Posted on

1967 Bend Leg Francie: A Fashion Revolution with British Flair

Introduction:

Step into the enchanting world of 1967 with the Bend Leg Francie, a groundbreaking addition to the iconic Francie doll line. This year marked a pivotal moment in doll history, introducing innovative features that set the Bend Leg Francie apart from her predecessors. In this exploration, we’ll uncover the exciting changes introduced in 1967, from articulated knees and a swiveling hip to the addition of real eyelashes. We’ll also delve into the influence of the British fashion scene, particularly the style of the legendary Twiggy, which served as inspiration for the chic outfits that adorned the Bend Leg Francie.

Revolutionary Upgrades for Bend Leg Francie :

In the historic year of 1967, the iconic Francie doll line underwent a truly noteworthy metamorphosis, marked by the groundbreaking introduction of articulated knees and a swiveling hip in the form of the revolutionary Bend Leg Francie. This innovative enhancement not only elevated the doll’s poseability but also served as a tangible reflection of the dynamic shifts in fashion trends during that era.

Enthusiastic Francie aficionados warmly embraced these transformative changes, celebrating the newfound ability to create more lifelike poses and showcase the dolls with enhanced versatility, further solidifying the dolls’ status as timeless symbols of style and sophistication. Explore the captivating evolution of the Bend Leg Francie and witness firsthand the seamless fusion of fashion and playability that captivated collectors and enthusiasts alike during this era of doll design.

Bend leg long flip Francie rotated
Bend leg Francie sitting so that you can see the bend legs
Bend leg Francie rotated
Bend leg Francie so that you can see her moveable hip

Captivating Realism: Eyelashes for Francie

A pivotal and remarkable upgrade graced the 1967 Bend Leg Francie, as it welcomed the addition of authentic, real eyelashes—an exquisite enhancement that elevated the doll’s overall realism and charm. This meticulous attention to detail went beyond the conventional, bringing an extra touch of authenticity to Francie’s expressive eyes. The inclusion of these lifelike eyelashes was nothing short of a game-changer, captivating the hearts of collectors and enthusiasts with its unparalleled attention to realism.

The expressive gaze of the Bend Leg Francie became a captivating focal point, transforming this doll into more than just a plaything—it emerged as a true miniature fashion icon. The allure of the ’60s was effortlessly mirrored in the doll’s gaze, capturing the essence of the era’s style and sophistication.

bend leg francie hip rotated
Bend leg Francie hip

Collectors and enthusiasts found themselves enthralled by this seamless integration of lifelike features, turning the Bend Leg Francie into a must-have for those seeking not just a doll, but a timeless representation of the iconic fashion trends that defined an era. Explore the enchanting world of the 1967 Bend Leg Francie and witness the convergence of authenticity and fashion that continues to resonate with aficionados, preserving its status as a cherished and unparalleled collector’s item.

bend leg francie eye lashes rotated
Francie eye lashes

British Fashion Influences:

The swinging ’60s were a time of bold fashion choices and cultural shifts, and the Bend Leg Francie encapsulated this spirit by drawing inspiration from the British fashion scene. The iconic model Twiggy, with her pixie haircut and avant-garde style, served as a muse for the chic outfits that adorned the Bend Leg Francie. From vibrant colors to geometric patterns, Francie’s wardrobe echoed the mod aesthetic that was making waves in London and beyond.

A Nod to Twiggy’s Style:

The unmistakable influence of Twiggy on Francie’s fashion is a testament to the doll’s embodiment of youthful, daring, and effortlessly cool vibes reminiscent of the iconic British model’s signature style. Francie’s ensembles, ranging from chic mini skirts to daring bold prints, authentically captured the playful and experimental essence of Twiggy’s own wardrobe. This symbiotic relationship between Francie’s fashion and Twiggy’s style ensured that each Bend Leg Francie doll emerged as a true miniature trendsetter, perfectly encapsulating the dynamic and trendsetting spirit of the era. Explore the fascinating convergence of fashion and doll design as Francie channels the iconic Twiggy vibes, inviting enthusiasts and collectors to embrace the quintessential ’60s chic through the lens of this fashion-forward doll.

