IRISH ARAN STYLE

My good friend Andrea from THE DOLL WORKS just sent me this set of hat, mittens, and scarf knitted in the Irish Aran tradition. Back in November I sent her some pictures of what I was looking for and she created my Sasha's heart's desire. The Aran style sweaters have an interesting history and tradition. Andrea sent this link to their fascinating story.

http://www.aransweatermarket.com/asm/history-of-aran-sweaters

SIMPLE PLEASURES

Back in the early 1970s I was living in a charming section of New York City called "Turtle Bay" in a townhouse across the street from Katherine Hepburn. Ruth Gordon, the character actress, lived to the right of Kate and Stephen Sondheim lived to the left. And John Wayne Jr. lived in the house next to mine. Our block association meetings were star-studded.
However charming those famous folk were they did not influence me in any particular way. Delight me, but not influence me. The lady who did influence me had a tiny shop a few blocks away called NANCY'S FANCY. It was a magical place for children of all ages.
Nancy made the poor Church Mouse look like a millionaire. Her shop offered an array of refurbished junk that she had rescued from the trash and turned into a piece of enchantment with paint and brush. She had a tiny workroom in the back of the shop just behind the counter. On the counter was a silver desk bell and a sign that read "PLEASE RING FOR KIND COURTIOUS SERVICE." If you rang the bell she would poke her head out and shout "What the hell do you want?" She gave new meaning to the term "character."
Over the years we became great friends and she taught me many life lessons about humility and the delights of poverty. With the current economy in the dumps these days her wisdom has come in handy.
She taught me the virtue of "one doll" -- hers was a blonde 1969 GREGOR named "William or Mary Depending" -- depending on how she dressed him/her. But it was her joy in the discovery of beauty hidden in everyday junk that impressed me. We would go junk hunting late at night and she would pick up some beat-up old chair and giggle in delight. A few days later it was transformed into a work of art.
Perhaps her greatest gift to me was sharing the world through her eyes. I was a successful businessman and she was a successful Church Mouse. But our successes were very different. She showed me that the pleasures of the world were all free if you looked at them in a different way. That was her wisdom.
Monday was her day off and she would put on her best outfit and head up to Fifth Avenue where she spent the entire day wandering through the fabulous and expensive shops. She loved FAO Schwarz and Tiffany's as well as Bergdorf Goodman and Bonwit Teller.
When I asked her if these travels into the realm of wealth and indulgence depressed her she would just smile at me.
"But you cannot afford any of those things." I protested.
"No, I can't," she replied, "but I just think of all those stores as museums where I can look and touch but cannot buy."
In the end, Nancy had a richer life than anyone I knew. And she enriched mine beyond measure. When she died hundreds of people mourned the loss of her magic. Her partner put a sign in the shop window that simply read, "THE END OF THE RAINBOW."
I like to think that Nancy would have loved the Internet. She could have spent hours and hours enjoying all the beautiful things available and never once been tempted to hit the BUY NOW button.

BORROWING FASHIONS - 12

Here is another charming "My Friend Mandy" outfit called "Rain Slicker" (#759) that reminds me of the slickers worn in the film "Singin' in the Rain." The set features a cape style yellow slicker, boots, and a rain hat lined in a floral print fabric. The boxed set includes an easy-sew pattern (#218150) for a tote bag in two sizes - doll size and child size.
This outfit has 3/4 sleeves that don't quite work on Sasha, but is nonetheless a really cute outfit.

BORROWING FASHIONS - 11

"Soccer Outfit" (#K32) includes shirt and shorts, socks and sport shoes plus a soccer ball.

"Sleeping Outfit" (#K30) includes nightshirt, sleeping bag (rolled up under her arm) and slippers.

"Roller Skating Outfit" (K34) includes pink shorts, T-shirt, knee socks, roller skates that actually lace up and wheels that roll. Also includes a comb and lip gloss.

"Jogging Outfit" (#K33) includes sweat pants, hoodie, running shoes, socks, and a jump rope.

"Bedtime Outfit" (#K37) includes a robe, hair curlers, brush, ribbons, and a hair styling booklet.

I was not aware of the KIMBERLY doll line until Dorisanne mentioned it to me. Then Joan, a fellow Sasha collector, was kind enough to loan me some of her outfits.
Kimberly was produced in 1984 by TOMY. The clothing fits Sasha nicely and even the shoes fit Sasha which is a plus. Joan mentioned that sometimes the plastic shoes need to be softened up by heating them until pliable. This often happens with older plastic shoes.
A bit of research shows that most of the outfits are casual and the fashions were used on dressed dolls as well as being offered as separate carded sets. Many of the outfits are available on eBay as well as from some vintage doll shops.

