflower, I guess I will always have a piece or two. Happy Anniversary to Heart of the Home, I’ve had this book since it was first published and use it often. So many good recipes. We’ve sold our large home and are downsizing to about 1,000 square feet and I’ve had to get rid of so many things, but you can bet I’m taking all my Susan Branch books with me.
I love the fabric. All so beautiful.
As always, the blog and Willard bring a smile to my face and add joy to my day. I grabbed a cup of tea, sat down in the midst of a busy day and had some me time. You are so talented, creative and a beautiful person. Thank you for the small part of you that you share with us, it really does bring joy! Safe travels as you head out meeting girlfriends new and old as you share your beautiful books.
Thanks for the introduction to Spoonflower! I love the possibilities it offers, especially for putting some of your designs to use. As someone who spent summers on the Vineyard while growing up (decades ago), I appreciate the connection your blog provides to the Island and some of my most wonderful memories.
Susan – have the book – read a bit, but rationing it. It is wonderful and so beautiful. Love the fabric – I’m a fabric junky, oh and paper, and books.
Thanks for feeding the need!!
Have your new book here to read; can’t wait! Love the idea of Spoonflower. Thanks for introducing us and letting us know we can buy your fabrics there. My sister is the master quilter but reading all this makes me think maybe I should get out my needle and thread…
Oh, those fabrics and quilts….so inspirational!
I love vintage quilts! I have one that my mother gave to me when I was a teenager. She didn’t make it, but it is still very special to me. I so hope I can come to one of the bookstores during your tour! Thank you for being such an inspiration to me! XXOOXXOO
Oh wow!! You will do your kitchen/cookbook line in the fabrics-yes?! Oh I can see it now all over my kitchen lining everything…..ohhhh….the anticipation!! One regret in my life is not learning quilting for sure!! Im crossing my fingers and toes on this one as its my 30th (wedding) anniversary too!!!!
Wow! Wonderful blog today!! So exciting; Spoonflower sounds amazing! And I had to laugh because today I have been “sitting on a cushion sewing a fine seam”–stitching together a quilt. I love them, too! And wanted to learn how to make them. So, I will be checking out all your fabric, (since I can’t paint them, I’ll have to sew quilts)😊 Thank you!!!
Oh what a lovely give away – a quilt from you! How fun is that? Too fun!! Thank you.
Susan, this was such a interesting post. Who know you could design and have your own material. Thanks for letting us know. Am so looking forward to meeting you in Plainville on the 30th at the book signing. See you then!!!!!
Susan on fabric! I have died and gone to heaven. Thank you so much for finding Spoonflower.
Tuesday- April19, 2016
Hi Susan….
It is a beautiful day here, in Missoula, Montana. So lucky, to have these ” Spring. ” days,
to do spring cleaning & dig in the flower beds & gardens.
We don’t have salt air, but we sure have fresh mountain air!!!
Just checked, my e- mails & saw one from you! Time to take a break…. Thank you for
pictures, stories & ….the news about your fabrics…going to check out Spoonflower.com
Would like to make a ” churn dash ” block quilt, with your fabrics, to hang on a nice
white wash Quilt hanger.
Wishing you & Joe, a great trip … Across the US.
Luv, luv, luv, ” Martha’s Vineyard, Isle of Dreams.”
A faithful Susan Branch fan, Donna
I loved loved your new book . The illustrations were so sweet.
I share your books with my friends.
Hugs Cindy
Oh how I wish your book tour was coming to Oregon, but sadly it is not meant to be. I will be reading your new book and am enjoying your lovely pictures of your world over there on the east coast. Your fabrics are so enchanting I just love them.
Love, love, love the Vineyard Fabric and now so many ideas spinning through my head. Susan, you are the most creative, resourceful person on the planet!! Can’t wait to meet you on your Book Tour!
I am elated you are coming to The King’s English in May. The thought of finally meeting you makes my heart do cartwheels around my chest. Thank you for the light and beauty you bring to so many of us!!!!!
Love the teapot prints! I love quilts and have quilted in the past (no time anymore!). I also remember the “Curly-locks” poem you referred to with the “feed upon strawberries sugar and cream” 🙂
Love your fabrics!!
Always a joy to read your blog and your books. Loved your early morning photos and talk of quilts and fabrics. You are one creative elf!
I <3 fabric and quilts! Is Willard still being sent out? I have yet to receive mine.
