The "My Friend Mandy" fashions were all contemporary to their time period. The 1970s had a variety of fashion trends and little Mandy was always on the cutting edge. While her boy "friend" MIKEY was not introduced until 1982, several of her outfits had a definite unisex style.In 1978 "Let's Go Camping" (item #222) was introduced as a separate outfit. The set consisted of a plaid flannel shirt, tan cotton twill trousers, a backpack, and white molded plastic sneakers. The set also included a simple sewing pattern to make a doll-size sleeping bag.
In 1980 "Knickers Outfit" (item #229) was introduced as a separate outfit. The set consisted of knee-length faux velvet maroon colored knickers with a matching beret. A white elbow-length boatneck shirt and charming argyle pattern knee socks completed the outfit. No shoes were included in this set so Sasha borrowed a pair of brown slip-ons from the Jenny basic outfit. The set also included a simple pattern for a reversible vest.
NOTE: Even though Mandy has a larger head than Sasha the hats fit both dolls perfectly.
In 1981 "Winter Wear" (item # 230) was introduced as a separate outfit. This Aspen inspired ski suit features an orange insulated ski vest, yellow cotton pants, and warm brown furry boots. No shirt was included in this set and Mandy's body fabric doubled as a T-shirt. Sasha is wearing a white T-shirt borrowed from a Tommy Hilfiger outfit. The set also included a simple pattern for a stocking cap and knitted sweater.
In the first years of production the dolls and outfits included the sewing patterns inside the box. Later on the patterns became a mail-in offer. I'm not sure why Fisher-Price took this direction as it involved added costs to the project. I have never seen any of the mail-in patterns in their original form so there might have been a club or some cross-sell promotions included.
I admire the "My Friend Mandy" project for many reasons including their simplicity of design and their sew-at-home concept. Looking at any grouping of the outfits it is clear that the designers had a vision and a point-of-view. And many of the outfits are "separates" which added play value and encouraged little designers and stylists to be creative.
