1967 Sindy Outfits and Separates
Writing about 1967 has been very difficult as all the Sindy references differ as to what, if anything, was released this year. Certainly, there were new Paul outfits and Colette Mansell in “The History of Sindy” notes that some Patch outfits, believed to have been introduced in 1968, were available much earlier (see page 46). Establishing the 1967 Sindy releases therefore has been very hard and we have been unable to find references that can be matched and verified against each other.
We do know that a number of the outfits shown below were released earlier in 1966, but were not shown in a printed brochure until 1967.
Shown right is an inset slip found with a Made in England printed ‘Sindy Set’ Style Leaflet. The reverse showing the new Paul and Patch outfits is dated 23rd July 1966.
We have still opted to document those outfits that were listed in the “1967-1968 Tri-ang Bumper Book of Toys” as new releases, recognising that the catalogue was partly catching up on what Pedigree had already released.
Shown on this insert is 12S74 “Tee Shirt”. Confusingly the Triang brochure lists a new separate with the same reference but calls it ”Turtle Neck Sweater” (Ref 12S74) which was described as a “mod-styled turtle neck sweater”. It was depicted as having long sleeves, ribbed stitching and was available in a “cool shade of light green”.
But Frances Baird in “British Teenage Dolls 1956-84” identifies 12S74 as a “Tee Shirt” just like this insert. She describes it as “‘Tee Shirt’ with ‘S’ detail” (pg 163).
We have never seen the mod-styled turtle neck sweater, and we half-wonder if the tee shirt is the same as the Mam’selle top used for ‘Fan Club’ (Ref DR354), and we would be very pleased to hear from anyone who has an opinion on this.
Some outfits that were previously listed, or which were not available in 1966, are listed in the Triang Brochure as new releases such as ‘Shopping-in-the-Rain’ and ‘Undie Word’. These were possibly outfits that had now been off-shored to Hong Kong for manufacture. Other outfits previously available are shown in this booklet bearing a price but without any description so we are uncertain as to whether they were actually manufactured during this year or whether Pedigree was listing old stock.
The one thing we can say is that a number of Pedigree’s clothing production lines had now switched overseas, mostly to the Far East (both boxed and outfits and some separates) where outfits now used woven black thread on white nylon “Made in Hong Kong” labels with the dome-shaped popper (see above). Empire Made labels were also being phased out and replaced by “Made in Hong Kong” labels. Some new outfits such as Leather Look were now made in Ireland.
There is a nice variation of this trouser suit made from a plusher mustard corduroy fabric with thicker vertical ribs. This version has four large shiny black plastic poppers pointing to it being a later release. Perhaps from 1969 onwards when we start to see plastic poppers on Sindy’s outfits.
Shown rignt with the original version on two Vickis (introduced in 1968) in keeping with the possible timeline.
Trouser Suit (Ref 12S19)
Described as a “sleek and snappy trouser suit” which was perfect for “shopping in town”, this outfit consisted of a four ‘button’, double-breasted mustard corduroy jacket with contrasting black stitching on the collar, notched lapels, cuffs and hems. There were four black painted metal poppers, two of which actually worked to fasten the front. The trousers are long-cut and slim-line, with a front-fly opening fastened by one black painted metal popper. Again there is contrasting stitching on the waist-band and bottom hem of the trouser legs. There was a contrasting, contemporary black ‘leather’ handbag with a front patch pocket, made of cotton backed PVC. Black ankle boots completed the outfit.
Cordon Bleu (Ref 12S20)
A navy blue and white bib apron made of thick cotton with a large patch pocket on the front and with shoulder straps that criss-cross at the back and fasten with white ties. There was matching oven gloves. The outfit was completed with a plastic metal coloured frying pan and saucepan & lid with red handles, a plastic ‘wooden’ spoon and fish slice.
Apron and oven gloves shown left with 1966 ‘Casual Moments (Ref 12S65) and ‘Summer Walks’ (Ref 12S66).
Sail Away (Ref 12S21)
Sindy’s own oil-skins for her trips on the high seas. A sunshine yellow slip-over textured fabric-backed PVC smock with a large front flap-pocket and white cord drawstring ties. It had matching trousers with a fly-front fastened by one brass coloured metal popper and a matching sou’wester hat.
She was given a burgee (a nautical flag) made of white plastic emblazoned with a Sindy “S” which slipped onto a slim plastic stick approximately 10.5 cms long. She also carried a life belt trimmed in blue and threaded with cord which had her name on it, and a thick cotton drawstring sailing bag which had printed on it in pink “Sindy’s SAILING BAG”.
Although the trade catalogue showed Sindy wearing a pair of her white sneakers, they were not referred to in the text, and we know of two examples of the NRFB (Never Removed From Box) outfit and they did not include shoes.
There are two versions of this outfit, the one made of the thicker textured, fabric-backed PVC is shown in the photo above, and there is a second version made of a smoother fabric-backed PVC (shown left for comparison).
The textured PVC version does stiffen and harden with age, but the smoother version usually remains soft and pliable. It is a very nice variation.