Susan, I’m now inspired to make something with one of your beautiful designs!!! Cupcakes is absolutely adorable!!!
Susan, I love the information in this blog!!! My daughter is an artist (you and Beatrix Potter are two of her inspirations) and I love the idea of her designing fabric!!!! Wow! Thank you for sharing this! And BTW, we LOVE you!!!! 🙂
So very exciting!! Thank you for sharing your talent with all of us!! You are a blessing to many!
Kim
I have some of your fabric stashed away somewhere in my old house – I’ll have to dig it out and make something now that I’m reminded that I have it. And I’ll see you in St. Charles!
Wow! How exciting that your fabrics will be available again. Like you, I love quilts, too. I have several that my grandmother made and some that were purchased for me. Treasures, each and every one of them. And, let me say how much I love your blog posts. I feel like I am visiting with a friend in the time it takes me to read through your update. Thank you for that little break from the ordinary. Blessings to you, friend.
Wonderful post ….so excited about the fabric.
I met you last year in Shelburne, Vermont. It was a real thrill for me because I’ve been a fan for many years. I’m really happy to know that I can now purchase some of your design fabrics from Spoonflower. I will be ordering something today!
Loved hearing about Spoonflower AND your great ideas for personalized fabrics – oh, the possibilities!
Dear Susan,
How wonderful to think of your fabrics and all the possibilities they hold! On a bright but cool day in Vermont, my heart is full of your creativity and happiness.
Libby
Hi Susan! I love that birthday fabric. Picturing so many things I could do with it. Christmas fabric would be amazing. You’ve been a busy lady! Thank you for sharing your journey with us and continuing to inspire. Fingers crossed for that quilt! Already picturing it on my bed. ; )
Hi Susan
I love your photos ! So pretty and remind me of my grandmothers house
I’m so excited that your fabrics are once again available! Now I just need to learn how to quilt!! 🙂
I love connecting with New England and the beautiful way that you live every time I visit your blog! I am a knitter and a quilter (and a wanna-be writer) and you give me a wealth of inspiration. Thank you. I look forward to seeing you someday at a book signing! Have a wonderful spring and summer 🙂
You have just made my very sad day into a much brighter one. I love old quilts and fabric. I have a couple of quilts from my grandmother and one from my great grandmother. Nothing beats taking a nap under a quilt!
Wow! Susan.
My head is spinning. Your wonderful new book waiting for me to reward myself when I finish painting the kitchen, a new Willard in my inbox, the promise of blogs following your trip to England, and NOW, now you tell me there’s SB fabric to order on demand! Excitement overload here. Thank you for being in my life!
Hugs,
Judy
I had heard if Spoonflower before, but how exciting to get your fabrics “back in print!” Your prizes are very generous; I’m excited to be entered in the drawing…pick me, pick me!!
Oh Susan, I love your fabrics! Thanks for sharing.
My goodness…Spoonflower sounds like an absolute dream and my creative juices are gushing like a waterfall! Technology is wonderful and thank you for sharing this wonderful website. Love your fabric collections and look forward to seeing many more in the future.
I, too, received a quilt made by each of my grandmothers. They are some of my most precious belongings since both died before I was age 7. Fabric is to be hoarded and pulled out on those gray days when you can’t go outside to garden.
Hi Susan,
Oh, my! I do love the quilt, so pretty, old, faded and special. Thanks for the latest giveaway chance. So excited about the fabric place, and I can’t believe it’s Made in America!
Bless you,
Rebecca
I’m “saving” your blogs ( not reading them ) til I’m on an
upcoming business trip that I’m really not looking
forward to. That way, even though I’m away from my family,
I can have something pleasant to look forward to.
Also bringing my “Martha’s Vineyard Isle of Dreams”
to read on plane. 🙂
Thanks for being a girlfriend that travels well on the road !
I love the idea of your designs in “fabric on demand”! Makes my mouth water!!
Dear Susan,
I went on the SPOONFLOWER website to see your fabrics. Your fabrics are beautiful.
I am so happy that there is a place where I can buy your fabrics. Have a great day.
Sincerely, Alice
I still have a stack of your fabrics……I might be a hoarder of your fabrics! Ha Ha! Your fabrics were wonderful as our your artwork with quilts in them. I am a kindred spirit with you and your love of quilts! I have loved them since I was a girl as well and my grandma would open her cedar chest and tell me stories about every single piece she pulled out. It was enchanting and wonderful and I love those memories of her and I together!
