My Ruby Red Fashion Friend Bella has a new spring ensemble to show you. Even if the weather is not cooperating I am still developing spring fever. I love spring!!!
Hello to you! I hope you have had a very nice week. This past week I managed to spend quite a few mornings in my sewing room which made me very happy. I finished up a spring ensemble for Patience and made a new dress for my Boneka Rose doll. So, Patience is ‘patiently’ waiting for her photo shoot and Rose is waiting for me to embroider her cardigan and then complete the rest of the pieces for her new spring ensemble.
But, today it is all about Bella. I finished “Delicate Flower” a couple of weeks ago. Since then Bella has been modeling it in the sewing room and making all the other girls quite envious. I think she looks pretty darned cute–that sweet face…*sigh*
The rose print I chose for Bella’s dress depicts floral motifs with roses in warm pinks and lavender colored blossoms sprinkled here and there on a very pastel mint green ground. A coordinating rayon ribbon ties around the dress’s waist. The same ribbon is turned into two billowy hair ribbons which tie in place using crocheted ties. The dress’s skirt is embellished with fine cotton lace snugged underneath a tuck. The dress is completely lined with cotton lawn. All raw edges are encased within the lining and dress fabric.
Bella’s cozy cardigan is made with very soft merino wool which I hand dyed to a tonal pink. It features ribbed edgings and glass pearl beads for the buttons. I embroidered floral motifs to coordinate with the dress print.
Bella’s anklets are made with off white cotton knit. Her fresh water pearl bracelet is strung on stretchy jewelry cord with a matching pink heart dangle. The tiny wicker basket is embellished with a bow (hand sewn) made with the cardigan’s yarn. Three colors of blossoms are tucked inside. All are loose and can be rearranged in the basket or given to Bella to hold.
So, spring has begun in my sewing room and the girls are very excited. I think they chat amongst themselves wondering who will be next to receive something new to wear. So far, it is Bella, Patience, and Rose receiving new spring ensembles. Hmm, wonder who will be next…
Wishing you a wonderful weekend! ❤️ Enjoy! Oh, and Bella would love to know if you like her new spring ensemble…🌹
Cindy Rice Designs 
The Bella here is waving! Love the dress and especially, the tiny pearl buttons down the back. Beautiful fabric with the touch of lace is so girlie. 🙂 Perfect with the sweet socks you made too. The pink freshwater pearls and the little pink heart make an adorable bracelet. I’m sure the other dollies will be very jealous and want one as well. I know the dollies here are all eyes.
Here in northern CA, we haven’t had any rain in over 40 days and none expected the rest of the month either. Hoping we get a few showers in March, but it is not looking good. I’ve had to sprinkle the potted plants and other things in the yard. So unusual for February. Next, we’ll have to start saving shower warm up water in buckets again. Ugh!
Hi, Joy. I am sure our Bellas would be best friends! Thank you for the many compliments on Bella’s new ensemble. Spring sewing is making spring seem a little bit closer.
I’m sorry your weather is still so dry–that is awful! We’ve have had a pretty dry winter too, which is unusual here. It’s been nice and cold though. 🥶
Wow! Saving warm-up shower water… frugal, but necessary. You probably have a shower time limit too? I hope the weather people are wrong and some rain comes your way soon.
Wishing you a week filled with a spring shower or two. 🌦❤️
Just lovely! Your work always is, of course, but Bella looks like a beautiful spring angel.
Thank you so much, Elizabeth! ❤️ I just love these girls so much! Dianna’s no.3 Little Darling sculpt was always my favorite, so I am really loving these girls with their availability and price point. Have a great week!
Sweet ensemble for a sweet girl. Perfect Spring pink posies. It’s easy to see why the other girls want a new outfit.
Hi, Dee. Thank you! ❤️ Creating spring ensembles makes spring and the flowers it brings a little bit closer. Have a great week!
