"DESIGNS THAT REFLECT OUR
AMERICAN HERITAGE"

Welcome to my blog. I'm probably very much like all of you who love the needlearts. My life revolves around family, friends, home and all things that help to make for a more contented life. When time allows; cooking, gardening, decorating, and collecting are my joys. I look forward to sharing all of these things with you. I also hope to keep you up to date on what is going on at Homespun Elegance, in regard to the needlework designs and the "Plain & Fancy Wares" that we offer.

Wishing you "Many Happy Stitches".
Sandra

Sunday, October 31, 2010

HAPPY HALLOWEEN

<<<<>>>>
Have a great day!
 Don't eat too much candy!
Stay away from those Witches!
Do some stitches!
Still time to do these cute "Littles" for some
Harvest Tyme ornaments.
Many Happy Stitches,
Sandra

Saturday, October 30, 2010

SNEAK PEAKS

Hi Everyone!

It has been a while since my last Blog.  Faye and I
have been so busy getting new designs ready and taking
care of the orders from the Online Show.  Boy what a
week we had.  I was so exhausted I actually left the
house early Friday and didn't come back until
late afternoon.  Working from home is not a good
thing for me.  There are a lot of conveniences, but
I never get away from it.  It is there so I just keep
going.  This is not adding to my quality of life.
Anyway, I got a little Christmas shopping done.
Can you believe that.  I need to write the things
I got on my list before I forget what I got.
Isn't that pitiful.
I will be announcing the WINNERS of the daily
prizes from the Online Show soon.  Thank you
so much for all of your kind words.  I was
thrilled that so many of you found the Blog by
 way of the Online Show.  Hope you all continue
 to visit often.
I have a little SNEAK PEAK for you!!
This is one of the designs from
 "SANTAS 'A PLENTY".  
There will be six adorable tiny Santas.  Such
quickies that you could actually tie them on
a needle worker friend's Christmas gift.  
I will finish them in several cute ways, but
after seeing all of your finishes, I don't think
any of you need any of my suggestions.
Here he is!
Here are some SNEAK PEAKS of the next two
designs in THE HALLOWEEN YEAR series.
They will be ready the same time as  the new 
design in the Delivering series that I showed you 
a few Blogs back and the Santas 'A Plenty above.
Hope you see something you like!
Many Happy Stitches and Happy Halloween!
Sandra

Tuesday, October 19, 2010

Delivering Sneak Peak

Evening Greetings!
I told you I would have a little sneak peak
of the second in my newest Delivering Series.
This is "Delivering Goodies".
Hope you like what you can see!
xxxxxxx
A FEW ANNOUNCEMENTS
I will be participating in the
Online Needlework Show 
which starts October 21st.  You
should check it out.  I'm sure 
there will be lots of wonderful
things to look at.  There are
many, many designers so I'm
sure you will find things you like.
xxxxxxx
Also, my last two publications,
"Be Joyous" and 
"Four-Square Christmas" have
been added to my Etsy site.
I will be putting all new publications
there from now on. 
"Many Happy Stitches",
Sandra

Monday, October 18, 2010

Halloween Decorating

Greetings Everyone!
Hope all is going well on this Monday.
I feel like I have spent days getting ready
for the Online Needlework Show which
will start October 21st.  I think I have
finally finished loading everything, so
I am going to take a break and send you
some Halloween decorating in my home.
This is in the kitchen.  We didn't put 
cabinets all around the room.  Opting instead
for this really olde Virginia pie safe.  I keep
a lot of kitchen stuff in it.
Fireplace in the keeping room.
In the breakfast room.
This is in the breakfast room again.  I got
this wonderful cornucopia several years
ago at the fantastic Waterford, VA
craft show -- a three day juried show
of the most amazing things.  It is always the
first weekend in October.
The mantle in the living room, which is 
the more formal part of the house.  It really isn't
formal in the strickest sense, but just not
primitive.  I love both looks so I try to 
combine the two.
Corner cupboard in keeping room with
my collection of old iron stone.  I
need to stop collecting all of this stuff.
Tomorrow I hope to give you a sneak peak
of my new Delivering design for Christmas.
Have a great night with 
"Many Happy Stitches",
Sandra

