Cooler weather arrived here in Northeast Ohio right around the beginning of September, but of course in doll land, it can be warm enough to have one last pool party. Before I take down my summer backyard diorama, I wanted to set up a little diorama with my Little Tikes miniature pool. For that matter, I couldn't think why I hadn't done a photo shoot a long time ago, until I remembered none of my little Kelly dolls had swimwear! Well, I was tired of that being an excuse. Off to eBay I went, and found two vintage Fashion Avenue sets, one a matching set for Barbie and Kelly, and one a set of beach clothes and accessories for three Kelly dolls.
Here are Barbie and Kelly in their matching outfits. It included the matching beach robes, swimsuits, visor hats, and sandals. Barbie's sandals are made so that only flat-footed dolls can wear them, which is fine, except that they don't fit any of the flat-footed dolls that I have very well. You might notice that this Barbie does not have the Made to Move body. On that body type they fit less well. The pink Adirondack chair is one of a set of two made by Mattel. It matches their neon looks.
And here are three of the Kelly dolls wearing what came in the set for three, including the little accessories and the beach chair. Only one of the clothing pieces is really a swimsuit, but they would all be cute for the summer. I would have liked to have a beach bucket and shovel with the clothes, but there were several summer swim sets from the Fashion Avenue line, and it seemed Mattel wanted to have different accessories in the various sets. Not a bad idea, really. The little beach chair is nicer quality than I thought it would be.
I'm so happy with how the pool party pictures turned out. I think the two little friends look so cute.
Now I want to work on something for the autumn, and/or something for Halloween. This time of the year is my favorite. I love the red, orange, and yellow colors of the leaves, the pumpkins, cornfields, cooler air after the blazing heat of summer. My dolls also need warm weather clothes, and for the most part, I can sew and knit those. Making Kelly-sized swimsuits, though? I saved myself the aggravation and bought those. I'm glad Barbie got a new bathing suit too, because I think I only have one other of those. Do you have any projects planned for your dolls this season?
Beautiful session and super dressed dolls. My dolls are currently in boxes. Unfortunately, I can't sew clothes or crochet. Have a nice weekend. Hugs.
ReplyDeleteThank you. I hope your dolls can come out of their boxes soon. Hugs.
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DeleteOh, I love that Fashion Avenue Barbie era! From the Barbie + Kelly fashion packs, I remember one that had a light blue varsity jacket. They also had outfits for every occasion: raincoats, fancy dresses, denim... I wish Mattel would go back to doing something like that, but I don't think the quality would be as good as it used to be.
ReplyDeleteWell, in my area summer and heat are still alive and well, so the photoshoot is still fitting. In fact, tomorrow we're going to my BIL's beach apartment, and we'll probably get in the pool.
For over a year, I've been wanting to purchase a bodysuit pattern from Atelier ni Shasha and sew long-sleeved bodysuits for my dolls, but I just haven't gotten around to it yet. Life is a bit busy right now, and I already have a lot of work with YouTube.
Wish you a lovely end of the summer
I remember that Barbie and Kelly pack with the varsity jacket. Those Fashion Avenue clothes were definitely better quality than Mattel would make today. I may get some other Fashion Avenue clothes, especially for Kelly since she is harder to sew for. I did buy one dress that I didn't picture here.
DeleteIt still gets warm here during the warmest part of the day, but I think the water would be too cold for my liking. I hope you enjoy your swim day!
I have some sewing projects that I'm trying to work on. My biggest impediment is getting an ironing board in place. I have no room for my normal-size one right now. I hope you can find some sewing time soon.
Wishing you a lovely rest of the summer as well.
Gosh, I love these old-school Kelly dolls! Chelsea is okay, but I'll always love those little bitty dolls with their bright clothes and eyes. I loved Fashion Avenue too; Barbie had a lot going for her in the nineties.
ReplyDeleteSummer has come back with a vengance where I'm at, so I've got a group of dolls in orange and in sweaters, looking at each other like their owner has lost her mind. Fall WILL come, though! How are the trees looking in Ohio? Still green, or are some touches of yellow and orange starting to show?
Yep, I have never taken to the new Kelly and Stacie replacements. And of course Mattel never made the awesome clothes for the new dolls that they did for Kelly. Fashion Avenue was such a great time for Barbie fashions.
DeleteIt gets warm here during the heat of the day for now, but not enough for me to get into a chilly swimming pool. We have no leaf changes here yet, but where I live is only a few miles from Lake Erie. The air coming over the warm water of the lake keeps the temperatures a bit warmer into the autumn season. Then in the winter, we get lake effect snow.
Fall will be here before we know it, so tell your dolls to hang in there!
The matching set is so cute! Love the pictures as well! I like this time of year too, and don't mind the colder temperatures after the hot summer days. About doll plans: I have a big bag full of flea market finds that need cleaning and styling, so That will keep my occupied in the coming months :). Linda
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