Dreamtime #1909 1964-1966 and Handmade Pajamas

Scooter and Skipper are ready for a pajama party.  Scooter is wearing Dreamtime.  This outfit is not complete, missing all the accessories.  The robe is also very faded and in need of a good washing.  Skipper is wearing a pajama and robe set I made a few years ago.  The robe is a little voluminous.

Scooter's Dreamtime pajamas are in very good condition.  The elastic is still holding up well, too.  Skipper's pajamas are somewhat plain but cute on her.

Vintage: Repurchased

Handmade:  Owner

Fashion Avenue: # 18095 1997

Wendy is looking very "kittenish" in this 3 piece set.  

Fashion Avenue: Owner Original

My Birthday......50 years ago

1965, it's your 9th birthday and your aunt, a talented seamstress is also your Godmother.  You might hope for another beautiful gown like you had received one Christmas.  Imagine your surprise when you receive the following:

And this:

And this:

And this:

And finally, this:

Yes, she made all of these for me!  It was little girl's dream.  I have many happy memories playing with these outfits on my dolls.  I can't thank my Aunt Virg enough for making these beautiful outfits for me.  I have cherished them for all these years.  And I must admit that the purple velveteen coat was my favorite, it is just so gorgeous I wish I had this coat for me!

I was finally able to identify and get a copy of the pattern she used:

This pattern was also reissued by Simplicity in recent years as one of their 'retro' patterns.  I think it would be fun to make my own versions of the same outfits.

Though these outfits are 50 years old they are in great condition (unfortunately there is nothing you can do about some fabric fading). I loved my Barbie dolls and took great care with them and their outfits.  They were well played with and well loved......and they still are!

Fashion Avenue: # 18093 1997

Stephanie is as pretty as a peach in this lovely peignoir set.  It came with peach mules.

Fashion Avenue: Owner Original

Meet the Dolls: Hair Fair and Standard Barbie

Meet my Hair Fair Barbie, Stephanie.  She is on a TNT body.  She also has had a partial reroot which makes a wicked cowlick at the back.  Her lashes have also been rerooted.  She's not perfect but that's  okay.

Meet my 2nd Standard Barbie, Wendy.  She is pretty close to perfect.

Don't you just love her sweet face?

Vintage: Repurchased

Date Night -New Outfits

Kimberly and Ryan are heading out for date night.  Kimberly is wearing another new Sparkle Girl dress and crochet scarf she got for Christmas to ward off the evening chill.  Ryan is sporting a new outfit also.  He could be a gentleman and lend Kimberly his jacket but he can't because this cheap a$$ outfit has the jacket and tee shirt as one piece......that is velcroed in the back!  It also looks like he shrunk his pants.  I gotta make the boys some clothes........

Modern: Owner Original

More Sparkle Girl Fashions

Regan, Quinn and Eden are out shopping.  Don't they look adorable in these Sparkle Girl outfits? Oh to be young again!  Quinn's outfit (center) is 2 pcs, leggings and tunic, so cute!  Eden's has that funky little denim vest, so trendy. 

I am hoping they issue more mix and match outfits this year, that would really add to their wardrobes.  One of my goals this year is to make more outfits for the BB Barbies.  I haven't been to thrilled with the outfits offered by Mattel.

Modern: Owner Original

Deboxing Day: 35th Anniversary Barbie Giftset #11591 1993

These 2 outfits, Easter Parade and Roman Holiday are 2 of 3 of the most sought after vintage Barbie outfits, along with Gay Parisienne. 

I think the dresses are very well made and the zipper closings are a nice touch.  The coats on both were a little disappointing.  The Easter Parade coat was a very stiff acetate and not fully lined.  The Roman Holiday coat was lined with a very thin, see-thru tricote.  It (an the coat fabric) already have holes from the plastic tags they used to hold the outfit to the liner.  I don't see this lining lasting very long.

That being said, the accessories are very nice right down to the hanky and compact in Roman Holiday.

This set came with yet another ponytail Barbie.  I left her in her box and let Jeanelle and Barbara model the outfits.  

Reproduction:  Owner Original

Deboxing Day: Poodle Parade Reproduction #15280 1995

This outfit was really nicely done.  The coat and dress are lined and the dress has a zipper closing.

What was disappointing about this was the doll's hair.  After removing her headscarf I found this....

Yes, one side is longer than the other.......and not in a good edgy sorta way.

I can not believe this made it through a quality control check.  I suppose I can try and even it out some but it's pretty short and choppy on the one side.    Luckily I have a vintage American Girl so I am not too upset but still I expect better for my money.  Oh yea.....you didn't get the poodle dog either!

Reproduction:Owner Original

Deboxing Day: Busy Gal Reproduction # 13675 1995

Another of my reproductions that is in need of deboxing.

This is a really nice, well made outfit, and the portfolio has a little fashion drawings inside.  She looks so professional in her glasses. 

I now have quite a collection of reproduction dolls.  I think I may have to part with a few of the ladies.  Keeping all their wonderful little outfits though!

Reproduction: Owner Original

Deboxing Day: Solo in the Spotlight # 13820 1994

It's hard to believe that these reproductions have been around for 10 years already.  I bought quite a few of them, mostly for the outfits.  Solo in the Spotlight was another outfit I always wanted but was never able to get.

The outfit is quite nice, better than the original I think, in that the fabric is a little sturdier and will hold up to play.  I think this doll is going to need some backup singers for her act!

Reproduction: Owner Original

Happy New Year!

Happy New Year from our house to yours.  May 2015 be a good year for everyone!