Comme tu es jolie Patience!!! quel bel ensemble..je comprends que tes “cousines et soeurs” soient jalouses !!!! même si je sais qu’elles auront elles aussi de superbes tenues….Bravo!!! Bonne journée….Bisous…Fanfan
Merci Fanfan ! ❤️ Oui, mes filles pratiquent à nouveau la patience et l’autodiscipline en attendant leurs propres tenues de printemps. Ils font tous un excellent travail. Je suis fiere d’eux. Passe une bonne semaine!
or
Thank you, Fanfan! ❤️ Yes, my girls are all once again practicing patience and self discipline while waiting for their own spring outfits. They all do a great job. I am proud of them. Have a great week!
So pretty
Thank you LucyAnn! ❤️ Wishing you a great week ahead!
Thank your
Hi Cindy Spring is my favorite season ! Not too hot not too cold and the start of growth. I am glad you got into your sewing room , must feel good to get back ! I am sure Patience and Rose will be patient as they await the shoot. Delicate flower does sound so good ! It is what I see when I look at Bella. Her dress is adorable ! I love the full skirt look. And the print with the pink and Lavender is gorgeous. Her hair ribbons are so cute !!! You did amazing detail in the accessories , I can see why the other girls might be envious ! I guess there is a lot of chatter as to who will be next, but I know you love them all and they will receive their outfit in good time. It is a balmy 45 here on Sunday afternoon Cindy !!! it feels so nice out . Have a lovely afternoon and send big hugs to all the girls !! Take care, Terri xo.
Hi, Terri. Thank you so much, Terri! ❤️
I love how spring surprises us with its new gifts of flowers and budding trees every day. What I also love is that there aren’t yet weeds to pull in the garden, just beauty to be enjoyed.
My day is always better when I can spend a little time in my sewing room. I hope to do that in a few minutes…
We broke 50 degrees yesterday, and the sun was shining. A most welcome gift. I’m happy you had a nice day also. It did feel balmy, didn’t it? I hope you were able to get outside for a bit. My husband and I took an afternoon walk in our neighborhood. It was great!
Have a wonderful week!
Hello Cindy,
Bella is a real cutie and her very pretty, new spring ensemble, looks lovely on her. I love the colours and her hairstyle.
I have also been able to spend some this past week, in my craft room. I have completed one ensemble for Little Grace and I am about to start another (similar) for Little Daisy (still waiting for her arrival).
A lot of my time these days is spending as much quality time as I can, with my twin sister who is in the final stages of fighting the cancer that returned a year ago. We have been through a lot together, especially when we were children and to watch her slowly slipping away breaks my heart. She was hoping to make it to celebrate our 80th birthday in April, but sadly I don’t think she will.
She loves to be kept her updated (and to receive photos) of Little Grace and her ever expanding wardrobe.
I have also been busy in the garden and enjoying it, also a haven for me when I need to clear my mind. At present the fig tree is yielding a good crop. I have just made 6 bottles of jam and today I am going to make fig chutney.
We have had a mild summer, although we have experienced a lot of humidity, which is unusual for us. Autumn is just around the corner so I will be able to get back to continuing my knitted (in 4ply wool yarn) granny square blanket (no sew squares version).
9 (of 12) panels each having 11 squares to go.
In all there are 132 squares, each a different colour when completed. I am looking forward to seeing it done.
Take Care
Regards
Wendy
Hi, Wendy. My heart is breaking for you and your twin sister! I am so sorry that you both are going through this. Such a wicked illness! It’s wonderful that you are with her during this time. I am sure it means the world to her. My thoughts and prayers are with you both. It’s close enough, so I wish you and your sister a Happy 80th Birthday.
I’ll bet you will enjoy getting back to your granny square blanket–cozy knitting. Wow! 132 different colors! That will be pretty!
Your fig recipes sound yummy! It must be so rewarding having a good crop of figs this year. I know not every year is like that when we grow things, especially for me. 😬
Where oh where is Little Daisy??? She will be arriving soon I hope, and just in time for some fall cozy things to wear?
Thank you for taking the time to write and let me know what is going on with you, Wendy. Take lots of care! Sending you and your sister hugs. 🤗❤️