Author Archives: Cindy Rice

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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.

Finally…It’s Looking Like Winter

December was a pretty painless month weather wise for us in northern Illinois.  The temperature stayed right around freezing, not very cold for us.  So, no weather excuses for not getting the Christmas shopping done.  Well, it’s a new year and new weather.  This morning we woke to a winter wonderland.  It’s still snowing mid morning with more coming tomorrow.  After that it will get very cold.  Winter is finally here!

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A snowy view out my bay window in the kitchen…

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…and out the front door…

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…and out my sewing room window.

Sugar (Fairyland Pukipuki) has never felt snow.  I know, it’s my fault.  She hasn’t had proper winter clothing.  However, last week I knit her a bulky wool sweater which will keep her nice and warm.  She’s got some waterproof boots and leggings too.  She donned her winter gear and begged me to take her out on the sled.  She needed a few extra pieces so I found some scrap yarn to wrap around her neck as a scarf and dug out her little pixie hat to keep her ears warm.  I think she’s ready to experience snow.

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“Please, please, please…”, begged little Sugar.

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Like all little ones, Sugar LOVED playing in the snow with her puppy!

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Do you see the snowflake in Sugar’s hair?

A Little Winter Joy

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One thing that I love about winter evenings is how cozy it is to be indoors where it is warm and toasty and the light is warm and comforting while it is dark outside.  Our homes are never more welcoming than when it is blustery, cold, and dark outside.

My daughter received the cutest little teapot and warmer for Christmas from her aunt, uncle, and cousins.  It is so beautiful in it’s simplicity that it makes the tea drinking experience extra special.  During the evening on New Year’s Day, we enjoyed a pot of Hibiscus tea together.  We used the last two tea bags from the box so I will have to get more.  It is very good iced as well as hot.  Thanks to my sister-in-law, Heather, for introducing me to this new flavor of herbal tea.

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(Free) American Girl Fingerless Mitts Knitting Pattern

First, I have to say “Happy New Year everyone!”  Hope you all have a great 2015!

I’ve been working on a simple pattern for you knitters and lovers of American Girl dolls.  BTW, did you check out the new Girl of the Year at americangirl.com?  It’s the first thing I did this morning (after making my cup of tea, that is).  She is a sweetie with so many irresistible pieces to complete her story.  Who doesn’t love a bakery?  Wish I had a little girl to buy for.

I noticed that Grace has a pair of her own fingerless mitts.  I didn’t know that when I started this pattern the other day.  I even embroidered a heart on them which seems to be one of her symbols.  I didn’t know that either.  Funny…

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The pattern is located on this blog under the “Free Patterns” tab at the top of the blog.  It is a quick knit and a way to use up your scraps of fingering weight yarn.

Have fun knitting!