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!
Your blog just keeps getting better and better, even for those of us who are dreamers more than doers! When you send out Willards, does the subject line say,”Willard?” I have signed up several times, but I don’t think I am receiving them. How will I know that I am receiving a Willard?
Yes, it always has the word Willard in the subject line. Look in your spam file, things sometimes go there. xoxo
Nope, it wasn’t in spam. I’ll sign up again.
I just got the new one and was verrrrry excited to see about another drawing.
Love your sunrise photos! Especially since I’m more of a sunset gal, so don’t often see the sun rise! 🙂 Exciting fabric options. Happy spring to you and Joe.
I am originally a Jersey girl but I now live in the Yorkshire Dales. I love reading your posts as they remind me of life “across the pond”!
Growing up on a cotton farm in Mississippi we made wonderful quilts to keep warm under. Learning to sew at a young age was the most wonderful thing and I sew and quilt now ALL. THE. TIME. A quilt is like a security blanket. I think this Spoonflower thing is amazing and fantastic I will use it. I have wanted to have some of your fabrics for a long time! Thank you!
OH OH OH for the comfort of an old quilt!!!! Would make any day better xo
I absolutely must give spoonflower a try!
Susan Branch you fill my heart with creative happiness. Your paintings and writings and cookbooks and calendars and now fabric!, light up the cozy corners of my home.
Thank you for inspiring me to sit still with your works of art and also inspiring me to create my own.
Your a joy!
love one of your many happy girlfriends,
Rhonda
Thanks for sharing Spoonflower with us! I’m really excited to explore their site and will keep watching for SB fabrics!
Susan,
My sister Mary is a quilter…..even teaches classes, goes away on quilt weekends with other quilters all over New England……I can’t wait to tell her about Spoonflower. I love the name, too!! Thank you for all that you do…………
Nora
Spoonflower, what a fabulous idea they have had! Oh the wonders of the internet and technology in general! Susan, you are the one who has inspired me to buy an occasional vintage quilt when I see them in my travels to various sales and shops. If one never buys, one never has, unless of course one is fortunate enough to win one! The white background quilts are my absolute favorites! Have yet to buy the new book, but have so enjoyed A Fine Romance, and am currently reading Fairy Tale Girl. Enjoy this wonderful spring we are have.
In your own quiet way, you have also inspired my love for English chintz, and Emma Bridgewater pottery. I have EB mugs hanging from hooks on my kitchen dresser, choosing a different one each day, and love using my Johnson Brothers Rose Chintz teapot as much as my rarer and older various English chintz pieces.
Oh I am so looking forward to meeting you in a couple of weeks! I feel like we’ve been friends forever especially after reading your books… 🙂 Safe travels Susan & Joe!
Dear Susan –
Your presence is nostalgia and friendship all rolled into one in this age of technology. Your posts are so uplifting and hopeful, you make my week with your joy of living. I am savoring your new book with such joy, you make me dream of a cute little house in the most beautiful and magical place in America! Every little choice that you made to make the house your own has filled me with dreams of adventure and homemaking. Thank you for being a beautiful voice for all of us who love HOME so much. Can’t wait for the new “Heart of the Home”, though I will never part with my original! Thank you Susan for all that you do to keep us all so HAPPY! Shamefully avoiding my duties while I read your book, THANK YOU! Georgeous quilt and love the bookmarks and art supplies that you actually used! How much more special could this giveaway be? You are a gift to the world Susan Branch!
Spoonflower sounds amazing!! Thanks so much for telling us about it! Can’t wait to check out your designs on it, especially the Christmas ones. Happy spring to you….we are having a beautiful one here in Idaho!
Congratulations on your lovely new fabrics! Spoonflower is a fabulous marketing tool for you. Good luck!
Seeing quilts on the clothes lines in gentle breezes always make me FEEL spring. (Even if we don’t have a dryer and use a clothes line year round… ^^)
Spoonflower seems like such a fun create outlet. And what charming prints!
Thank you for the giveaway (oh, please please please!) and for sharing a lovely-fun reading-blog. ^^
Hi Susan!
Spoonflower sounds amazing! I will most definitely check it out! Happy Anniversary!! Holding out reading my book until my May 1st vacation…..can’t wait!!!
