Sindy in Weekenders (pictured on previous page) The first Sindy had all the hallmarks of Pedigree dolls - moulded plastic stiff legs, side mould seams, all-in-one non-twisting waist, coarse saran hair. Diverging from this, however, Sindy's face and arms were moulded from a softer vinyl. Made in England, doll, outfit, box and stand are appropriately marked. Production in England was short-lived; economics and scale of production forced a move to Hong Kong. Consequently, boxed Made in England Sindys are at a premium.
The first outfits were made in England; again, the production run was short, so NRFB examples are rare. Subsequent outfits were made in Hong Kong, and are boxed/or labelled Made in Hong Kong or Empire Made. Empire Made was a euphemism for Hong Kong manufacture at a time when goods made there, certainly the plastic, sold-in-Woolworths type, were considered decidedly shoddy. Sleepy-Time and Undie-World were 9/11 each, but with Pony Club at 17/6, these were relatively pricey. The first 4 outfits were packaged in the small (9.5 x 8.5 inch) picture frame-style box; the next four in the larger (13.25 x 10 inch) boxes.
Sleepy-Time virtually identical to Tammy's Sleepytime outfit, even down to the embroidered yoke, the white lace trim, the three curlers and white sandals. Tammy gota glass of milk and a straw - Sindy got a Penguin book! Sindy also got a brush, mirror and comb set (in either palest pink or white), a pastel blue sponge bag (with toothpaste and bar of soap), and a fluffy white face cloth. Actually labelled Sleeper-Time on the box; a late name change or communication problems between Merton (Pedigree's base) and Hong Kong?!
Undie-World Wispy midnight blue gauzy bra, pants and slip matched with an elasticated girdl, all trimmed with pastel blue and pink embroidered flowers. The white lace hairband was modelled on the box of 12SA1 Sindy's Own Wardrobe, though Sindy is wearing the Sleepy-Time nightie. The same brush, comb and mirror as in Sleepy-Time, this time in pale blue or white.
Dream Date A pink taffeta drop-waist dress, trimmed with the upiquitous white lace, plus ribbon sash and matching Alice band. There were 'golden accessories: an evening bag fastened with a pearl, high heeled sandals, and a chain bracelet. And of course, a record player and disc to make the party swing.' The bag was another steal from Tammy, featuring in several of her outfits.
Lunch Date Day wear in the early 60s was still quite formal. The black polo-neck top is attached to the hipster tartan skirt, the black PVC belt hiding the deception. The outfit is completed by a tartan headscarf, black kitten heel shoes, a PVC bag on gilt chain, and diary.
Shopping-in-the-Rain proved that 'Sindy can keep dry and glamorous. She keeps off the rain in her black cire plastic mac.' This PVC trench coat with matching headscarf acknowledged the new pop fashion fabric, as did the red knee high boots and porthole PVC shopping bag. Accessorised with a newspaper and a bag of three oranges, this outfit had considerable play value.
Skating Girl A real luxury to have a special skating outfit: many a little girl aspired to just owning a pair of white boots rather than having to hire the rather dingy ones offered down the ice rink. The popularity of this outfit meant that essentially the same one was used on one of the new 1968 sidepart dolls.
Pony Club reflected Sindy's middle-class aspirations. The jacket, with its tailoring, stitched button holes and trimmings, must have been hell for machinists on piece-work rates! Detailed riding crop, pair of spurs and two pony grooming brushes complete.
Country Walk again played to the genteel country pursuits. No jeans and sneakers to walk the dog, but sensible lace-ups, top, a front-pleated skirt and suedette jacket. Ringo always makes me laugh (with his pipe cleaner limbs and askew eyes). The self-same canine had featured in Tammy's On the Avenue and Walking her Pet. Pedigree went one step further, adding the bowl and bone. |
