"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

Saturday, October 29, 2011

Another Little Look

Good Saturday Morning!!
Hollis and Paul wanted to take Avery to the
Pumpkin Patch today, but so much for that idea.
The weather here is just horrible, raining now 
with a chance of snow.  The mountains of
Virginia are definitely getting snow.  I keep
trying to remind myself that it really is fall.
Here are a few of my minimalist ideas of
decorating this year.  Christmas decorating 
will be better - I hope.



Never did find my white pumpkins.  I found
one tiny one at Walmart, can you believe that,
and being a good MOM, I gave it to Hollis.
Looks great in her bathroom.
Still hoping to find some before Thanksgiving.
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Before I get to my little peak for you, wanted to
share the most adorable hat on the most adorable
baby.  Don't you think he would have been a hit at the
Pumpkin Patch?  Cannot wait to share his
Halloween costume.  Stay tuned for that.
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Now for the reveal.  This is 
~~MERRY BIRDIES~~
So sweet, so cute, so prim, and so
quick.  I hope you will love them.
These will be available soon with
some more "quickies" for your
Christmas decorating and giving.
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If you are in my part of the world, try to stay
dry and warm.  The coffee will definitely be
flowing today.  I have to finish my last two
publications to go out next week and move on
to the next.
Many Happy Stitches,
Sandra

Saturday, October 22, 2011

New Stuff

Good Morning Everyone!
Hope all is well in your part of the world.  This
is a really busy day for me and before I get started,
I wanted to share with you my two new publications.
If all goes well, they will ship next week.
Hope you like them.
"CHRISTMAS WON'T BE CHRISTMAS. . ."
I know you will all recognize the origin of this special
quote from Little Women, one of my most favorite
stories and movies of all time.  I have always loved
this quote and wanted to do something unique to use 
in my Christmas decorating.  This will occupy a special
spot on my sofa with all of my other Christmas pillows.
  All the fancy magazines talk about the packaging being
part of the gift, well this time the packaging could be
the gift as well.  I made the pillow out of Weeks felted
wool and the ribbon is just something from the
craft store that just happens to match the color
of the cross stitched gifts.  I may have a little of
this to sell if you are interested.  It is stitched on
Old Mill Java with a variety of fibers.  Would be
quite special over one for an ornament.
Next is
"QUAKER REJOICE ORNAMENT"
This continues my heart ornament collection.  So simple
and elegant at the same time.  It is stitched on 36 Count
"Wheat" from R & R Reproductions, with a Stitch
Count of 39 Wide X 69 High.  The brass charm is
included.
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Just so you know, I will have another heart ornament,
some Christmas birdies, and Christmas Silhouettes in
the coming weeks.  Can't wait to share.  
Love Christmas designing so much.
Wishing you a beautiful weekend with
 Many Happy Stitches,
Sandra

Thursday, October 20, 2011

A New Little Something!

Good Afternoon Everyone!
I hope you are all having a grand day.  We are
having a gray and windy day with leaves
blowing everywhere.  Fall has definitely
arrived in Virginia and I love it.  I haven't had
much time for fall decorating and it is driving
me crazy.  I so love this time of year.  Have
yet to find a white pumpkin or bittersweet.
What in the world am I going to do.  I may
have to paint one and age it.  
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Just wanted to let you know that the Online
Show is up and running.  If you would like to
take a peak just go to Online Show.
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Thought you might want to see a little snippet
of two of my new designs.  If all goes well 
they be released next week.  
CHRISTMAS WON'T BE CHRISTMAS
and
REJOICE
"Rejoice" continues the Heart Ornament 
series that I started several years ago.
I'll let you see the complete designs in a
few more days.  Just a few more finishing
touches to go.  
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Now for something really cute and special!
I know I'm being obnoxious again, but cannot 
help myself.
Have a great rest of the day with
"Many Happy Stitches",
Sandra

Saturday, October 15, 2011

I'm Still Here!

