Author Archives: Cindy Rice

About Cindy Rice

My wonderful husband, my beautiful daughter, and I live in northeastern Illinois with our two sweet chihuahua boys. For as long as I can remember I have loved dolls and making things. I got my first Barbie when I was only three years old! My mom sewed for my Barbie dolls and taught me how to use her sewing machine when I was only seven. I cannot believe she let me near that needle, but she did. Not having enough money for my clothes habit in high school and college led me to start sewing all of my own clothes. There were so many fabric stores around back then and fabric was so inexpensive. I would wait for the 99 cent pattern sale and go crazy. Sewing for myself continued well into my 30’s. (I even made my wedding gown and bridesmaid dresses.) Shortly after I got married I left my full time graphic design position and started designing cross stitch patterns. I called my company “The Lilac Studio” and sold my botanical patterns at trade shows, through distributors which sold to retail shops, and mail order. My most popular pattern, “A Bouquet of Pansies” sold 5000 copies and won a J&P Coats Golden Needle Award! I was also featured in various cross stitch magazines and designed special projects for the magazines. When my daughter was born I didn’t have the time needed to cross stitch and design patterns all day long so I let my pattern design business slip away. And then I started discovering dolls again and I now had an excuse to start buying them. The only problem was that they were for my daughter and not for me. I soon discovered all of the adult collectors out there and decided I would be one of them. I started small at first, collecting Mattel Kelly dolls. Soon I collected over 100 Kelly dolls! After Kelly, I discovered Helen Kish’s Riley and Tonner’s Ann Estelle. I have since learned to knit doll sweaters and love an excuse to knit so most of my doll outfits include a sweater and/or hat. I love creating miniature outfits for dolls and enjoy sharing them with others. Currently I create doll ensembles for Ruby Red Fashion Friends, Kish Bethany, Dianna Effner's Little Darlings, Wilde Imagination's teeny tiny Amelia, Kaye Wiggs BJD, Boneka 10", Linda Macario's Penny.

Just “A Glimpse of Fall”

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After all it is still summer, so a glimpse or a little peek is just enough for now.

First off, I would like to offer my apologies to all those who sent me a contact form requesting to purchase “Pink ‘n Plum” for the Little Darlings last week. There was a flurry of activity going on at home right when I was publishing my website and blog post. So, between the guilt of wanting to help put away the groceries and get “Pink ‘n Plum” published for 7:00 as promised, I forgot to hit the publish button after marking the ensemble “Sold”. I promise to do better next time.

Without further ado, here is Millie to show you her “A Glimpse of Fall” ensemble.

Millie and I had a very quick photo shoot on Friday. It was VERY warm and I didn’t want her to get overheated in her hat and scarf. Millie is so photogenic that it didn’t take long at all to get some great shots of her.

Millie’s hand knit accessories (beret and scarf) are made in a beautiful grape colored heathered merino lace weight yarn. Her cardigan is in the same type of yarn, but in a natural color.

Even though Millie looks adorable in her hand knit accessories, I sincerely hope that they aren’t needed for a while.

For more information on Millie’s “A Glimpse of Fall” ensemble, please visit the “Available for Sale” page at cindyricedesigns.com .

Do You Like “Pink ‘n Plum”?

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So, how do you feel about this color combination for fall? I personally love pink and plum together. I can appreciate the usual muted (or less intense) fall colors of russet, gold, brown, and pumpkin, but I sure do miss pinks and purples that are hard to find this time of year. Since plum is a muted color, I think it works rather nicely for this season.

At the end of July I pulled together some early fall-ish feeling fabrics and the color plum is present in a lot of them. Yay! I can get inspired here.

Since I pulled out these fabrics I have been moving right along with my early fall ensembles. Patience’s last ensemble, “Lovely in Lavender” came from the fabric that is third from the right and Gina’s new “Pink ‘n Plum” ensemble is made from the fabric that is first on the right. I am also currently making something for Millie with the tiny purple rose print that is third from the left.

Here is my little princess, Gina modeling “Pink ‘n Plum” for you.

Gina’s hand knit cardigan is made with lace weight mohair/silk yarn to produce a sweater that is oh, so soft and light as a feather. The bullion stitched rose bouquet motifs are mirrored which gives a more formal feel to this tiny piece.

Hand dyed rayon ribbon and fine English cotton Cluny lace add decorative touches to this simple dress.

For more information on my Little Darling, Gina’s, “Pink ‘n Plum” ensemble please visit my “Available for Sale” page at cindyricedesigns.com .

Some News and Thanks

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Firstly, thank you to all who commented and read my last post “Too Many…Dolls”! I read each and every comment thoughtfully and you all have helped me start this process, so thank you so much.

I started with making a (tentative) list of those dolls that I think I would like to sell. Maybe I will add more later and maybe some of these I will keep, not sure yet. It will be a continual process, I think. Yesterday evening I took photos of my first two dolls that I know I would like to go to new homes and even got one listed on eBay.

I added an eBay link in the right column. You can click on the photo and go right to my eBay “for sale” page.

It feels GREAT to make a start!