Susan, I enjoy your snippets of wit and wisdom. Your postings are always so positive and uplifting! Thank you for sharing your talent with the world and thanks for sharing the scoop about Spoonflower. 😉
Dear Susan,
I don’t post much, but had to this time, forgive me, it’s a long one. I waited for my Willard, but “he” didn’t show up. I’d signed up quite a while ago and did receive one, but maybe my email addy got lost, so I signed up again (I have the hardcopy book of the old Willards and love them) and hope I’ll make it back on the Willards list again. I read Fairy Tale Girl twice through, back to back, when I first got it–Way Too Fast. So this time I tried very hard to take my time finishing Isle of Dreams, reading it as s-l-o-w-l-y as I could to savor all the beautiful pages and thoughts and everything. Then, of course I had to read A Fine Romance again, even though I’ve tried to save my re-read of that book for the month of June. All three books: Wonderful, heart-melting, hilarious, thoughtful story-telling, with the most beautiful art/photos I’ve ever seen. Thank you, Susan for sharing with us your great gifts of artistic genius mixed in with home-spun love and laughter. You provide the paths to walk down so we can see the kindness and humor and beauty that’s in the world, if we only know how/where to look. I would be thrilled beyond measure if the S.B. trilogy prize comes to me; since I already have my trilogy, I’ll gift the new one to a kindred-spirit girlfriend. I will love forever the Grand Prize quilt if I’m fortunate enough to have my name drawn for that. I have and cherish a quilt that my grandmother made for me when she was in her eighties and I was as baby (66 yrs ago now–eek! I don’t feel 66…). But if I’m not chosen, then to the lucky winners, whoever you are, I say Huzzah and Yay for you! Wonderful things! I’ll look for your 30-yr. anniversary book, and read with great pleasure all your adventures this summer and fall–on the road and Across the Pond. Sending you Love and all things Good! Rosemary
I always enjoy your blog and Willard so much. With all you’ve got going on this year I hope to stay in touch even more!
Fabric—-quilts!!! That’s my life.I am a quilter—i love love love fabric.
I made my clothes,then my kids clothes,but now..it’s quilts.
ANOTHER GOOD DAY BECAUSE –Susan was in my email!!!!!!!
Thank you for the inspiration.
My sewing room is calling…..
Sweet Sue, I have been a fan for all of those 30 years. Your cookbooks are dog earred and yellowimg around the edges…. me too,come to think of it! Thank you so much. You are a treasure to all your Girlfriends ❤️
Leslie in Maine
Dear Susan
Love the fabric web site! Love your designs!
Hi Susan,
An MV Toile?? I LOVE Toiles!! So Pretty 🙂
I’m very excited about your new fabric! I think I’m going to ask for some of your books for Mother’s Day from my kids. I have A Fine Romance but now I need the other two parts of your story!
Spoonflower! This is very exciting. I have been hoping for your fabrics to be available again for a long time. This is great news! I was looking through my papercrafting supplies recently and it occurred to me that I could be a hoarder because I have most of you stickers and some of your papers, but I am afraid to use them because I might not be able to find more of them. Problem solved with spoon flower! Yay! Yay! Yay!
Hi Susan, I just got your new book last night in the mail and I’m at work dying to leave and go home to read it! I’ve been an admirer for so long I cannot remember the exact date. I’m thinking late 80s. I’m not creative or artsy so I live vicariously through you. Love all of your work and your lifestyle is simply amazing. Lots of good thoughts to you and Joe and I hope you have a great road trip! Unfortunately you’re not coming to Seattle. Wah!
See you in Pasadena!
OH, yes, the lovely fabrics disappear to quickly. Spoonflower sounds like a wonderful option. Sounds like the quilter’s/homemaker’s dream shop of the future. Beginning now. I love your fabrics. They make me feel relaxed and happy. I’ll be looking for them on Spoonflower.
You make me laugh, giggle, sigh, sometimes cry and feel so connected to you. I finished your book last night, I didn’t want it to end. Thank you for being you!
Dear Sue,
I am so excited about the possibility of the England inspired fabrics in the future!
I, too just finished your last book. Couldn’t out it down! Loved it!
