MUSICA!❤️ Well, first off, I promised you a photo of the wool coat I bought in England ~ the one I wrote about a couple of blogs ago … And I finally managed to remember to do it. And, btw, while out and about on the Internet, I happened upon a website in the English Lake District that sells them (just in cases you want one too! The label says, “handmade.”). It’s a wonderful store Joe and I visited when we were there called Stewardson’s of Hawkshead .
Welcome over from the new Willard if that’s where you’ve come from (he’s just starting to go out today ~ takes 3 days for him to get to every email box, so if you’re signed up, he 
should be there soon!), and if not, welcome anyway! As lots of you know, Joe and I are on the train right now, in our “room with a view,” actually in the beautiful Berkshires as I write, heading down the tracks for Chicago, then on to LA ~ and right now, out our window, is the most gorgeous sunset between the leafless tress and across snow fields! It’s kind of a miracle, to be on a moving train and writing you at the same time! I’ve been sending photos and videos of our views over to Twitter … hope you’ve been able to see them (you can click on the link and take a look if you like, you don’t have to join Twitter in order to see the pictures).
Yesterday, before we left (which was just this morning), I needed to do some ironing for the trip. I’m sure many of us remember our mothers starching clothes before they ironed them ~ rolling them up while damp, putting them in plastic bags and keeping them in the fridge until they were ready to iron. Seems so old-fashioned to us now! My mom did it, there were always bundles of ironing in our fridge, she ironed all my little sister’s puffed-sleeved dresses with starch, and taught me to do it too. And my dad’s shirts ~ we were all very crisp around our house. And it wasn’t spray starch, it was the real thing. Liquid starch, the kind she used, is hard to find, at least where we live . . . our supermarket doesn’t sell it anymore, I had to go to Amazon to get it. Mostly, these days, it’s used for crafts, but I have this linen jacket I was bringing along that is no good without good old-fashioned starch, spray starch just doesn’t do it. In fact, I have a lot of things I use real starch on. There’s actually a really good reason to do it! I’ll show you! (Jack, as you can see, was there for the whole thing! But he was more interested in . . .
. . . what was going on outside our kitchen window, than what was going on inside . . .)
So, just in case it’s been a long time, or maybe never, since you starched something, and just in cases you’d like to try it . . . here’s how. It’s really easy. First off, you can read on the bottle how much starch to mix with how much water to make the fabric as stiff as you’d like it to be.
I wanted my jacket to be slightly stiffer than medium, so I mixed 4 c. water with 2 c. starch in a very large bowl. My summer potato salad bowl if you want to know.
I swirled it around with my hand to mix it . . .
Then I put my clean linen jacket into the liquid and got it soaking wet.
I took it out and rung it out as best I could … then I noticed all that left over starch and thought, what else do I have? Then I remembered I’d just washed a dresser scarf from the bathroom and thought, perfect timing!
I like dresser scarves to be really quite stiff, so I added a bit more starch.
And in it went.
Then they both went out to the pantry to partly dry on the clothes rack. Soaking wet is not good for ironing, you want them damp. So while that was happening . . .
I wrapped birthday presents for my mom, we’re heading to California to celebrate her 87th birthday (on the 27th)! 🎁 She loves it when I wrap her things in my own paper, so I ordered some from Spoonflower, (the people I do the fabric for … they make all the fabric patterns into wrapping paper too!) which I’d never done before, I was interested to see the quality. And was happy because it’s the thick stuff! Very nice.🎈My mom will love it!
And then, for a couple of good reasons, I made a cake ~ An Orange Marmalade Cake, because Jack’s other Mother was coming from California to stay with him while we’re away . . . and we were making dinner for her . . . and also, because every time Lowely makes something delicious, she always brings me half.
And I wanted to do the same for her before we went away.
Which I did. She only lives two doors down, so I walked it over, and got a goodbye hug. The next time I’m doing a blog and NOT on the train, I’ll give you the recipe! It was delicious!
So then it was time to iron. And what is the first thing I have to do? I have to get Jack’s hair off the ironing board, unless I want to iron it into my clothes. The ironing board doubles as his perch at the pantry window to watch the world go by. So I got out my packing tape, laid a big long strip down, and moved it along until all his little hairs were stuck to it!
And now, I’m ironing. And it’s coming out beautifully.
Voila! When you starch something, it stays fresh looking so much longer. You can wear it and re-wear it and it doesn’t look wilted.
And that, in a nutshell, is why I love starched things. They last forever.
Here’s my dresser scarf, back on the table in the bathroom. Note shadow under table.
