1979 Sindy Outfits and Separates
“The fashion doll everyone knows” “More collectors than ever”
- Sindy Majorette (Ref 44620) – a Sindy wearing a pretty majorette’s outfit. We have only ever seen this dressed doll in blonde and we would be keen to know whether she came with other hair colours.
- Active Sindy (Ref 44664 – international reference 44663), the ballerina/gymnast, was still available with an updated reference.
- Keep Fit Sindy (Ref 44687 – international Sports Girl Ref 44699) – this Sindy was shown in the trade catalogue as the new bunches Sindy but we also have this doll boxed and she is a basic 2nd Gen, so perhaps they were both used. This doll had a poseable head, twist n turn waist and bendable click-click legs and was wearing a tracksuit.
- Funtime Sindy (Ref 44688 – international reference 44696) – the lowest priced Sindy was again available wearing an attractive simple cotton check dress. She had a poseable head, twist n turn waist and bendable click-click legs.
- Sindy Sweet Dreams (Ref 44689 – international reference 44697) – the sleeping eyes Sindy with a poseable head, twist n turn waist and bendable click-click legs was still available with a slightly different name and a new outfit. The doll that was actually sold was different to the one shown in the Pedigree literature which doesn’t look like a ‘Sweet Dreams’ at all.
We know of two other boxed Sindys which are generally believed to be a 1979 releases called ‘Show Jumper’ and ‘Summertime Fun’ Sindy which are shown below. And, if collectors believe that there are other uncatalogued boxed dolls from 1979 which we have not included, could they please let us know?
Sindy was given a new set of Mix n Match Fashions based on a brown and yellow colour scheme, and now her other outfits were also given themes.
- “Day and night fashions” described as “Low priced fashions geared to Sindy’s lifestyle. Eight complete outfits themed to play situations. New Designs for all collectors.” These were the lowest priced fashions.
- “Out and about fashions” described as “The fashions that put Sindy ahead. New designs to excite collectors. Fine finish and attention to detail.” A more upmarket range with an increased price tag to match.
- Lastly there was also a set of new “Super Fashions” which were described as a “Fashion range with a difference. Frills and finery for very special occasions. Elegance and Style.” These pretty, quite formal outfits were very elaborate and were the most expensive outfits.
Sindy’s clothing accessory packs ‘Dress in Style’ Ref 44403 (the shoes, boots and headbands set introduced in 1976) and ‘Jewellery Accessories’ Ref 44417 (introduced in 1978 and now shown with a brown jewellery box) were still available.
There are very few labels to be found in 1979 outfits. All sorts of labels can be found in the “Day and night fashions”, all are paper labels with a range of “Made in Hong Kong” printing in different coloured inks and designs, but there is almost a complete lack of labels in the more expensive ranges. Most fastenings were sewn-on metal snap fasteners with a preponderance of square-shaped snap fasteners in the middle & high-end ranges.
This year Sindy was given a new type of shoe which was described in the trade catalogue as “jogging shoes” or “sneakers” but which today we would more commonly call trainers. The rise of activities such as jogging and advances in training shoe technology had led to an explosion of different types of training shoes and now there was a training shoe for every sport. And now, around this time, companies were beginning to market their shoes as lifestyle or fashion choices. So of course Sindy was going to need a pair. They became a mainstay of her wardrobe and they were subsequently teamed up with outfits used for sporting activities and/or casual fashions. Her trainers were miniature works of art, a detailed moulded soft plastic training shoe with ridged soles, side panels and laces.
What was a surprise was how difficult it was to document this year. We had not realised just how many variations there were until we started to write them down. Why this might be the case is open to speculation. Sindy and her outfits were now spread across three brands and across many markets, and were probably being manufactured at more than one Hong Kong factory (as is evidenced by all the different labels) so perhaps this led to simple differences between the Pedigree, Schuco and Marx offerings. Indeed, maintaining the supply and integrity of so many products may have been increasingly challenging, and maybe Pedigree had to rely upon a number of approved substitutions to get through the year. Whatever the reason it provides many great collecting opportunities for us today.
We know of two different patterns for the silver brocade cape which are shown below.
Sindy Majorette (Ref 44620) (Boxed doll outfit)
“The glamour that little girls love. A spectacular at every Carnival. Fully detailed costume.”