I live just a 10 minute drive from Spoonflower… and you are so right…. their product is wonderful. I take my own photos, play with them in a variety of apps, have them printed on fabric at Spoonflower and then turn them into a quilt! Love it!
Just finished reading the last of your three books. Now I think I will read again the one about your trip to England, A Fine Romance, because we hope to travel there in a year or so. I thoroughly enjoyed your life stories…SLO, where my daughter attended college, Martha’s Vineyard which I hope to visit now that we live on the East Coast. Thanks for sharing about your wonderful life!
That is so neat!! Spoonflower sounds great! Thank you for sharing and for the chance of a giveaway! I missed the last one. 😔 So this is exciting! I love quilts. I have several that were my grandmothers and I love thinking about them and if the swatches were from dresses, shirts, etc. and one day I hope to make a quilt too. 🌸
I am beyond excited about the fabric from Spoonflower! I have been wishing I could find some of your designs to use for pillows in my den. One thing I want to do is take a couple of your quotes, back them with some of your designs and edge with some of the old lace and crochet pieces I have from my Grandmother. Now it will be possible! Thank you! Thank you!
Dear Susan,
I just received Isle of Dreams and Fairy Tale Girl. Started reading
Fairy Tale Girl last night and loved the first 50 or so pages!! I would
dearly love the old quilt. They are hard to come by these days and
thank you for the info on spoon flower!!!
Spoonflower is soooo exciting! I’ve not been able to find your fabrics, now there will be bunches. Joy, joy, joy.
Oh Susan,
What a lovely quilt. I am not a quilter, but my sweet Granma was and made us each our own that I still have today.
Have a blessed day.
Tammy
Love!!
Just a quick response here to let you know I am halfway through Isle of Dreams. I am resenting every minute I am at work, a job I love, but right now it is taking me away from reading! (Don’t worry, I am on my lunch break now so checking my personal email and reading Willard is okay.)
Agnes’s shoes! On the windowsill! God Bless You for keeping her memory alive and sharing so much of your life with us. We are sisters, kindred spirits and girlfriends, and all of us love you so much for the many small kindnesses you put into the universe and our lives.
I’m “fairly” new to the party but am so very excited to have stumbled upon it!! I am crossing my fingers that I win this cozy quilt. And I am beyond excited that I will be attending your book signing in Padadena, in June !
Love the smell and feel of crisp new fabric! Reminds me of sitting on my grandmother’s living room floor pinning patterns to fabric.
Oh my goodness {*;*} so much all at once .. be still my heart. I am going to visit Spoonflower as soon as I tell you what a wonderful idea this is. I am going to order my fabric swatches straight away ! I couldn’t even imagine winning a quilt .. or anything. I am not a lucky person but I am thankful. I so look forward to your post it brightens my day. Sincerely, Pam
Spoonflower is awesome! Thanks so much for sharing….as are you and your books!
Susan, I am just over the moon happy to hear about your new fabric collection!!!! I have waited so long to hear this good news. I too collected your fabric back in 1999 and made several quilts using your entire fabric line. Every left over scrap was saved…I still have a few bits and pieces in my stash. I just can’t imagine why any of the fabric makers don’t seem to realize what a talented woman you are and rush to sign you up! Thank you for continuing to find a way to satisfy my longing desire to have more of your fabric. What wonderful news!!!! Oh happy day!!!😍😍😍😍
Wow! You have been busy…so exciting! ❤️
HI Susan…..love, love the new fabric!!!! So cute!!! Thanks for sharing…..have a wonderful day….. Loretta/Santa Nella
I love quilts! My Grandmother made lots of quilts for the family. I have one and keep it near to remind me of my wonderful, loving & talented Grandmother.
My Mother and Sisters and I go antiquing and I look for quilts…alas always too expensive. Having one from you, Susan, would be grand! Tweet, Tweet, my bird feeder is full right now.
I can do lots of things my Grandmother did, but sewing is not one of them. I must learn!
Cheers!
Carol
Susan, I loved your books. I am almost finished with Martha Vineyard Isle of Dreams. I live in western Ma so I can relate to certain things such as the Brimfield Flea Market, etc. I hate to finish the book because I am enjoying it so much. I admire you for what you do to make other people happy.
Sincerely,
Chris
I’ve been reading your new book every night before bed Susan – and not getting much sleep as a result, I love it!!!