Old linens are one of my passions, loves, downfalls. The beautiful cloth, the delicate embroidery and the cotton lace ~ irresistable! Smoothing an old damask tablecloth onto my dining table is one of the simple joys of life. Lighting a candle on that table, where it almost reflects in the sheen of the cloth, is another.
Here is an example of starch and what it does. I haven’t ironed these in over 6 months. No one really uses them, because a terry hand towel is right there, so they are really more decorative than anything, but they look as nice today as they did when I hung them up 5 years 6 months ago.😜
These are the bathroom curtains in that same room, made from an old lace tablecloth, the last of the ones I brought from California when I moved into my first little house on the island. Starched and perky, I won’t have to do it again for a long time. You could never do this with spray starch. Not even with the one that says, “Heavy.”
And here are a few more linen things, just so you get the picture, which I’m sure you do by now! I should be a door-to-door liquid starch salesperson!
One more tip, and that is, you may have starched something a while back, like this linen jacket. But maybe it was crushed in the closet and got kind of wrinkled again. No problem…
As long as it’s clean, you don’t have to rewash and starch, you just spray on a little water, and iron, and it all that good starchiness comes right back.
And there they are, ready to go into plastic bags and into the hanging bag … yes, they will need a touch up when we get there, but it won’t be much! So there you go, adventures in ironing from the Heart of the Home! Pure
Okay, enough about ironing, how about some maple syrup? I LOVED your comments in the last post, like I always do, thank you so much.💞 And yes, we did stuff poor Vanna into our duffel bag, she’s here, fluffed out, head to toe in pink cashmere with a leopard faux fur collar (she knows how to be comfy), complaining because she broke a nail and there’s “no manicurist on board.” It’s okay, we’ll fly her outta here when we get to Chicago. Her and her “little pink zipper bag”👛 which we have had to find for her about six times now. She’s a princess. Not fit for train travel. We knew we would need her for the drawing for our Vermont Valentine Giveaway . . . and so, with no further adieu … Vanna? Come here darling… (oh, the look on her face😱) ~ here we go . . . the WINNER of this delicious Vermont syrup (I know because we got a bottle of this too!) is . . . . PAMELA TASKER!!!!! Congratulations Pamela! You will love this! Be sure to heat it up before you pour it on everything! Look for an email from me in your box . . . I’ll need your mailing address so I can send it to you.
And now, so it doesn’t have to end . . . there’s more . . .
Hello. Remember I showed you these cups I was designing a while back? That’s the one I designed on the left, my glued and pasted paper cup without a bottom. And on the right, that’s the sample they sent! Pretty darn wonderful if I do say so myself! So I did more!
This one is called
and it has Ms. Lambikins on it, amongst other recognizable doodads from my flora and fauna art repertoire. Plenty to read early in the morning when the brain requires quiet time.
And this one is called
for us, the normal ones.💞
Last but not least, we have “Little Things,” because 
All three are being made right now, of fine bone china, in the potteries, in England. Yes, real, bonafide English cups. ❤️ Each holds a truly magnificent 16 oz (if filled to the very top). I’m so excited. You who have hung out around this blog for a while, know how much I have wanted to do this. Finally, the time has come. They will likely be here in May, in time 
for Mother’s Day, if all goes as planned. And if you leave your name in the comment section of this blog,😁 you will be entered in a drawing to win one of these. There will be 3 winners, and the moment they come in, those winners will be the very first on our mailing list! And yes, just in cases you don’t win, they are available now for preorder. Which means, if we haven’t ordered enough, we should know fairly soon, and can get more into the works right away. After a decent amount of time, each of the designs are going to be retired, and replaced by new ones (I have so many fun ideas!) And the only place on earth where they will be available, at least for the foreseeable future, will be here in our web store. I hope you like them.💖
The last time I was in California, Joe and I were driving across country … I picked these two roses, one from my Grandma’s garden, and one from my moms. They sat on the dashboard of the Fine Romance Van the entire way. And when I got home, I took this photo of them. As beautiful as they were when they were first cut. In two days I will be in my mother’s arms. 💞 The dearest person, who was in labor with me for so long (72 hours) that a tiny piece of her soul broke off, and went into me. And that is the way it has always been and will always be. I feel so lucky. Thank you all for being here. Have a wonderful day! WILLARD’S on the way! I’ll be back soon!
Bravo, bravo, Susan, on your marvelous new porcelain cups! They are beyond delightful, all three designs! And thank you for stirring up my sweet memories of real starch! My grandma used to mix up powdered starch that came in a smallish box. And I loved the smell of the starched clothes while they were being ironed. Clean, crisp, and simply lovely!
