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Introducing the New Francie MOD Dress: A Nostalgic Fashion Revival

Introduction:

In the ever-evolving world of fashion, new designs and trends constantly emerge, captivating the hearts of fashion enthusiasts. The recent development of the new Francie MOD dress has ignited excitement among fashionistas. With its unique charm and undeniable potential, this dress is poised to make a lasting impression in the industry. In this article, we will delve into the success of its first design, reminisce about the iconic Shopping Spree collection from Mattel in the 1960s, and explore the definitive potential of the new Francie MOD dress. Let’s introduce the new Francie MOD dress and have a nostalgic fashion revival today.

The Success of the First Design:

The initial release of the Francie MOD dress was met with resounding success. Fashion lovers were captivated by its modern yet retro aesthetic, which seamlessly blended classic elements with contemporary style. The dress exuded a sense of sophistication, making it a versatile addition to any wardrobe. Its popularity quickly soared, establishing the Francie MOD dress as a must-have item for fashion-forward individuals.

Blonde 1970s Malibu Francie in white Mod dress with red white heart border

A Nostalgic Reminder: Shopping Spree from Mattel in the 1960s:

The new Francie MOD dress evokes a sense of nostalgia, reminiscent of the beloved Shopping Spree outfit by Mattel in the 1960s. This ensemble was a fashion phenomenon, captivating the hearts of young girls and fashion enthusiasts alike. The Shopping Spree outift  is an example for a chic and stylish outfit that exuded elegance and glamour. The new Francie MOD dress pays homage to this iconic outfit , incorporating elements that transport us back to a bygone era while still maintaining a contemporary edge.

blonde francie doll in white mod dress from the 1960s with pink squares, original design of mattel

The Pattern: A Personal Touch:

One of the most exciting aspects of the new Francie MOD dress is the availability of its pattern. As a fashion enthusiast myself, I am thrilled to have the opportunity to create this dress and infuse my personal style into it. The pattern allows individuals to unleash their creativity and customize the dress to suit their unique preferences. Whether it’s experimenting with different fabrics, colors, or embellishments, the pattern ensures that each dress becomes a personal masterpiece.

two blonde francies in mod dresses, the left original from the 1960s, the right is handmade in red fabric with withe dots and a tiny cream ribbon at the bottom

Definitive Potential:

The new Francie MOD dress undeniably possesses the potential to become a game-changer in the fashion industry. Its fusion of vintage charm and contemporary flair appeals to a wide range of tastes, making it a versatile choice for various occasions. Whether it’s a casual outing, a social gathering, or a special event, the Francie MOD dress effortlessly exudes confidence and style.

blonde francie in red mod diy dress with small white dots and tiny border in cream, Introducing the New Francie MOD Dress

Conclusion:

The new Francie MOD dress is a testament to the ever-evolving nature of fashion. Its successful first design, reminiscent of the iconic Shopping Spree outfit from Mattel in the 1960s, adds a touch of nostalgia to its modern appeal. With the availability of the dress pattern, individuals can now personalize their Francie MOD dresses, adding their unique flair to an already remarkable design. As we embrace the definitive potential of this dress, we eagerly anticipate the impact it will make in the fashion world. Stay tuned for more exciting developments and fashion-forward trends from the Francie MOD dress collection. It’s never too late for a nostalgic fashion revival.

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Finding Joy in Riley Blake Fabrics: A Journey of Persistence and Triumph

Introduction:

In the world of fabric enthusiasts, stumbling upon a breathtaking piece can feel like striking gold. The sheer excitement of discovering a fabric that captures your heart is unparalleled. Such was the case when I first laid my eyes on the incredible beauty of a Riley Blake fabric. However, as a resident of Germany, procuring this fabric seemed like an insurmountable challenge. This blog post narrates my quest to obtain the elusive Riley Blake fabric and the joy of finally finding it.

The Initial Obsession:

The moment I saw the Riley Blake fabric online, I was instantly captivated by its exquisite design and vibrant colors. It possessed a unique charm that made it stand out from the rest. However, my excitement quickly turned into disappointment when I realized the fabric was not easily accessible in Germany. The thought of giving up on this fabric was disheartening, but I was determined to find a way.