BORROWING FASHIONS - 10

Sasha may have many more doll closets to open than Gregor but there are a few items he can borrow from his "older brothers."
In the TONNER fashion line there are several 17-inch male characters in the "Tyler Wentworth" series who have great looking jackets and shirts that fit Gregor. And in the original GENE line there was a male character named TRENT who also had a few jackets and sweaters that caught Gregor's eye.
Both of these lines are well made and usually feature excellent fabrics. The problem is in finding loose items that fit and are not too expensive. Another problem is that Gregor's hands are larger than the male dolls in the other lines so some sleeves are too tight for Gregor.
In the Tonner series, most of the T-shirts and regular shirts will fit Gregor. Tonner has recently added several more male characters to other lines, including Harry Potter, that use the basic male body or a body of a similar size.
Above we see Gregor wearing a basic white T-shirt from the MATT line. His gray slacks are from Trendon. He is wearing black Doc Martin boots from an Asian BJD company. The tan suede jacket is beautifully crafted and has tiny working button holes. The navy blue Pea Coat is also handsomely tailored. There are several nice cable knit sweaters in the MATT line that are lightweight and fit easily under jackets. Finally Gregor wears a tennis sweater from the TRENT fashion series.
There are many other shirts and jackets from these two companies that will probably fit Gregor but I have never found them loose and so Gregor has had to be satisfied with these few pieces.

WISDOM AND INFLUENCE

I have had the good fortune to be in the company of many wise women during my 77 years on this planet. From time to time this year I will share some of that wisdom and influence with you -- my Sasha friends.
Perhaps the greatest influence came from my Grandmother -- "Nana Laura" -- who collected Madame Alexander dolls and Steiff teddy bears. She came to live with us after The Great Depression stripped away her wealth and left her with nothing but her memories. The few dollars she earned babysitting were spent on dolls and bears. "Money is like blood -- it needs to be circulated." she was fond of saying. She was fond of saying many things, often just to amuse me over tea. "There is no such thing as a perfect stranger. They are never perfect and usually stranger than you'd care for." That one still makes me smile.
I grew up in Greenwich Village, New York's artistic neighborhood. Our neighbors were artists, poets, and an occasional scoundrel. Nana Laura loved them all. Every Saturday we would take a Fifth Avenue bus up to 58th Street where FAO Schwarz was located and adopt a new doll or teddy bear. Afterwards, we went across the street to The Plaza Hotel and had "high tea" in the Palm Court.
She introduced me to Madame Alexander when I was 12 years old. I had the pleasure of knowing that lady until she died. In fact, I have known many great ladies over the years. Probably more than great men. I'm just lucky I guess.
I have taken one of Nana Laura's bon mots and adapted it for this blog. "Knowledge is like blood -- it needs to be circulated." and so I will be sharing what I have learned, been taught, and stumbled over in my 77 years, on this blog.
It is never easy to teach humility to young people who are riding high on their first big success or moment in the spotlight. When I had my moment I recalled her advice. "Beware of standing up on a pedestal because people can look up your dress."
Good advice, Nana.

BORROWING FASHIONS - 9

In the early 1970s there were not many Trendon outfits for Sasha dolls so collectors had to borrow fashions from other dolls. Mandy was the best fit overall. There were others and perhaps the most unusual was the 1972 IDEAL 16-inch vinyl "Shirley Temple" dressed in her famous "Stand Up and Cheer" polka dot dress.
Sasha needed a Halloween costume one year so I bought her the "Little Colonel" outfit from the IDEAL series. There were several other movie outfits offered including "Heidi" and "Captain January" as well as "Rebecca of Sunnybrook Farm."
IDEAL took interesting design liberties with the outfits and updated the styles by shortening the skirts to look a bit more contemporary. The outfits were not made of quality fabrics but they were fun to dress Sasha in.

BORROWING FASHIONS - 8

This is one of my favorite Mandy outfits and I think Sasha looks charming in it.

The outfit is called "Jumper and Blouse" (#223) and features a blouse fashioned of a multi-colored floral print against a blue background. The sleeveless blue jumper features a pleated front. A matching floral print scarf completes the look.
The set included an easy-sew pattern (#230990) for a two-piece baby doll pajama set.

There are many more Mandy fashions that fit Sasha but these are the only ones I have in my collection. I hope to add more in the months ahead.

BORROWING FASHIONS - 7

Here are two red and white "My Friend Mandy" outfits that look delightful on Sasha.

First is the charming "Town and Country Pantsuit" (#218) that features a white man-tailored shirt jacket and matching slacks. The shirt has accented collar and cuffs featuring a red and white print fabric. Also included is a long scarf that can double as an ascot or a hair ribbon. The set originally included a pair of white clogs but Sasha prefers the red clogs. The set included an easy-sew pattern (#207970) for a wrap-around skirt.