Sunday, October 17, 2010

One Year Ago Today

Greetings Everyone,

I am reminiscing about one year ago today.
Today it is beautiful here.  The kind of day
Hollis wanted for her wedding day.
Instead it was a gray, rainy, cold day but one 
filled with glorious moments that we will never
forget.
Just thought I would share with you a few
pictures of 
Hollis and Paul's wedding.
Don't you love the white pumpkins.  It is a good
thing that the wedding isn't this year because I
haven't seen any pretty ones around here.  I bought
the ferns early in the summer and nursed them
in the shade behind our house.
One of our beautiful fall arrangements.
We did sugared fruit on antique cake
pedestals.  Hypericum berries, nandina
leaves, and babies breath added a little
more texture.   I strung pearl beads on
wire for the table numbers.
Isn't this arrangement gorgeous.  Our
florist was outstanding.
I made the "W" for Wielt (Paul's last name) for
a large crouton for the salads.  I adapted a
recipe for shortbread, adding walnuts and 
parmesan cheese.  They were pretty yummy.
The happy couple.
This is true joy!
Hope you enjoyed my trip down memory lane.
Many Happy Stitches,
Sandra

Friday, October 15, 2010

Friday Night Coma

Greetings Everyone!

Until now I had successfully avoided candy corn.  My will 
power escaped me today and as I sit here in front of the
computer I am munching away.  So before I lapse into
a sugar induced coma, I need to get started on this
blog entry.  
It has been a long week.  We have worked so hard
to finish the models for the two new publications and
get them photographed.  We hope to ship to our
distributors and shoppes the latter part of next week.
"Four-Square Christmas" 
is an olde-fashioned design with some of my favorite 
things.  The hangers for the ornaments are made from 
vintage-inspired glass beads.  I love the way they turned 
out.  We will have a limited amount of the beads 
available.  Let us know if you would like some of them.
"Be Joyous"
is part of my Majestic Christmas series.  I love 
traditional designs just as much as my country/
folk art designs.  I use both of these wonderful
styles in my home and hope to share some pictures
of how I decorate with needlework for the
holidays in the coming months.  This design is
reminiscent of typical Dutch themes using birds
and hearts.  Though not necessarily thought of
as Christmas themes,  I thought it came together
nicely.  The Cupboard Hanger will look really
great in my dining room hanging from the
key in the linen press.  
Hope you are ready to start your Christmas 
stitching.
Many Happy Stitches,
Sandra

Saturday, October 9, 2010

Fun Finds

Hi Everyone,
I am happy to report that I had a really fun time
yesterday.  It started out with my physical
therapy, which wasn't all that much fun,
but it is helping.  So that is a good thing.
From there I went into Olde Towne
Fredericksburg and did some antiquing.
I never seem to have the time anymore,
but I am going to have to start carving out
some time for me.  I realize how much I
miss looking, if nothing else.
Happy to report that my looking paid off,
for me and the dealer.  Found some great
stuff that I'm going to put on Etsy soon.
In the mean time look what I found
for me. 
I have a pretty large collection of the
tomato pincushions.  A lot of them are
made from fabrics other than the typical
red.  Yesterday I found another one that
had faded to orange, so I stacked it along 
with some others that I had and made my
version of a stack of pumpkins.  I
just love it.
The other wonderful thing I found is this
great stool.  I love anything scrolly.
(Is that a word?)
Sometime I will have to show you all
of my stools.  Told myself I didn't need
another one, but you can see I didn't
convince myself.
Just had to share.
Have a great weekend with
"Many Happy Stitches",
Sandra 

Thursday, October 7, 2010

Coming Soon!

