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Unlocking the Charm of Growing Hair Francies: A Dive into the 1970s Doll with a Unique Spring Mechanism

Introduction

In the expansive world of vintage dolls, few discoveries match the intrigue and charm of the Growing Hair Francie. This 1970s doll features a distinctive mechanism that sets it apart, capturing the fascination of collectors worldwide. In a recent exploration, I delved into the realm of Growing Hair Francies, acquiring damaged dolls and spare parts to unravel the secrets behind their innovative hair-growing feature. For more information about the Barbie family read here The Evolution of Barbie and Her Family: A Nostalgic Journey Back to the 1960s

The Allure of Growing Hair Francies

Among vintage doll enthusiasts, Growing Hair Francies have always held a special appeal. Produced in the 1970s, these dolls boast a unique feature – a strand of hair that can be extended or retracted effortlessly. This uncomplicated yet effective mechanism adds an extra layer of allure to an already beloved collectible. The Growing Hair mechanism was also used for Barbie, so Francie is not the only doll that was available with this feature.

The Mechanism: A Detailed Examination

While I hadn’t disassembled one before, my hypothesis was that the hair-growing mechanism likely relied on a spring system. To validate this theory, I recently obtained damaged Growing Hair Francies and spare parts. The goal was to unveil the inner workings of this captivating mechanism that has intrigued collectors for decades. Francie dolls are hard to find in the meantime and it’s not easy to find one for a good price. For this article I’ve been searching for several months to find the right doll for a repair.

Upon meticulous inspection, it became evident that the mechanism is indeed a straightforward yet ingenious design. The hair-growing feature is powered by a spring-based system, providing users with easy control over the doll’s hair length through simple manipulation. Not only is the mechanism easy to produce, but it also proves remarkably durable, assuming the doll hasn’t suffered irreparable damage. When I got my first Growing Hair Francie I made a video about the Growing Hair mechanism. Long before I saw what’s inside I assumed that it must be a mechanism with a spring. It was just from using the mechanism.

The Collector’s Puzzle

Growing Hair Francies have perpetually piqued the curiosity of collectors. The simplicity and effectiveness of the mechanism raise questions about why more dolls didn’t incorporate similar innovations. As collectors, we value uniqueness and creativity in our dolls, and Growing Hair Francies epitomize that spirit. It’s never too late to educate us. Recently some broken Growing Hair Francies appeared on the market and I purchased them to study the mechanism. I purchased the body how you see it here right now. My estimation is that it is incomplete. I have not destroyed any doll for it.

Barbie parts including Francie rotated
Barbie bag with replacement parts of Growing Hair Francie after arrival
Growing Hair Francie body rotated
Bag with Barbie and Francie parts after arrival and removal of protection foil
Growing hair francie body 2 rotated
Growing Hair Francie body
growing hair francie body 3 rotated
Opened Growing Hair Fracie body

Preserving the Legacy

Through the acquisition of broken Francies and spare parts, my aim was not only to satisfy curiosity but also to contribute to the preservation of these nostalgic treasures. Understanding the inner workings of the Growing Hair Francie mechanism allows collectors to deepen their appreciation for the craftsmanship and ingenuity behind these timeless dolls. You don’t find anything like these mechanisms anymore. For more information about box and accessories that are missing here have a look at https://www.fashion-doll-guide.com/francie-with-growin-pretty-hair.html .

Even when I was little they were gone already. You can speculate that it was because of production costs or warranty reasons. Hair features were big but no mechanism was in the body. Hair coloring features and hair gel were fashionable and popular in my childhood.

Growing Hair Francie back rotated
Unlocking the Charm of Growing Hair Francies: A Dive into the 1970s Doll with a Unique Spring Mechanism 10
Growing Hair Francie second doll rotated
Unlocking the Charm of Growing Hair Francies: A Dive into the 1970s Doll with a Unique Spring Mechanism 11
Growing Hair Francie with head and body rotated
Unlocking the Charm of Growing Hair Francies: A Dive into the 1970s Doll with a Unique Spring Mechanism 12
Growing Hair Francie after deboxing parcek rotated
Growing Hair Francie directly after deboxing from parcel

Conclusion

The Growing Hair Francie remains a cherished gem in the vintage doll realm, and the recent exploration into its unique mechanism has only heightened appreciation for this iconic collectible. As collectors continue to unveil the mysteries of their beloved dolls, Growing Hair Francies stands as a testament to the simplicity and brilliance of vintage toy design from the 1970s. Explore the allure of these timeless dolls and the ingenious spring mechanism that makes them truly special.