This outfit also came with a blue and white fabric trim.

On an even more casual note we have "Sweater-Coat" outfit (#225) which features bright red slacks and a white knit belted sweater-coat and a matching hat. This basic outfit could easily be mixed with other fashions including T-shirts and skirts. This set included an easy-sew pattern (#235820) for a blouse.

Once again we see how charming Sasha looks in these borrowed fashions.

BORROWING FASHIONS - 6

The 1970s continued the "LOVE" theme of the 1960s Woodstock Generation. Fashion expressed itself in a wide variety of ways -- from mini-skirts to "Granny" dresses. MANDY and SASHA fashions were both influenced by these trends.

In 1978 Mandy had a Granny dress called "Party Time" (#221) that was pale blue with a subtle white floral print. The Empire bodice was shirred and had puffed sleeves. The outfit came with white plastic dancing shoes.

In 1975 Sasha had a Granny dress called "Long Dress" (#105) that was forest green with a white abstract floral print. It featured an Empire waist and puffed sleeves. The outfit came with white leather shoes.

The origin of the Granny dress is obvious but it has some interesting historical sidelights. The Great Depression spawned many "economy" features to various products. Farmers were especially hard hit so enterprising live stock feed companies began using mini floral print fabric for their bags. This fabric was then used to make dresses and shirts for children and adults. Many of these were in the tradition of the Granny dress.

In England, during the 60s and 70s, the fashion designer Laura Ashley raised these floral prints to high style along with the Granny dress. Her dresses were sought after by the "MOD Birds" in both the UK and the US.

Mandy and Sasha were both trendy little girls in their Granny dresses.

BORROWING FASHIONS - 5

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.

BORROWING FASHIONS - 4

One of the first "My Friend Mandy" boxed fashions was named "Patio Party Denim Outfit" #1854. This is one of the most charming of all the Mandy outfits and features a long denim skirt trimmed with a colorful patchwork fabric under ruffle. The same patchwork fabric was also used for the blouse that featured flared bell sleeves. The outfit also featured the bright red clogs that were marked LEFT and RIGHT on the bottom. The first version had a dark blue skirt with a subtle printed patchwork pattern.
The second version featured a lighter version of the denim print and the patchwork design is more visible. Both versions are open in the back from the waist to the bottom hemline and could also be worn open in the front as a beach skirt over a bathing suit.
A charming and versatile outfit that looks terrific on Sasha.

BORROWING FASHIONS - 3

Let's begin with the basic fashions that Mandy and her friend Jenny came dressed in.
In 1977 the first "My Friend Mandy" #210 was introduced. She came packaged in a large pink window box. The first Mandy outfit was a charming pink dress sprinkled with pin dots and trimmed with lace. She had matching pink tights and white plastic shoes. She also had a white straw hat trimmed with a pink ribbon. The package also contained a pink floral print flannel nightgown accented with a pink ribbon bow. Also included in the box was a hair care booklet and a sewing pattern # 206960 for a cape and hood.

In 1979, Mandy got her first companion - "My Friend Jenny" #212. Like Mandy, Jenny came in a pink window box. She also had a hair care booklet and a pattern for a Nightgown #231470. Jenny had brown hair and her outfit consisted of an ivory colored blouse and a chocolate brown floral design jumper dress with dark brown tights and chocolate brown plastic shoes. She also wore a straw hat trimmed with a brown ribbon.

BORROWING FASHIONS - 2

Of all the doll fashions I have collected over the years for my Sasha dolls, the Fisher-Price "My Friend Mandy" line has consistently been the best.
Introduced in 1977, Mandy was an instant success -- and with good reason. The dolls and separate outfits all came with delightful extra outfit patterns for mothers and daughters to sew together. The doll itself was a clever blend of vinyl head and limbs with a soft stuffed body. The design was not unlike the early French fashion dolls who were made of porcelain and leather.
While Mandy and Sasha might not seem like "stand-ins" for one another they actually are. They can easily exchange outfits with one another without any alterations being made. Even the Mandy styles are quite similar to those in the Sasha line. And the sewing patterns also work perfectly for Sasha. While it is true that Sasha has wider shoulders than Mandy it doesn't seem to matter in the clothing which usually has a raglan sleeve design instead of a more typical inset sleeve. Even the Mandy shoes fit Sasha perfectly. They are usually plastic, and not very attractive, but the clogs are especially charming.
Over the years, following her introduction, the line of "Friend" dolls increased and eventually included a boy. There were dozens of outfits and patterns offered by Fisher-Price as well as many doll and sewing magazines.
Sasha and Mandy are contemporaries not only in their manufacturing period but their age and fashion style.
Now that Sasha has become a valuable collectible doll her friend Mandy makes a great stand-in model for those who design fashions for Sasha. Since her body is soft it is easy to pin fabrics on her so she makes a great mannequin.