Susan, Thank you, once again! For…..The fun, the smiles, the pictures, and stories you give us.
And Thank you for the wonderful give away!
With lovew
Nicoline
Susan,
I bought your fabric and a pattern, so long ago that I have forgotten when..I have the top sort of together…I am hand appliquéing the flowers and hearts…it is my forever project…BUT, your blog just kicked me in my backside and my plan is to finish it this summer. WHEN I get the top finished I will send you a picture. As much as I love the quilt that I am working on, I would dearly love to be the Grand Prize Winner!!!! Then I would have my/our/quilt and one especially from you.
I am also very excited about Spoonflower…I will share this fantastic news with my quilting group.
And while I am babbling on..thank you for bringing the “sunshine” into our days.
xoxo
Sue
I love your fabric designs. Old quilts are my favorite, always so soft and cuddly. Good luck on your book tour. I love wisteria but my landlord tore it off of the backyard fence. He didn’t want to deal with it tangles in the chain links.
I AM SO EXCITED!!!! CHRISTMAS FABRIC!!!! I had some of your old Christmas fabric, I think that was from Springs Industries too, that I used to make a Christmas log cabin quilt when I first started quilting. I loved that fabric! And I still love my log cabin quilt! This is thrilling news, and I think you’re right, the prices are not unreasonable.
The quilt you are giving away is gorgeous. What a wonderful, thoughtful gift. (And I really, really, really hope I win it.) 🙂
Almost too much wonderful news in one blog post! I’m overwhelmed…
Hi, Susan!
Looking forward to seeing you in Danville, CA next month! My best friend, Sandy, and I are coming to your book signing (bringing our “A Fine Romance” books for you to sign, since we pre-ordered the other two, so they are already signed! I will cross my fingers to win the quilt, and if I do, give to Sandy — she loves quilts! To have a quilt from Susan Branch would put her over the moon.
I am so excited as a long long time fan and quilter…can’t wait to get so long yearned for fabric of yours. Thanks for the chance to win a quilt. I would treasure it forever if I won
LOVE your blog Susan! I am so inspired!!! Thanks for the “heads up” on Spoonflower too! See you soon in Illinois!
Great news about Spoonflower fabrics and your designs,Susan. I can see American homes soon, decorated with the dreams and heartbeats of our own Susan Branch. What a cozy place to go home to!!
Love quilts,too. I have one of my grandmothers made from men’s suits during the depression. Not colorful but sturdy and warm !
Suzi in Spokane
Dear Susan,
I just received my Bartlett book of quotes! I enjoy quotes do very much and was inspired to find it. Your book😘, I adore!
Oh how I love reading your posts – always such an up. I’m so glad your designs are on Spoonflower. I’m going to alert my seamstress/tailor/upholsterer friend when I see her latter. It’s so cool that you who are spreading joy with hand-lettering and drawing are also using “tech” to get that joy out. Enjoy your beautiful Vineyard spring!
How I loved your new book! I laughed and cried when I finished reading it. I wanted it to last forever. I was with you every step of the way as you decorated your “doll house.” I do see another book telling about your current house. What do you think?
I love Spoonflower. My daughter designed some fabric which I ordered and treasure. Looking forward to looking at the fabric designs you’ve got there!
Hi Susan,
This blog is delightful and I love quilts. Hope I win!
Rose
I love fabrics almost as much as I love reading, and I can’tell wait to get some of your fabulous designs! And you are right – lots of creative and fun things can be done with small amounts of fabric. Spoonflower, here I come!
Susan,
I can’t thank you enough, I had no idea something a wonderful as Spoonflower existed. The possibilities are, indeed, endless!
I’m so looking forward to reading about your 2 month adventure. Wishing you safe journeys.
Patrice Swanson
Spoonflower, I love the name. Quilt heaven!! Sandra
I am so excited for you. I bought my first Susan Branch book in 1987, and have been hooked ever since. Thank you for sharing your amazing adventures with all the girlfriends. Have a safe trip bookstore visiting.
I put out a search on facebook about wisteria seeds. This is right up my alley. Thank you for doing this.
Oh Susan,
I’m thrilled to see you doing fabrics again. I jumped onto Spoonflower instantly, those fabrics are to die for and I’ve already got a ton of ideas for them. Thank you for getting my creative juices flowing again!!! It truly makes my day see your name come up on my email feed.