Growing Hair Francie rotated
Growing Hair Francie

Outlook

As I continue my journey into the world of Growing Hair Francies, the excitement grows with each revelation about the inner workings of this unique doll. Armed with the knowledge gained from examining damaged dolls and spare parts, I am eager to delve even deeper into the mechanism’s intricacies. The prospect of creating an informative video to share my findings is on the horizon, as I strive to unravel the full functionality of this fascinating spring-based system.

Stay tuned for future updates as I document my exploration, aiming to provide fellow collectors and enthusiasts with a comprehensive understanding of what makes Growing Hair Francies truly special. Together, let’s uncover the secrets behind this iconic 1970s doll and celebrate the craftsmanship that continues to captivate generations of collectors.

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Introducing the New Francie MOD Dress: A Nostalgic Fashion Revival

Introduction of a new Francie MOD dress:

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 ensemble 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. Maybe you will be able to buy the pattern at Etsy or another online marketplace in the future.

Blonde 1970s Malibu Francie in white Mod dress with red white heart border
My first design of the new Francie mod dress

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 outfit is an example for a chic and stylish outfit that exuded elegance and glamour. The new Francie 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

Francie in “Shopping Spree”, an outfit designed by 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. The best thing is that is really easy to assemble this outfit within one hour.

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

One Francie in “Shopping Spree, the other Francie in my own MOD dress

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
Second edition of the Francie Mod dress here in red

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. For ideas how to find the right size lace read here The Quest for Tiny Lace and Barbie-Size Rickrack: Elevating Designs to New Heights

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

Introduction of the evolution of Barbie and her family:

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
First Barbie from 1959

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 https://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
Barbie and Ken in 1961, the first evolution of Barbie and her family

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
Barbie got a best female friend, another evolution of Barbie and her family

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. The evolution of Barbie and her family is not always easy to understand because a lot of member come and suddenly disappear again. For a deeper look at all friends I wrote an article many years ago Barbie doll wiki: What to know about Ken, Alan and the other male friends

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. Let’s hope that the evolution of Barbie and her family will continue in the future.

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A Halloween outfit for Francie doll?

Dressing Up Francie: A Halloween-Inspired Makeover?

So, Halloween just passed, and I found myself pondering whether to whip up a spook-tacular outfit for our beloved Francie doll. Now, I’ll admit, Halloween isn’t exactly my cup of tea – it’s not a huge deal where I’m from, you see. Here in Europe, we lean more towards celebrating St. Martin, crafting our own lanterns, and joining lantern processions, especially in the German-speaking regions.

But hey, I’m all about catering to my lovely viewers, and that’s where the idea for a new outfit for Francie came in. You see, I have this knack for experimenting with new clothing ideas for our petite Francie doll. She’s currently stealing the spotlight as my favorite doll to design for. While Barbie may have a plethora of patterns available, Francie often gets overlooked in the fashion doll realm. Outfits for Francie are my secret passion.

In my humble opinion, she’s a gem that deserves more attention. Sure, she may be smaller in stature, but her charm is undeniable. And that’s precisely why I relish in creating fresh ensembles for Francie – to showcase her unique flair and remind everyone just how special she truly is.

Stay tuned for the grand reveal of Francie’s latest Halloween-inspired look, and let’s continue to celebrate the beauty of fashion dolls, one stitch at a time.

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

Ideas that came into my mind for this Halloween outfit for Francie

As you all know, I have a soft spot for our adorable 15-year-old Francie doll, Barbie’s stylish cousin. With her endearing charm, Francie has become my go-to muse for sewing projects. However, I’ve noticed that my Francie doll’s wardrobe is in need of a little expansion. So, I’ve taken it upon myself to create unique outfits, honing my sewing skills and pattern-making expertise along the way.