This outfit consisted of a royal blue brushed nylon all-in-one mini dress. It was designed to look like a long sleeved tunic jacket and skirt. The dress had a high turtle-neck trimmed at the neck with a white cotton lace jabot. The shoulders were decorated with silver braid epaulettes and each sleeve was decorated with the same wide silver braid. The edge of jacket and the hem of the skirt were trimmed with a narrower silver braid. The dress fastened at the back with two chrome coloured metal poppers with the backs facing. For her head Sindy was given a matching peaked hat trimmed with silver braid and embellished at the side with a white fluffy feather. She had a woven silver brocade cape which was attached to one shoulder at the back of the dress and she carried a silver plastic twirling baton with a moulded handle in the middle and a ball at each end and she wore white knee-high boots.
Keep Fit Sindy (Ref 44687) aka Sports Girl (International Ref 44699) (Boxed doll outfit)
Sindy’s tracksuit was a replica of the real thing. It was made from golden yellow and navy blue stretch nylon. The long-sleeved tracksuit top was made in golden yellow with the collar, cuffs and waistband made from navy blue stretch nylon. The front edges of the tracksuit where bound with a navy blue polyester cotton and it fastened with three sewn-on metal snap fasteners (we have found both square and round shape fasteners). The co-ordinating navy blue stretch nylon tracksuit bottoms had an elasticated waist with ankle cuffs made of the golden yellow stretch nylon. Sewn down the side of each leg was a stripe of yellow nylon tape. For her feet Sindy wore a pair of her new shoes – golden yellow trainers.
This is the UK box, but have you ever noticed that Sindy is wearing the international dress?
Funtime Sindy (Ref 44688 - international reference 44696) (Boxed doll outfit)
In our opinion this is one of the prettiest Funtime dresses. The one most commonly found in the UK is the V-necked, sleeveless straight shift dress. Made of cotton, it had an attractive check print pattern in red, navy blue, sky blue, pink, green and white. The front V-neckline was backed with white cotton which was then folded back and stitched in place to provide a delicate contrasting white lapel feature. The dress fastened at the back of the neck with one sewn-on metal snap fastener.
There is a variation this outfit which is the international version. Instead of the waistless shift shape, this dress had a separate bodice and an A-line skirt. It still retained the pretty V-neckline with the white lapel feature. This dress fastened at the back with two sewn-on metal snap fasteners. We have seen this outfit MIB (Mint in Box) on a bunches Sindy.
Here are the two dresses shown side by side for comparison.
This is another outfit where we had a query over the shoes. Our boxed doll showed Sindy wearing white tassel shoes and this is what she was wearing. However the catalogue showed Sindy wearing white round-toed court shoes and we do also have a 1979 Funtime unboxed, but wearing white round-toed court shoes and she still has those little sticky tabs in her shoes that kept them on Sindy’s feet. We have also seen a Mint in Box international version and she was wearing white tassel shoes. For the photo we have chosen white tassel shoes.
There is a very interesting mystery to this outfit. The picture on the Funtime box shows the dress as having a lace trim beneath the hem of the skirt, but we have never seen one of these dresses. However, this outfit has been found with Sindy wearing a fine net petticoat or slip beneath the dress. We know of three examples of this and we can show you two of them. In both of these instances the slips are machine stitched but they are very basic with un-hemmed edges. The first example we know of is a simple half-slip shown right, and the second shown far right is a full-slip which almost replicates the shape of the shift dress. The origins of these slips are unknown, the owner of one slip insists it is original with the doll, but the other Sindys were not Mint in Box and so we don’t know for certain.
We have speculated that they might have actually come with the boxed dolls, or been the Reps prototype samples with added petticoats to match the box photo, or perhaps they were made by original owners to match the illustration? We would be pleased to know if anyone else has one of these slips or if anyone can tell us anything more about them.
Sindy Sweet Dreams (Ref 44689 - international reference 44697) (Boxed doll outfit)
Sindy’s new nightdress was floor-length with long sleeves. It was made of light blue nylon with a layer of light blue floral patterned net nylon stitched on top. The neckline was trimmed with a layer of wide white nylon lace bound with a strip of the blue nylon. The same white lace was used to trim the elasticated cuffs and hem of nightdress. The neck was embellished with a sewn-on light blue satin ribbon. We have noticed that a number of these nightdresses do not have the ribbon decoration, but whether the ribbon has merely dropped off in the intervening years or was made without it we cannot say. Certainly, a number of the ribbons appear to have been very insecurely stitched into place. The nightdress fastened at the back of the neck with one sewn-on metal snap fastener. This outfit came with a pair of light blue furry slippers, which was a pair of Sindy’s white slip on mules with a piece of light blue faux fur glued over the top.
