Hi there! I wanted to get this post written yesterday, but was stuck in bed with a low grade fever and all over feelings of achiness–especially my head and sinuses. You never know these days so… I have a Covid test scheduled for tomorrow and in the meantime am quarantining in a bedroom by myself until the test results come back in a couple of days. Right now my temp is just about normal and the last fever reducer I took was at 2 am, so fingers crossed it will stay down by itself. However, my head is still quite achy as well as my sinuses. (Please forgive me if I write something that doesn’t make sense.)
On Saturday I uploaded part 3 to show you my process when I make a Little Darling dress. This video shows how I hand stitch the bodice lining to the skirt to make a totally finished dress inside. (I find it so enjoyable to dress my dolls when the inside is all finished. Anyone else feel the same?) Also, I show how I sew on snaps to get them lined up perfectly and also how I sew on the decorative buttons. Thank you if you’ve watched and/or commented on my first videos. I really appreciate your support!!!
Anyway, the ensemble is finally complete for the dress I’ve been making in the three videos.
I did some recording of my embroidery process for this sweater, but I am not super happy with it. I may make a quick video from it though–maybe how I embroider one of the apples? Perhaps the next embroidery footage will come out better.
For me embroidering the knitwear is the most difficult step in creating an ensemble. It is touch and go, or I should say, stitch and rip. I think embroidering this cardigan was more ripping than stitching, or it felt like it. The embroidery fairies didn’t show up to help me out–lol. So, after spending two days embroidering this cardigan I can say I am happy with the final result, which is all that really matters, right?
I was so saddened to hear the news of Dianna Effner’s passing. Her dolls have provided me with so much joy. They’ve especially helped me through some hard times these last few years. Those precious faces…! If you’ve been reading my blog for awhile it is probably quite obvious to you that Dianna’s Little Darlings are my favorite doll of all time. My Gina, Lucy, Alice, and I send our most heartfelt condolences to her family. ❤ ❤ ❤
Sending you, my dear readers, virtual hugs. ooo ❤ ❤ ❤
Cindy Rice Designs 
Dear Cindy,
I’ll be praying that you do not have COVID19! Get well quickly and stay safe.
Thank you for all the pleasure your posts, ensembles and patterns bring to everyone!
With a virtual hug to you as well,
Donna
Thank you, Donna. I am feeling better today and I’m getting some work done. 🙂
I do hope you get better soon.
Yes, Dianna Effner is gone and it’s sad news. The lovely way your dress your little darling is the best way to pay tribute.
Thank you! I am feeling better today–hoping all is well. ❤
We are praying it’s not COVID-19 Cindy.🙏🏻
Praying this is just a bug-a-boo… Be well Cindy. God Bless.. Sharon O’Shea King <
Yes, I think it may be. I am feeling better this morning. Thanks, Sharon. ❤
I haven’t had time yet to watch the videos, but I’ve heard rave reviews on some sites I’m on. 🙂 Wish I had seen one before I finished an outfit for a skinny 8″ Meadow girl. I would have left out that lining seam. 🙂 So, any tips on doing elastic for a tiny pair of dolly shorts/panties? 1/4″ elastic is too wide to get through the top turn over. I ended up using a fat needle to fish through thin elastic cording. Worked, but still not quite right.
I too was sad to hear of Dianna’s death. A shock really. I feel very privileged to have a couple of her dolls.
The sweater with lovely embroidery is perfection. Even though it took awhile, it is so pretty with the dress. 🙂
No rain in sight here in CA, and we have another high wind warning starting tonight. Really feel for Colorado with their fires.
And I forgot about Covid. Hope your test comes back negative of course and that what you have is just an annoying cold. Thinking of you.
Thank you, Joy. I am feeling better this morning. ❤
Hi, Joy. Oooh, I had no idea. Thought the videos were going out into internet-land and getting lost. Thank you for sharing that–it pushes me on.
I have 1/8″ braided flat elastic. It’s from Hobby Lobby–their Sew-ology brand–4 yds. for $1.29. If I was using 1/8″ elastic I’d fold over 3/8″ and sew the casing 1/4″. Alternately, you could add to the top of the pattern so you could fold over more fabric and use the 1/4″ elastic. I fold over 1/2″ and sew at 3/8″ for 1/4″ elastic. And yes, a fat needle works great for the thinner elastic. I think the key is using flat elastic in the casing though.
Thank you. ❤ I am happy with the end result and so is Lucy.
Again, wish I could send some of our rain to you. We've had plenty. Haven't been keeping up with the news lately. Your mention of fires still going on in CO is the first I've heard. It's just horrible!!!
Sending you wishes that the test comes out negative. Londa
Thank you, Londa. I am feeling much better this morning. ❤
That sounds good Cindy, hope you keep feeling better. Londa
Oh Cindy, what a drag. I’m thinking you have been very careful and that you may have picked up some other virus. That’s what happened to my son 2 weeks ago. His tests came back negative and he is back to work. I too am sad to hear about Dianna. She was an amazing talent. The finished ensemble is beautiful. Take care, continue to follow the guidelines and know I will ad my prayers to the otgees
Hi, Marian. I am SO careful! I would have had to walk through someone’s vapor to have contracted it. And, yes it is that season for colds and flus–those are still here on earth–not every virus is covid. I am feeling much better this morning, so fingers crossed.
Thank you, Marian! ❤ And thank you for your prayers.
I have watched all three videos on dress making and have enjoyed each one of them. The background music is relaxing and takes the stress out of the day. Watching you do the needle work is even enjoyable to me. You are such a great hand sewer, you take such smooth tiny stitches and you take such care when sewing. Whether you are ironing, machine sewing or hand sewing with such perfection. I really enjoy watching you work. You have inspired me to pull out my fabrics again and start looking for a pretty piece to make one of my dolls a new dress for fall, and then to look for some yarn to make a sweater as well. Thank You for the inspiration. You really need to make more videos. Maybe you could knit with that tiny yarn in a video and we could knit along. God bless and stay safe.
Hi, Karen. Wow–thank you! I am happy you are enjoying the videos! I really love sharing how I create. It makes it more enjoyable for me and less lonely too.
Yay to you for feeling inspired to make a fall dress and sweater. I always think beginning is the hardest. I am definitely working on more videos and patterns too.
Thank you for your support and encouragement. ❤ It is greatly appreciated!!!
Count me in on the learn to knit video. Maybe sell a simple pattern and then knit it so we could follow along (very slowly). 🙂
Enjoyed your video very much! Thanks for the name of the yarn you used for the sweater. I’ve been looking to find it. I was also wondering where you get your little hangers. So cute! Thanks and I’m glad you are better now!
Hi, Jean. Thank you for watching–I’m glad you enjoyed it. The hangers are from etsy. The particular seller I got mine from no longer has them. I know they are other sellers though. Mine didn’t take that long shipping internationally.
Thanks so much for writing. ❤