Good Evening Everyone~
Hope all is well with everyone.  We are enjoying
delightful Fall weather.  A little on the warm side
but not hot.  I had so much fun this afternoon.
Faye and I ran away for a little while and went
on a pumpkin hunt and we were successful.
I got some wonderful white pumpkins.  I'm
so excited.  In a few weeks Hollis and Paul
will be celebrating their lst Anniversary.
On that day, October 17th, I want to share
with you how I decorated the front entrance
of where we held the reception.  I was really 
happy with the way it turned out.
On to cross stitch.  Faye and I are going crazy
 trying to get all of my Christmas designs
 straight.  I have so many ideas.  I wish the
  final product was as easy to accomplish as
  the designing.  I need bunches of Christmas
   elves to help out.
A few entries ago I showed you a sneak
peak.  It now has a name, 
"Four-SquareChristmas".
Don't you love the glass bead hanger.  We
will have those available for you.  A sweet
"vintage" touch.
This next one is called
"Be Joyous".
Christmas will be here before we know it.  So
we must get stitching.

I will be adding a bunch of my models to my
Etsy site soon.  Maybe you will find something
to help with your Christmas shopping.  After
thirty plus years of designing, there is no way I
could ever use all of them in my home.  I will
also be offering many more hand-made items.  
Stay tuned!

Many Happy Stitches,
Sandra


Tuesday, October 5, 2010

Yummy Goodness!!

Good Evening All!!

Just a few announcements and to quote my son-in-law,
the chef, a little "Yummy Goodness" to share.  This 
is not his recipe, but that is what he says when he likes
 something a lot.  If he ever has a restaurant I think 
that would be a great name.  What do you think?

Stitching Jubilee
a consumer show, is coming 
up soon.  It will be held in wonderful downtown
Lancaster, Pennsylvania,  October 14-16.  The 
Convention Center is in downtown Lancaster 
adjoining the Lancaster Marriott.  My
Trunk Show of new items will be displayed in
Stitch 'N Stuff's great booth.  I'm sure they will
have all kinds of wonderful things to tempt you.
If you are in the area, you really should try to go.
I think you will love it.
Deb, the owner of Stitch 'N Stuff, wanted me
to mention that their shoppe in Reading, PA
will be open Sunday from 11-3.  So if you are
heading home and are in the vicinity you might
want to venture by.  You will be happy you did.

Next, I thought I would share with you my
design that is in the
Just Cross Stitch Christmas
issue.  I have been in this issue since it was
first published, resulting in many designs.
The Pointed Ornament that the design is
stitched on is my design as well and available 
from me and many shoppes.  
 I purchased the rick rack from Hancock
Fabrics and coffee dyed it.  The Amber
Pearl Star button is available from me.
Hope you like it!!

Now for "Yummy Goodness"!!
This is a recipe that I found in my local
newspaper and adapted it to our liking.
  It is really great anytime of the year and can be
 totally vegetarian or great with a little meat.  
I added meat because my husband, Lehmer,
 prefers it that way.
Savory Vegetable Chicken Gratin
-2 medium yellow squash cut in 1/4" slices
-2 medium zucchini cut in 1/4" slices
(If either of these are really big, cut the slices
in half.)
-1 cooked skinless, boneless chicken breast - diced
-2 cooked and crumbled slices of bacon or 2 TBSP
real bacon bits that come in a package
-8 oz. Portobello mushrooms, sliced
-1 (8.5 oz.) can of drained artichoke hearts 
(I only had the marinated kind, so I drained
and then rinsed several times to get rid of some
of the added flavor)
-1/4 cup of panko bread crumbs and
2 TBSP flax seed meal.  Mix together.
(If you do not have this, just add two TBSP more 
of panko. The flax seed meal is a great source 
of extra fiber.  I love it.  You should try it sometime.)
-1/2 TSP of dried oregano
-1 TBSP of flour (I used whole wheat flour)
-1/2 TSP salt, divided
-1/2 TSP pepper, divided
-2 TBSP finely minced onions
-1 1/2 cups shredded Mozzarella cheese
-2 TBSP grated Parmesan cheese
1/2 cup half and half
(since I didn't have half and half and am trying
to avoid the fat, I mixed 1/4 cup low fat
sour cream with 1/4 cup of 1% milk)

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
-In a large bowl, mix all squash, artichokes, chicken, 
bacon, onions, and mushrooms. In a smaller bowl mix
 together 1/4 cup bread crumbs and flax seed mixture, 
oregano, flour, Parmesan, and half the salt and pepper. 
Pour over vegetable/meat mixture and mix well.
-Spread half of squash mixture over bottom of a 7" X
11" baking dish coated with cooking spray.
-Toss together the Mozzarella cheese, the remaining
crumbs and salt and pepper 
-Spread half over the squash mixture.  Repeat squash
layer and top with remaining cheese and crumb layer
-Drizzle with half and half. Cover with tin foil and bake
for 25 minutes.  Remove the foil and bake for 
another 25 minutes or until squash is tender and
top is golden.
-Let stand 10 minutes before serving.
This is even better the next day.  I love
left overs and thank goodness, Lehmer, my
husband, does too.