I love your wooly coat! Wonderful! And I eagerly await the recipe for that delicious looking cake… just the photo made my mouth water (isn’t torture illegal, my dear?). 😊
Old linens ARE a treat, aren’t they? I hold them in my hands and think of the loving fingers that wrought the embroidery. It’s like touching stones in an ancient wall; I sense an invisible, but iron-clad, link between my spirit and those of the craftsmen … traces of their DNA mingling so,ehow with mine.
Happy Trails, Susan and Joe. And many happy returns to your mama on her birthday. Oh, and just a little note about “being lucky:” my grandma would often say, “There’s nothing of ‘luck’ to do with it – it’s about blessings, my dear, always blessings!” I believe she was right. ❤
Dear Sue, I hope that you have a safe, happy trip. Happy Birthday to your Mom from me. I love those mugs. Mulling over which one I want first. So happy for you. Hugs, Joyce
Hope you and Joe have a wonderful trip! Love your mugs, they are so cute!! I adore collecting bowls, dishes and cups! Have a great day! 🙂
I love to iron, especially old linens. I have two cutwork dresser scarves that my mother made,my favorites. Happy looking mugs, just right to start the day.
I love your illustrations and my fingers are crossed in hopes that this one time I’ll win one! Elizabeth Mullin
Hi Susan,
I too am in tears, thinking of how much I miss my ‘Sweet Mama!’
If you hug your Mama for all of us… you will never leave her side the whole time you are there! Oh happy day… what a wonderful place to be, at Mama’s side! *giggle*
I love how the mugs turned out! What a wonderful job they did!
I wish I could have snuck on board as your train passed by Ohio. I’ve always wanted to take a train trip. It’s on my bucket list don’t ya know?/!
Thank you for all the wonderful things you share with us! I always feel like I am right there with you and Joe!
Hugs&Squeezles Dear Friend!
I would LOVE to win one of your cups.
Oh Susan, your on your way, and I am soooo happy for you. And I am so excited about your mugs and I want all three, and need to know how to go about ordering a complete set. I do not do on line ordering as I do not know how. But would be all too willing to send a money order directly to you on Marthas Vineyard, or any other designated spot just let me know where and when. I am with you about starch. It’s the way to go to keep things so beautiful for long periods of time. Here is wishing you the grandest time with your Mama💗 It is such a blessing to still be able to HUG HER!!! Enjoy, and I will be waiting for instructions on the mugs and more words, and photos of Joy. Love Gayle Hall
Well…if you can’t sleep at 1:00 a.m. there is always on-line shopping in your jammies! Perhaps Susan’s site can entice you to on-line shop at least once for the cups! Her shopping site is easy and secure. The site DOES NOT sell your information to other stores, etc.
.Google 162.240.10.175/~susanbs3/susanbranch/
.Click on “Let’s Shop”
.Click on your item of choice (click on the picture OR sentence below item picture…can’t remember!)
.Scroll past item’s description and click on “Add to cart”
.Click on “check out now” and you will be led through the check-out. .Since you are not a current customer just fill in the blanks (Name, address, phone number, e-mail) and click continue as it appears.
You will enter your credit card number, expiration date and code on the back of your card…continue
You will click on “Place order”
When items are in stock you will receive them very quickly. Susan has great staff! If an item is not in stock you will see a place to click on “Wish List”… under the picture of item. If you want to add item to your Wish List, click and you will be notified if item is put back in stock.
I know that you will choose not to order on-line if you are still uncomfortable (and that’s OK…we need to feel confident), but if you have friends or family who are OK with the ordering processes, perhaps you could call in a favor and have them help you with it or order it for you. I know that you will pay them back ’cause Susan’s Girlfriends are ALL AS HONEST AS WE WERE BORN TO BE!!
Good luck, Gayle. 😋
Girlfriend Tutorial. Gotta Love it . . . xoxoxo dear FayE! And Gayle can always get extra help, just write [email protected]/~susanbs3/susanbranch/ and she will make it happen for you!
Gayle, I understand about hesitancy over online orders anywhere. I also know of people who have given up all their credit cards (back to cash only; no more credit card debt!!) and who don’t want to use a debit card online, so that of course severely cripples the options for online purchasing! I often don’t do it myself and instead send money orders. Many online shopping sites allow you to download a paper order form to fill out and send with money order via snail mail. They want the sale, any way they can get it! I still like paper mail order catalogs, too. Anyway, I blend and do both kinds of ordering, money orders AND online…and I have to, because I live in a town where there are very few places to shop!
May I add my two cents about contacting Sheri at Susan Branch’s store in California? She has been helpful to me many times. Just email as Susan herself suggests above so that Sheri could answer your ordering questions; it doesn’t hurt to ask the questions. I’ve used the telephone to call Sheri as well as email. Susan Branch shopping is the best because of the wonderful customer service.