Both the textured and smooth versions have Made in Hong Kong labels.
The smooth version is shown below.
Carefree Camping (Ref 12S22)
Another simple but quite intricate outfit consisting of a red, cotton jersey windcheater top trimmed with black elasticated cuffs and waistband, a white cotton collar with contrasting black stitching, and a real zip. There was pair of white shorts with contrasting black stitching which had a fly front fastened by one white painted metal popper. It included a white peaked sports-cap for her head and white trainers (her usual white sneakers) for her feet. The description notes that “Camping comfortably is much more fun” so Sindy was also given a blue and yellow vinyl blow-up air bed, and a blue plastic picnic basket (complete with her name in red on the outside) containing two yellow cups and saucers and two plates.
Come Dancing (Ref 12S23)
A glamorous strapless full-length ball gown made of white satin with a lace trim at the hem and a blue satin trim on the bodice, overlaid with white blue-spotted nylon. The bodice was fitted and fastened at the back with two white painted metal poppers. Accompanying the dress was a long satin stole matched to the blue trim on the bodice. There was also a matching blue satin grosgrain headband with a white painted metal popper and a pearl necklace. The necklace is made of white lustrous pearl beads threaded onto wire with a bolt ring clasp.
Two types of pearl necklace accompanied this outfit, a straight string of pearls and the version shown in the style leaflet with a figure of eight twist.
We have seen this MIB (Mint in Box) and it did not appear to contain any shoes but we would be pleased to hear from anyone who can confirm this for certain.
Fur Fashion (Ref 12S24)
A chic slim-cut, unlined black wool coat with a luxurious black faux-fur collar. The coat fastens at the front with just one black painted metal popper. There is a matching black faux-fur hat and on her feet Sindy wore a pair of black kitten heel shoes. Sindy carried an umbrella and a copy of “Honey” magazine (a small sheet of printed card see ) which was described thus “Sindy keeps in the fashion picture with Honey magazine.”
Leather Look (Looker) (Ref 12S70)
Sindy’s previous red ‘Leather Looker’ skirt was updated and redesigned in black mock leather but without the braces. This new skirt was described as being shorter in length and slightly flared for easier movement, but actually it is the same size and shape as the original Made in the Irish Republic ‘Leather Looker’ (Ref 12S51) skirt. The skirt fitted snugly at the waist and was fastened at the back by one black painted metal popper. It was decorated with two contrasting white lines of stitching at the hem. This skirt was renamed as ‘Leather Looker’ in subsequent style books.
Shown with 1966 ‘Casual Moments (Ref 12S65).
Smock Dress (Ref 12S71)
A green, needlecord, smock dress which had long sleeves gathered at the cuffs. The dress had a patch pocket on the left at the front and it was attractively smocked in contrasting red thread. The same red stitching was used to trim the rounded neckline and cuffs. The dress fastened with two brass coloured metal poppers at the back.
Bell Bottoms (Ref 12S72)
A pair of white denim bell-bottom jeans with red printed ‘stitching’ down each leg and as back pockets detail. The trousers had a fly-front fastened with a brass coloured metal popper. There was a later variation of these trousers which had blue printed ‘stitching’.
Shown with two variations of 1964 Springtime (Ref 12S59)
Reefer Jacket (Ref 12S73)
A nautical look, navy wool felt jacket. It had smart collar, large pointed lapels, two patch pockets and two faux-hand pockets with flaps. It was styled as a double-breasted coat with four brass metal poppers, two of which fastened the front.
Shown with 1966 ‘Casual Moments (Ref 12S65) and 1967 Highland Lass (Ref 12S75).
Highland Lass (Ref 12S75)
Described as being made from hand woven wool and an authentic tartan, this was indeed a beautifully detailed skirt. The tartan was actually Royal Stewart. The skirt followed a typical wraparound kilt design. The front apron fastened with one red painted metal popper to one side of the waist on top of the under apron. The back of the kilt was carefully detailed with a row of knife pleats, and the front apron had the traditional side fringe. A small brass safety pin acted as a kilt pin. We believe there is a variation to this skirt with the skirt patten matching the tartan in Patch’s ‘Half Term’ variation (see 1967 Patch).
Shown with 1966 ‘Casual Moments (Ref 12S65).
Denim Underwear (Ref 12S76)
“Because she likes nice underwear” Sindy was given a brand new, much more contemporary underwear set comprising of mauve bra and pants made of a light denim cotton together with a co-ordinating gingham cotton half-slip. The bra had back & shoulder straps made from mauve coloured elastic and the half-slip was trimmed with white nylon lace.
Cocktail Time (Ref 12S77)
A short, sleeveless dress, with just a hint of the 1920s flapper dresses. It was made of turquoise blue cotton, trimmed from the waist down with three black nylon frills and with a matching frill around the neck. It was fastened by one black painted metal popper at the back of the neck.
Worn in this photo with the black 1967 Coloured Stockings (Ref 12S78) – see below.
Coloured Stockings (Ref 12S78)
Sindy followed the latest trend with her new elegant lacy stretch-nylon stockings. They came as a pack of two pairs in black and white.