We have not seen the net pattern shown in that the Pedigree literature which looks very similar to the material used for Sindy’s 1977 ‘Misty Blue’ negligee. But, we have two variations to show you. The version (far left without the ribbon trim) is a paler blue and the net layer has a different floral pattern woven with a shimmery white thread. This version can also be found on the 1979 Marx ‘Slumber Time’ Sindy. The version with the ribbon trim (shown above and near left) is a much brighter deeper blue with a simpler floral pattern woven in a matching shimmery blue thread.
Show Jumper (Ref 44698) (aka Sindy Rider) (Boxed doll outfit)
This outfit looked beautiful on a bunches Sindy, and has been found on dolls of all three hair colours. It consisted of a scarlet waisted hunting jacket made from a stiff woven cotton trimmed with a black felt collar and faux pocket flaps. The jacket fasted at the front with two sewn-on metal snap fasters which were decorated with three tiny black plastic buttons. Her stretch nylon riding jodhpurs were a pale caramel colour with coffee coloured suedette knee pads sewn with matching coloured stitching, and white elasticated stirrups. They had a sewn-on waistband made of the same caramel nylon, a fly opening and they fastened with one sewn-on metal snap fastener. At her neck Sindy wore a silky white nylon cravat and for her feet she had a new pair of short ankle-height riding boots moulded with flats heels and elasticated ankle inserts. She came with a black riding crop and black felted riding hat.
We believe this uncatalogued boxed doll reused the 1978 Schuco ‘Reit-Sindy‘ (‘Riding Sindy’) outfit. ‘Reit-Sindy’ was an Active Sindy, but the repackaged doll was a basic bunches Sindy with her own scenic window box.
One written reference that we have found for this doll comes from the September 1979 issue of “Sindy’s World” (Vol. 1 No. 2), an Australian newsletter for “Sindy’s Friends” shown right. We know in the UK this boxed doll was called ‘Show Jumper’ because it said so on the box, but we think it may have been called ‘Sindy Rider’ in some parts of Europe.
Summertime Fun (Ref 44715)
This uncatalogued basic Sindy was dressed in the simple yellow stretch nylon swimsuit that came with the 1977 ‘Sunlounger’ mini scenesetter (Ref 44423) and which was again used for the 1978 uncatalogued ‘Sunshine Girl’ (Ref 44693). Like the ‘Funtime’ Sindy, she came in a basic illustrated box.
We know of two fabric variations of the white broderie anglais half-slip shown left. We would be pleased to hear if there are any others.
Smarty Pants (Ref 44200) - Day and night fashions
Sindy’s underwear set for 1979 was another bra, half-slip and two pants set. But, her two new pairs of pants were actually French knickers, In the mid to late 1970s designers such as Janet Reger were leading the revival of sexier, more exotic underwear. Enabled by the introduction of new man-made fabrics which emulated the feel of satin and silk but at a fraction of the price, high street stores and chains such as Marks & Spencer (whose underwear is beloved by many British women), quickly followed suit, and where the high street went so naturally did Pedigree.
The bra was made of a silky, finely ribbed white nylon with silky white cord straps. This bra was very pretty and softly shaped with a little dart under each cup. The top of the bra was trimmed with a delicate silky white nylon lace and it fastened at the back with one sewn-on metal snap fastener. This half-slip was calf-length and was made of white broderie anglais cotton. It had a sewn-on waistband made of the same material and it fastened at the side of the waist with one sewn-on metal snap fastener. The hem was decorated with quite a coarse yellow and white nylon lace trim. Her new French knickers followed the style perfectly. Made of the same silky, finely ribbed white nylon as her bra, they were generously cut with slightly longer legs. They had elasticated waists but the leg holes were not elasticated, instead they were trimmed with lace. One pair was trimmed with the same lace as the bra and the other pair with the same lace as the half-slip. To complete the outfit there was a pair of white one-strap sandals.
Rock 'n' Roller (Ref 44201) - Day and night fashions
Pedigree’s literature described this outfit as “Striped velour baggy sweater, straight leg navy jeans and sneakers.” Well the sneakers were right, but the rest of the outfit was quite different.
The long-sleeved, V-neck top was made of patterned ribbed cotton with horizontal stripes of blue, red and yellow. By way of contrast, the neckline, cuffs and waistband were made of navy blue stretch nylon. It fastened at the back of the neck with one sewn-on metal snap fastener. Instead of jeans, this outfit came with a pair of straight leg, slim fitting trousers made of quite thick cotton. The trousers had a fly opening and fastened with a sewn-on metal snap fastener. For her feet Sindy was given a pair of her new golden yellow trainers.
