Category Archives: Shrugs

“Summertime Smiles”

Do you believe it is the end of August???!!! Wow! It’s been a good summer weatherwise in northern Illinois–we’ve had lots of hot and sunny days–lots of beautiful weather to smile about. I hope you’ve had the same.

I recently finished a summery ensemble for the Little Darlings, and I want to share it with you. Lucy (painted by Helen Skinner) is modeling “Summertime Smiles”. We had a relaxing photo shoot in the backyard under the trees on one of those beautiful days.

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The creating of this ensemble started with the fabric. I found this summery floral in my stash and wanted to use it immediately. The graphic blossoms are in shades of bright pink, golden yellow, light aqua blue, and kelly green–all favorite summer colors of mine.

Lucy’s dress features tiny tatting lace hand stitched the the hemline. A thin bright pink satin ribbon ties twice around her waistline. Her dress is completely lined with white cotton lawn and all raw edges are enclosed within the lining.

Lucy’s knitwear is knit from hand dyed merino wool in bright pink. Her lace shrug is knit in a simple lace pattern with a crocheted shell edging. The beret is knit with my beret pattern and embroidered with coordinating flowers.

White cotton anklets, a colorful bracelet, and a two-flower bouquet complete the 6-piece ensemble.

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I hope you enjoyed seeing my latest make for the Little Darlings. Thank you for visiting.

Next up, are one or two apple orchard inspired ensembles.

Enjoy the week! Take care and stay safe. Sending you virtual hugs! ❤

“Blossoms for the Bees”

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We’ve had so many bumblebees buzzing around our garden this spring. I love watching the fuzzy little guys, and how they almost disappear inside trumpet-shaped blossom. I don’t have any snapdragons growing in my garden this year, but I have in past years, and they really do disappear inside these blossoms, so cute.

Keeping with the bee theme, Gracie is wearing a dress covered in trios of bright blossoms which are on a subtle hexagon honeycomb background.

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Gracie’s dress has a wider neckline which looks pretty with shrugs. The hemline is embellished with cotton tatting lace that I applied by hand. The lace was a gift, but I am guessing it is vintage and handmade. The circles on the lace look perfect with the circle-shaped flowers, and the lace’s color matches the fabric exactly.

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Gracie’s yummy lace shrug is knit with lace weight merino wool in red violet heather. It has a crocheted shell edging.

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I thought a hexi-shaped purse would be so cute with this ensemble. This one is made with two crocheted granny hexagons and a leather strap. It can be worn cross body, over the shoulder, or wrapped around Gracie’s hand. Inside the bag is a little bouquet of flowers. There is even a little extra room for other found treasures. In my stash I had one bumble bee button. He found his way onto Gracie’s granny square blossom.

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Gracie’s hair decoration is made by hand with three colors of crocheted merino wool blossoms which pick up the colors in the dress. I’ve added a little green merino wool leaf and a handmade organza bow. It slips in place with a handmade wire bobby pin.

Anklets, panties, and a bracelet complete this summery ensemble.

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Gracie’s “Blossoms for the Bees” ensemble will be available tonight (May 30, 2017) at 7:00pm CST, cindyricedesigns.com.

Take some time today to watch the bumblebees! Thanks for visiting with me today, my lovely friends.

“Dainty Darling”

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Hello all, from grey and wet northern Illinois. I heard yesterday that we’re having a wetter than normal spring, no surprises there. Anyway, I’m all for pretending the sun is shining brightly. 🙂

Without further ado, here is my Little Darling, Alice. Alice wears a sunny yellow dress made out of one of the Little House on the Prairie 2016 prints from Andover. This print has a formal colonial look to it rather than a country calico look. This style of print must have been intended for “Sunday’s best” dresses. I’ve used two other prints from this collection; these were dark calicos. You can see those two ensembles here and here.

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I highlighted this sunny yellow ensemble with the warm pink shade found in the roses. Pink can be seen in the crocheted rose hair decoration, drawstring bag, bracelet, bows on the shrug, and waist sash. Doesn’t pink look pretty with the yellow?

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Here’s a close up shot of Alice’s tiny accessories. The tiny hanky is made with cotton lawn, has a fringed edging, and is folded and pressed into a classic triangle. (Just like my grandma taught me to do.) The hanky fits into the drawstring bag, which has lots of room for extra pretties.

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Alice’s shrug is like a whispery soft spring breeze. It is knit with lace weight mohair/silk, and is dyed to a light ecru. It has tiny pink bows on the edges of the sleeves. I’ve also hand dyed the rayon knit tights to a light ecru.

Where do you think Alice is headed in her new ensemble?

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