Taken from this very site:
If you would like to contact Customer Service, please use the following:
-Email:
[email protected]/~susanbs3/susanbranch/
-Snail Mail:
SusanBranch.com Customer Service
PO Box 1468
San Luis Obispo, CA 93406
-Telephone:
(805) 474-5836
I love ironing clothes with starch (although I’ll admit that it’s usually out of a can and has a linen scent)–and the delightful ‘warm my heart’ smell. I also LOVE those cups! 🙂 I hope you have a wonderful trip and that your sweet Mama has a blessed and extra-special birthday! Have fun!!
Susan,
I live outside Chicago.
I don’t know exactly when your train will go through Chicago, but I will wave to every one that goes by!
I will be taking a train trip to Savannah, GA in May. Can’t wait! Love traveling by train!
Have a great time!
It’s 3 pm, we just left Chicago, going west now!
LOVE the new mug designs! Do you ever sleep?? 😉
Such a sweet tribute to your mom! Enjoy your visit. I love the your fine mugs! Beautiful!! I will check into ordering the ‘Love of Nature’. Also, I’m loving this font as I type! I’m about to iron myself….my husband’s shirts 😉 I’ve always wondered about soaking in the liquid starch – that might be easier than spraying as I go – plus, with treated fabrics, the spray starch can leave spots. I love your happy artwork – it makes me feel good 🙂
It works a lot better than the spray, more even and less trouble after the initial dunking!
Please sign me up to win a mug! All three are lovely. I, too, adore starch. I even like the fragrance created when one irons it. I still have some dry ARGO starch that I mix up and use for my best linens. I am wondering if Amazon has the dry as well as the liquid. EJC
I remember my grandmother starching her things.I love linens that are starched they have such a crisp clean look to them.I hope you have a wonderful visit with your mother.I miss my mom very much she died 13 years ago at the age of 64.Nothing can replace those times we had together enjoy each other.The cups are awesome.
Susan…I was able to read your blog twice today. I’m on vacation from school this week and this morning I settled with a cup of Joe and read about Vermont and this afternoon read about starching and your beautiful mugs. I would ❤️ to be a winner in the giveaway. I’m also excited to hear that your Autumn book (my favorite season) is making a comeback! I never got the first one. Curiously enough I brought a copy back to the library today…reluctantly I might add. Safe travels cross country!
There are always memories and inspiration to be found on your blog….
Hi Susan! Your starched lovelies look lovely! I really like your coat from the British Isles. Have a wonderful trip to California to see your mother for her birthday. I LOVE the three mugs- but I don’t think that word is strong enough. They are a pure delight!!!!
I would LOVE to win one of your cups. Thank You
Love the new mugs. Vanna can pick my name and send one to Pat H in Illinois.
I just love the mugs! Can’t wait!!!
Thank you for the lesson on liquid starch. I remember seeing my grandmother and mother use it when I was a child but I have never tried it. I have a lot of antique linens and lace that could use it.
I love your new mugs and the fact that they are 16 oz. Enjoy your trip and the visit with your Mom.
That was an excellent tutorial on starching. Thank you! I think your new mugs came out beautifully and I love the size! I thought about pre-ordering but can’t now. Hubby has been looking for a job for months so no unnecessary purchases. I mean I COULD make a case for a new mug until he opens the cabinet and gives me an “are you kidding me?!” look! Happy travels!
Totally understandable, there’s a time for everything! xoxo Luck and love to you both!
Susan, I just love your blog!!! It’s wonderful to sit down with a friend, that seems to know me so well and sip on a hot cup of tea!!! Truly I enjoy everything from your beautiful starched linens, to your “oh so cute” teacups!!! Enjoy your trip, and the breathtaking sites out your window!
The mugs are just darling! Good job!
Hi, Susan,
I’m so glad you’re making the trip out to California to celebrate your Mom’s birthday. You know first-hand how precious these visits with aging parents are. I am hoping to see you while you’re out this way.
That orange marmalade cake looked so good I wanted to take a slice right off my screen. Yeah, a piece of cake and a cup of tea in one of those adorable bone china cups would be just perfect right now! ;->) Thanks for sharing the website for the wrapping paper-so cute! Love & blessings, Sandy
Many thanks for the info on real starch! I love linen and linens but not the wrinkles of linen/s so much…actually not at all. Can’t wait to follow your splendid directions and experience the results.
And Huzzah! for your beautiful porcelain cups. So wonderful!
Have a “loveful” visit with your mother. (Loveful was a word used by a patient of Chaplain Kerry Egan in her book “On Living.” Trying to make it part of everyday vocabulary.) Joy to you both!