Francie doll rotated
Francie doll

Conclusion:

The 1967 Bend Leg Francie stands as a testament to the evolution of fashion dolls during a transformative era. With articulated joints, real eyelashes, and a nod to the British mod style epitomized by Twiggy, this Francie doll captured the essence of the swinging ’60s. As collectors continue to appreciate these vintage treasures, the Bend Leg Francie remains a symbol of innovation, style, and the ever-changing landscape of fashion in the iconic 1960s. An overview over her fashions can be found here https://www.dollreference.com/francie_vintage_fashions1966-1969.html

Posted on

The Timeless Elegance of Francie with Straight Legs: A Journey into the Origins of Doll History

Introduction:

Welcome to our blog, dear doll enthusiasts! Today, we embark on a nostalgic journey into the origins of the doll world to explore the fascinating story of Francie with Straight Legs – the first of her kind that hit the market in 1965. As Barbie’s cousin, this doll not only holds a firm place in the history of toys but continues to captivate collectors’ hearts worldwide. Not only described as cute but also a “groovy” for the 1960s and also focued on the latest fashion from Great Britain. She was placed differently in the market like her almost grown up cousin Barbie.

Something personal about Francie

Although Francie wasn’t a doll I grew up with, she found her way into my collection unexpectedly, around ten years after I had first started collecting. It was a chance encounter at a flea market that introduced me to her charm. This experience taught me a valuable lesson – that it’s okay to evolve in our collecting habits over time. Sometimes, the most delightful finds come from being open to new dolls and exploring ones we may not have encountered before. Embracing this flexibility in collecting can lead to enriching discoveries and deepen our appreciation for the diverse world of dolls.

The Origin of Francie with Straight Legs

Francie with Straight Legs was a groundbreaking release that took the doll collector/ Barbie community by storm. Her introduction in 1965 brought a breath of fresh air to Mattel’s doll collection. With her slender stature and straight legs, she set a new standard for elegance and style. She was considered to be the cousin of Barbie. The size of her body is a bit different from the curvy Barbie doll body that was introduced first to the market. Some fellow collectors told me that their mothers were easier to convince a Francie doll than a real Barbie doll because of her less curvy but rather teenage-like body. Her full name is Francie Fairchild.

Features of Francie:

This doll is distinguished not only by her distinctive straight legs but also by her timeless elegance. Francie was conceived as the trendy cousin of Barbie, reflecting the fashionable zeitgeist of the 1960s. Her charming smile and diverse fashion styles quickly made her a must-have for young girls of that era.

Straight leg Francie hips rotated
No twist n turn Francie waist visible on Francie with Straight legs
Straight leg Francie legs rotated
Her legs have no knee joints
Straight leg Francie rotated
Francie with Straight legs naked

Popularity Among Collectors:

Despite the decades that have passed since its introduction, Francie with Straight Legs continues to be highly popular among collectors. The originality and limited availability make her a sought-after piece for doll collectors worldwide. The vintage charm and nostalgic connection to a bygone era contribute to Francie’s high esteem in collector circles even today. She’s not only in the collectors who got her in their childhood no she’s also popular among younger collectors although the production suddenly stopped already in the mid 1970s.

Tips for Collectors:

If you are a fan of doll collections, be aware that Francie with Straight Legs in good condition and with original clothing is particularly valuable. The packaging and the presence of accessories can also influence the collector’s value. Exchange information with other collectors to learn more about rare variations and valuable additions. As reference have a look at my other article about her bend leg sister that was released two years later https://barbie.final-memory.org/wp-admin/post.php?post=4221&action=edit

Francie’s Popularity in Japan:

Notably, Francie with Straight Legs found a special place in the hearts of collectors in Japan, where she gained immense popularity and appreciation. The Japanese market embraced Francie with enthusiasm, and her presence there left an indelible mark on the doll-collecting scene. Francie’s appeal in Japan extended beyond her standard outfits, as she boasted exclusive ensembles that were never released in the United States. These unique Japanese-exclusive outfits became highly sought after by collectors worldwide, adding an extra layer of rarity and allure to Francie’s global appeal.