 
 
 
 
 
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Ein Beitrag geteilt von Cute Little Fabric Shop (@cutelittlefabricshop)

The American Dilemma:

Driven by my desire to acquire this fabric, I decided to explore the option of purchasing it directly from the USA. However, to my dismay, the shipping costs amounted to a staggering $60, not to mention the additional tax burden. This obstacle seemed insurmountable, and I began to question whether my dream of owning this fabric would remain unfulfilled.

A Glimmer of Hope:

Just when I was on the verge of abandoning my quest, a ray of hope emerged. Through diligent research, I stumbled upon a dealer in Germany who specialized in sourcing Riley Blake fabrics. The mere prospect of having this fabric delivered to my doorstep within the country filled me with renewed hope and excitement. Eagerly, I reached out to the dealer, hoping that this time my search would finally bear fruit.

The Triumph:

To my delight, the dealer confirmed that they had the exact Riley Blake fabric I had been searching for. The feeling of joy that surged through me at that moment was indescribable. Finally, my persistence had paid off, and the fabric was within my grasp. The process of placing the order was smooth, and within a short span of time, the fabric arrived at my doorstep.

cream colored fabric with butterflies in pink, blue and yellow, right size for Barbie
Riley Blake Fabric Butterfly Blossom in cream

Conclusion:

The journey of obtaining the Riley Blake fabric from Germany was a rollercoaster ride of emotions. From the initial frustration of not finding it locally to the disappointment of exorbitant shipping costs from the USA, my determination to acquire this fabric never wavered. Thankfully, through my unwavering resolve and a stroke of luck, I discovered a dealer who could provide me with the fabric I yearned for. The happiness that fills my heart now, as I hold the fabric in my hands, is immeasurable. It serves as a reminder that persistence and determination can lead to triumph, even in the world of fabric hunting.

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The Evolution of Barbie and Her Family: A Nostalgic Journey Back to the 1960s

Introduction:

In the world of dolls, Barbie has undeniably left an indelible mark. Since her creation in 1959, Barbie has captivated the hearts of countless children and collectors alike. However, Barbie’s journey was not a solitary one. Throughout the 1960s, Barbie’s family grew, introducing a diverse cast of characters that added depth to her imaginative world. Let’s take a look back at the evolution of Barbie’s family during this iconic era and have a look at the evolution of Barbie and her family with a nostalgic journey back to the 1960s.

1959: Barbie, the Trailblazing Fashionista

Barbie made her debut in 1959, breaking the mold with her stylish fashion choices and glamorous lifestyle. Created by Ruth Handler, co-founder of Mattel, Barbie was named after Handler’s daughter, Barbara. With her chic attire and sophisticated demeanor, Barbie quickly became a role model for young girls everywhere.

Picture with Barbie in Bridal dress, Barbie is from 1960 and has a blonde pony and ponytail

1961: Ken, Barbie’s Dashing Companion

Two years after Barbie’s introduction, Ken stepped into the spotlight. Named after Handler’s son, Kenneth, Ken became Barbie’s dashing companion. With his charm and impeccable fashion sense, Ken perfectly complemented Barbie’s elegance. Together, they embarked on countless adventures, capturing the imagination of children across the globe. I wrote an article about the early Kens last year which you can read here http://barbie.final-memory.org/ken-ken-or-ken

Photos of Barbie and Ken, Barbie wears a bridal dress, ken a casual t shirt and a pair of trousers

1963: Midge, Barbie’s Best Friend

In 1963, Barbie welcomed her best friend, Midge, into her ever-growing circle. Midge was known for her vibrant personality and her infectious laughter. With her cheerful demeanor, Midge added an element of fun and camaraderie to Barbie’s world. The bond between Barbie and Midge showcased the importance of friendship and support.

The picture shows how the Barbie family grows, in 1963 Barbie gets a new best friend called Midge

1964: Skipper, Barbie’s Adorable Sister and Ken’s best friend Alan

The following year, Barbie’s family expanded further with the arrival of Skipper and Ken’s best friend Alan, who is also regarded as the boyfriend of Midge. As Barbie’s younger sister, Skipper brought a youthful energy to the mix. With her playful spirit and trendy outfits, Skipper became a beloved character among young Barbie enthusiasts. Together, Barbie and Skipper embarked on countless sisterly adventures, fostering the importance of sibling bonds.