Let me know how you like it.

Many Happy Stitches,
Sandra







Monday, October 4, 2010

Autumn Stuff

Hi Everyone,

First of all, thanks for the orders for the Halloween Papermakings.
I'm sure you will enjoy it.  The ornaments are quick to stitch
and the tree is fun to make too.
I mentioned last night that I might have some fun "wares"
that you would not have to stitch.
So here goes.  
If I don't mention that the item is limited, then I will
be able to make more.
This is "Ewe and Pumpkin" and I only have two.
It is a hand-painted papermache pumpkin that
measures 5" high X 5" across.
The cost is $12.00 plus $3.50 shipping in US.
This is "Burlap Halloween Cat" and I only have three.
It is hand painted on burlap and backed with burlap.
It is stitched together with a running stitch and
embellished with a tiny black button eye.
The cost is $13.00 plus $3.50 for shipping in US.
These are little wearable pins or magnets.  They
are decoupaged with prints of my paintings.
The "Fluffy Turkey" is the only one that is
hand-painted.  Please specify pin or magnet.
The circles are 1" in diameter.  The "Triple Pumpkin"
star is 2" across and 1 1/2" high.  The "Pumpkin and
Friend" heart is 2 3/4" high X 1 3/8" across. 
Priced as follows:
"Pumpkin and Friend" Heart  is $8.00.  The "Triple Pumpkin"
Star is $7.00.
"Still Life", "Witch", and "Pumpkin" Circles are
$7.00.
The hand-painted "Fluffy Turkey" is $9.00 plus
$2.50 shipping in the US.
 Next are my hand-painted "Autumn" Cupboard 
Hanger and "Pumpkin" Cupboard Hanger.
They are trimmed with  bittersweet artificial
berries.  The cost is $11.00 plus  $3.50 shipping
in the US.
I do have a limited amount of these.  

Hope you see something to tickle your 
Autumn fancy!
 I take Paypal, Visa, Mastercard,
and personal checks.  Just email me if you would
like something.  I will also combine shipping on
multiple items.


Watch for a sneak peak of a new
Christmas design soon.  


Many Happy Stitches,
Sandra

Sunday, October 3, 2010

Great Weekend

Hi Everyone!
We had a great weekend here in Fredericksburg, VA.
We didn't wash away after all from our many inches
of rain.  Boy did we need it.  What is left of the
flowers are all standing up and looking happy for
the first time in weeks.  Their last hurrah before
frost gets here.
I didn't get to do much Homespun Elegance work
this weekend.  We went to a beautiful wedding on
Saturday which took up most of the day.  We
had quite a little journey to get to the reception and
I was looking forward to the ride so I could stitch
on the way.  Well, when I pulled out my project my
needle was not there.  You can imagine my disap-
pointment.  I never ride in the car for a distance
like that without stitching.  I was miserable.  All
I could think about was missed stitching time.
Do you use every available moment to stitch?
I think I am obsessed.
There is a little bit of time left to stitch some
more Halloween stuff.  I came across a little
stack of "Halloween Papermakings" fixings
 in my storage unit, so I have put them together. 
 There are 13 quick and easy designs.  The
 tan perforated paper is included plus the tan
backing paper.  Even the directions for  making 
the wire Halloween tree.  When these are gone
 that will be it although I will probably use the designs 
in another way.  This Project Pack is not available
in your needlework shoppe.
The cost is $9.50 which includes shipping
(in the US).  International slightly more.
Hope you like it!!

Have a great evening.  I hope to be back 
tomorrow with some Halloween stuff
that doesn't have to be stitched.  

Many Happy Stitches,
Sandra