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.

Itsy Bitsy Punkins

“Itsy Bitsy Punkins” (hand made and one-of-a-kind) for Amelia Thimble will be available today (September 26, 2019) at noon, CST.  The sales page for this ensemble will be located under the ‘Available’ tab.

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If interested, please submit a contact form.

Shipping to U.S. addresses only please, thank you.

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If you’d like to knit your own version I have knitting patterns for these pieces. ❤

Busy Bee Week

Hi there! ❤  How’s the new season treating you?  It’s day 3 of autumn over here in northern Illinois.  The weather has been bee-utiful!  Not one single complaint do I have!

After an early morning yoga class on Monday I did not feel like heading home.  It was a gorgeous day and I was very close to the Chicago Botanic Gardens.  We are a member, so parking is free and there is no entrance fee so why not stop by for a little while, right?  (BTW, I ended up staying for more than a little while)  It was great!

I took some photos to document the first day of fall 2019.  The roses in the Rose Garden were still blooming profusely and their scent was heavenly.

The only trees I noticed that had begun to change were in the Rose Garden.

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Speaking of bee-utiful!  How about this busy bee!  He seemed to love the roses as much as I did.  There were ‘zillions’ of busy bees all over the many roses.

The hutch in the English Walled Garden has showcased grape hyacinths, geraniums, succulents, and now violas throughout the 2019 season.  These violas are definitely my favorites.  I love these tiny pansy-like blossoms so much.  The basic variety reseeds in my (neglected) garden each year.  I’d love to have all of these color combinations. *sigh*

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Here are a few more photos I took at the gardens.  Still looks quite summery, right?

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While there I had lunch outdoors and did some sock knitting too.  One of the specials that day was Mushroom (sorry, Terri) Leek Flatbread.  It was a treat and very yummy! I wish you all could have joined me!

mushroom leek flatbread

Yesterday I got Amelia Thimble’s Sweater Dress Extension pattern published.  It’s in my Ravelry shop.

Amelia Thimble sweater dress extension full skirt pattern p1

As I was writing my blog post on Monday morning I noticed how the sunrise hit some of the trees in the backyard.  They looked like they had begun turning color, but that’s the sunshine hitting them.  So enchanting!  I love early mornings.

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Today wasn’t my most productive.  I had an appointment at the hospital which left me feeling quite tired afterwards.  Everything is fine, but it’s quite a long drive and just stressful in general going there.  I did manage to get this post written though. 🙂  And I am glad I did; it was so very nice visiting with you! ❤  Thank you for stopping by!

I’m hoping tomorrow is back to full steam ahead.

Welcome Fall

welcome fall 970Hello to all and a big welcome to fall to those of us in the northern hemisphere.  Not sure how I feel about fall arriving, to be honest.  It feels too soon.  With the exception of a couple of cooler mornings it still feels quite summery around here–hot and humid and sticky.

We’ve had tons of rain too.  Mushrooms!  I find them so interesting, for some strange reason.  And when I see them I must take their picture. 🙂

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My last two ensembles were traveling to their new homes last week.  I hope they look beautiful on the little girls who have received them.  My Gina and Alice hope so!

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My daughter (her to study) and I spent last Friday afternoon at the local coffee shop.  I was having a hard time getting excited about weaving in ends and sewing on buttons at home.  A yummy cup of cappuccino, warm sunlight, and a change of scenery did the trick.  A couple of hours here and my chores were done.

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I hope you all have a lovely first week of this new season (autumn or spring)!  Thank you for visiting with me!  Sending you a hug from Illinois!