Dear Susan,
I was going to send you an email just to tell you how wonderful your Isle of Dreams is, so this is perfect and enters my name in the drawing for the wonderful, gorgeous quilt. I have cried and laughed out loud reading about your first experiences on the island. I do hope you’ll do a little “reading aloud” to us at your Asheville, NC, book signing. I really could not stop laughing at your description of the dune buggy date. Wish I had known about you when I was trying to teach descriptive writing to middle schoolers. It’s hard to believe that it took you so long to realize your many gifts: fabulous artistic ability, talent for story-telling, a whiz in the kitchen, nimble fingers that seem to be able to do anything with fabric, and your most generous heart.
My sister and I are so excited that we will get to meet you in Asheville since you couldn’t make it to Charleston. And yes, a cookbook for men will be a success. I know several guys right now who would love it. Women have intuition, so just trust us; and even if the men didn’t buy it, your girlfriends would! 🙂
Hi Susan, I am about 1/2 way through your new book. I love, love, love it. I don’t want to put it down so I really savor each page. I have all your books but would be so delighted to win them along with all the extras. Now to the quilt – it is a beauty. Winning that would just be the icing on the cake. Thanks so much for sharing yourself with all of the girlfriends. You lift my spirits on down days and help me smile even more on happy days. You are truly a blessing from God. Wish I could see you at a book signing but you are not coming to Virginia. Maybe another time. Have a wonderful trip. Brenda
Just finished “the book” late last night!!!!! Wow it was so good! i think it might be my favorite!!! Thank you so much for sharing your story with us and for all the beauty you incorporated and the time you spent. It is a gift to us. Now I need to go and re-read “A Fine Romance” and then one day I can start all over again!!! Thank you thank you!
So excited about the fabric! My “blog mother” sent me two small pieces of your fabric she had in her stash. Saving them to figure out what I can make special. 🙂 Print on demand is such a wonderful idea!!!!
Thank you so much for including all of us in what you have learned about fabric design. I have some of your RJR fabric and will add Spoonflower fabric to it to make make beautiful quilts.
Thank you again, so much
Here I sit in sunny Boston, the day after watching my super human friend finish the marathon, reading your blog before I have to start packing to return to Minnesota. So excited to read about Spoonflower!!! I will definitely be adding to my stash. 💟
There is something about quilts that tell so much about family history. I love my mom’s with pieces of grandma’s old aprons and grandpa’s flannel shirts (one patch still has the pocket where you can hide small treasures). When I wrap up in the quilt on a cold night I feel like I am wrapped in memories.
Oh, I wish they had Spoonflower when my children were young. Going to go through some of their artwork right now – wouldn’t it be cool to incorporate their childhood designs into a quilt for them now!
What a lovely give away. Thank you for your generosity!
Good luck to all.
Hope to see you at the book signing in Illinois
Congratulations on 30 years, Susan and Joe! ~ You’re so thoughtful to share your treasures with us.
We’re looking forward to your book signing in Hudson, OH in a few weeks. Thanks for giving us a reason to “get away”.
My Mom gave me my very first Susan Branch book and I have been hooked ever since. Even though she is gone now, every time I take out that book to read, I think of her. I have pretty much every book you have written and LOVE them! Definitely my obsession. Keep up the great paintings, writings and products. They are great and I always look forward to the next item coming out. Can’t wait to read the trilogy of books!
Hi Susan
Fun fun fun is all I can say about this post. I would love to be entered in your sweet contest. All those quilts were just yummy and that sunrise in your kitchen. Well that was dreamy
enjoy your day Susan
deezie
You have such a busy, artistic and enthusiastic mind! It’s fun to read your thoughts!
I am a huge lover of quilts also. I do not sew and think that is why I appreciate the work that goes into a quilt!
Love to know that your fabric designs are available as gift wrap. Your wrapping papers were beautiful and nice quality. I wish they were readily available as well!
Oh!!! How I LOVED you fabrics. I still have some. They are my inspiration for a yo yo quilt I am working on . So HAPPY for hear new fabric is coming. ❤️
Beautiful old quilt…..please be mine!🌷
I’m so excited about your fabrics being available on Spoonflower.com! I’ve never heard of the website before, so I’m so glad you told us about them. It’s the perfect solution to making your fabrics available again. And wouldn’t it be wonderful to win your giveaway. I have a beautiful solid black kitty named Eleanor Rigby; we call her highness, Rigby. She would love to sleep in the middle of that gorgeous quilt!! Can’t you just picture it with black kitty hairs on it! Don’t worry – I’ll clean it regularly! Or the set of your books. I already have all three, of course, but they can go to my daughter to get her started on her SB journey! Thank you for your regular doses of sunshine! Love them!