You can see all family members until 1964, starting with Barbie, to Ken, Midge, Skipper and Alan

Like Barbie, Skipper and Midge go out to the city, Alan and Ken also spend their free time together going hunting or for a Saturday night dance. Alan has the same size like Ken. They are designed to share their clothes. Alan is also the secret hero of Barbie – the movie, the one with his striped beach shirt that probably nobody outside the Barbie community can identify without problems.  Alan is easy to identify by his red hair. After being introduced in 1963 he disappears in 1967 and re-appears in 1990 to marry Midge after a friendship of almost 30 years. Isn’t that incredible?

1965: Francie, Barbie’s Fashion-Forward Cousin

Barbie’s cousin, Francie, made her debut in 1965. Known for her impeccable fashion taste and avant-garde style, Francie pushed the boundaries of fashion and became an inspiration for young trendsetters. Her presence in Barbie’s world highlighted the importance of individuality and self-expression.

Barbie family and friends in 1965 starting with Barbie & Ken to Midge and Alan to Skipper, Francie

1966: Tutti, Barbie’s Cherished Baby Sister and her twin brother Todd

Barbie’s family was completed in 1966 with the arrival of Tutti and Todd, Barbie’s adorable baby sister and baby brother twins. With their innocent charm and tiny stature, Tutti and Todd captured the hearts of both children and adults alike. Tutti’s and Todd’s inclusion in Barbie’s world emphasized the importance of family and the joy that younger siblings bring.

Barbie family and friends in 1966 starting with Barbie & Ken to Midge and Alan to Skipper, Francie and Tutti

Conclusion:

Barbie’s journey through the 1960s was not just a personal one. It was a journey of growth, friendship, and familial love. As Barbie’s family expanded, so did the opportunities for imaginative play and storytelling. Through the introduction of Ken, Midge, Skipper, Francie, and Tutti, Barbie’s world became more diverse and inclusive, reflecting the changing times of the 1960s. These iconic characters left an indelible mark on the hearts and minds of children, ensuring that Barbie’s legacy would endure for generations to come. In the late 60s the first black friends of Barbie were available. They are maybe worth another blog post since some friends are new in the Barbie world while others disappear again without any trace.

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Introducing the Colorful Riley Blake Barbie Malibu Fabrics Collection

Yesterday, while browsing through Instagram, I stumbled upon some exciting news for all the Barbie enthusiasts out there. Riley Blake, the renowned fabric company, is launching a brand new fabric collection dedicated to none other than the iconic Barbie herself. Named “Malibu Barbie,” this collection is set to captivate us with its vibrant and eye-catching designs.

The Malibu Barbie fabric collection takes inspiration from the classic Barbie dolls of the 1980s, bringing back fond memories of our childhood. What sets this collection apart is its unique feature – hand-painted drawings reminiscent of the vintage Barbie doll boxes. These drawings have been skillfully incorporated into the fabric designs, adding a touch of nostalgia and charm.

 

The colors used in the Malibu Barbie fabric collection are nothing short of stunning. With its bright and playful palette, this collection is sure to bring a burst of joy and energy to any project. From cheerful pinks and purples to vibrant blues and greens, these fabrics perfectly capture Barbie’s fun-loving spirit and her signature style.

Whether you’re a seasoned seamstress or a passionate crafter, the Riley Blake Malibu Barbie fabric collection is a must-have for every Barbie lover. The versatility of these fabrics allows for endless creative possibilities. Imagine designing trendy clothing pieces, adorable accessories, or even delightful home decor items inspired by the beloved Barbie dolls.

Not only are these fabrics visually appealing, but they also boast Riley Blake’s renowned quality. Crafted with utmost care and using premium materials, the Malibu Barbie fabrics are made to last. Their durability ensures that your creations will stay vibrant and beautiful for years to come.

If you’re looking to add a touch of nostalgia and playfulness to your sewing projects, the Riley Blake Malibu Barbie fabric collection is the perfect choice. Get ready to dive into a world of vibrant colors and classic Barbie charm. Let your imagination run wild and create something truly special with these delightful fabrics.

In conclusion, the Malibu Barbie fabric collection by Riley Blake is a true celebration of Barbie’s timeless appeal. It brings together the best of both worlds – the charm of the 1980s Barbie dolls and the high-quality craftsmanship that Riley Blake is known for. So, gather your sewing tools and unleash your creativity with these colorful and nostalgic fabrics. Let the Malibu Barbie collection inspire you to create something truly magical!