Hi Everyone!
I cannot believe that it has been almost a month
since my last post.  I guess you all thought I had
gone to Richmond for good.  Well, I just about
have for various reasons.   Avery went to day
care for his first three days and what happens -
he gets a cold with a slight fever, etc.  Poor
Hollis and Paul, welcome to parenthood.  Anyway,
he is better now, so I came home Wednesday
and have been working on the Online Show
and trying to catch up.  We had to get things
shipped to Attic Needlework for a Trunk Show.  
 If you are in the Meza, Arizona area, many of my 
models will be there for about a month.
If you have never read a newsletter from Attic
Needlework, then you are in for a real treat.
Please go to
You won't be sorry!!!!!
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I was so shocked when I opened an email from
Terri Stanley and saw this fabulous display of my
"HALLOWEEN YEAR" collection. 
Everyone of them is finished in her own special
way.  She definitely has a flare for finishing.
Thank you Terri for sharing this with me!!!!!
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Well, I have to get back to the Online Show.  I still
have a lot to do and the deadline for everything to
be in place is Monday.  Before I go back to Richmond
(I am taking care of Avery on Mondays and Tuesdays)
I hope to show you a little glimpse of new designs.
Many Happy Stitches,
Sandra

Friday, September 23, 2011

New Stuff!

Good Afternoon Everyone!
 I want to share
with you the last of the three new publications
that were shipped to shoppes and distributors
a few days ago.
"Be Truly Thankful"
What a wonderful time of the year and it is fast
approaching.  Just enough time though to stitch
this quick design and have it ready for your
Fall displays.  Everyone at the Sullivan household
is even more thankful this year.  Cannot wait to
see little Avery at our Thanksgiving table.
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Also, wanted to share with you that I have a design
in both the new publications from
~~ Just Cross Stitch ~~ 
Halloween Collection Book
and
the 20ll Christmas Ornaments Magazine.
The pre-finished stocking was designed
and made by Olde Colonial Designs. 
They should be available at your shoppe.
If not, you may get them from me.
Both of these publications are the bargain of
the year.  Filled with dozens of unique
designs for your stitching pleasure.  You
won't be disappointed!
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I hope you are having a great day.  I am playing
catch up around here ~ printing publications, working
on new ones, working on some special things
for the Online Show in October, etc.  Never a dull
moment.  I hope to have time this weekend to
update my ETSY site.  Many of you have asked 
where the new things are.  I just haven't had
time to do it.  If you want something though
all you have to do is a Conversation on the
ETST site or call/email me.  It is never a 
problem.
Be back soon.
Many Happy Stitches,
Sandra



Monday, September 19, 2011

Time To Share

Good Evening Everyone!
Just wanted to let you know that 
Cinnamon Stick Santa XXIII
"Such Delight"
is about to be shipped.
~~~~~~~~~~
Here he is along with a special
bag to hold your delights!!

Hope you like my Cinnamon Stick Santa.
I cannot believe that I have been doing
this series for 23 years.  Boy am I old.
So many Christmases ~ So many delights!
Many Merry Stitches,
Sandra

Sunday, September 18, 2011

I'm Back From The Beach!

Hello Everyone!
I hope everyone had as wonderful a week as I have
had.  Building memories with my precious
grandson, Hollis, Paul, and Lehmer will be forever
cherished.  We played with Avery, ate wonderful food, 
played with Avery, sat on the beach, played with Avery,
put together a complicated puzzle, played with
Avery, sat on the deck looking at the ocean and
watching beautiful sunsets.  My only regret is that
it had to end.  I do have wonderful pictures to
show you.  I will only bore you with a few
special ones though.







~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Anyway I am back and I have to get back to
reality and that means I have to finish my new
designs and get them shipped this week.
Stockings 'A Plenty I
This is one of the three that will ship this week.  The
stockings are pre-finished for your stitching pleasure.
Note the tiny ornament tucked between the top
two stockings - another option for the designs.
I'll post pictures of the other two publications
sometime this week.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Nice to visit with you again.  
Many Happy Stitches,
Sandra

Friday, September 2, 2011

Too Quiet Here

Hi Everyone!
It is too quiet here.  Hollis and Avery went back
to Richmond yesterday evening.  They finally got
their electricity back after the hurricane.  Such
mixed emotions.  Of course I wanted them to have
electricity, but I sure hated to see them go.  I also know Paul
was anxious to see his little boy and Hollis.  So I had to 
let them go.  Faye is off today and Lehmer is playing golf, 
so I am here alone.  The last few days were very hectic also 
because Faye and I were trying to get my Trunk Show
together to go to Notforgotten Farm.  Lori's "Gathering" is 
September 17th.  I hope some of you get to go. 
 It will be wonderful. 
~~~~~~~~~~
I need to thank all of you again for your continued
comments about the baby, the hurricane, the earthquake.
I hope I won't be adding any more weather events to
the list any time soon.  But, there is another hurricane
brewing and our vacation at the beach could be
affected.  I sure hope not, we have so been looking
forward to this.  It will be Avery's first beach trip!!
~~~~~~~~~~
Thought you might like a little look at some new
designs in the works.
The first is
"Be Truly Thankful".  
                   
We have so many things to
be thankful for this year, plus I truly love Thanksgiving.
and
one of the designs in my two stocking publications.
Quick and easy, plus you can get the stocking
already made.  There is also a red stocking.  Of course, 
they make adorable ornaments on their own.  
~~~~~~~~~~~~
Another picture of my favorite topic of conversation.
Sorry for the blurriness.
Hope all of you have a wonderful holiday
weekend.   I know there are many people 
in our country still suffering from Hurricane
Irene.  I hope everything possible is being
done to ease their troubles.
Many Happy Stitches,
Sandra

