1970s Francies have problems too

Not even sealing tape will hold Francie's arms on.
On the left is 1970's Francie with Growin' Pretty Hair
and on the right is 1973 Quick Curl Francie.

I've long since given up trying to keep Francie's arms in place.

The problem with limbs falling off isn't just with Barbie-size dolls.  The situation also extends to cousin Francie.

I have two 1970 Francie with Growin' Pretty Hair dolls.  The one seen in the photo is actually my sister's, who received the doll as a Christmas gift that year.  I have another Gro Hair Francie that I acquired recently, and she does not have the problem with the arms breaking off.  Gro Hair Francies were made in Japan.

The other doll in the yellow dress is Quick Curl Francie from 1973.  Out of all the Barbie dolls ever made, the Quick Curls are the worst when it comes to arms and legs.  I've read many times about Talking Barbies whose legs have come off while still in the box, but no one has ever mentioned how bad the Quick Curl dolls are.  Quick Curl Francies were made in Taiwan.

One detail I have figured out, though, is this: If you have a doll with disabled legs, make sure it is wearing underpants or a swimsuit before you dress it.  As for the arms, the doll must wear a form-fitting shirt or dress with sleeves.

A candidate chart

 

1971 talking dolls breakage continues

I have two talking dolls from 1971 that are falling apart, both Talking PJs.  

The Talking PJs were made in Hong Kong and like the Talking Barbies, have broken hips and the only way I know to repair them is to use sealing tape to tape them on.  Fortunately, you can't see the tape when the doll is dressed.  The doll not wearing sunglasses also has a broken neck knob and I had to super-glue her head to her neck.

I still believe that the reason the talking dolls were sold with vinyl underpants or cotton shorts is because Mattel already knew in the late 1960s that the joints that attached the legs to the hips would break off easily.  The pants were there not just for modesty or style, but also to keep the legs on!

Two notes about PJ: (1) The Twist N Turn versions and the early Malibus are indestructible.  (2) Talking PJ is not wearing a minidress or long tunic with shorts underneath.  The outfit is a baby doll nightgown, hence the lace on the shorts.  And wearing night clothes matches her name.  However, I cannot explain why she needs sunglasses at night!  The nightgown is tagged, "PJ™/©1969 MATTEL, INC/HONG KONG".

1971 Talking dolls still have 29 holes
on their backs for their speakers.

I hope to sell 1/6 scale items at doll show

I am setting up a sale table at the doll show at EnterTrainment Junction this Saturday, Aug. 17. I am doing something different this time. I am bringing 1/6 size items that aren't toys but that Barbies and same size dolls can use. I have two couches that are actually jewelry boxes, a Christmas tree and a bunch of ornaments and a bookend that looks like a bookcase. I am also bringing a number of doll storybooks. 

This will be the last doll show at EnterTrainment Junction,
as the property has been sold.
The club is looking for a new venue.

Barbie's first dog is suspicious of her!

The box says "1000" but I counted, and there are 984 pieces.

For the first time ever, I completed a 1,000-piece puzzle by myself.  (Well, my nephew's wife put in one piece, but I did the other 999.)  In the past, I've always worked on large puzzles with someone else.

I had received a Barbie puzzle for Christmas, and put it together last week.  It took me a week to complete.  I have three of the dolls and outfits pictured.  

The puzzle was by Ravensburger and made in Germany.  It is 26 inches wide by 20 inches high, and fits on the card table very well.  The puzzle pictures seven haute couture Barbies and one Ken. There are 36 pieces horizontally and 28 pieces vertically, for a total of 984 pieces.

You will notice that the blonde Barbie on the left has a bit of a smirk for her smile, like she knows something we don't know.  What I find amusing is that her dog--the poodle from 1613 Dog N Duds from 1964--is looking up at her like he doesn't entirely trust her.  I think that the dog is thinking, "she's up to something!"

Also in the picture is the orange Irwin Austin Healy from 1962.  Look closely:  Barbie is driving, not Ken, and they are both wearing their shoulder belts, which weren't included in cars until 1968.

Yes, I have the boater hat from Ken's Dreamboat,
but I don't know where it is.

The Barbie Learns to Cook dress in the puzzle has the flower print,
but not the Barbie logo.

From left to right are: blonde sidepart bubblecut in 1606 Garden Tea Party from 1964,
redhead bend leg in 1634 Barbie Learns to Cook from 1965,
blonde bend leg in 1668 Riding in the Park from 1966,
light brunette bend leg in 1650 Outdoor Art Show from 1966,
blonde ponytail in her zebra swimsuit from 1959,
straight leg brunette Ken in 785 Dreamboat from 1961,
blonde bend leg in 0957 in Knitting Pretty from 1964,
and blonde ponytail in 989 Ballerina from 1961.

The storage box isn't very big, and when I opened it,
it was filled to the top with puzzle pieces.

I wish i found rare items more often, but then they wouldn't be rare!

About once every five years I will find a rare Barbie or family item for just a few bucks.  Sometimes it is mixed in with a bag or case of a bunch of other stuff.  Yesterday I found the 1967 #1818 Barbie Velveteens jacket in with a bag of other clothing items at the Lawrenceburg antique show.  I am listing it for $100 on etsy.

https://www.etsy.com/listing/1758985069/rare-barbie-1967-1818-velveteens-red-or?click_key=7c26587c3303face9a54899f32408cc043f138cf%3A1758985069&click_sum=457c6447&ref=shop_home_active_1

I hope it sells quickly!  I have to get a cavity filled on Wednesday and I don't have dental insurance.  Even if it takes a little while to sell, it will help with the bill.

Tote bag found in the attic

 I'll explain these photos eventually.