"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, April 29, 2012

Thanks and New Stuff

Good Sunday Afternoon!
Yesterday I spent a great deal of time loading my
Reproduction samplers into my ETSY Shoppe.
Boy was it worth it.  Thank you so much for all
of your orders!!  What a joy to have a response
like that.
~~~~~~~~~~~~
MAGNET BOARD

I told  you a few weeks ago that I am going to start
going through all the stuff left from my shoppe and
offering it to you first.  It is overwhelming when
I look in my garage, shed, and storage unit that
is stuffed with all of these things.  
This is a really good-looking magnet board that
I sold in my shoppe.  It has a great aged tin mounted in 
one of my grained frames.  The little magnets were
hand painted by me.  You get four magnets and
the board for
 $57.00 including the shipping.  
The outside dimension of the frame is
10 1/2" X 13 1/2" and the magnets are
5/8" in diameter.
I only have one but if I can find the rest of the
tins in storage, I  could make more.
~~~~~~~~~~~~
MOTIF TOWELS

These are really sweet towels.  A special little
treat for your guest bath or kitchen.  The little
motifs were stitched on linen and machine
stitched to the towel, so they will not ravel
away to nothing.  I do recommend
gentle washing and hang to dry.  Just the
same treatment you would give any of your
nice linens.
They measure a generous 24" long 
and 14" wide.
If you order please refer to them as listed -
Upper left blue towel with heart
Upper right blue towel with flower
Lower left blue towel with flower
Lower right blue towel with peacock
Tan towel with blue flower
Tan towel with red flower
Tan towel with peacock
$11.50 including shipping

STITCHING LADY TOTE BAGS
These are finally back in stock and because I could
not go to the Nashville Trade Show or do the
Online Show this Spring, I am offering my Blog
followers a limited time special.
I will honor this price until next Sunday.
Wouldn't this be a nice Mother's Day gift!!
ORIGINALLY $18.00  ~~  
NOW $14.50 including shipping
~~~~~~~~~~~~
If you would like any of these things, I take Paypal,
personal checks, Master Card and Visa
and I will combine shipping for you. 
~~~~~~~~~~~~
I'm heading back to my shed now to pull out a few
more things.  Stay tuned.  I might find a treasure 
or two for you.
Many Happy Stitches,
Sandra

Saturday, April 28, 2012

Reproduction Samplers

Good Afternoon Everyone!
THE LUCY REDD 
REPRODUCTION SAMPLER
This is a very quick post just to let you know that
I have put all but one of my reproduction samplers
in my ETSY Shoppe.  For some reason I have had
a lot of interest in them of late, so now is the time
to display them for you.  
Also, you might like to know that I am working
on another one that is just so unique and Faye
found a great one that she is going to let me
reproduce.  I try to find samplers that are different
and of course in my price range.  Fortunately, I
was able to collect many of mine when the
prices were not so crazy.
~~~~~~~~~~~~
Also, I will try to get my three new publications
on the ETSY site soon.  If you don't do ETSY,
just let me know.  That is not a problem at all.
~~~~~~~~~~~~
While I was at the ETSY Shoppe I updated it
a bit with some more stuff.  My plan is to add more
this weekend.   I'll let you know.
Many Happy Stitches,
Sandra

Saturday, April 21, 2012

New Stuff!!

Good Afternoon Everyone!!
Hope things are great in your little
part of the world.  We are gleefully awaiting
 our first significant rainfall in quite a
while.  So happy because of the mini drought
we have been in and this pollen needs to
get out of here.  Tomorrow promises to
be a gray, wet day, so I will be spending
my day printing these new publications.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~
OH SPRING ~ I SURELY LOVE EWE
PFC-101
Retail $8.00
~~~~~~~~~~~~~
CROW PATRIOTIC 
STITCHING NECESSAIRES
CS-63
Retail $7.50
This is a new series of stitching
necessaires.  All will feature
seasonal birds!
 ~~~~~~~~~~~~~
The Avery Collection
It is with great pleasure to introduce a new collection~~
all dedicated to my little grandson - Avery!
ANGEL BLESSINGS
No. 236
Retail $7.50
 The three new
designs will be shipped to Distributors
and my Automatics next week.
Hope you see something you like.  
They will be in my ETSY shoppe soon, so if you
cannot find them in your favorite shoppe, just 
let me know.   If you do not shop on ETSY, 
just give me a call or an email.
Wishing you 
"Many Happy Stitches",
Sandra

Thursday, April 19, 2012

NEEDLEWORK PIRACY

Good Evening Everyone!