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The Quest for Tiny Lace and Barbie-Size Rickrack: Elevating Designs to New Heights

Introduction:

In the world of miniature fashion and crafting, finding the perfect accessories can be a challenging endeavor. It is not uncommon to spend countless hours searching for tiny lace and Barbie-size rickrack, only to come up empty-handed. However, for those who refuse to give up on their creative vision, there is hope. In this blog post, we will explore the difficulties of obtaining these elusive accessories, share a tale of one shop that offers them, and discuss how these elements can truly spice up any design. Sometimes you have the impression that the quest for tiny lace and Barbie-size rickrack is hopeless although it elevates your designs to new heights.

The Struggle to Find Tiny Lace and Barbie-Size Rickrack:

When it comes to creating intricate designs for Barbie dolls or other miniature projects, attention to detail is crucial. However, sourcing tiny lace and Barbie-size rickrack can be a daunting task. In most physical stores, these accessories are hard to find, if not entirely absent from the shelves. Crafters and collectors often face disappointment as they scour the aisles in search of these delicate embellishments.

Hope Shines Through:

Amidst the challenge, there is a glimmer of hope. While the hunt for these accessories may be arduous, there are a few specialized shops that cater to the needs of miniaturists and doll enthusiasts. These hidden gems offer a wide array of tiny lace and Barbie-size rickrack, providing a breath of fresh air for those seeking to elevate their designs.

Spicing Up Every Design:

Once in possession of these coveted accessories, the possibilities are endless. Tiny lace and Barbie-size rickrack have the power to transform even the simplest of designs into something breathtaking. Whether it’s adding a touch of elegance to a miniature gown or enhancing the charm of a doll’s outfit, these embellishments bring a new level of sophistication and detail to any creation.

 

The Challenge of 3mm for Barbie:

While tiny lace and Barbie-size rickrack are already challenging to find, there is an additional obstacle for those working on Barbie-sized projects – the elusive 3mm size. As Barbie dolls are known for their slender proportions, finding lace and rickrack that perfectly fit their scale can feel like an impossible task. However, with perseverance and a bit of creativity, crafters can adapt larger accessories to suit the needs of their Barbie-sized creations.

Conclusion:

In the world of miniature fashion and crafting, the journey to find tiny lace and Barbie-size rickrack may be a challenging one. However, by exploring specialized shops and refusing to give up, crafters and collectors can spice up their designs and bring their creative visions to life. So, the next time you embark on a miniature project, remember the power of these accessories and let your imagination run wild.

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Riley Blake Fabric in Europe: A Hidden Gem for Barbie Dress Enthusiasts

Introduction:

In the world of fabric enthusiasts and power seamstresses, Riley Blake is a name that resonates with creativity, quality, and unique designs. Last week, while browsing through social media, I stumbled upon an adorable Barbie dress made from Riley Blake fabric. The fabric was adorned with delicate butterflies, creating an enchanting aesthetic. Intrigued, I embarked on a quest to find this fabric, uncovering the Butterfly Blossom collection from Riley Blake. However, I soon discovered that obtaining these fabrics in Europe posed a significant challenge. In this blog post, we will explore the reasons behind this hurdle and the potential solutions for obtaining Riley Blake fabrics in Germany. I must say that these fabrics are a hidden Gem for Barbie dress enthusiasts.

The Butterfly Blossom Collection:

The Butterfly Blossom collection by Riley Blake is a stunning assortment of fabrics that effortlessly capture the essence of whimsy and grace. With delicate butterflies fluttering across a range of vibrant backgrounds, this collection offers endless possibilities for creating beautiful garments, quilts, and other creative projects. The intricate designs and high-quality materials make these fabrics a favorite among sewing enthusiasts worldwide.

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Ein Beitrag geteilt von Riley Blake Designs (@rileyblakedesigns)

The Problem:

Despite the popularity and demand for Riley Blake fabrics, acquiring them in Europe, especially in Germany, can be quite challenging. One might wonder why it is a problem to simply purchase Riley Blake fabrics from the actual collection in Germany. The primary reason lies in the limited availability and distribution channels of the brand in Europe.

Limited Availability:

Riley Blake fabrics are primarily manufactured and distributed in the United States, which leads to limited availability in international markets. While the company has made efforts to expand its reach, Europe, and Germany, in particular, still face hurdles in accessing the complete range of Riley Blake fabrics.