Susan,
I’ve had the pleasure of being introduced to your works by my older and wiser sister, who too is named Susan. We are both looking forward to our afternoon with you on May 10th.
I also can’t wait to explore Spoonflower and all of your beautiful designs!
How fun that you are “branching” out into new territory with your fabric! I took a quilting class once and failed miserably…think it was having to be still for so long. That was when I was a newlywed and wanted to learn the fine arts of needlepoint and all sorts of stitchery. But I do admire a beautiful quilt and the love and patience that went into creating it. Wish you were coming to Oregon! Next time, we hope!?
Love your books and just everything!
Hello Susan,
Finished your book and bought three more for friends who I know will LOVE it! Thanks! One is on the way to France, for my sister to read, while she is having radiation..she has to be alone for a week 🙁 and I know that this will lift her spirits.
xoxo Mary
Blessings for your sister, Mary xoxo
Oh! Where do we begin? Sweet fabric…with more to come! Little sundresses for my great granddaughters (Riley 17 months and Haylee who will be born Thursday) with those adorable Ribbons or Poppers prints. I know….Poppers with Ribbons ruffles. You have made me so happy! Thank you for the fabrics back in our sewingrooms and the chance to win that incredibly snuggle-inducing quilt 🙂
Happy birthday again. I hope you got my card. So looking forward to seeing you in Danville. I love all your ideas. Thanks for keeping our lives so exciting. Always new things to look forward to and thank you for your helpful hints.
Hi Susan, I love your blog and cookbooks and books and fabric and just everything! Thank you for sharing yourself with us!
As always, your blog delights me! I thought I was out of the sewing-anything-at-all groove, but your fabrics may be just the thing for me to get my groove back on! Thank you for your inspiration!
Hi Susan, I really enjoyed your blog today. It’s great to know we can get your fabrics again. I would love, love, love to win the beautiful quilt, or the books; I’ve just read the first one so far. Please tell Vanna to pick my name! From one Susan to another, have a great day!!
I love to read and to sew. Now I’m over the moon with the idea of sewing something beautiful with your fabric design and reading and rereading your books. Sounds like heave to me!!!
Hello Sew Sue ! Your fabrics are wonderful ! If I wasn’t a quilt maker before I’d like to be one now. And I did make a quilt and crochet a throw when I was young. I’m afraid now that I’m in my golden years I’m not inclined to sew much. I love working in the yard though now that spring is upon us and everything is so lovely out.
I do love anything old and your quilt would be absolutely treasured by me. I’m sure my kitties would love it as well although I’m not sure I’d let their kittie fur on it.
Have safe travels across the continental USA. I should be seeing you in Danville , end of May. I’ve got my ticket. My close, close girlfriend who loves you too is going with me and we will be there to chat and see you in person. Oh my. It’s as good as seeing HM I believe.
Til next time, Blessings upon you, M
Hi Susan! I’m really excited about Spoonflower. I can’t wait to explore all they have to offer. You have such fun giveaways!! I would love to have the quilt. We are in the process of moving to TN and a quilt would be perfect for our new home. Take care and have fun on the book tour.
I love these quilts and fabrics! Just the right colors to cheer spring on.
Susan,
thanks for the info on Spoonflower.. I have been looking for years now for a fabric, for kitchen valances. I want a yellow background and then red cherries splashed all over the yellow.. My kitchen is yellow and red and I love cherries.
Louise
Love the idea of Spoonflower.
Hi, Susan! I just love seeing pictures of your lovely home. It takes me back to when my grandmother would take me to the Cape each summer. I can almost smell the clean salt air, hear the wind rustling , taste the lobster, and watch the ocean waves going back and forth. You are truly blessed!
It’s so exciting you are having another giveaway! I’m so happy you have started your fabric line on Spoonflower. I wasn’t quilting when you had your original line.
Thank you. Every Willard is like receiving a cheerful gift to brighten my day. I was excited about the fabric…..very dangerous to a “fabric horder” like myself. Can’t wait to see you at the bookstore in Ridgewood in June.
Happy Happy Spring Susan! Your sheets and quilts dancing on the clothesline look so happy to be outside, in the fresh air. We have flowers blooming and the yard is full of birds, squirrels and even ducks this spring. They come and go in pairs…little duck couples, waddling around and quacking…they even take turns sitting in the bird bath. I know you would love watching them as much as the cats and I do.