I know all of you have been reading about the
"sharing" of needlework designs.  Thanks to Lori
of www.farmhousenotforgotten.blogspot.com and 
Nancy from www.widgetsandwool.com, many of  
you are now aware of the problems needlework 
designers have been faced with for many years.   
The internet company they site is huge, but
it is not the only one out there.  For years I
have been getting emails from my customers
giving me sites that had downloads of my
designs.  This is far from a new problem.
~~~~~~~~~~~~
I am still in shock from seeing so many of my 
designs on this site, just for the taking.
There are 161 of my publications
listed at the moment.  One of my newest, Spring
 Eggs III, is on their "hot thread" list right now. 
I don't know what that means and I really won't
understand how the site works unless I sign up.
~~~~~~~~~~~~
I honestly believe that until everyone understands
what 'getting something for nothing' is doing to
this industry, we are all going to suffer.
This doesn't just affect the designer.  The brick
and mortar stores and legitimate email stores
are affected by this as well.  Obviously, 
consumers will be affected if their favorite
designers give up.
Many shoppes have said to me that a large part
of their sales are now in fibers and fabrics.
What does that tell you?  One or both of the following.
 We are either stitching designs from a huge stash 
 that we have accumulated over the years or the free
and 'shared' designs that are readily available.  No one 
can blame anyone for stitching from their stash.  We
all do that.  We all have wonderful things just
waiting to be stitched, but free or 'shared' designs
are another thing.  They are killing this industry.
~~~~~~~~~~~~
Those of you who know me well, know that
I don't like to get up on a podium, I'm not one to speak
up at meetings, just tend to go with the flow.  This 
though cannot be swept under the rug, or that is where
the needlework industry will go.
~~~~~~~~~~~
Think how sad that would be for all of us
who so love this beautiful and creative art form.
~~~~~~~~~~~~
Please spread the word about what is going on.
Thanks for listening to me and an even bigger
thank you for liking and buying my designs
over all these many years.  
Wishing you and me 
"Many Happy Stitches",
Sandra





Monday, April 16, 2012

Lazy Spring Monday

  Hi Everyone!
Do you ever have a day when you are just plain
out of it.  Today is my day.  I am in Richmond with
Avery and he is down for his nap right now.  As
soon as I finish this post, I think I will join him.
This adorable yard boy of mine is resting in an
urn in my side yard.  Don't you just love the way
the wild violets have just popped up around him.
I think he is having a lazy day too.
~~~~~~~~~~~~
Hope I wake up refreshed.   I have the ironing
board sit up with all of my supplies to put
the finishing touches on my new pillow
design.  Be back soon to share.
Many Happy Stitches,
Sandra

Wednesday, April 11, 2012

Easter Fun

Hi Everyone!
I hope all of you had as wonderful an Easter
as we did.  We went to a fabulous brunch
  at the restaurant where our son-in-law is the head
 chef.  They merely served approximately 400 hungry
people.  Can you imagine that?  Avery was a
big hit and was perfectly behaved.  
I just have to share a few Easter pictures.  
~~~~~~~~~~~~
 I thought he would hate the bunny ears,
but he never tried to take them off.
So cute!!
 Enjoying some sunshine later that day.
 So full of himself!!  Such a happy baby!!
 Isn't that look hysterical?  Don't you wonder
what he was thinking?  
 His Easter bib was made from old patchwork madras
and I did the outline stitch bunny with Colonial Knot
tail.  Wonderful Ethel sewed it together for him.
 The old basket was his Papa's Easter basket.
 Isn't the basket liner with his name wonderful? 
 Hollis had that made for him.
Trying to decide what to play with first.

We are so blessed with this little boy.
~~~~~~~~~~~~
Many Happy Stitches,
Sandra


