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.

Are you tired of winter? I am, most definitely. It’s hard when you think you’ve gotten through the bulk of it (January, it’s the worst, right?) and here comes February and shows you that winter hasn’t even started yet.

I know that here in Illinois we shouldn’t be complaining. Compared to those that live out east we’ve practically gotten off Scott-free. Nevertheless, I am tired of the cold and snow.

I have had a busy week and a half working on more springlike outfits for the Little Darlings, Patience, and Amelia Thimble. So, I continue to create my own garden here inside with pretty fabrics, colorful thread and yarn, and various kinds of needles. I have everything I need here in my small studio to invent a bit of spring when there isn’t anything at all outside except snow… and more snow.

I cannot help thinking that since we are on the back side of February this all has to be over soon, right? We can only hope.

After a busy day yesterday spent photographing, editing, and updating sites I have something new to show you for the Little Darlings and I promise it is very springlike.

I love pink and blue and often wonder which is my favorite color. I never can decide. I think that I love them both equally which is why I so enjoyed creating this outfit. It is a lot of pink and a lot of blue!

What about you, do you like pink or blue?

A huge apology is due here. This set for the Little Darlings got mistakenly published on my website last night so is no longer available for sale. So, so sorry!!! I am definitely red faced this morning. I hope you enjoyed the springtime photos anyway.