Those are the cutest mugs ever! I’d love to be in the drawing, if this is the way to do it. 🙂 Blessings!!
Happy Birthday to your Mother !
Have a blessed trip .
I have a collection of linens (mostly from grandmothers, some I’ve bought) and quilts. Quilts are my new obsessions! Going to have to try the liquid starch for my linens, I’m sure it’s what my grandmothers used too
Can’t wait to see and try the cake recipe ! The mugs are glorious…I want all three! Have fun n on your train trip
I just love your blog! I so enjoy going along with you on your adventures. Thanks for the info on starch. Fascinating to us home “nerds.”
I’d love to win one of the cups – so cute!
Have a wonderful trip and give your mother a hug for us!
I love your new mugs! I am a mug snob! It needs to be big enough, yet pretty. These are perfect!
All the starching info reminded me of my school uniform middy blouses in the 50’s! My favorite ones were the ones my mom starched like that–hated the perm-press ones! I would LOVE to win a mug! They are precious!!!!!!
Hi Susan,
You’ve been busy! Those mugs are delightful, so I hope that Vanna picks me! Have a wonderful time in California with your mother!
What a trip down memory lane—starching clothes–especially the crinolines for years, traveling on the train from St. Louis to New York City each summer growing up as we spent the summers with our grandparents (loved sleeping in the top bunk and using the little toilet and silver sink), and then I wanted so much to order your new mugs, but hear I’m too late. (Tears on my cheeks)
You’re not too late…. we have lots of them!
When I saw the picture of your coat I immediatly thought of Dolly Partons “Coat of Many Colors”, my mama made for me.
As refreshing and joyous as Spring….a blog post and a Willard from you, Susan! ♥ We have early warm and sunshine here in central Virginia in a big way. Today’s high was 77, sunny and glorious! Loving it all, ready to tackle projects list both inside and outside the house, just a beautiful season! So happy to hear you are going to visit your Mom – and wish her a very Happy Birthday for me! Moms are special, and mine will be 90 in July! How time flies 🙂 Safe travels.
I’m soooo very happy to hear your beautiful mugs are ready to preorder! I received a gift certificate for Christmas from a dear friend, and I just used it for your Little Things mug. Love it, and it will take its place with my Proper Tea set. 🙂 Keep smiling, keep designing, keep us in your heart! It’s a wonderful place here – thank you for sharing. xoxo mari
Big time Memory Lane today! I had totally forgotten but I do now remember my Mom sprinkling and rolling up laundry for ironing. But I also remember she hated it! I am so glad you showed us your plaid coat! It is gorgeous. When you mentioned it I recalled a beautiful plaid coat I bought in New York in about 1970. It was so cool and so much less boring than my grey coat of today. I wish I had saved it. I also wish we could return to a time when fine fabric was the star of many garments, especially wool, but also brocades, pique, silks, etc.
Susan My daughter Sophia saw the cups and squealed Mom this is perfect for Grams! She loves tea and her and I could have a cup or two together since Grandpop is gone!
Oh Susan! I am so excited about your new English coffee/tea mugs! They are the BEST as something that I always associate with your name. And now I’ve read (and I’m going to look right now) a peek at your vintage linens. Can not wait — so many exciting things happening! Thank you!!!
Omg. Starch. I didn’t think anybody still used it!! Now Im so inspired to starch all of my old linens, curtains, and anything else thats starch worthy except not only do I need to find the starch, Ill need an iron too. Didn’t think anybody used those anymore either! Yay. A new obsession and because I’m so OCD, its perfect for me. Its killing me that I can’t run over to your house and even out the linen on your table 🙂 My sons birthday is on the 27th too! We will both be celebrating with our families this weekend. We’ll make a wish for your mama too. I so LOVE the mugs and will definitely be purchasing a few for tea time. I drink my tea midday into the evening because I have coffee in the morning even though it was my New Years resolution to quit but It might actually kill me……the headache!! Maybe your mug will be the magic trick. I would never put coffee in it and will only want to use yours when I go grab my mug early in the morning. Wish me luck!
Have a wonderful trip and I can’t wait to read my willard!
Hi Susan, I share my birthday with your Mum and I live close to the Lake District in England. That’s a great coat you found there. Your mugs are beautiful, I can feel a collection coming on.
Have a great trip.
Oh Susan, I love the new mugs!
They are adorable!
When I saw the picture of your coat I immediatly was reminded of Dolly Partons “Coat of Many Colors” my mama made for me.
Love your beautiful mugs, Susan. Hope to have one someday. Safe travels!
Dear Susan,I wish you fun & safe traveling. I’m so happy you’re visiting your mom. I send her birthday wishes. I miss my own momma so much. She will be gone 9 yrs in June. What I wouldn’t give to spend just one hour with her .So ,yes hold your’s close & never take one minute for granted.