Saturday, August 27, 2011

What A Week!!

Hi Everyone,
I usually begin by saying Good Morning, Afternoon,
or Evening, but not today.  I'm just hoping we get
through this day without too many problems.
Haven't we had a week!! Earthquakes and now
a hurricane.  Hollis has quite a story to write
in Avery's baby book.  In the month of his birth
he has had quite a few experiences.  She and I
 had just gotten back from taking Avery to the DR.  
I was on the telephone with Faye at home when she
starting yelling something and then the house
 starting shaking.  Hollis said "It's an earthquake,"
grabbed the baby, and we went out on the deck.
What an awful experience.  I never want to go
 through that again.  In 2003 there was an
earthquake in Richmond, so she knew what
she was feeling.  According to her the one in
2003 was nothing compared to this one.  Two
days later, an aftershock woke me up about 1:00
am.  Hollis and Paul were in baby comas and felt
nothing.  Nothing since then, thank heavens.
The earthquake was stronger in Fredericksburg.
I had pictures off the wall, things fell off of shelves,
the door on my linen press opened and some of
my glass items fell out and broke.  It certainly 
could have been worse though.  I don't know
how people in California deal with that threat.
I'm back home for a while and am in serious
need of more time to get all of my new 
designs finished.  I want to share with you
my almost complete Cinnamon Stick Santa.
There is another design in this publication, which
I will show you later this week, I hope.  Plus,
I will share some of the designs from my
Christmas Stocking publications.
~~~~~~~~~~~~
A little parting picture of Avery?  Can you believe 
how much he has changed.  He has finally gotten
back to his birth weight, plus a few ounces, and
grown 2" in length.  Gosh, I hate to leave Richmond.
I miss him so much. 

~~~~~~~~~~~~
Hope to get some much needed stitching done
during this hurricane.
"Many Happy Stitches" 
to all of you,
Sandra


