Monthly Archives: September 2016

“A Plummy Fall”

I love this fabric so much! I’ve been hoarding my one half yard bit of it . . . saving it for someone special, wondering and wondering . . . who would that be? That special someone turned out to be Gracie.

This fabric is probably the most colorful and detailed rose print I’ve seen in this small of a scale. That being said, I should have saved it for one of my many smaller dolls, but I couldn’t help using it for Gracie. The ground color is a light plum color and looks gorgeous next to Gracie, as does this color of yarn.

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I recently told you about getting on a Craftsy kick again. My latest “aha moment” happened while watching Wee Ones Seamless Knit Toys by Susan B. Anderson. Susan knits her toy animal bodies from the top down just like how I knit my sweaters. She knits the arms to her animal bodies with double pointed needles to knit them in the round. I don’t do that with my sleeves, but how cool would that be! I needed to move around some increases and decreases and get comfortable picking up stitches, but the end result was that this technique did work for my sweaters! Oh happy day!

I love learning new processes or techniques; it keeps me excited to continue designing and making. Do you thrive on learning new things?

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You can see the smooth underarm area without the added bulk of a seam. The longer sleeved sweaters and those knit with heavier yarn will benefit the most from this technique.

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Gracie and I thank you for stopping by. I hope you enjoyed seeing her new fall ensemble.

Gracie’s new ensemble, “A Plummy Fall”, will be available tonight (September 15, 2016) at 7:00 pm CST at cindyricedesigns.com.

“Autumnal Sweetie”

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Of all the seasons the beginning of autumn brings the most excitement for me. It is a cozy season with comforting flavors and scents. Just thinking about autumn brings to mind pumpkin, cinnamon, and apples! It seems like autumn is all about the food! Well, not all, but a big part. Do you have a favorite autumnal flavor or scent?

Poor Bethany has been squirming around in her case lately. She’s getting restless and wants to do a little modeling for you. She told me her vacation has gone on far too long, and she is right. Who goes on vacation for 3+ years! I could not say no to this cutie, and so, I made her an ensemble to help welcome the fall season.

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When I was picking sweater yarn for this ensemble, I wanted the sweater to look like an effortless addition, not a “matchy match”. I decided on an almond color that brings out the beautiful colors in the dress. I then focused on the peachy pink background in the fabric and added the crocheted beret and purse. The tights are a very pastel version of this shade also.

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Bethany’s “Autumnal Sweetie” ensemble will be available tonight (September 8, 2016) at 7:00 pm CST, cindyricedesigns.com.

I’d love to hear what comes to mind when you think of fall!

Thanks for visiting today with me today! ❤

“Teddy ‘n Me and the Apple Tree”

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Hello everyone! Oh my, I’ve been absent for a while, haven’t I? Sorry I haven’t been around to chat with you all. My excuse is that I got on a Craftsy kick again. I purchased a few knitting related classes, so I’ve been preoccupied with learning some new skills and practicing them. If I could only do one craft I think it’d be knitting. I could give up sewing, embroidering, crocheting, but not knitting.

After my Little Darling, Gina, saw Lucy and Alice dressed up in their apple themed ensembles she got really sad until I made her one too. I cannot stand these tiny beauties sad! Good things come to those who wait though; the teddy bear was an afterthought, but made Gina extra happy! Doesn’t his golden color work perfectly with this set?

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I customized Gina’s teddy bear with a little bow, a crocheted scarf, and an apple button. While we’re on the subject of accessories, Gina’s red delicious apple is kept safe in her crocheted apple cozy.

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Gina’s light as a feather knit cardi is made with baby alpaca/silk lace weight yarn in a beautiful golden yellow. Little red bullion stitched embroidered apples decorate the front and wooden beads are used for buttons.

Gina’s beret is knit with a slightly heavier red wool. It is knit in the round without seams. The golden yellow rayon ribbon and English cotton Cluny lace were hand dyed to match this set.

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Do you recognize this fabric? It is the same print (by Elea Lutz) I used for ” ‘Tis Apple Picking Season”, but in the white colorway. When they’re this cute who can buy just one!

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