Saturday, April 7, 2012

Easter Blessings

Easter Blessings 
to all
my wonderful Blog friends.
Wishing you a wonderful day
with your family and friends.
Sandra

New Stuff

Good Morning Everyone!
Some new items that you do not have to
stitch - instant gratification is sometimes good, don't
you agree!!
  I would like your input though - do you think I should 
do the birds and and "Master Sheep" in cross
stitch.  I value your opinion?
~~~~~~~~~~~~~
I hand painted all of these
items.
"MASTER SHEEP"
Measures 23 1/4" Wide X 6" High
$65.00 includes shipping


 "PRIMITIVE BIRD PLAQUES"
5" High X 7" Wide
$27.00 each including shipping

"GRAINED HAND PAINTED MIRROR
20 1/2" High X 13 1/2" Wide
$85.00 including shipping
Tis Sold!
Thank You Claire! 

These items are coming from my old Shoppe.  When 
we closed, so much stuff had to be put in storage.
My goal is to visit the storage unit and start
putting things here and on Etsy.  I have yards
and yards of linen and other fabrics.  Much
of this stuff has been discontinued.  I hope to
start dyeing it and selling in small lots.
Are you interested in frames, unfinished and
otherwise?  I have hundreds of frames in
various states that I know I cannot wholesale
because there are not enough of them to feature
in a publication.  Would you be interested?
I would sell at a drastic discount.
How about stitched models?  I'm not going
to many shows now, plus we only take
the newest when we do go.  Needless to say,
after 30 years of designing, I have a few
models packed away.
It is Spring and it makes you think about
cleaning out.  This storage unit has been
full for three years.  Time to tackle the problem.
~~~~~~~~~~~~
These items are listed in my Etsy Shoppe.
If you are interested and not willing to shop with
Etsy, just email or call me.
~~~~~~~~~~~~
Have a great Saturday.
Many Happy Stitches,
Sandra

Friday, April 6, 2012

Almost Finished

Good Afternoon Everyone!
Well, I've been working hard today trying to
finish up these designs.  As you can see they
are not in their finished state, but getting
close.  These three designs will be
ready really soon, as soon as I figure out
how I want to finish them - framed,
cupboard hangers, pincushions, etc.
What do you think?
~~~~~~~~~~~~
"Oh Spring"
"Bless The Babies"
"Crow Patriotic"
(Remember - this is a seasonal series of birds)
~~~~~~~~~~~~
If I have time tonight, I want to add some
painted items to my Etsy site, so you might
want to watch for that.
~~~~~~~~~~~~
UPDATE ON AVERY
The doctor allowed him to start sitting up
today, so he is a happy camper and so is
Hollis.  When I talked to her earlier this
morning, he was really fussy because he
was lying down and unable to really
play with anything.  
He should be ready for the Easter bunny
by Sunday.  Oh happy day!!
~~~~~~~~~~~
Have a great evening.  No stitches for me -
the computer is calling my name.
Many Happy Stitches to you though,
Sandra

Thursday, April 5, 2012

Avery News

Good Afternoon Everyone!
I am back home today, after a very stressful day
in Richmond yesterday.  I had not shared this
with you, but I will now.  We have known for a long
time that Avery was going to have to have some minor surgery
when he got a little older.  Well, the day that we had been
dreading finally came, and unfortunately it ended up being
a bit more complicated than was thought.  He is fine though.  Not 
a happy camper because he is in a good deal of pain when 
his meds wear off, but when his medicine is working he is
the same sweet little boy he always is.  Hollis has to 
keep him quiet for a few days.  That is not a problem as 
long as he is medicated, but good luck when he isn't.
He will be off the medicine about the time I 
 take care of him on Monday, so I'm a little nervous
about keeping him quiet.  Should be interesting.
~~~~~~~~~~~~
The day before his surgery, I decided to take 
pictures of him in his Easter finery, and I'm so glad
I did, because he won't be able to sit up for a while. 