Distribution Challenges:

The distribution process for Riley Blake fabrics involves multiple intermediaries, including wholesalers, retailers, and online platforms. These intermediaries play a crucial role in ensuring the fabrics reach the end consumers. However, the complex distribution network often leads to delays, stock shortages, and increased prices for customers in Europe. As a result, obtaining the desired fabric from the Butterfly Blossom collection becomes a frustrating and time-consuming endeavor.

Potential Solutions:

Despite the challenges, there are a few potential solutions for European fabric enthusiasts who wish to get their hands on Riley Blake fabrics, specifically in Germany.

Online Retailers:

Several online retailers based in the United States offer international shipping options, allowing European customers to purchase Riley Blake fabrics directly. While this option may involve additional shipping costs and longer delivery times, it provides access to a wider range of fabrics than what may be available locally.

Local Retailers:

Although the collection might be limited, some local fabric stores in Germany occasionally stock Riley Blake fabrics. It is worth visiting these stores or contacting them to inquire about the availability of the Butterfly Blossom collection or other Riley Blake fabrics.

Group Orders:

Another option is to collaborate with fellow fabric enthusiasts in Europe and organize group orders directly from Riley Blake or through wholesale distributors. By pooling resources and placing large orders, the overall cost per yard can be reduced, making it a more viable option for acquiring Riley Blake fabrics.

Conclusion:

Riley Blake fabrics, particularly the Butterfly Blossom collection, are a delightful addition to any sewing project. While obtaining these fabrics in Europe, especially in Germany, can be a challenge, there are potential solutions available. Exploring online retailers, checking local fabric stores, or organizing group orders can help European fabric enthusiasts fulfill their creative visions with Riley Blake fabrics. Despite the hurdles, the joy and satisfaction of working with these exceptional fabrics make the effort worthwhile.

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Barbie: A Journey From Perfect World to Real Emotions

Introduction:

Last night, I had the opportunity to attend the pre-premiere of the much-anticipated Barbie- the movie at our local cinema. As I walked into the theater, I was taken aback by the overwhelming crowd that had gathered for the screening. It seemed that the allure of Barbie had drawn in more visitors than anyone had anticipated. Excitement filled the air as the lights dimmed, and the movie began.

Local cinema just minutes before the premiere

The Beginning:

The movie opened with scenes already known from the trailer, giving us a glimpse into the magical world of Barbie. The visuals were stunning, showcasing a perfect Barbie land where every day was filled with joy and happiness. It was a world that many of us could only dream of. The attention to detail was remarkable, and it immediately captured the audience’s attention.

Barbie’s Owner and Real Emotions:

In the real world, Barbie’s owner was a young girl who loved her dearly. She played with Barbie, creating scenes and stories that brought her imagination to life. However, as the movie progressed, it became evident that the young girl had turned in a woman in her mid 40s who was feeling a sense of sadness in her real life. She mirrored the same emotions that Barbie seemed to experience in her perfect world which suddenly was not perfect anymore.

The Perfect World Shattered:

Unexpectedly, the perfect world that Barbie inhabited began to crumble. As Barbie’s owner faced challenges and hardships, Barbie could no longer ignore the real emotions that were surfacing within her. The once idyllic Barbie land was transformed into a world of chaos and uncertainty. It was a pivotal moment in the movie, as Barbie realized that she needed to venture into the real world to find healing and a deeper understanding of herself.

Barbie’s Journey to the Real World:

With determination in her eyes, Barbie made the courageous decision to leave her perfect world behind and embark on a journey into the real world. This marked a significant turning point in the movie, as Barbie stepped out of her comfort zone and embraced the challenges that awaited her. Ken smuggled himself into her pink car and joined her on the trip to the real world. The audience was captivated by the transformation that Barbie underwent, as she navigated the complexities of the real world with grace and resilience.

Ken caused chaos

Ken also discovered the real world in his own way. Finding the masculine world more than enticing he tried to import horses and patriarchy into the Barbie world with the idea to dominate it. After realizing that Ken wanted to take over Barbieland Barbie travels back with the Barbie owner that made her feel sad and her daughter to save the Barbie world from Ken.

Conclusion:

The Barbie movie, while having a somewhat trashy storyline, managed to strike a chord with the audience. It highlighted the importance of acknowledging and embracing our true emotions, even if they are not always pleasant. Barbie’s journey from her perfect world to the real world served as a reminder that healing and growth often come from stepping outside of our comfort zones.