February has been a great month for our family, our oldest son was born in February as well as our 3 grandchildren!
That son even irons with starch,lol.
I love, love the precious cups. Hopefully I might win. Even so I will be ordering. How my 2 grandgirls would love those.
Enjoy California. And soak up that sun.
Enjoy your visit with your mom! I love the mugs!
Loved reading your blog and latest Willard! Your mugs are beautiful and I would love to own one…or two…or three 🙂 Thanks for the starching lesson — never have starched but have a few items that could use it and be revived! Thanks again!
I am definitely a special mug sort of person. I think your mugs are truly beautiful as well as looking cozy and just the right touch. Thank you for the opportunity to own one. Too hard to pick a favorite.
The cups look great!! I can’t wait to see them. Thanks so much for being you and for being so talented! Have fun with your Mom, keep all the memories close. I’m dealing with Mom’s memory failing so hold onto as much as you can and give her lots of hugs!
I have the same thing Anne. Very sad, and totally joyful at the same time!
Enjoy your pictures and news I have a lot of same interest. Kitties, books, your wonderful drawings and love houses and love England too
My mother didn’t use liquid starch, she used Argo clothing starch, added water then cooked on the stove until thick. I remember coming home from school and being excited about something special to eat . . . but it was starch. bummer!
Yes, bummer, not a grilled cheese sandwich, that’s for sure!!!
I love the design on all of the cups. I might have to order all of them. Your linens are beautiful. I haven’t used starch in years but it really does make a difference. Have a wonderful trip and birthday celebration.
I have the same interest, books, kitties,houses, and England love your drawings
Hi have so much fun on the train! Hopefully we can soon binge watch YOUR new show!! Except we would want to savor it instead, like your books! How exciting-hope that goes great with the meeting. We have been loving The Crown and Victoria which almost fills the spot that Downton left, then there’s Grantchester, which is my new favorite with adorable SidneyAND Georie😍😚!! I too have a wonderful husband like yours and he enjoys all the same shows with me which makes it more fun. LOVE the mugs!!! Hard to choose, think I’ll put them on my mom’s day wish list and see what happens!! Happy trails and sending so much love💞💞xo Melissa R
So happy to learn where I can get “real” starch. I gave up trying to find it long ago. Can’t wait to bring out my antique linens for Spring and beyond. Loved seeing your collection. Thank you.
Have a safe and happy trip. Blessings….
I love the In Love with Nature mug the best. Think I have to have that one!
These mugs are absolutely adorable and will make wonderful gifts! Love all three of them!
Wishing you safe travels and enjoy your time with your mama!
Oh, gasp! I have to have those darling mugs. I licensed some of my designs to tableware and mugs a few years ago. It is a thrill to see your work on real products, isn’t it?
I think I like doing it myself better than licensing. There may be a lot less of them in the world, but at least I get to decide what they are made of and where they are sold!
That’s partly the reason I didn’t pursue licensing for longer than a few years. I love autonomy, too. I also started writing and publishing, have written a few books and published adult colouring books. The mugs are sweet, though.
Me too, it was probably much better during the 1990s, but by the time I started, things had begun to change for the manufacturers. Very tough times for everyone.
I love watching you do laundry. It is so much more fun than when I do my own, I wonder why? The cups turned out wonderfully!
Julie Child says:
Your comment is awaiting moderation.
Posting this again….you missed it! haha – so many keeps you busy on that train!
February 24, 2017 at 11:11 am
Hey Susan,
It’s Julie Child, your long-time fan from Sacramento. I just SOLD OUT your event at the Apple Farm!! Seriously – I just went online for tickets and it said ONLY 3 LEFT so I bought them all. Can’t believe I almost missed it! Have never missed a NorCAL event.
And, love those mugs, want them all! Enjoy your train ride across our beautiful America!
Timing is everything Julie!!!! Wow! See you there!
I love the mugs! I’m already picturing myself drinking some steaming hot “breakfast in Paris” tea with a shot of milk in one of them (you got me hooked on lavender tea ….I had to try it when you mentioned it in one of your books…and this one’s my favorite!). Would love to win one! Will have to buy one for an old friend, too! My older daughter (11) keeps using the “little things in life” slogans (she says she’s short and sweet :-))…because her 3-years younger sister is just an inch short of catching up with her height! Have a great train ride! Dress warm in Chicago…it’s back to Winter in Illinois!
Funny! Sisters!
Safe travels to your lovely mother’s arms! And Happy Birthday to her as well!
Love your mugs and in English China too!!!