The eyes of Japanese Francies are also different than from the US versions. She has blue eyes instead of brown eyes in Japan. The distinct fashion tastes of Japan infused Francie with a charm that transcended borders, making her a cherished and valued doll among Japanese collectors and enthusiasts.By the way there were also two Francie dolls made for the European market called “German Francie”. These dolls have bigger heads, more Japanese comic style like than the normal Francie face. Japanese Francies and German Francies have the straight legs in common. That’s why the are worth to be mentioned here. A good source in Europe for Francie is this link https://nanousan.com/16-francie-fashions

Conclusion:

Francie with Straight Legs is not just a doll but a piece of living history in the toy world. Her timeless elegance, combined with her unique position as Barbie’s cousin, makes her a coveted collector’s item. Whether you are an experienced collector or a curious beginner, adding Francie to your collection will undoubtedly bring a touch of retro-chic and nostalgic joy. Immerse yourself in the fascinating world of Francie with Straight Legs and let yourself be enchanted by her timeless charm!

Posted on

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

Posted on

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.

DSC08488
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.

DSC08497
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.

DSC08503
Francie’s First Formal in boost
DSC08507
Francie’s First Formal after 12 hours in boost
Posted on

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,

DSC08405
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.

DSC08434
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.

DSC08424
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/

Posted on

What did Santa Clause bring?

I was already asked by other collectors if I got new Barbie dolls or Barbie family dolls for Christmas and I can say yes. I got some new dolls but I did not find as much as in 2020. I think that’s not so much of a problem as long as you really searched for them and wanted them for a long time.

I never expected for example to find an affordable Supersize Barbie. Supersize Barbies are hard to find in the meantime and they are really expensive. Something is always missing. No matter if it’s the dress, jewelry or shoes. Sometimes when they have a function the function is not working anymore. It’s what stopped me from buying the doll you see in my latest video with the hair function. Often the hair piece/ hair part is simply gone. I think one could repair the hair when you have a doll showing you how the mechanism works. That’s why this doll screamed “buy me” when I saw her.

The function of the hair will be covered in one of my next videos. It’s very easy but was not covered in any video yet. Let’s change this in 2022. She will also get some clothing. You know it’s not the problem to taylor something once you understand how to take the correct measurements.

Francie came along my way in November. We made an online doll convention online and there she was offered. So I bought the two of them you can see in my video.

You know I’m not the biggest fan of Fashionista Barbie but the one in the wheel chair somehow fascinated me since she’s black and she was available in Germany. I observed her the whole year but the price was too high for the quality so I had to wait until I found her for a good price.

Posted on

Oh my god, it’s already April?

I know I haven’t been posting here for the last 7 weeks. I had some time problems with my time-schedule. Doing more sewing videos needed more time to edit and cut and I underestimated this fact somehow.

It’s not that I’m not willing to learn how to do it better but this was somehow different from what I planned. You know you have sometimes great ideas and when it comes to put things into reality then there are some “minor” problems.

That’s not what you want. That’s not what I want but I had to deal with it. For one of my videos I had too much light, another one had a bad tone.

The tone problem could be solved by doing it again. The light problem could be fixed with a little help of DaVinci Resolve but I’m far from perfect. Knowing something about grouping is also very helpful. I only knew I had known it earlier. I know it’s already April and I haven’t posted any for almost two months. Please forgive me but after work I drafted for days and days to get the pattern right. It was not cooperative at the beginning.

I think there are lots possibilities for Francie because there are a lot less fashions for her than for Barbie. So if the demand is high enough the chances are good that you can get more videos about Francie. What do you think? Would you like some more Francie videos?