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.

Ringing in November with “Trimming the Tree”

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My Kaye Wiggs MSD, Gracie, is here again with a new ensemble to show you. This time she has the tree trimming decorations unwrapped and is ready to begin this long awaited Christmas tradition.

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As usual, this ensemble started with me falling in love with the fabric. I could not resist all of the colorful ornaments on this Japanese fabric designed by Lecien—pink and blue for Christmas? Most definitely, yes! If you love a colorful Christmas, this ones for you!

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I decided to highlight the red with the secondary color being the green to keep this ensemble as festive as possible! Gracie’s wooly red sweater will keep her warm while she’s busy with the tree. I added embroidered branches which are already decorated with coordinating colors of seed and bugle beads at the neckline. The sweater closes with green glass bead buttons.

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Gracie’ striped stocking hat is knit with four different colored stripes in a slightly finer weight of wool yarn. Bright red, kelly green, blue, and yellow alternate with a wide fuzzy mohair/silk “Santa” brim. The hand made pom pom matches the yarn used for the brim.

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Additional red accents are Gracie’s chunky red ribbed cotton tights and a red hand dyed nylon lace (fine English Cluny) sash. Gracie’s tree trimming accessories are ornament miniatures which I added gold-toned jewelry rings and ribbon. A crocheted string of lights—also works as a fun scarf, and a length of gold-toned bead garland are ready for the tree. Her “made with love” heart has been turned into another ornament for the tree.

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“Trimming the Tree” for Kaye’s MSD sized dolls will be available tonight (November 1, 2016) at 7:00 pm CST, cindyricedesigns.com.

Happy November 1st! Thanks for visiting today!

“Christmas Caroler” for the Little Darlings

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If you can’t beat them (the weather), join them (it). Not an option today! It’s very chilly, windy, and pouring rain. I REALLY had my heart set on getting Alice’s photos taken today, so I got lucky and figured out how to use the weather to my advantage and get her photos taken.

I put Alice in the kitchen bay window, and because it’s not bright (at all) the photos came out fine. I turned on all the warm kitchen lights, used a tripod, and used a board to block the glare on top of her head. They’re a little darker than usual, but I think they’re cozy looking.

Alice, my Little Darling painted by Nelly Valentino, is thrilled to be able to show you her first Christmas ensemble, Christmas Caroler. It’s a very traditional ensemble—even a little bit old-fashioned looking, which is a look I am in love with on her.

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Alice’s elbow length sleeved dress is made with a tiny holly print in deep red, greens, and bits of metallic gold. A deep red taffeta ribbon (with a brighter red edge) ties around the waist of the dress. Tiny ecru English cotton Cluny lace peeks out at the hemline.

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The natural colored lace cape is knit with lace weight baby alpaca/silk yarn for an extremely delicate piece. It closes at the center front with a gold-filled bead and loop. There are six full size panels on the cape; the right three panels each have a slightly different embroidery motif with the left three panels each mirroring its corresponding right panel

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The vintage-styled headband hat is knit with a slightly heavier weight natural colored yarn (wool/angora). The embroidered motifs at each end mirror each other. The headband ties under the chin on the right hand side. The ties are different lengths so that when tied the tails are equal.

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Alice’s accessories include a pair of red scarves in a deep red and a brighter red wool. They have fringed ends. The little sheet music is vintage looking with four different carols and a bookmark tied over the center fold. A little gold glass ornament is tied with a matching embroidery thread loop. The bracelet is made with garnet beads and 14k gold-filled beads. A red shell heart charm dangles from the bracelet. And underneath it all is a pair of red rayon Lycra® tights.

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While out caroling, I’m sure all of the grandmas and moms will be pinching Alice’s cheeks and telling her what an adorable little girl she is.

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Alice’s “Christmas Caroler” ensemble will be available tonight (October 26, 2016) at 7:00 pm, CST at cindyricedesigns.com.

Alice and I thank you for visiting with us today. 🙂 ❤

NEWS! My First Knitting Pattern is Ready!

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Who is it for? Hmm… okay, I’ll finally tell. You’ve all waited long enough. Sorry for the delay. I think I set a record for the number of edits in a pattern.

I read ALL of my blog, Facebook, and email comments, and the #1 request was for a Little Darlings pattern, so that is who got the first pattern. It is a very simple sweater pattern which I titled “Classic Cardigan”. It is knit with fingering weight wool which is not too fine; in fact it’s just right for a wooly fall sweater. I have included instructions for three sleeve lengths too.

I think this pattern is a good starting point for all of you who know how to knit, but are still new to the craft. (Those of you who are more advanced probably won’t have any problems skipping over the extra instructions.) If you know how to knit, I believe you can follow my pattern. Any stitches that you aren’t familiar with can be found on You Tube.

This pattern is the perfect “canvas” for embroidery and applique. I included my Ten Tips for Embroidery on Hand Knits along with some photos for inspiration too.

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