This outfit has been found with both navy blue and white trousers as shown above. We have also seen it with the Marx Sindy with straight legged yellow trousers (please see our Marx Sindy page for information on that).
Some of these tops have been found with the stripes upside down (not shown). We also understand that there is a nylon version of the top which unfortunately we don’t have to show you.
Dinner Date (Ref 44202) - Day and night fashions
This was a very pretty maxi-dress made of a crisp floral cotton. It was quite similar in shape to 1978’s ‘Barn Dance’ but it had a different neckline. This dress had a high-necked bodice which was decorated with a square-shaped white nylon lace trim forming a yoke which went up over the shoulders and ending in a U-shape at the back. It also had the long sleeves, puffed at the shoulder and close fitting at the wrists. The skirt of this dress had a calf-height frill made from the floral cotton and the seam between the skirt and frill was decorated with the same lace trim as the yoke. It fastened at the back with three sewn-on snap fasteners. Red slip-on mules accompanied this outfit.
We have not seen the floral pattern shown in the Pedigree literature but we know of four variations of the floral fabric. They are:
- Pink & white roses with smaller yellow & green and white & pink flowers with green leaves & stems on a black background;
- Blue & white roses with smaller yellow & green and white & blue flowers with green leaves & stems on a red background;
- Blue, golden yellow & white flowers with blue & white centres with small green leaves on a red background; and,
- Small white daisy shaped flowers with red centres, tiny yellow buds and green leaves and stems on a navy blue background.
We would be pleased to know if there are any others.
Windswept (Ref 44203) - Day and night fashions
Described by Pedigree as being a “Striped towelling beach jacket with red corduroy trousers”, this was another of Sindy’s casual outfits. The cotton towelling beach jacket was patterned with cheerful horizontal stripes in red, orange and yellow. It had straight long sleeves, a hood and patch hand pockets, and it had thin white elastic stitched along the bottom to gather the waist in. It opened down the front and fastened with three sewn-on metal snap fasteners. This outfit has been found with three types of trousers. The first are the straight leg, red corduroy trousers shown in trade catalogue described by Pedigree. They had a fly opening and fastened with a square-shaped sewn-on metal snap fastener.
Similar to Rock ‘n’ Roller (Ref 44201) this outfit has also been found with different trousers. It has also been found mint in Pedigree packaging with straight leg, deep golden yellow cotton trousers and this version had a round sewn-on metal snap fastener, and to further confuse the issue there is also the Marx Sindy version which has yellow cotton trousers and this too fastened with a round sewn-on metal snap fastener. All three versions came with red slip-on mules.
Again we have not seen the version of this dress shown in the Pedigree literature but we do know of two variations. They are most easily seen by looking at the hats. The first is a very dark navy blue with a white floral pattern, and the second is a lighter navy blue and has a floral & stripes pattern.
Society Miss (Ref 44204) - Day and night fashions
This dress and hat ensemble is definitely one of those outfits that looks better on a Sindy than it did in the packet. The dress was an A-line, calf-length shift design made of white drill cotton. It had long sleeves and V-neck yoke infilled with a contrasting navy blue & white patterned cotton. This contrasting material was also used to give the dress a turtle-neck collar and cuffs. By way of additional detailing the dress had two sewn-in seam pockets. It fastened at the back with two sewn-on metal snap fasteners. The accompanying cloche hat was made of the contrasting navy blue & white patterned cotton. It was decorated with a loose hat band made of the white drill cotton which was folded and sewn into the seam of the hat. This outfit came with a pair of white round-toed court shoes.
Pony Club (Ref 44205) - Day and night fashions
Sindy’s riding outfit for 1979 was quite similar to her 1978 outfit. Sindy’s top was again a bright yellow stretch nylon jumper and this one was quite close fitting. It had a sewn-on turtleneck, cuffs and waistband made of the yellow fabric. It fastened at the back of the neck with one square-shaped sewn-on metal snap fastener. But, instead of the decorative black plastic horseshoe motif, this top had a printed bay horse’s head peering over the top of an upturned horseshoe. Her stretch nylon riding jodhpurs were the same as her ‘Show Jumper’ ones (see above) and were a pale caramel colour with coffee coloured suedette knee pads sewn with matching coloured stitching, and white elasticated stirrups. They had a sewn-on waistband made of the same caramel nylon, a fly opening and they fastened with one sewn-on metal snap fastener. Interestingly for her feet she wore the same short ankle-height riding boots moulded with flats heels and elasticated ankle inserts which were also found with ‘Show Jumper’. A black riding crop was also included.