Beautiful! I love LOVE and LITTLE THINGS! Although according to Fanny Fern, “There are no little things. Little things are the hinges of the universe.” That must mean LOVE is the door to the universe. 😉
Have a wonderful time celebrating with your mother!
I think you have it figured out perfectly!
I ALWAYS enjoy a visit from Willard but this one was extra-special. Travel, old linens, ironing, peeks of Jack and a lovely tribute to your mom. The cups are just dee-vine. They make me wish that I drank coffee or tea! If you come up with a kitty one, I’ll drink my morning cranberry juice out of it!!
Have a great visit and Happy Birthday Mom!!
I love your new mugs. Don’t know which one I like best, but I will order one or all three!
Isn’t the train the most wonderful way to travel?
I have been thinking about what you said after noticing,the beautiful colors of coats in England. We do have very drab colors here often. I will be looking for a happier color.
Have a safe trip. What a blessing that your mom is waiting for you.
Susan, please enjoy a wonderful birthday celebration with your mom! I love your wool coat. When I was in Ireland in 2001, I bought a navy/gray/tan plaid wool coat and I still wear it! Thanks for the starch tutorial…now I want to go and starch all of my linens. Your mugs are sweet and that marmalade cake has my mouth watering! Hope you have a wonderful journey and visit with your family!
A coat of many colors…how stunning !
Your beautiful mugs are on the top of my want list!!
I’d love to be a winner!
Enjoy your time with your mother…it will be so special!
Hugs to you
Oh Susan, how this post awoke such fun memories. As the eldest girl, one of my jobs was helping with the ironing. Pillowcases and hankies, all wrapped in a tea towel while waiting in the frig. One day, I decided to “really” help my Momma by starching and then ironing my Dad’s boxer shorts. Bless his heart, he wore them to work and had an fairly uncomfortable day.
oh, my goodness!! in my comment, I had described how, when my mom & dad were married…in 1938…she used to iron his boxer-shorts. routinely!! WITHOUT STARCH, i’m hoping. I truly didn’t think anyone could match, or “top” this…but, good-on-you!! wow. i’m sure both your mom & dad advised you not to go to all that trouble again!! hehehe. thank you for sharing such a cute story!! ox
I love the cups and the size What is life without a cup you love. Not just any cup either. China, thin, beautiful….you nailed it. The art is so familiar as I have collected so many many of your items. Goodness, we have been together a long time, including having Callifornia to share. I loved your book about your life. I really really learned a lot about your mind and your talents. Thanks for sharing.
oh, and just saw….”Have I told you lately that I love you?” was our wedding song that we danced to 16 years ago!!!!! …and the sheep….my younger daughter loves the sheep! Yeah, we’ll have to get a set!!!!! You bring such joy with your cute mugs!
What a fun trip! Can’t wait for the delicious recipe and the mugs are sweet as can be!
How happy I am that you will be in your mother’s arms soon! What comfort, what joy!
I agree with Patty from Redlands (Hi Patty!) that you need to give your mom an extra squeeze for those of us who have to wait until heaven to have that experience again!
My BFF are planning time in the Lake District… I’m going to be looking for Hawkshead on the map when I plan with her… (so much shopping!)
I think those mugs are the cute things ever! And, like some of your other readers, I have too many mugs, but each one holds a special memory. These will be perfect to add to the collection! I’m so enjoying the tweets from the train and looking forward to Willard!
Thanks for the opportunity!
Marsha
Your mugs are absolutely darling! I can’t wait to get my hands on them. Thank you for reminding me of the simple things of life (starching dresser scarves ~ boy, does that take me back a few years) and beautifying life with your wonderful talents.
I will have to try the real starch! I have never used it, but remember my mom doing so.
And the new mugs are adorable! I may have to order some for me, and some for my pen pal! (Oops, I hope she doesn’t read this!) M
Susan, So pleased you are doing the mugs! I want to order all three too. They are just the ticket to wake up to. Happy travels,
Nancy
Oh the mugs! Fantastic! I cannot wait to hold one in my own two hands!
Your description of your mom made me cry. My mother’s 5th (and unexpected) child, she was in labor with me for 48 hours, yet still had the love in her heart after that ordeal to give me the middle name JOY. That’s true maternal grit. I lost her 4 years ago and my heart still breaks daily because of it.
Safe and happy travels!
So excited for you ~ train travel toward West coast family and friends, and gorgeous mug project completed! And excited for me ~ another happy blog to read and a Williard and a recipe for Orange Marmalade Cake (and maybe a darling mug 🙂 to look forward to! Hoping you love your time with your mom.
Lovely posting, as always. Have fun in California!
With good cheer,
Very excited about the mugs… my family is from Staffordshire in England!
An amazing history right there!