For this particular project, I had a clear vision in mind – a chic yet effortless ensemble consisting of a simple skirt and a stylish top. I wanted to keep things uncomplicated, especially for those of you who may be new to sewing. That’s why I opted for a two-piece outfit, requiring just one calculation and one drawing to bring it to life. Trust me, simplicity is key here!

Inspiration struck when I envisioned a witchy skirt reminiscent of a dress I wore to my high school graduation ball. Drawing from my own creative experiences, I crafted a design that’s both easy to sew and oh-so-stylish. Rest assured, despite the stylish flair, this project remains incredibly straightforward.

So, join me on this sewing adventure as we whip up a fabulous new outfit for our beloved Francie doll. Let’s get creative together!

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

A simple idea how to create the outfit

Let me share a little secret with you – creating Francie’s skirt and top ensemble is easier than you might think! With just a few simple measurements and basic sewing techniques, you can whip up this chic outfit in no time.

Here’s the drill: start by measuring Francie’s waist circumference and use that to calculate the radius needed for her skirt. It’s essentially the same process as designing a circle skirt, but with a twist – we’re working with rectangles this time. Picture it as almost a square, but with a cutout for the waist. Simple, right? For more information about Francie you can read more here https://barbie.final-memory.org/the-timeless-elegance-of-francie-with-straight-legs-a-journey-into-the-origins-of-doll-history/(opens in a new tab)

Once you’ve cut and sewn the four parts together, voila! Your skirt is ready to rock. And the best part? You can complete this project in under an hour. Yes, you read that right – just one hour!

I believe that with a genuine interest and a dash of creativity, anyone can master this sewing project. So, why not give it a try? Feel free to replicate my idea and embark on your own sewing journey with Francie. Who knows? You might even pick up a new skill or two along the way.

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

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?

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DIY Fashion: A how to Make a pair of Shorts for a Fashion Doll

Introduction of how to make a pair of shorts for a fashion doll

Welcome to the exciting world of DIY fashion! In this blog post, we will delve into the art of making a pair of shorts specifically designed for a fashion doll. If you’ve been wanting to explore this creative endeavor but have encountered difficulties in creating the right pattern, fear not! We will guide you through the process and reveal the trick to easily creating the perfect pattern. Let’s get started!

This was a topic I really wanted to work on for a long while but pattern making patterns is always time consuming. I already did a pattern for a pair of pants in the begin of the year but it was not perfect and I did not find the time to improve my skills immediately. In another way I never lost the interest in how to make a pair of shorts for a fashion doll. I saw a video where you could learn how to make a pair of short for your doll from a skirt pattern.

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A prototype pair of shorts for Francie

Materials for this project

Before we begin, let’s gather the necessary materials for this project. You will need:

  1. Fabric of your choice
  2. Scissors
  3. Sewing machine or needle and thread
  4. Measuring tape
  5. Pins

Step 1: Taking Measurements

To ensure a well-fitted pair of shorts, it’s important to start with accurate measurements. Carefully measure the fashion doll’s waist, hips, and desired length of the shorts. Note down these measurements for reference during the pattern creation and cutting stages.

Step 2: Creating the Pattern

Now that we have the measurements, it’s time to create the pattern for the shorts. Here’s the trick: start with a basic skirt pattern as a template and just adjust it a little. If you’ve had difficulties creating a pattern for normal trousers, don’t worry. We will simplify the process for you.

Begin by folding your fabric in half, aligning the selvage edges. Place the trouser pattern on the folded fabric, ensuring that the waistline matches the fold. Pin the pattern in place and carefully cut around it, resulting in two mirrored pieces. These will form the front and back of the shorts.

With this skirt pattern I tried to find my own mistakes from the beginning of the year. I knew my pattern was not perfect but I did not know where to start my improvements.

Francie doll, Francie Fairchild, Mod Francie, Barbie's cousin
Francie with different patterns in different lengths

Step 3: Sewing the Shorts

With the pattern pieces ready, it’s time to sew the shorts together. Place the front and back pieces together, right sides facing each other. Pin the side seams and inseams, ensuring they align perfectly.

