"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

Wednesday, December 28, 2011

Post Christmas Wishes!

Good Morning Everyone!
Just wanted to say how sorry I am to have not sent out 
Christmas wishes.  Unfortunately, the respiratory
thing I mentioned on the 17th only got worse,
resulting in two trips to the DR.  I really thought I
was developing pneumonia.  They gave me a breathing
treatment and medicine on the first trip.  After 5 days I
was having bad reactions to that and really not getting
any better, so the day after Christmas I got a new antibiotic 
and am finally starting to feel a little better.  Nothing was
really ready for Christmas - not the baking, the wrapping,
or the Christmas tree.  The tree was finally decorated by
Hollis and Lehmer Christmas Eve.  
Regardless of all the sick drama with me, we still had
a wonderful time.  Avery was just adorable and if
you will bear with me I'd like to share a few
pictures.  The block above is covered with my favorite
pictures of him since his birth.  The bottom has a
picture of Hollis, Paul, and Avery.  His
name and date of birth are stamped on the top.
I had so much fun making it.  I think it will be
my annual ornament for him.
This was the picture for Hollis and Paul's
Christmas card.  The huge Stieff bear is Hollis'.
When she was just a few years old, I found that
wonderful bear at an antique shoppe for just a
small amount.  What a treasure.  Even his growler
still works.
Here he is in his Christmas PJ's being read
"The Night Before Christmas".  Lehmer read this to
Cameron and Hollis on Christmas Eve for years.
So, the tradition continues.  Unfortunately, his Daddy,
Paul had to work on Christmas Eve.  I hope
that next year Avery will stay up later, so Paul
can take over.
Lastly, a picture of him in his "Radio Flyer"
push wagon - a gift from Lehmer and I and his
Uncle Cameron.

Our beautiful Christmas tree that got decorated
just in time.
To all of my friends out there, I wish you
"Merriness" for the rest of the year and
for all of your "New Year".
Sandra

Saturday, December 17, 2011

Merry Christmas Ya'll

Good Evening Everyone!
I'm feeling a little better today.  My stress level
has  been over the top lately as I am sure you
could tell.  To add to that, my dish washer 
chose the week before the busiest cooking
week of the year to croak.  So,
instead of doing Christmas things last night,
Lehmer and I were out in the madness on 
a Friday night making a hasty decision about
a dishwasher.  Thank goodness they can
install it on Wednesday.  To add insult to injury,
I gave a lousy upper respiratory thing going on
(but a little better today due to lots of meds).
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Now, for the good news - the tree is finally up
and it smells so good (even with the respiratory
thing I can still smell it).  Makes me happy indeed.  
Even got a little decorating done today, but there
are boxes everywhere.  I sure hope we do  not
have any unexpected guests.  Went to my
friend's house today and cut lots of magnolia
for decorating.  I have plenty of boxwood and
holly on our property, so it is just a matter of
picking it.
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Going to Richmond tomorrow to see my sweet
Avery and celebrate my sweet Hollis' birthday. 
I am lugging all of my ingredients, pans,
and recipes so I can bake while babysitting
Monday and Tuesday.  This should be
interesting, but hopefully he will take
some good naps for me.
Anyway, just checking in with all of you
and thanking you for all of your sweet
comments of late.  To Mouse - I wanted to
say that I didn't dare mention how many
candles will be on her cake.  You know how
women are about those numbers, even though
she is still so young. 
Take care and "Be Merry"!!
Sandra

Friday, December 16, 2011

Happy Birthday

Good Morning Everyone!!
This is a wonderful day -
Hollis' Birthday. 
 She came almost a month early, so she
 was our Christmas present that year.  
~~HAPPY BIRTHDAY HOLLIS~~
HAVE A WONDERFUL DAY.

Wednesday, December 14, 2011

Wishing Thee Merriness

Good Evening Everyone!
Are you as overwhelmed as I am?  I have ten days to
get my Christmas act together, and things are
not going too well around here.  I haven't put
a dent in my shopping (with the exception of
Avery of course), the tree is on the back porch
(not in the house), and not a single decoration is
in place.  I do have a beautiful boxwood wreath on
my front door, due to the generosity of my dear
friend Ethel.  We always have a massive wreath covered
with tiny white lights hanging from a huge 
tree in our front yard.  I replaced all the lights last year
because many were not working.  Well, guess what -- 
plugged it in this afternoon and two strands are not 
working. What a pain!!  All of the strands have to come off
and the bad ones replaced.  I have said many, many bad 
words over the years due to Christmas lights.  
They drive me crazy.
I'm trying to be optimistic that tomorrow will be a very
productive day and my "Merriness" will return.
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 ANNOUNCEMENT 
Our last day to ship will be Friday,
December 16th.  I know I should have
announced this sooner, but time just got
away from me.  Faye and I will be taking a 
much needed Christmas break.  I need time to 
get ready to spend time with one of the
reasons for my "Merriness".
Many Merry Stitches,
Sandra