Hi, Susan,
I am reading “Isle of Dreams”. Your personal story has come at the just the right time in my life.
Thank you.
So inspired by your latest book! I think it was my fav! But after I read each one IT was my fav at the time❤️. First book: romantic. (. I love to travel, love to read) Second book: nostalgic (I am a southern Calif baby too). Third book: inspiring. ( You on your own…making a book and a life!). Thank you for writing your story. It means so much
Susan
I found this site, then share it with my wife Donna. Over the years she has told me many little stories how she and her Grandma quilted. Donna was 7 at the most and they had tea, sugar cookies and then quilted. Other family members took the quilts, but Donna says ” I have all the memories” She helped hang them on the line in the Spring to air them and cut out pieces from house dresses and aprons and just had a wonderful time. Donna and I have built many of our own memories. may 15th we will be celebrating our 62nd anniversary. Still in our home and taking care of it and ourselves. Enjoying sunrises and sunsets. We have a lovely yard and children, grandchildren and now great great grandchildren to entertain us. We have been blessed. We wanted to thank you for this lovely place to stop and enjoy. Donna and Jerry We aksi gave a dog Tessa (from a shelter) and a cat Sarah, who permits us to share her house.
I just pre-ordered Heart of the Home – 30th anniversary edition. Yay! July can’t come soon enough!
I am happy to learn about Spoonflower! It will be nice to be able to get your designs in fabric. I have never been able to find any of your fabric anywhere, so this is wonderful!
Thank you for pointing us toward Spoonflower! I am a quilter and but am one that “missed” the fabrics sold by others companies. This is fabulous news! I can’t wait to use Spoonflower!
Susan, your story is such an inspiration even for someone much older than you are. At last count I have given away 8 of your book, A Fine Romance! I did not want Martha’s Vineyard, Isle of Dreams to end and will now share that with very special friends who think and dream like we do. You make a difference, a very positive difference to your “girl friends.” Thank you, and have a wonderful summer adventure!
Wow! What a trip down memory lane! And then, poof!!! We can have it all again and again! As for pricing, I always look for a couple of reasons to buy something: Made in America? check! Made by an artisan? check! check! (Spoonflower AND Susan Branch) Makes me very happy. Wob you, too, Celia
Oh Susan, I just love your fabric designs! I can hardly contain myself! Yes please on the Santa Joe fabric and the I Love England series!
I’m headed over to Spoonflower now! 🙂
Oh, I love the idea of print-on-demand fabric! There are even coupons available online from Spoonflower to get everyone started. Wooo! I still have some of your “old-brand new” fabric that gets little pieces sewn into bigger somethings….just because I like it! Now, we can get all that our little hearts desire. ♥ Thank you!
Susan, I found you many years ago in Country Living and still have the recipes that I cut out. I love your drawings and books. Cant wait to go to Spinflower on the net. Thank you
Halfway through the new book. Can’t put it down and don’t want it to end. Can’t decide if I should pace myself or give in and read it several times in a row. Such a message of hope, Susan! Beginning to dream and plan for a vacation to Martha’s Vineyard with my darling husband…someday…
Many congrats on getting your fabrics up, accessible to the masses; looks like you’ve got it all figured out, inspiring us to sew, sew, sew!
Ah quilts. My Grandma used to take me to ‘club’ where all the ladies sat at the quilt frame and set about quilting and talking and I would sit under the frame and watch the needles come through. Their quilts were always given to someone and one year I got a twin size one with I think she was called sun bonnet Sue. I wish I still had it, we used them and I’ve no idea what happened to mine.
After Grandma died my youngest sister found some quilts in a barrel in the barn. She didn’t share any. Of course I was out of State by then.
I love your tea pot design. Now to hit your link.
Hi Susan – thinking about you and also that you and Joe will soon be off on another adventure! Loved your latest book… Life Is Good !
Great to know about Spoonflower! Thank you!
I was intrigued by the spoonflower bit I’m certain I have seen Dr. Who Toile fabric at someone’s house a while back and asked where in the world did you find that! Awesomeness. Thank you for this opportunity for your drawing.
I can’t wait for the fabric! I am lucky enough to own some of your fabric but you can never have enough! Fabulous! Happy Anniversary!
I love reading your blog. You seem to enjoy life to the fullest. Congratulations on your new fabric line and Happy Anniversary. Thanks too for the wonderful giveaway!