This is an interesting one. This jumpsuit is described in the trade catalogue as “pale blue corduroy” and we have this version to show you above. But actually the most commonly found jumpsuit is actually made of pale denim-blue soft drill cotton, shown right.
Playtime (Ref 44206) - Day and night fashions
The jumpsuit had short sleeves, a sewn-on collar, a patch pocket on the left breast, and a half-belt which was sewn into the side seams and which tied at the front. It opened down the front where it fastened with one sewn-on metal snap fastener. To provide some shape, the back of the waist was elasticated in line with the tie belt. By way of contrasting detail, the edges of the collar, front opening and belt were over-stitched with a row of silky red cotton, and the edges of the sleeves and the top of the pocket were over-stitched with two rows. Red slip-on mules accompanied this outfit.
Pyjama Party (Ref 44207) - Day and night fashions
A sweet pair of pyjamas was the last outfit in this 1979 range. Made of silky nylon, this outfit consisted of a long-sleeved wrapover jacket and trousers. The neck and front edges plus the ends of the sleeves were trimmed with cream cotton & nylon lace and it fastened with a mocha brown taffeta ribbon tie-belt which was stitched to the back of the jacket. The trousers were straight cut and had an elasticated waist and a cream lace trim around the bottom of each leg. This outfit came with a pair of brown slippers which were made from a pair of brown one-strap sandals with a cream faux fur trim.
In addition there is also another interesting variation which is a peach colour and instead of the brown taffeta ribbon this one has a belt made of peach coloured “ballerina” ribbon (so called because it is the same as that used to tie the Active Sindy’s hair). As the owner says, she cannot say for certain that the fabric hasn’t just faded or got washed out, but it certainly looks different in colour and the belt is undoubtedly a variation.
This outfit usually came in chocolate brown nylon and there is a well known variation which was a golden orange colour. Both variations are shown above.
Première Girl (Ref 44297) – Super fashions
This was a most intricate outfit reminiscent of Victorian costumes and a lot of work went into its manufacture. The dress was in two parts stitched together. Underneath was a simple grey/brown liver coloured satin sheath. It was floor-length and strapless and the overdress was stitched into its back seam. The overdress was a lacy concoction with a floral and latticework design in cafe au lait and coffee coloured shiny nylon netting. It had long sleeves trimmed with chocolate brown lace, a round neckline trimmed with either chocolate brown lace or liver coloured satin binding, and a liver coloured satin sash. The overdress had a full skirt with a knee-height frill made from the same netting with the seam between the skirt and frill trimmed with the chocolate brown lace. The dress fastened at the back with two square-shaped sewn-on metal snap fasteners. Over her dress, Sindy wore hooded evening cape. It was made of chocolate brown velveteen. The inside of the hood was lined with gold lamé and the back of the hood was fashioned into a point which folded down, stitched into place and trimmed with a gold tinsel tassel. The cape fastened under Sindy’s neck with a square-shaped sewn-on metal snap fastener. On her feet she wore a pair of brown tassel shoes.
Sindy’s hooded evening cape is still really beautiful.
We know of three variations of this dress. As shown below left to right; one has more a caramel and coffee coloured netting with liver coloured satin binding at the neck and dark chocolate box-shaped lace on the skirt. The boxed example has cafe-au-lait and coffee coloured netting with liver coloured satin binding at the neck and a very dark black/brown scallop-shaped nylon lace on the skirt. The third has a richer cafe-au-lait and coffee coloured netting with a dark chocolate brown boxed-shaped lace trim at the neck and on the skirt. Are there any others we wonder?
It should be noted that the brown lace trims were also used on the ‘Fair Lady’ outfits (see below).