Thursday, December 8, 2011

MORE GOODIES FOR SALE

Good Afternoon Everyone!
To all of you who have ordered from last
night's post, thank you very much.  Today
I am offering you a few more goodies.
Please note that I have also put some new
things in my ETSY Shoppe - in particular my 
Santa and Lady Silhouette 
Ornaments.
Just click on my ETSY shoppe in the left
side bar.  If you like these and don't want to
go through ETSY, just email or call me.
I also added and re listed a few publications.
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"Tiny Oval Boxes"
Unfortunately, I am sold out of the "Stitching Lady"
Ornament, but I have a few of the "Horn Blower"
and "Lady Silhouette".  These tiny little oval
paper mache boxes have been painted and
decoupaged.  A hole is drilled at the top for
the hanging cord and a little ball of bees' wax
is inside.  They are so sweet.  We used to sell
many of these at the shop.
They measure 1 1/2" High, 1 1/8" Wide, 
and 7/8" Deep -- tiny little treasures!
I have two of each.
 $9.00 which includes the shipping. 
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"Paper Mache Sheep"
Isn't he cute!  I used to have these for sale in the 
Shoppe too.  I made them using an antique cookie
cutter.  He measures a mere 2 1/2" Wide X 1 1/4" Tall.
He is adorned with a tinsel garland with a brass bell
hanging from it.  I think you will love him.
 $5.50 which includes the shipping.  I have 
eight of him.
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"Holly Star" Ornaments
I made these out of wool felt, and hand painted both
the front and the back.  They have wire hangers and
rusty bells for embellishment.  There is a special
finish applied to preserve the paint.  I think they 
will make a very primitive addition to your tree.
They measure 4 1/2" High X 3 1/2" Wide.
 $9.50 which includes the shipping.
This shows the front and the back.
I have eight of these.
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Well, I think that is enough for now.  I need to do
some baking for my Garden Club Christmas Party.
So much to do - so little time!!
Many Merry Stitches,
Sandra

Wednesday, December 7, 2011

Stuff for Sale

Good Afternoon Everyone!
I am back home but only for a short time.
Will be heading back to Richmond, this time
to help our son, Cameron, move to a new 
home.  We will be going on Friday and will be
either helping him or babysitting Avery
until next Wednesday.  So, while I have
a few minutes, I wanted to offer you a few
good deals.  Also, I want to update
my Etsy site with my new books and some
handmade items, time permitting.  
All of these items are first come, first serve.
I take Paypal, Visa, MC, and personal 
checks.  You can call or email me your
information.  Your complete email address
is needed for Paypal.  If you want to use
a credit card, you can send all the information
in separate emails for security.
"Candy Container Santa"
He has a sack on his back to load him up with
whatever you want.  He is 10" X 3 1/4" at
his widest point and is only $12.00 which
includes shipping.  I only have one.
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Next is a great little Santa ornament.
I call him
"Santa Bearing Gifts"
He is going to visit both good and
bad little girls and boys because he has
sticks and candy canes.   He is 8" X 3" and
is $11.50 which includes shipping.
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Next are these great Red Aged Glass
Bead garlands.  The garland is 6'
long and is $7.50 which includes shipping.
I have four of these.
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I did some mini Christmas Journals, which
would make wonderful little gifts.  The designs
are all "vintage" which I have aged and 
decoupaged on to these tiny books.  They 
measure  approximately 4" High X 3" Wide
The first one is my 
"Holly Santa"
I have three of these.  Next is 
"Blue Santa".  
I only have one of these.
Lastly, I have this adorable "Daddy Snowman
and Babies".  I have three of these, each trimmed
differently.   Please specify the trim you want -
rick rack, ribbon, torn fabric.
specify the trim you want.  
"Daddy Snowman and Babies"
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Do you like "vintage style" Christmas ornaments?
If so, here are 20 candle clips for only $14.00
which includes shipping.  These are not old (but
made like the old ones) and
 do not include the candle. 
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Last but not least, I have a great salt glaze
Santa.  
He measures approximately 8" X 3 1/4".
$18.00 which includes shipping.
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Hope you enjoyed my little Christmas
Shoppe.  I will be loading things on my
Etsy site too.  
Many Merry Stitches,
Sandra