I have loved you books forever! The quality of the recipes is unsurpassed. …never a fail!! Thank for a chance to win. Happy Anniversary! !
Just when I think you can’t get any better you do it again! Just keep on out doing your creative self girl!!
You’re amazing! Truly!
Thank you so much for all you contribute to this ole weary world, especially mine.
God bless you! He truly already has, and me through you.
Lisa in little ole New Park, Pa
Precious Sue, what a hole would be in the fabric of the world without dreamer you, tenacious you, patient you, joyful you, wonderful YOU! I am thrilled to learn about your fabric designs being available once again from Spoonflower. Now is there a place we can get your stickers on demand? LOL I have a hand painted Christmas trunk I spent months creating that has many of your Christmas stickers and decals on it … along with old Christmas cards and postage stamps. Your writing and art is one of the brightest stars in my life. With love, delight, and deep appreciation coming your way!
‘LOVE your blog and looking forward to reading Martha’s Vineyard, Isle of Dreams!!
The quilt is beautiful!
I’ve pulled out your original book – ‘Heart of The Home’ and thought about what I was doing when it first came out. In my social network, at the time, you were all the ‘buzz’. You inspired us all to ‘Branch Out’ and feather our nests. I’m looking forward to the new release.
Susan,
I love your fabric and just pulled from my stash your collection :Martha’s Vineyard Watercolor, by RJR Fabrics in 2007! It’s so pretty! I never made anything with it but love looking through the pieces :). It gives me great pleasure. I love one of the designs with little drawings of numerous foods, eg coconut layer cake, blueberry pie, homemade lemonade, strawberry shortcake, watermelon, plain cake, waldorf salad, and lemon, sugar & mint!
Confession time: your signed new book came maybe two weeks ago and I haven’t begun it yet, as I know I won’t be able to put it down, and it will be over in no time. I’m saving it for a little bit! Silly I know.
Hope to be able to see you at Main Street Books in St. Charles, MO next month.
I am an addicted quilter. Love when you show some of your vintage collection.
We also share a collection of Johnson Brothers, English Chippendale dishes.
They are ever so lovely and I am so pleased to have them.
Ooooooh! Love the quilt for the giveaway. But not as much as your latest book. Looking forward to seeing you in Morro Bay — wishing you Safe Travels.
Margie From Morro Bay (Just like Lynn!)
Wow, I have always wanted a quilt of my very own. I wished so hard that someone would make me one when I was expecting my first son. But no luck.
My husband of 30 years was going to buy me a quilt for our first Christmas together but my mother in-law talked him out of it saying it was too much money to send on me. The the little quilt shop where he saw the quilt closed that summer when the owner died. I always felt just a little cheated.
The Michener Museum in Doylestown, Pa just had a quilt show with old and then a new version of the same quilt. It was all I could do to hold myself back from pulling one of the old quilts down and rolling around in it!
Oh and Susan that Martha’s Vineyard Toile made my heart skip a beat! If only I could sew.
Thank you for this lovely chance to win a quilt and yours books!
Would it be rude to say I think your MIL is a turkey?;) Hope you win
I second that emotion. And send this in exchange 💞
Love the new fabric!
So neat to learn about Spoonflower!! What a great resource. As always I enjoy your blog with all the lovely pictures, photos and watercolors!!! Thank you….
Oh my gosh, a quilt & wisteria seeds? Too good to be true! Happy Anniversary, to you, our darling Susan. The world is a brighter and more beautiful place with your imagination in it. Can’t wait to see you in Pasadena. Enjoy the book tour!
I have been reading your blog for a couple of years now, and just added Willard. Never commented before, though. I used to quilt when home raising the daughters, until I went back to work full time. I love fabric and I love to sew and I will quilt again when I retire next year. I am going to buy some of your fabric “on speculation”. I would love to win the beautiful quilt. I would buy a new clothesline just to hang it out in the fresh spring air every year. I could absolutely smell that fresh smell of your sheets and quilts on the line blowing in the breeze! Must get a clothesline!
I just started Isle of Dreams the other day, but work gets in the way. For a period of time, we vacationed on Martha’s Vineyard every summer at the home of friends. Sadly, they moved out west (well, sad about the Vineyard part) so we don’t go any more. I know all the places you mention in your book, as we explored most of the island.