Using a sewing machine or needle and thread, sew along the pinned seams, leaving the waistline and leg openings open. Remember to reinforce the stitches at the beginning and end of each seam. Trim any excess fabric and finish the raw edges with a zigzag stitch or serger.

My pattern fitted my Francie very well and so I decided to work on this pattern for my Supersize Barbie as well. The pattern on her also worked very well. So now at least I have created a basic for my future work of how to make a pair of shorts for your fashion doll.

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A pair of pants made by Busy B from Germany

Step 4: Adding the Waistband

To create a comfortable and secure fit, we will add an elastic waistband. Measure the doll’s waist circumference and cut a piece of elastic slightly smaller to allow for a snug fit.

Fold over the waistline of the shorts, leaving a small opening to insert the elastic. Thread the elastic through the waistband using a safety pin or elastic threader. Once the elastic is completely inserted, overlap the ends and sew them securely together. Finally, sew the small opening closed.

I think I got the basics now and I can make the length longer or shorter for the dolls I have here. I think that’s one of the most satisfying things you can see when you want to improve your abilities as a tailor.

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Measuring Francie for the pattern

Step 5: Finishing Touches

To complete your doll’s fashionable shorts, take a moment to inspect for any loose threads or uneven seams. Trim any excess threads and press the shorts with a warm iron to give them a polished look.

If you want to learn how to do this very easy pattern transformation for your doll I can recommend you to watch the video below. It contains a step by step instruction how to do this yourself.

Conclusion of how to make a pair of shorts for a fashion doll:

Congratulations! You have successfully created a pair of stylish shorts for your fashion doll. By following our step-by-step guide and understanding the trick to pattern creation, you can now venture into the world of DIY doll fashion with confidence. Be sure to experiment with different fabrics, patterns, and embellishments to create a diverse wardrobe for your doll. Happy crafting!

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How to remove stains from Francie dress

In the last weeks you have not heard from me every week. I was busy on other channel, not just doing videos but I continued to repair stuff for you. Last year I found a Francie ” First Formal” from the 60s. It’s great to have this outfit but it has also a negative side to own old fashions. Within the years light fabric gets stains and this was also the case here on my First Formal. I got some advice from senior collectors to be careful when cleaning it because the pink bow. You know Mattel did not pre-wash all the fabrics. From what I have seen and learnt along my repair journey they did it not with every fabric. So be very careful when you want to clean things. You may be lucky but often the fabrics start to bleed until you think they are completely discolored. In fact they are not but you just pre-washed them. Congrats.

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Francie’s First Formal with stains

When you are in this situation you may think ” Great, I find a solution” or ” what the hell is happening here” or ” I wish I had never done this”. In the first part of the cleaning I literally thought “what the hell is happening” here. My idea to separate body and skirt was a total failure after my first attempts to clean the dress with soap, water and baking soda failed because of the delicacy of the fabric. After my first attempts it was clear to me that I did not get the success I wanted and I did not want to ruin the dress. Original Francie fashions are expensive in Europe. I decided to take the risk, remove the bow since it was the bleeding factor and I knew it before I started. I trashed all my plans in one moment and started to use Boost, a cleaner for old fabrics I bouth last year. It’s really good in getting stains out. I wasn’t sure if the upper blue top part would bleed but soon realized that it did not start to bleed. To my own surprise the luke warm water changed into a pee like color after not even two hours.

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Francie’s First Formal before the boost procedure

I let the Francie dress in there for at least 24 hours to remove all the stains and dirt from the last 5 decades. I used two bowls to get all the dirt out. After the stain removal the dress became completely white again. I thought it would have been designed as a cream tone. I did not expect it but it’s great. It’s great that all stains are gone now.

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Francie’s First Formal in boost
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Francie’s First Formal after 12 hours in boost
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Fashions for Francie doll – here’s what she has now

Finally 1000 subscribers subscribed to Busy B from Germany and I thought for a while how to celebrate the event with fashions for Francie doll. At first I had no idea how to celebrate it. Suddenly an idea came into my mind. I’m not always showing you all the things I do behind the scenes in my workshop. I take this occasion as a chance to show you some of my ideas for dressing Francie,

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Francie in a-line skirt, own design

You know I like Francie and I do my own designs now that I have learned what I already wanted to know 25 years ago. In my videos you have only seen a small amount of clothes I made instructions for. Behind the scenes I did a lot more, some things could be seen in my other videos but a big part was not. Not all of my designs are ready yet but I have some ideas how to do this and that even if my time to sew is very limited.