Thursday, December 1, 2011

Something Free For You

Good Afternoon Everyone!
I have a little something special for you
or a special something for someone else.
It will only take a little stitching time,
an expensive jar, and a special treat.
This idea came from this inspiration
piece in my collection.  I found this
wonderful "vintage" jar at a fantastic
antique store in Ruckersville, Virginia.
You really must go if ever in the area.  It
is fantastic.  In the middle of no where
really, but well worth the trip.
Here is my interpretation.   I made these in
all colors for the different reasons to have
goodies around, Christmas, Halloween,
Easter, Valentine's Day etc.  Such a fun project.
"Goodies Jar Wrap"



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"Many Merry Stitches",
Sandra





Friday, November 25, 2011

Thanksgiving Coma

Good Afternoon Everyone!
We are all suffering from food comas today,
but it certainly was worth it.  I was so exhausted
after cooking for mostly two days, doing a 
little decorating, and all the little things you
need to do.  Things like getting your serving
pieces out and ready to use, napkins ironed,
setting the table, a flower arrangement for
my big turkey soup tureen.  All the things that
I traditionally do and I so love doing it all.
We had a large group all gathered together
and it was wonderful.  The grandchildren
are tiny now.  I don't know what we will do
when they all need a chair at the table.
Oh, well, I'll worry about that another year.
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I just have to share this precious photo.
This was the first time Avery had seen his
little cousins.  It was so sweet to see how
much these little girls wanted to be with
him.  They were so excited, but I think it
was too much excitement for Avery.
Just look at how little Addyson and Piper are trying
to console him.  Addyson is about 2 1/2 and Piper is
about 9 months.  It is unbelievable how they reacted
to him being upset.  Of course, when he drops his
bottom lip, we all just melt.  Cameron, our son, was the
photographer again.  His timing was just perfect.
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Well, it will be back to work tomorrow for me, but
I am going to enjoy having them for one more day.
Hollis and and Paul will be leaving in the morning
and the house will feel so empty.
I hope you all enjoy the rest of the Thanksgiving
holiday.  
Many Merry Stitches,
Sandra



Tuesday, November 22, 2011

New Stuff

Good Afternoon Everyone!
I know many of you have already started preparing
for Thanksgiving.  Not I!!  I've just finished my
last publication for 2011 and it will be on its way
to my Automatic Shoppes today.  Yeah!!
So here they are in all their Christmas glory.
Sweet little projects that can be stitched in just
a few hours.  The finishing is also easy.  You
know me, if it isn't simple to finish than it isn't
a Homespun Elegance project.
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"MERRY BIRDIES"
$8.00
and
"Rounds 'A Plenty I - Christmas"
$9.00
 This is a side view so that you can see that the design
goes all the way around.

A closeup so you can see the Amber Pearl Star
button at the top.
These designs are stitched on a 27 Count linen
banding.  I used Weeks Dye Works Pearl
Cotton and "Merlot Houndstooth" felted wool
for the top and the bottom.  Even a good 
quality wool felt would work for the top and
bottom.  We also have an Embellishment Pack
that includes one length of the linen banding
and the "Amber Pearl Star" button.
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I hope all of you have a great evening.  I can now
start my Thanksgiving preparations.  Lehmer and
I are so excited.  We will be spending Thanksgiving
with our family and we have 
 two new sweet babies to add to our joy -
Avery and Piper.  Piper is my sister's third little 
granddaughter.  We are definitely going to need a 
bigger dining room table soon.
We have been so blessed and are so thankful.
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Well, no "Merry Stitches" for me tonight.
The kitchen is calling.
"Merry Stitches" to you though,
Sandra


Sunday, November 20, 2011

Freebie

Good Evening Everyone!
Hope everyone had a great weekend.
Hollis and I got out this weekend to do
a little Christmas shopping.  We are 
very grateful to Paul, Avery's Dad, for
doing a little babysitting.  Proud to
report that he was pretty good, so maybe
we will be able to talk Paul into it again.
I think our main mission was finding
Avery's first Christmas outfit and we
were very successful.  Cannot wait to
share pictures.  He is going to be so cute.
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It probably isn't proper for me to reissue a
"Freebie" graph that I did last year, but
because I had so few followers at that 
time, I have decided to offer it again to
those who never saw it.
"BLESSINGS TO ALL"