Sunday, August 21, 2011

Thank You

Good Morning Everyone!
I know it is really early on a Sunday morning, but
we are preparing to leave for a short visit to see
Hollis and Avery.  Cannot wait to get there.
~~~~~~~~~~~~
I had to take a few minutes to thank all of you
wonderful people out there for your care, concern,
well wishes, congratulations, and heart felt comments.
You will never know how much it has meant to
me.  I read every one of them, many with tears in
my eyes.  It is such an emotional time for me and
my family.  We have waited a long time for this
little one.
Once again, you are so appreciated. 
~~~~~~~~~~~~
 I'm sorry I could not answer everyone of them 
individually, but I'm sure you understand that I have been
otherwise occupied.  Faye has been here some of the 
time, but if we have not answered a question, missed an
 order, etc., please do not hesitate to resend it.

~~~~~~~~~~~~
I promise to get back to stitching soon, in fact
I will stitch on the way to Richmond.  Must
hurry and finish my Cinnamon Stick Santa
and my Halloween Rounds 'A Plenty.
I hope you have a joyous day.  I know I am.
Many Happy Stitches,
Sandra

Saturday, August 20, 2011

Family News

Good Evening Everyone!
I hope all is well with everyone.   It has been such
a long time since I visited with you.  Things are 
doing fairly well with Hollis and Avery.  There 
have been a few bumps in the road, but things are getting 
better.  I am back in Fredericksburg for a little visit only,
so I needed to touch base with all of you.
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If you will bear with me, I want to brag a little 
about our son, Cameron.  Here is a picture of the
proud uncle with baby Avery.
Recently, someone found his photography on
his Flickr account and one of his pictures was
shown on Fox News.  Because of that, a
gallery in New Jersey contacted him about
a showing of his work.  How exciting
for him.  He has thought about trying to sell
his work at art shows, but just never got around
to it.  It forced him to think about pricing,
framing, etc.  A little stressful when you have
never done anything like this before.  
Anyway, I just wanted to share.  This is the
picture that was on Fox News - Air France 
descending over the beach at St. Martin.
If you would like to read more about the Gallery
Showing and his other works, go to
When you get to the Gallery page, click on Future
Exhibits and then on Cameron Sullivan.
Here is another one of my favorites ~
We are so excited and happy for him.  
Way to go Cameron!!!!!!
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I promise to be back soon with many new
designs.  Christmas is coming so we must
get our Christmas stitching started.
Many Happy Stitches,
Sandra

Saturday, August 13, 2011

Thursday, August 4, 2011

Little Avery Is Here

Good Evening Everyone!
With much relief and happiness, I want to announce
that we have been blessed with a healthy and adorable
grandson.  Avery was born August 2nd.  Both Hollis
and Avery are doing beautifully.  Unfortunately,
things didn't happen easily.  Hollis had to have a
C-section, so her recovery will be a little longer.
I want to take this time to thank you so much for
all of your well wishes over the months and for
listening to me and looking at all the things I
made for this little guy.  It has meant so much to
me that there are so many of you out there who
think about us and care enough to write.  It
touches my heart.  You are all wonderful.
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Now that he is here I will be gone for a little
while, spending time in Richmond helping
Hollis recover and do whatever I can to help.
Time permitting, I may share some of my happiness
with you, if you don't mind.  Faye will be manning
the telephones and shipping.  Unfortunately, I'm the
one who does all of the printing, so some orders
may be delayed.  I hope you will understand.
I'll be in touch,
Sandra


Tuesday, July 26, 2011

New Stuff!

 Good Evening Everyone!
I'm beginning to feel like the person who
"cries wolf", but after another visit to the
Doctor today, there just cannot be many more
 days left.  Hollis' due date is July 27th -
tomorrow.
Consequently, I have decided to release my
last two designs in "A Halloween Year" a
few weeks early.  Along with that will be
"Haunted Hill House".  I think we are all
thinking cool Autumn days anyway thanks 
to the incredible heat wave that we are
suffering through.
These publications will start shipping
tomorrow to our AUTOS and our 
distributors.
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"Haunted Hill House"
Features my new Brown-Dot
frame and Olde Brass "Star Pumpkin"
button.  Both sold separately.
"Spooky"
 Features my "Ghost" charm and
Olde Brass "Star" button.  Both
sold separately.
"Not I"
Features my "Pumpkin" brass charm
and Olde Brass "Star" button.  Both
sold separately.
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I hope you see something you like.  I really
hate to see the "Halloween Year" come to
a close.  It has been a fun collection.  I will
be starting a new collection sometime in
the coming months, but I haven't decided
on the theme yet.
Back to work to get these designs ready for
shipment.  Hope you have a great evening.
Many Happy Stitches,
Sandra









Monday, July 25, 2011

A Winner and Another Peek!

Good Evening Everyone!
First of all I want to thank all of you who took
your valuable time to comment on my Blog.
So happy that you like my designs well 
enough to want one.
So here is the winner ~~
Ronda!!
I will be emailing you in just a few minutes.
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I am working very hard to finish my 
CINNAMON STICK SANTA
for this year.  He is not one of the free-standing 
Santas of old.  I haven't been able to muster up 
the energy in recent years to tackle another one.  
 This one is really different from all the others. 
 Don't you think we all need a change now and then.
Hope you are intrigued by what you can see.
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Many Merry Stitches, 
Sandra

Saturday, July 23, 2011

Sneak Peek

Good Evening Everyone!
Well, it is Saturday night and I am still in
Fredericksburg.  So what am I doing, working
as much as I can before I'm in Richmond.  
It is almost time to publish the last two designs
in "A Halloween Year".  This has been such
a fun collection to do.  It's a little stressful to
commit to something when you are promising
to design something specifically each month,
but I made it and am proud of the collection.
So, sometime in August these two designs
will be available.
My annual Cinnamon Stick Santa is next
 on my long list of things to work on.  So,
off to find my needle.  Have a great night.
Many Happy Stitches,
Sandra