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.

Going Crazy Making Amelia Thimble Dresses

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I’ve just finished making another couple of dresses for teeny tiny itsy bitsy Amelia Thimble. These have new color palettes and bouquet arrangements. I find it impossible to copy anything I’ve made previously with these dresses. I guess that’s the fun part, not knowing how they will turn out. The colors in these dresses make me happy and I hope you enjoy them too.

In Love with Lilacs

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I love lilacs. Lilac was one of my grandmother’s favorite colors and lilacs remind me of my grandfather. My daughter was born when lilacs were in bloom and I chose The Lilac Studio as my company name when I was designing cross stitch pattern in the 1990’s. I think Amelia Thimble loves lilac too. She sure looks cute in this color. I knit this teeny tiny dress for Amelia Thimble with lilac bamboo thread. I chose a colorful palette for the floral embroidery to make a cheery summery dress.

A Summer Short Set for Effner’s Little Darling Dolls

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This set for the Little Darlings reminds me of the little short sets I used to wear when I was young. I loved how cute they were and how the top and the shorts coordinated so well together. Gina, my Little Darling, is dressed so smartly in her very own bloomers and top set with hand embroidery, headband, and jewelry. This outfit is available on my website. I also have more photos there too, with additional information about “Splendid Summer”.