Crochet Barbie Fashion Doll Clothes, Mail Order Style

It was a glorious year for little girls. It was 1959 and Mattel released a creation of Ruth Handler called the Barbie Doll. Little girls across America were instantly enchanted and the rest is history.
As the Barbie Doll arrived to each home, the next essential need was the wardrobe. Which means, of course, loving Moms pulled out the cloth, scissors and yarn and started sewing, crocheting and knitting clothes fashion outfits for the beloved doll. This, of course, drove the pattern companies to start issuing patterns for those outfits.  

The mail order franchises, as typical were right in vogue and began their own original fashion designs in the Women's section newspaper columns.  I have been lucky to collect a number of these.  There were, of course, a number of everyday items -- dresses, tops, pants, and shorts 

 

There was also an array of special occasion clothes -- after all, Barbie must attend balls and get married !!

 

 

There was also an array of special occasion clothes -- after all, Barbie must attend balls and get married !!

 

 

I keep spreadsheets of the Mail Order Designs of the major franchisors (Laura Wheeler, Alice Brooks and Anne Cabot), and in all have discovered a total of 56 Fashion Doll patterns were marketed.   I have 16 of the patterns in my shop, should you care to browse.  

 

Just for fun, a little Barbie Trivia ...
Birthdate: March 9, 1959
Born: Willows, Wisconsin (a fictional place)
First Outfit: One Piece Swimsuit
First Hairstyle: Ponytail

Jul 13th 2026 Lorrie @ Vintage Knit Crochet

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