XXX SPECIAL XXX
I have a few of these green frames left.  If you
would like a frame and an Olde Brass Angel
button, the set is $19.00 
(which includes shipping).  I accept
personal checks, MC, Visa, and Paypal. 
Just email or call me if you are interested.
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My last Christmas design will be ready in a
few days, so I will be sharing soon.  I know
everyone is thinking of Thanksgiving now,
but I hope you have time for a few
"Merry Stitches."
Sandra


Thursday, November 17, 2011

Some Goodies!

Good Evening Everyone!
You will not believe what happened this
week.  I went to Hollis' on Sunday to babysit
for Avery as usual.  By early afternoon Hollis 
starts feeling sick and Paul is at work and he is 
also sick.  We all thought they had food poisoning 
from their dinner out the night before, so I wasn't  
 really concerned about getting sick.  Besides I 
  had to take care of Avery.
Well, by Tuesday afternoon I am sick, so
sick that Lehmer has to come get me on
Wednesday.  Anyway I am finally feeling
better.  It has been a long time since I have
had an intestinal virus, and hope it will be
even longer before it happens again. 
The most important thing is that Avery is
still OK.  
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Wanted to share a little glimpse of
something I am working on.  I hope to
get these ready in time for your gift giving.
Do you like Scherenschnitte - paper cutting?
I do and I particularly love silhouettes.
These will make lovely Christmas 
decorations or just as Cupboard Hangers.
There will be other silhouettes, not just
pretty ladies.
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I ask you, is this not one of the cutest things
you have ever seen.  Fat and sassy he is!!
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Thanks for taking a break from your stitching
to read my blog.
Many Merry Stitches,
Sandra




Sunday, November 13, 2011

Autumn Decorating

Good Morning Everyone!
It is going to be a beautiful day in Virginia, and
I am heading back to Richmond in a few minutes
to take care of Avery.  I so look forward to these
few days a week with him.  He is changing so
quickly and growing so much.  I want the
growing to slow down a little, but I think he is
in charge of that.  
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Some more Autumn decorating!



 This is our sweet but weird Marly.  Still hanging in
there at about 15 years old.  
 Do we have leaves or what.  There are millions
more to come since we are surrounded by woods.
If you look closely you can see where the
squirrels are snacking on my pretty pumpkin.

 Next week I will
be pulling out my turkey collection.  I'll have
to share that with you.  Don't you love that little
squirrel in the first picture.  I have had him for years and 
he has appeared in many photo shots.  He
is a windup toy and scoots around a bit when wound
up.  Hard to believe that he still works after all of
his years.  Hope I still work that well when I'm his 
age.  HaHa!
~~~~~~~~~~~~
Thanks for all of your sweet comments about my
"Merry Birdies".  They will be ready by the end
of next week.  I'll be showing you the other two
publications next week too.
"Many Merry Stitches"
to all of you!
Sandra


Friday, November 11, 2011

New Stuff

Good Evening Everyone!
Another beautiful Autumn day here in
Virginia.  A little on the chilly side and
more than a little windy.  It is snowing
leaves in our yard.  I really need to take a
picture of our yard when it is in leaf
overload.  Poor Lehmer, he spends 
so much time trying to get rid of the
leaves.  It is a thankless job, but thank
goodness for leaf blowers and that
he can blow them into our woods.
Bagging them is out of the question.
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I have had requests for a complete 
viewing of my "Merry Birdies".  Since
I hope to release them later next week or
the beginning of the following week, I
decided to go ahead and show them to you.
  I do think they are cute and definitely a
 quick stitch.
"Merry Birdies"
Also, I know many of you are starting
to think about your Christmas 
shopping.  With that in mind, I decided
to do a Christmas scissor fob ~
"Santa Profile".
The heart is made out of wood and I have 
decoupaged it with one of my original
little paintings.  Nicely aged and sealed
for durability.  Waxed linen thread
is attached for your scissors.
Sorry, scissors not included!
Measures 2 5/8" high X 1 3/8" wide.
If you would like one of these, they
are $11.50, shipping included.
Just email or call.  We take Visa, MC,
Paypal, money orders, and personal checks.
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Wishing you a wonderful weekend with
 "Many Happy Stitches",
Sandra