My goodness it’s been a long time! Summer is flying by! Here in northern Illinois it has been hot and sunny pretty much every day and we are loving it.
Yesterday I celebrated another birthday. It was a beautiful, slightly cooler day, and after a neighborhood walk my husband and daughter and I meandered around the nearby antique mall. Of course, we all had masks on that I had made for us awhile back. It was quite empty and felt safe to us. Later on, we had a little Zoom party with my siblings and nieces and nephews. We all live too far apart to get together and because of the pandemic we have discovered this new way to enjoy each others’ company. So, that’s something positive about this crazy time.
I purchased a few things because one cannot shop on one’s birthday without picking up some tiny things, right?
My hair has been getting in my eyes and bobby pins have been slipping out. I remember this type of barrette from when I was younger and they always worked perfectly. I’m not sure how old these are, but they are already working as I remember them to, and they will go with everything. I love them! But, they were NOT 5 cents; I paid $12! A little pricey, but I will use them all the time, so worth the money.
I saw this little plaque and remembered I had had one too. It’s long gone… who knows where. It true, right?
I love Holly Hobby, but rarely see anything Holly Hobbie. I didn’t purchase this, but it was cute, and another truth.
And, I wanted to purchase this stand for hanging up my little doll hats, but the price wasn’t right.
These past months of spring and early summer I’ve been knitting socks and a cowl. My daughter and I dyed some yarn in May and I’ve also purchased some from independent yarn dyers (bright pink sock yearn and peach sock yarn below are from Spun Right Round, the Tizzy and Tangie color ways). The top sock in the photo below is knit from the middle skein, photo above, and was dyed by me. The red/yellow skein on the right produced a sock that reminds me of a cheese pizza. It even has those black corn meal flecks that are sometimes on the bottom of the crust. (lol!!!) It made me hungry for pizza while I was knitting it–kind of dangerous.
I always want to knit what we love to wear and socks are number one. Cowls come in second place. The purple yarn that my daughter dyed (purple skein on left) I felt was too pretty to hide on our feet, so it became a simple eyelet cowl. I know it will get lots of wear. Do you like my model? Pebbles is such a good sport and loves to help out whenever he can!
What else? Oh, I finally finished up a doll outfit for a friend’s mom’s doll. I’ve had this doll embarrassingly long, and it’s been weighing on me. Like that old Nike slogan–“Just Do It”, so I did! I think I was putting it off because I didn’t have patterns and that takes mind power which is mental work, something I’ve been short of lately.
Toni actually almost fit into a Little Darlings dress that I had made. I had to lower the armholes and I made the skirt a little longer. That was easy enough. The cardigan pattern, however, was a bit of a guess and could now use a little tweaking. I wished the neckline was up higher and the cardigan all edged in rib stitch, not garter stitch. It also may be a little too roomy in the width. But, for a first knit for this doll it looks fine, I think. I hope my friend thinks so.
For my next dolly make I am feeling ‘blue’. The color blue that is; blue is so cool, crisp, and summery. I pulled out these four fabrics from my stash. I like them all equally well–after all, I purchased them all, but I cannot decide. Any opinions? I asked on my Facebook page and there was a definite winner. I want to ask you too–in case you don’t see my Facebook page. Please comment on your favorite.
Last but not least, I want to share with you a new space in our house. Well, not new, but newly cleaned and so now newly loved. We’ve had this little screened in porch since we moved into our house 12 years ago, but never bothered to fix it up. A couple of months ago I had the carpet cleaner out to clean the cushions for our patio swing and my husband said he wanted to clean the sun porch carpet while it was out. I did it for him, and thought the sun porch felt nice–no more icky dusty feeling in there. I got it into my head to fix up this space–little lights, a sisal rug, newly chalk painted wicker chairs, a thrifted wicker table, houseplants and a table top fountain from inside, shells from Florida vacations, driftwood from Lake Michigan’s shoreline. It was all so simple and inexpensive! I love this space now and we all use it regularly for relaxing and quiet time and exercise (my daughter). The view and the sounds are wonderful: trees, flowers, birds, wind chimes, and water–and no bugs! I also found out that it’s a nice place to enjoy a good thunderstorm!
So, that’s my little bits about not much. My life isn’t too exciting, especially these days. Perhaps soon I’ll have one of those blue florals sewn into a doll dress.
I hope you all are staying healthy and safe. Thank you so much for visiting with me today. Sending hugs to you! ❤
Cindy Rice Designs 
Happy birthday, Cindy! It was so good to hear from you.
Thanks so much, Cathy. ❤ I'm happy you stopped by to read my latest.
Good to see your post. Pretty funny, after I picked my favorite, I went to your facebook and discovered it was also the winner there. 🙂
I have a Holly Hobby collection too. Since none of our thrift shops have reopened, haven’t looked in a long time. I actually need to donate a lot of what I have. Too much along with all of the dollies. Just ordered a new Linda Macario doll so that Penny will have a sibling. 🙂
And your “new” screen porch looks like a wonderful addition. Fun.
Looking forward to seeing your blue outfit.
Hi, Joy. You like the lower left floral too? I guess that will be the one. I can’t wait to start sewing, then knitting. I’d love to see your Holly Hobby collection. If you ever take photos, please share. Those little girls are extremely adorable. I always wish I was the kind of person who could acquire ‘new’ items and painlessly let go of ‘old’ so that I never have too much in my stash. Which Macario doll did you order? I wanted to order Mia so bad, but the wait is something that I don’t want to do right now–guess I’m all out of patience. *sigh* Thanks for writing, Joy. ❤ Enjoy the weekend.
Happy birthday Cindy. Your porch area looks great. It will be lovely sitting there relaxing. I really love your own dyed wool.