Oh gee wiz Susan that story about Mom and Grandmas garden made me shed a scentimental tear! I’m wishing you a great time with family and friends. Iadore, love, need all three mugs! Can’t wait to hold them in my grateful hands! Love.
Have a wonderful time. I will have my friends come say HI to you in SLO. Enjoy your mother. Those days are precious. Love your cups !
The mugs are amazing! Can’t wait to be the winner and have tea in mine.
I’m so excited about the mugs! They look lovely. Now to decide which one to pre-order, because I absolutely can’t buy all three. I can’t. No, really. (This is how I always try to talk myself out of buying yet more dishes, and it never works. LOL)
Hope you have a wonderful trip and enjoy your time with your mother. 🙂
The mugs are precious! I always enjoy the musica! too.
I am an “ironer” too. And I come from a long line of ironers–I bought the glass sprinkling bottle from your website years ago cause it reminded me of the one we used at home when I was a little girl. loved your tutorial on starch😊
Great job on the new mugs. And thanks for taking us along on the train. Have a lovely time!!
Yippee, Skippee ! I can’t wait to receive my mug…adorable Ms. Lambikins ! Although they are all adorable…I just love sheep ! Another special place in my heart is for all those beautiful little embroidery’s on your linens. Don’t forget when you press the beautiful stitches to do it on the wrong side pressing them on a fluffy towel. It will help the stitches stay nice and dimensional (ooh I feel like I am scolding you xoxoxo) A special Happy Birthday Wish for your mom!
Congratulations again Pamela, lucky Vermont syrup girl! xoxo Thank you for being here!
Love the new cups. I can’t wait for one of my own you never cease to amaze me with all the things you do
I think I recognized the bowl with the starch as “Town and Country” by Stangl. My wedding pattern! I’ve been following you since your drawings first appeared in Country Living! Love that your merchandise is expanding! Hope everything is still standing in California!
Thanks for the lesson on starch. I have some items that need it. That cake looks so moist and delicious, please pass on the recipe. Have fun on the train and enjoy celebrating your dear mother’s birthday.
Love the mugs! Safe travels. Happy Birthday to your Mom.❤
My mother owned a help yourself laundry and took in ironing. I remember her starch bowl and wooden spoon. I can still see and smell the aromas that came with clean clothes fresh off the clothes line.
I love reading your words. Awe,maybe you can put those beautiful words of your mom’s heart being broken off into a plate or towel. Such a nice memento. My first business was an ironing business when I was in high school for college boys that were pre med. I charged 10 cents a piece. I never knew about the starch. I used the spray cans. But today I have an industrial iron and I LOVE it!
Are you snail mailing the Willard newsletter again?
Tereese
[email protected]
Willard only goes by email these days, Teree! xoxo
Thank you so much for sharing your trips. It means a lot. I too love old linens. Thanks for the tip about the starch.
Just loved the mug prototypes! And how smart were you to have 3 different designs for all us Girlfriends who can’t get enough cuteness. Of course I had to order more than one!
It’s so funny that you mentioned the clothes in the refrigerator. I remember as a kid being mortified when a friend went into our fridge to get a soda and was greeted instead with a giant bag of shirts. Until reading your post I honestly thought my mother was the only one who did this! I guess I have to apologize to her for thinking she was a little crazy. Thanks Susan for always reviving bits of my childhood in all that you do.
Thank you, Susan. I hope that you and your family have a wonderful birthday celebration with your Mom.
Susan, I look so forward to reading about your adventures. I never know what I will be reading about next. Your cups are lovely, what a wonderful Mother’s Day surprise. Have a great trip to California.
Please pick my name for a mug. Love them and if I don’t win I will buy a few anyway!!! Love your blog. Enjoy your trip and visit in CA
I love the mugs! I will have to get all 3 because there is no way I could pick a favorite! Enjoy your time with your Mom. I wish I could spend one more minute in my Mom’s arms. I can’t wait to hear about your train travels. My God-daughter lives in San Francisco now and I was thinking of taking the train. Safe travels.
SUSAN!!!!!!!!!!! OH! The mugs!!!! I think they are FANTABULOUS!!!! My mom would love one! (me too) Mother’s Day, Hello!!! Each time I read your latest blog post, I feel so Springy, and right now I have my door and windows wide open enjoying the wonderful Spring-like weather of 73 degrees! YES!!! So loverly! So fresh smelling! I imagine sitting on a porch on Martha’s Vineyard! My daughter is still talking about her trip there last Summer! She wants to go again! And would love to meet you!! (me too!) SO we shall “sea” what the future holds……. ENJOY your train trip and time with Mummy! hugzzzzz 🙂
Linda 🙂