It’s always a good idea to plan ahead what you want to design next. Sometimes I need a year or more to complete my drafts. That’s at least for the more complicated designs true. Easy projects don’t need such a big amount of time. Nevertheless my designs inspired me to do a video with all fashions created until now. Fashions for Francie doll – here’s what she has now in her wardrobe.

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Francie in self designed pants and JE dress top

For those of you trained in sewing for Barbie and the family it might be only a small amount but for me it’s a big progress. I have learned a lot since I found my own mistakes in making own designs.

You know it’s all about the correct measurements. I know I’m not perfect and I know that a lot of my designs is still in white but I hope you appreciate the idea to show you my designs as much as I do here.

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Francie in self designed top and skirt

I don’t want to create very complicated clothes here. We can do it later. Let’s start simple and let’s stay simple. When you have some basics you can put them together and create a new piece of clothing and play around with your own designs here.

I hope you like my ideas here and that you like the fashions for Francie doll that she has now in her wardrobe. You know I came across the idea for making all the fashions for Francie doll because her original fashions are so expensive. It’s easier to make own patterns than to buy what she has now. Why not use the problem for what you ever wanted to do in your life? Become a fashion designer! Read more about it here https://barbie.final-memory.org/how-to-make-a-pair-of-pants-for-barbie/

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How to change a fashion doll arm

I dedicate this article to the topic how to change a fashion doll arm. I have only Barbie family members so this is only valid for Vintage Barbie, Francie, Midge, Ken and Skipper. The joints were changed later so that this is not possible in the same way for later dolls.

What I can tell you about this topic is that it is not hard, like always when I talk about Barbie. It is simple when you know how to do it, what to use in the process and what to avoid.

One thing all of the above mentioned dolls have in common is the arm joint. It’s the same one for all dolls. That makes it easy to show it only once and you can use it for all dolls.

I refer to Barbie only here because I only have Barbie dolls. I don’t collect any other fashion dolls.

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Vintage Barbie arm with joint

For reasons of easiness let’s start with what will expect you. Have a look at one of these arms. As you can see the construction itself is very simple. The arm and the joint are made from one piece. I think it was easy to design, easy to make a mass production of these arms and the were cost effective. More pieces per doll would be more expensive. The less pieces per doll you have to assembly the cheaper the production/ assembly costs.

I think it was not intended that doll docs would ever write about the topic in the future but this construction is also easy to repair. You can replace the arm with another arm. Of course you need one from the same doll type like Barbie – Barbie, Skipper – Skipper and so on. It would not work for different doll types simple because of the different size.

The lengths and joint sizes for the dolls are simply different. You would see it immediately when you replace a Francie arm with a Skipper arm. The lengths are simply different. I came across this topic because I recently bought Francie arms and in reality they are Skipper arms. The difference is very small but you would see it.

I hope it is clearer to you now how to change a fashion doll arm and you know what to look for and what to avoid. If you want to read more about my Francie project have a look in this article https://barbie.final-memory.org/francie-and-how-to-restore-her

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New dolls in my collection

I was recently asked about the new dolls in my collection by some viewers and that’s what this article is all about, new dolls in my collection.

As you probably know I don’t collect just for the reason of having a huge collection of dolls that are in bad condition. I’m specialized in Barbie dolls but I don’t collect every doll I find. I can’t do it because of lacking space. I try to buy only what I think is worth to be collected. Some of you may have another opinion. We don’t have any Goodwill here and we had no flea markets since the begin of Corona. Used toys are rather thrown away than being sold in a store. For used clothes it’s no problem but used toys are not common to be sold in any nationwide store chain. In big cities you sometimes have antique store but it is not the rule that you find anything there.

Sometimes you can find dolls on ebay but in most cases they are overpriced. Shopping is not the fun anymore it was when I started to buy there some 20 years ago. A lot has changed since then. The Francie you already saw in the last weeks here on my channel as a big restoration projects was indeed an ebay find. It was really a coincident to find one.