This week we will see just how charming Sasha looks as she models clothing borrowed from her friend Mandy.

BORROWING FASHIONS - 1

Borrowing Fashions begins with an outfit from AMERICAN GIRL. Generally the clothing in this line is too large to fit Sasha but this outfit is a charming exception.

This is called "KIT'S OVERALLS" and is listed as item # D7235 on the AG website. It consists of a cap, striped shirt, and hand-me-down bib overalls. The boots that are shown with this outfit are too large for Sasha and are sold separately. The outfit retails for $28.00 and is currently available.

I read somewhere that in the story Kit dresses up like a boy in this outfit so I think it works equally well on Gregor.

REVIEW: I give this outfit top marks for detail and quality of design and manufacture. The shirt sleeves are too long but can easily be folded up at the cuffs. The overalls are baggy but the current styles of today feature oversize pants so this works for Sasha as well. Gregor is wearing a white T-shirt not included with the AG outfit. He is wearing a pair of tan suede boots that came from "dollsandreams" back in the early 70s.

A SIMPLE SOLUTION

If you are looking for a great background material to photograph your Sasha dolls against here is a simple and inexpensive solution. It is a sturdy vinyl sheet with a graduated color background going from dark to light. You can use it either way -- dark to light or light to dark. Each sheet is 31 x 43 inches and costs about $40.00. I got this version from an eBay store that specializes in photography equipment. The sheets come in a variety of color schemes. This one is brown to white.
It is sturdy and has a soft matte finish that doesn't reflect or bounce light that might create hot spots in your photograph. And it simply rolls up for storage.

Available here: http://shop.ebay.com/2sistersphotosales/m.html

SNOWBOUND SASHAS

The Sashas woke up to discover that we are snowbound under more than twenty inches of snow. They were up at first light and tried to look over the snow piled up against their window sill but it was too high.
"Let's go into the studio." they shouted.

Teddy Bear joined them as they peered into the white blanket of snow that covered everything.
"I can't see." cried Teddy Bear who was too small to see over the snow piled against the window sill.
"Look how pretty our favorite evergreen tree looks. Hooray -- we will have a white Christmas!"

WINTER BIRDS

Here are the kids looking out the window at a flock of birds that have landed in the tree just outside their window. Ever since the snow began these birds, and many others, have been perched in the branches nibbling at the remaining leaves untouched by autumn's winds. The branches sway back and forth from their weight and the wind that is gusting and sending snow flurries through the branches. It is quite a sight and the Sashas are loving it.

A SLED FOR SASHA

Here is Gregor showing off two new sleds that are perfect for a Sasha to go wooshing down a hill.

On the left is a classic RADIO FLYER sled available on eBay for about $5 if you get lucky. On the right is an AMERICAN GIRL sled also available on eBay for about $35 if you get lucky.
Both sleds are made a wood with metal runners. And both are a good scale for a Sasha doll. Personally I think the RADIO FLYER version is more interesting looking and is more delicately crafted. They are just a bit more difficult to find.
RADIO FLYER makes several sizes so it is important to make sure you are bidding on the 16-inch version.
RADIO FLYER also makes delightful bikes and wagons in a Sasha size. When searching on eBay use the search term "Radio Flyer" or "doll sled" to get the best results.

HAPPY SLEDDING

BRING ON THE SNOW

Here is one of my blonde Sasha "sisters" getting ready for the next snowfall. She is from the early 70s and has lovely eyes with an iris outline. Today she is dressed completely in a RUTH'S DOLLS outfit. She loves her matching pink ankle boot shoes and the fact that her mittens are connected by a thin cord so they won't get lost.
She has her RADIO FLYER sled that was discovered on eBay. Now all she needs is SNOW.

WHAT A DIFFERENCE A HAT MAKES

Some little girls crave an endless variety of shoes. This Sasha delights in an extensive collection of knitted hats -- one for every mood or occasion. She has found them in a variety of colors and patterns. There is a simple knitted "watch cap" knitted in a mixture of light and dark "oatmeal" colors. There is the chocolate one with a simple pattern around the edge. The oversize shaggy one looks like it was made from a carpet remnant. There is a dark taupe long "Santa" cap with an oversize pom-pom and matching scarf. The ivory Irish knit "watch cap" also has an oversize pom-pom that gives it a jaunty look.
Each cap seems to change her "look" completely and to suit her various moods which are too numerous to name.

SASHA SNOW DAY

We had a bit of snow last night and the girls decided to dress for the event.