Category Archives: Effner Dolls

NEWS! My First Knitting Pattern is Ready!

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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Pattern is available as a pdf digital pattern; you’ll need a pdf reader application installed on your computer.

This pattern can be purchased on Ravelry.

Bye for now!

“A Rosy Cozy Fall”

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Today is officially the last day of summer 2016! No more talking about how summer ends on Labor Day, or meteorological fall begins on September first. This is it, for real!

Are you ready for the autumn season to begin? I think I am finally ready to say I am ready for some fall-like weather. I do love those cozy sweaters, mugs of hot apple cider, and sitting in front of the fireplace, don’t you? I think autumn is the coziest of seasons.

Gina is here to welcome fall in her cozy new ensemble.

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Gina’s sweater, hat, and scarf are all knit with Peruvian Highland wool. This pink color is one of my favorites in this yarn. It is a rosy heather and absolutely gorgeous, in my opinion, but then I love pink. Her scarf is made out of a blue-ish red and colorful fringe coordinates it with this outfit.

The colors in this cotton floral fabric aren’t your typical fall colors, but I think they are perfect for fall. Besides the rosy pink, you’ll find raspberry, dark avocado outlines, yellow green leaves, and a surprising shade of a bluer green (love this one).

Gina’s sweater is a cropped long sleeved sweater which reaches to the bottom of the dress’s bodice. Since the flowers on the dress are petaled flowers, I made my bullion blossoms a bit different. I quite like the different shape of these.

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Gina’s hat is snuggly and warm with earflaps to cover her ears. The hat ties underneath her chin and off to the side. I made the ties different lengths so that when tied the bow’s tails are even. I added a bit of embroidery to the hat also.

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Gina has a coordinating necklace and bracelet to go with her fall ensemble. Off white tights keep her little legs warm.

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Gina’s “A Rosy Cozy Fall” ensemble will be available tonight (September 21, 2016) at 7:00 pm CST, cindyricedesigns.com.

So what is your favorite part of fall? I’d love to hear! Thank you so much for stopping by and visiting with me today. ❤

“Teddy ‘n Me and the Apple Tree”

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Hello everyone! Oh my, I’ve been absent for a while, haven’t I? Sorry I haven’t been around to chat with you all. My excuse is that I got on a Craftsy kick again. I purchased a few knitting related classes, so I’ve been preoccupied with learning some new skills and practicing them. If I could only do one craft I think it’d be knitting. I could give up sewing, embroidering, crocheting, but not knitting.

After my Little Darling, Gina, saw Lucy and Alice dressed up in their apple themed ensembles she got really sad until I made her one too. I cannot stand these tiny beauties sad! Good things come to those who wait though; the teddy bear was an afterthought, but made Gina extra happy! Doesn’t his golden color work perfectly with this set?

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I customized Gina’s teddy bear with a little bow, a crocheted scarf, and an apple button. While we’re on the subject of accessories, Gina’s red delicious apple is kept safe in her crocheted apple cozy.

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Gina’s light as a feather knit cardi is made with baby alpaca/silk lace weight yarn in a beautiful golden yellow. Little red bullion stitched embroidered apples decorate the front and wooden beads are used for buttons.

Gina’s beret is knit with a slightly heavier red wool. It is knit in the round without seams. The golden yellow rayon ribbon and English cotton Cluny lace were hand dyed to match this set.

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Do you recognize this fabric? It is the same print (by Elea Lutz) I used for ” ‘Tis Apple Picking Season”, but in the white colorway. When they’re this cute who can buy just one!

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