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That’s the Francie I’m talking about her

Her had some traces of the last 50 years and I restored her. You can find the video under this link https://youtu.be/9B-YvDwIKU4

It’s a very popular video on my channel. It’s worth to be seen. Anyway you can learn a lot in restoring a Francie doll. Francie is the cousin of Barbie and at the moment I really like to do videos with her. You can see this doll in the next weeks on my channel again since she’s not completely finished now. She still has a cut in her arm and she will get a replacement arm. This video will follow in the next weeks. So stay tuned in.

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Here’s one of the last steps in the last video. She had already gotten a repaint.

She was not the only doll I found. I also found 3 more dolls. In March I saw three male dolls for sale and purchased them. You know I’m a big fan of Ken but I only have a very few early pieces. That’s how these dolls came into my collection. I found #1 Ken, the very first one from 1961 and one edition from 1964/1965 I think. Both have straight legs, no knee joints. My Francie is also a straight leg doll. These dolls have the advantage that you don’t have any problems with green knees.

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Free Moving Curtis

Free Moving Curtis from the early 1970s is the only doll with knee joints and a sphere for being super sporty where humans have their stomache. I had no Curtis before and that was my chance to buy my very first Curtis. They are offered very seldom in Germany.

#1 Ken
#1 Ken

The #1 Ken got my attention because his flocked hair is still perfect. I don’t know if any girl ever played with him. He’s still looking perfect.

The last Ken I found is the following one. He had also a perfect painted hair. No missing paint is also hard to find. That’s why he also hopped in my shopping bag. All my other Kens from the early years are not perfect. The offer was too good to reject it.

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Late Straight Leg Ken, ca. 1963/1964
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A “Solo in the Spotlight” for Francie?

In the last weeks I came across the idea to create something new for my little Francie. I love to be a creative artist and I really enjoy designing own clothes for my famous fashion dolls. I could do it all day long but I hardly have the time to do it but I really love to do it and use the time for creativity. That’s how the idea a “Solo in the Spotlight” for Francie came into existence.

In the last year I created a lot of easy clothes for Francie, the cousin of Barbie. In January I had the idea to make something like a “Solo in the Spotlight” for Francie. It’s a night club gown. I don’t have this dress yet so I give you a link that you know what I’m talking about. https://www.fashion-doll-guide.com/Vintage-Barbie-Solo-In-The-Spotlight.html

I created a top for Francie last year when I did a kind of circle skirt-dress for her and I used it for this idea too because it fits quite well. Then last autumn I played around with designs for skirts. I tried to make a pencil skirt for her. That was not very hard. You can see how I did this here https://youtu.be/IilLSlJTXFE and here https://youtu.be/Allj1knKfLg

It’s basically the same pattern. Then I added a the pencil skirt, made it longer and added the circle to the bottom of the skirt. The idea for this circle came from the Barbie Fashion Designer program Mattel published in the 1990s for PCs. I know the fashions don’t really fit when you put them in fabric. You have to re-design them for fabric but it’s ok. You can work with them when you know how to modify them. Now they are almost a picture of their time. I mean the 90s are almost gone for 2 decades but I’m really happy to have lived on earth back then and I’m glad I have these old PCs programs running on my old PC. I also have an old printer for printing them.

The idea behind the dress was simply to test if my idea would work out in the way I wanted it too. I did some tests and I worked out in the way I wanted it to. I know I always use white or another simple color for my tests but for me it’s okay. In the next weeks I plan to do more of these simple pieces of clothes. You know when you have some basics you can play with them and can put them together in a very creative ways. That’s my idea at the moment. I just want to play around a little bit with the pieces I have at the moment and put them together in new creative ways so that you can get new pieces with low effort.

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A “Solo in the Spotlight” for Francie

It was not important here to make a realistic piece of clothing from the 1960s. Some other collectors complained about that it would have been unrealistic but I think we are not in the 1960s anymore. It does not matter here. The idea behind this whole project is still if it is possible to create a “Solo in the Spotlight” for Francie, not the question if it is a realistic dress or not.