These past few months, due to some health issues I have slowed down, but not stoped my craft endeavours. I have still been able to keep up with my knitting.
Yesterday I was able to have a dream of mine, for many years, come to fruition. I purchased a new sewing machine. It is computerised, with 200 stitch patterns, a lot of them being beautiful embroidery ones. I now have the incentive to continue the many projects I have in mind, starting with tablecloths and curtains for my kitchen and dining area. I was able to get a 1970s metal yellow round dining setting, in very good condition (which belonged to a friend of mines mother) with the bamboo inserts on the chairs. It is bright and cheery so I want to enhance it with lovely patterned fabric for the accessories. So this weekend that is what I will be doing. Rain is expected so I won’t be able to get out in the garden.
Take care😘
Hi, Wendy. Thank you for the birthday wishes. I definitely want to dye more yarn; it’s so much fun. I wanted to try another vendor for bare yarn, but they are sold out right now. It’ll give me a chance to catch up knitting what I have.
I am sorry you have been having some health issues, Wendy. I hope you are able to heal and get back to your usual activities very soon. Knitting is important–glad you could continue with that.
Congrats on your new sewing machine. That will be fun. Wow! 200 stitches! I’d love to see you’re creations. I’ve never had a machine that did all that beautiful work.
Your new table sounds so charming. I love yellow too–makes me happy.
Enjoy your sewing weekend, Wendy! Take care! ❤
Hi Cindy,
Happy Belated Birthday to you. Sounds like you had a lovely day celebrating. You certainly have been a busy lady. I love the socks and that purple cowl is so pretty. Your puppy is a cutie. I really love the blues you selected. The right bottom corner looks like a Liberty of London Tana Lawn I have, it’s so light and summery, it would make the sweetest dress.Although I think my favorite is the blue in the left bottom corner. The color says summer to me and I can imagine a sweet little sweater with a spray of purple and blueish flowers embroidered down the front. Which ever fabric you select I’m sure you will turn it into a tiny treasure.
Happy Friday to you
Hugs
Ingrid
Thank you for the birthday wishes, Ingrid. It indeed was a lovely day. I love Liberty fabric, but the price usually keeps me from purchasing it. I thought the same about the floral on the lower right and HAD to purchase it. I love it, but I’ve taken the advice of the majority and have started sewing a dress for the Little Darlings in the fabric on the lower left. Thank you so much for commenting. I hope your weekend is going great! ❤
Hi Cindy, Happy Birthday! Hope it was a good one! I’m so glad to see you are doing some dolly sewing. Love the socks you are knitting, and the purple cowl. Also love your cute puppy, they are so much fun, aren’t they! I got one for my birthday, right before Christmas, a French Bulldog, he is such a character! He’s 9 months old now and keeps me on my toes, lol. I picked the bottom left fabric on Facebook, I’m assuming that was the one that had the most votes as it did when I voted. Can’t wait to see what you make!
Hello, Carol, and thank you for the birthday wishes. It was a very nice day spent with my family and extended family via Zoom. Congrats on your new puppy. Puppies are the best!!! My comical little guy will be one on Monday! Yes, your fabric choice was also the one picked by most everyone. I started sewing a dress today for the Little Darlings. I think it will be perfect for summertime. Thank you, Carol. ❤ I hope you are enjoying the weekend.
Belated happy birthday and thanks so much for sharing your beautiful work in your lovely blog. It’s always enjoyable to read. Make the most of that lovely screened in porch area.
Thank you for the belated birthday wishes, Judy. I am so happy you enjoy my blog. I appreciate you letting me know that too–makes my day. I will indeed continue enjoying our new space. I think it is calling to me this evening for some quiet time as I’ve been busy all day. Enjoy the weekend! ❤
It has been a long time Cindy , but i figured you were busy! I like sunny without the hot, my Irish skin! We have had similar weather to you though lots of sun and humidity. Belated happy Birthday Cindy! How nice to spend it at the antique mall , and yes a girl does get to spend some money on new purchases when celebrating her birthday! I love the barrettes ! I like all the colorful fun socks you knitted . It si a nice purple you used for the cowl and what a good model Pebbles is ! Aww we all get mentally logged down sometimes , the important thing is you did finish the outfit!The rosy outlook is very pretty! Your porch looks amazing Cindy, you all truly did a wonderful job getting it to the cozy look and feel it is now. I can see the pretty view you have. Thanks for the update and we are the same , not too much excitement but staying safe. Have a beautiful day, Cindy , your friend, Terri xo.
Hi, Terri. Yes, it has been a long time. I have not been a good blogger this summer. I really want to do better because I enjoy it. Goals! Thank you for the belated birthday wishes. Our puppy also had a birthday. He turned one yesterday–no more baby. The time goes so fast!!! So happy to hear you have been having great summer weather too. This HOT weather will make the cold winter a little more bearable, no? lol No, probably not! I hope you have a great last week of July, Terri! ❤
Hi Cindy!
Long time since I have posted here too, A belated Happy Birthday from me! Oh my goodness, I used to have a jewelry holder just like that, but it is long gone!
That fabric you have shown, is it dimity? I made my daughter an Easter dress out of the one in the lower left hand corner! It was a long, and I mean a long time ago, but I will never forget that material! It looks exactly like the one you have shown. This is getting to be Memory Lane here!
Love your porch too! Yes, I would love to sit out there in a summer rainstorm!
And poof! July is about over !
Hi, Linda. And, thank you for the belated birthday wishes. The fabric is cotton–a new design. Perhaps it was designed from the dimity you used?
I cannot believe July is over either. Everything is all back-to-school now.
Thank you, Linda.