As the credits rolled, the crowded cinema erupted with applause, a testament to the impact that Barbie had on the audience. Despite its flaws, the movie succeeded in delivering a powerful message of self-discovery and resilience. It left the viewers reflecting on their own lives, inspired to embrace their emotions and embark on their own journeys of healing. The secret hero in this play is however Allan. In my opinion it’s also beneficial to know the characters from the 1960s until 1990s to understand the movie completely. Ruth Handler also appears as nice old lady living in the cellar of the Mattel headquarter. At the end we learn that Ruth was only a ghost since she died over two decades ago.

Keeping my promise

In my first article about the movie which you can read here http://barbie.final-memory.org/barbie-the-movie-and-tickets-for-a-pre-premiere/ I promised to wear my Pinup Couture dress and bring a Ponytail Barbie with me to the cinema. In my wildest dreams I hoped to find a pink box like some of you may already have seen via Facebook. However our cinema had no such pink box for photos and we had to improvise for the photo.

In our local cinema without the pink box

Everywhere Pink

What we experienced was a whole cinema full with people dresses in pink. My dress has also a little bit of pink in it but it’s not completely pink. Yesterday pink seemed not to be a matter of age, just what the visitors imagined when thinking of Barbie. Maybe I’m a little bit old fashioned but I think the pink is a bit narrow-minded since Barbie represents at least for me more the the color pink.

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Barbie – the movie and tickets for a pre-premiere

I decided short-term today to buy tickets to the Barbie movie that will be aired in the cinemas in July 2023 after being undecided about it. Our local cinema offers a pre-premiere on July, 19th 8.00p.m. The tickets were just printed. I bought them by the end of June.

I’m surprised now what will expect us. Normally I’m no big fan of Barbie movies. As you probably know I grew up in the 90s and we had only cassette-tapes and radio plays of Barbie but no movies and no Barbie series in TV . What I don’t know is if these cassettes were also outside of Germany available in other foreign languages or not. For me Barbie had a voice but no appearance in any movie but in the catalogs that we got every six months for free from out toy stores with the wonderful name of “Barbie Journal”. I have already written about this in the past and I’m pretty sure I already reported about it in one of my videos.

The most important facts I found for Barbie – the movie

We already learned that the first dolls from the movie are already available online but in my opinion it’s too expensive for what this will offer. The car could be interesting but this is also way too expensive from what I have seen and no we have no Walmart around the corner. I have also seen some trailers of the movie. Let’s see if I can link them here.

I admit I had to laugh when I saw it. Somehow the trailer was in its own style funny. Maybe we see some great 90s outfits? In a deep corner of my childhood “Me” I’m surprised what this movie will offer. Will it be a joy of creativity and met my expectations or will it just be a trashy movie of a fashion doll that was the best sold fashion dolls by the end of the 1990s? Who knows? I will see the movie and tell you right after having it seen. By the way there are some other trailers available. The “B” in the movie poster is the one that was used from 1977 until 1991. Maybe this is also an aspect that made feel deep inside curious about this movie.

Here’s my crazy idea what to wear for the cinema. I have a lot of retro cut 50s inspired dresses like this one from Pinup Couture. Pinup Couture is cutting very small but I had the luck to find an unused Stella music dress last year that a professional tailor cut down to my size. So I have this wonderful music inspired dress that I love to wear and now I even have an occasion. Wanted to wear it for several weeks now. Instead of posting a pic of myself here I share a professional one that is done for promo reasons.

I also decided to put one of my Ponytail Barbie dolls, yeah the really old ones, in a box and take her with me to the cinema for making a pic in front of the ad we will surely find in the cinema. By the way this is an idea of my boyfriend.

Time to wait and go to the premiere of Barbie – the movie ! Until then! Have lots of fun. I will write a short blog post after the visit.

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Ken, Ken or Ken?

I’d like to update one of my older blog posts in which I wrote about Vintage Kens. The post was from two years ago and I think it’s time for an update. I want to include new information about the types of vintage Kens that are available and popular today. As far as I am concerned, Vintage Kens were only produced for one year, followed by the replacement of a new Ken and an update to the dolls.