So, here I go, boring you again, 
but I know you understand.


~~~~~~~~~~~~
Note the cross stitched bunny, that is a design
I did years ago called Mr.  Hare.  There is a 
Mrs. Hare as well.
The sweet sheep is what Hollis got him for
his first Easter.  The love of sheep must run
in the family. 
Wishing you a great rest of the day.  I hope
to enjoy it doing a few
"Happy Stitches".
Sandra






Tuesday, April 3, 2012

A Little Glimpse

Good Morning Everyone!
Here is a little "snippet" of one of my new designs~
"OH SPRING - 
I SURELY LOVE EWE"
It is not quite finished but
I hope you like what you can see.
It will be ready soon along with two
other designs.
~~~~~~~~~~~~
I'm happy to say that I am in Richmond 
and doing a Blog post.  Yeah!  Slowly
but surely I am figuring out how to
do some work away from home.
Avery is awake for longer periods of
time now, so my time is really
limited,  but he is so much fun.  
I actually get to play with him.  It
is amazing how much personality
they have at this age.
~~~~~~~~~~~~
Hope you have a great Spring day.
It is beautiful here in Virginia.
Many Happy Stitches,
Sandra

Sunday, April 1, 2012

Some Easter Finery

Happy Sunday Everyone!
We have had a wonderful weekend.  The kids
came home to celebrate Lehmer's birthday.
We all went off of our diets in a big way, so
we have a week to get back to normal 
before our Easter celebrating.  So many
wonderful things to eat -- so many 
birthday sweets.  Oh, well, we do this
every year.  You would think we would
learn.  The only one who stayed on his
diet was Avery.
~~~~~~~~~~~~
I wanted to share some more of my Easter
decorating, just simple things that I pull
out every year.  Can't wait until next hear
when all the eggs and bunnies come out
for Avery.
 This is one of a season series that I hang
over my stove in the kitchen.  I take it
down if cooking something really greasy.
I know it is a bad place to hang them, 
but I love them there.
 My sweet friend, Ethel, same to see Avery 
yesterday and brought me these beautiful
lilacs.  Wish you could smell them.
Note the paper mache bunny and my big
Easter design tucked in the branches. 
 Here are some eggs I dyed and some tissue paper
covered eggs that I did years ago.   Some things just
never go out of style.  They are nested in antique
lace instead of grass.
 More bunnies and more eggs that I made.
 Now this is an Easter basket.  I filled this with
baby roses years ago and pull it out every Spring.
Lastly, a great vintage plastic basket filled 
with another one of my eggs.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Now, just a couple things to offer you.
I made a few journals for some one's Spring
notes.  I covered them with aged scrim and embellished
the little one with a wonderful lavender "vintage" crocheted
trim and a brass flower basket charm.  The large one is
 trimmed with lavender and cream "vintage" crocheted
trim. Wouldn't these make wonderful little Easter gifts?
SPRING JOURNALS
 They each have 50 craft paper pages.
 Large journal $11.50 shipping included.
8" High X 5 3/4" Wide
Small journal $7.50 shipping included.
4" High X 3" Wide
JOURNALS SOLD! 
THANK YOU! 
SPRING SHEEP BOX WITH WAXER 
AND PIN CUSHION


This is such a sweet little box, filled
 with a felted wool pincushion and sheep waxer. 
 The little scene was hand painted by me with a painted 
scalloped edging.  The paper mache box has been
 painted, aged, and distressed, and the edging around the 
top is applied paper.  The box is a 3 1/2" oval and is 
1 1/2" high. Hope you like it.
$22.50 includes shipping
BOX SOLD!
THANK YOU!
I will be making another one, so if 
anyone is interested, let me know.
SHEPHERDESS MAGNET
Lastly, I have my decoupaged magnet.  The
print which I painted is applied to a wooden
square that measures 2" X 2".
$7.50 shipping included.
~~~~~~~~~~~~
Let me know if there is something you like.
I take Paypal, VISA, MC, and checks.
Just email or call me.
Many Happy Stitches,
Sandra