Happy Anniversary!
Hi Susan,
I absolutely love the way we’ll be able to get your fabrics again. I think this way those ebay’ers won’t be able to buy bolts & bolts & re sale it. We get what we want.
You need to know I’m loving your book & how you fell in love w/ Martha’s Vineyard.
Enjoy getting ready for your cross country trip & I’ll see you in Pasadena.
Georgia in Kona
About half way thru your new book and enjoying the humor and seeing
how you bought your cottage and then fixed and improved it all.
I am from Calif. also and it was a big difference moving to my hubs
home in Georgia. I was laughing so hard at the differences you notice
after you live somewhere totally different. When I moved I thought all
the trees were dead and asked my husband why don’t they cut them down?
I learned about the seasons which I do enjoy.
I always remove the cover off all my new books while I read them so not
to mess them up and I tried to get the house clean and ready for
my reading time…I don’t like to be interrupted…ha. Your book is fantastic
and I almost have every book you made in my collection. Love your
talent and your take on life.
Too wonderful for words! LOVE!
Sharon from Alabama
Thank-you for softening the stress of life
and for the reminders of all of the beautiful
aspects of our world! I have loved
the Willards since they came as snail-mail
years ago.
I always look forward to reading your blog and listening to your wonderful choices of music. I am so happy that your wonderful art work is available as fabric. Where to begin? Thanks for bringing many smiles to my face and sharing what you do with all of us!
Susan from Sandwich, MA
Oh Susan another mini spa/vacation/retreat whatever in your fabulous posts!!!
No matter what is going on in my day, when I see a new post from you–my heart sings!!!! You are uplifting, cheery, generous and kind!!! Thank you so much for the JOY you bring!!!!
Beautiful fabrics. Congratulations!
Your designs (and you!) are just so lovely. B-)
Hello Susan! Too much……toooooooooo much!!!!! Susan, I am on page 256 of your book, can’t put it down, but I force myself to STOP reading, because I don’t want to finish it…….not yet! (I peeked at the following pages, and I hurried up and closed it, so I wouldn’t skip and read the ending!!!)I’m trying to put into words how delightful it is……..maybe once I finish reading it to the end……and then digest it for awhile! So many emotions, so many precious artworks, so many great photos…..so many 80’s things to stir the memory……..so nice! Annnnnnnnnd, the fabric! Oh the fabric…..so pretty! (Spoonflower website is so cool!) I love to sew (since I was a little girl) and my mind is just dreaming away about what I could create with your fabric! Susan, you’ve given us so much to look forward to!!!!!! Wow…..another give-a-way!!!! Too generous are you!!!!! Congratulations to the previous six lucky Girlfriends!!! Plus, can’t wait for Willard to arrive! Dreamy days ahead with all that is Susan Branch!!!! Take care! God Bless!
Hooray!!!! I’ve been hoarding your watercolor pansy fabric for years, afraid to use it all up. More please!!!!
Susan…Heartfelt thanks for the gift of you,your wonderful books and now your fabric designs once again! Can hardly wait for your book signing! Safe and happy travels to you and Joe.
I don’t quilt, but the dear friend who gave me Heart of the Home in 1988 for my birthday does. Wait until I tell her about Spoonflower! I have also just discovered another kindred spirit–Julie Zickfoose–who writes and beautifully illustrates the most wonderful stories about her work rehabilitating wild birds, mostly of the backyard variety. You probably already know her, but for those who enjoy watching a feeding birds and are not familiar with her, be prepared to be captivated and amazed.
I misspelled her name. It’s Julie Zickefoose (www.juliezickefoose.com).
Hi Susan; Good surprise to see new post from you! I’ve always loved your fabric, Spoonflower sounds wonderful! Always have wanted to make quilts but “scared”! Lol, but as you say on one of your calendar pages “If not now, When?!” I need to take those words to heart for lots a things in my life. 😉 Anticipating Willard in my in box!! Thank you for the new giveaways, all sound deliciously wonderful! I do not know how you get so much done, giveaways, books coming in, answering our comments here, house and hubby and kitty stuff, all while getting ready for a cross country trip! WOW! I have started getting kinda twitterpated (sp) just knowing I have a doctors appt. at the end of the week! And I’m really not that old!! Have a wonderful day you.