I learned in the last days that this is not true. I learned for example that the flocked hair Ken was sold from 1961 until 1966. In the toy industry, it’s common for manufacturers to produce a large quantity of a particular toy, hoping that it will sell out quickly. However, this is not always the case. For example, not all the stocked dolls sold immediately, as it depended on various factors, such as the part of the world where you were living. The flocked haired Kens could have been for example in Germany or Japan. In a way this makes sense because the dolls were marketed there later that in the US. It also seems that there’s a bigger variety in hair colors than I thought. I only thought there would be blonde and brown, but nope. It seems that there are more.

First Ken with flocked hair in brown ( 1961 due to thick eyebrows)

First Ken with flocked hair in blonde ( also 1961)

The differences can be seen in their eyebrows. Earlier dolls have thicker eyebrows while the later versions have thinner ones but this is just one example. I will check my collection and see if there’s really a difference. I never had the idea that there might be so many differences. The boxes also show variances but I only have one box, so this is hard for me to show you.

Nevertheless I also learned that especially the so called “Shortie Kens” were produced in the US. I always thought that these Kens were only produced & painted in Japan but this was another misbelief. Their brothers from the same year produced in Japan were not “Shorty Kens”, their size was normal and their limbs don’t fall off the body. At least I can say I have one of these “Shortie Kens” produced in the US. So Ken, Ken and Ken are not the same dolls. You would also see a difference in their box but it’s hard to show you due to my lack of boxes.

US Shortie Ken, really painted in the USA, missing Japan stamp on foot

What I noticed when I got more than one of these Vintage Ken is that they are all looking very different. There are no two Kens looking the same way. We have a big variety. Each of the boys has it’s own personality. Every Ken has kind of it’s own charme.

Box of 1963 Ken

Painted hair Kens were not available before 1963. I thought they would have already been available in 1962. I think I have one of these 1963 Japan Kens but I want to look him up when I’m back home. I think I also have the last version from 1963 with the new arm mold but from his eyes he’s rather looking like the 1964 edition because the black in his eyes that all other versions had, is missing here. His hands are different thant the very first issues. Shortie Ken also has this arm type ( see above)

See here the different hands that the first Kens had

It was very interesting to learn that the high color Kens were only available first in 1966. I recently bought one of them. I realized it when I bought him. Some collectors consider them as a variation. It’s also possible to see among the Color Magic Barbie dolls. There are also high color variations.

High Color Ken from 1966
!961 Ken stamped foot ( left foot), Shortie Ken without any marking

I think there’s more to discover among the Kens and I hope will do it in the next weeks and months to come.

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A Halloween outfit for Francie?

Recently we had Halloween and I thought for a long time about doing an outfit for our little Francie doll or not. You know I’m not the biggest fan of Halloween and it’s not really celebrated here.

We rather celebrate St. Martin and do our own lanterns here in Europe and go to a lantern procession when we are little and come from the German speaking areas of Europe but hey, I try to satisfy all my viewers here. That’s where the idea with the outfit for Francie came from.

1/4 of the pattern for the Halloween skirt for Francie in a short version

As you all know I love sewing for little 15 year Francie doll, cousin of Barbie. She’s so cute and mine has only a few clothes I made for her. That’s why I do my own outfits, sew and improve my designing skills in pattern making.

In this case my idea was clear. A simple skirt and a easy but stylish top. Nothing complicated since a lot of you don’t have the biggest experience in sewing. I wanted to keep it as simple as possible. That’s why you only get a twp piece outfit here. You only need one calculation and one drawing to do it. I think doing it easier is almost impossible. I imagined something like a witch skirt when doing it. I have a similar dress that I wore to the ball after graduation of High School. I love to be creative and that’s how the idea came into my mind. Don’t worry it’s still very easy.

1/4 of the pattern for the Halloween skirt for Francie in full length

You only need to measure once round her waist and then use the formula for the circumstance to get our radius. That’s the same thing you would do when designing a circle skirt but this skirt here had rectangles, almost a kind of square but with the waist part that we need cut out. That’s very easy, isn’t it?

After sewing all four parts together you already have the skirt. The amount of time you need to sew this is very limited. You can do it within one hour.

Francie doll, francie barbie doll, barbie cousin
Francie in Halloween outfit

You could also use it for Christmas when you do it in another color like red or green to make it very festive. You know I’m very flexible with my designs. Why not using them for another occasion?