White Wedding (Ref 44298) – Super fashions
Sindy’s wedding gown was another classic design. Made from finely ribbed white satin nylon, this dress had a high neck, long straight sleeves and an inverted V waistline attached to a bell-shaped A-line skirt. Stitched at one end to the stand-up collar, tacked in two places down the front of the bodice, and stitched into the waistline seam at the tip of the V was a string of white plastic beads. The hem of the dress was trimmed with white nylon lace and a second layer of the lace adorned the front of the skirt stitched in an inverted V to match the waistline. For a final flourish the ends of the sleeves were also trimmed with a white nylon lace although it was different to that used on the skirt. This dress fastened at the back with two square-shaped sewn-on snap fasteners. Over the gown Sindy wore a lacy edge-to-edge floor-length coat. The coat had long sleeves, an attached hood and the back of the coat was shaped with a half-circle train. It was made of a very pretty white nylon netting with a delicate floral design and it was completely edged with the same lace as was on the sleeves of the gown. This outfit came with a red & white bouquet made up of four fabric flowers (two white & two red) with yellow centres which were tied with red & white taffeta ribbon streamers. Interestingly, the dark flowers in this bouquet are actually a very deep pink (they are not faded), perhaps the factory had run out of red? She also carried a silver painted plastic horseshoe stuck to a piece white ribbon. For her feet Sindy wore white round-toed court shoes.
Unknown (Ref 44862)
There is a variation of this outfit which has been found in the Netherlands on a boxed doll. We don’t know if she had a name but the reference for this doll was 44862.
On the front of the box is a heart-shaped label which reads “je hartsvriendin” which translates into English as “your best friend”, therefore pointing to this doll being made for the Dutch market.
As you can see on the right she has a small posy of pink flowers tied with white ribbon, although we have also seen it tied with pink. This outfit does not appear to have a horseshoe but we understand that they are not really a Dutch tradition. She also wore white round toed court shoes.
The outfit is the same basic design as the Pedigree UK version. But the dress is slightly different, instead of being finely ribbed, the white nylon satin is smooth and shiny and this dress fastened at the back with two chrome coloured metal poppers with the backs facing. The string of decorative white plastic beads has been replaced with a row of white plastic beads spaced out and stitched to the front seam of the bodice (see detailed photos below) and the lace trimmings are also different. The coat had a different floral design edged with the same lace as on the sleeves of the gown, but this lace trim is a delicate wheel shape rather than the teardrop shape of the Pedigree version (see below).
UK Pedigree versions are on the left and the continental variation are shown on the right.
‘Fair Lady’ was also used to dress a continental boxed doll, we don’t know if she had a name but the reference for this doll was 44864. We believe she wore the outfit shown right, which has a more vibrant fabric and in our opinion is much nicer than the UK version. This may have been Schuco packaged version but we don’t know for sure.
We also show the version above in 1980 Sindy.
Fair Lady (Ref 44299) – Super fashions
Another nostalgic outfit which was described as “period dress” in the trade catalogue. This outfit consisted of a cream calico-type cotton underdress with a brown floral printed pinafore overdress and matching hat.
This outfit was available in both 1979 and in 1980 and the outfits as shown in the Pedigree literature do resemble the outfits found today. But there are two versions of this outfit, a 1979 outfit which was quite ornate and a 1980 version which was slightly simplified. Whether there were manufacturing problems with the more ornate version or whether this was merely a cost cutting strategy we cannot say. We will show them all so that you can compare the differences.
For the 1979 version shown left, the underdress had long sleeves trimmed at the cuffs with a frill of the same cotton. It had a high neck and where the stand-up collar was attached to the neckline of the bodice it was trimmed with a flourish of wide cream cotton lace. The wide skirt of the underdress reached to just above Sindy’s ankle where it was trimmed with two rows of the cream coloured lace giving it both length and shape. It fastened at the back with two square-shaped sewn-on metal snap fasteners. The pinafore overdress was made of cotton printed with a floral pattern in red, yellow green, coffee & white on a dark brown background. The front of the bodice was cut-out to expose the cream bodice of the underdress and the back of the bodice was V-shaped where it fastened with one square-shaped sewn-on metal snap fastener. Its short puffed elasticated sleeves and the shorter length skirt were also designed to expose the dress underneath. As a final flourish, both the neckline of the bodice and the hem of the over dress were trimmed with a very dark black/brown scallop-shaped nylon lace. The matching wide brimmed picture hat was made of the brown floral cotton, with the underside of the brim lined in the cream calico-type cotton. The brim of the hat was edged with very dark black/brown scallop-shaped nylon lace. This outfit naturally came with brown tassel shoes.
The 1980 version shown left was simplified and the differences related to the cream underdress. This version had straight sleeves with no cuffs, the frill around the neck was omitted and there was only one row of lace around the hem. The only other difference we have noted was the nylon lace trim which was now a dark chocolate brown box-shaped pattern.
There are two other things that we want to document regarding this outfit generally. Firstly the brown lace trims found on these outfits were also used on ‘Première Girl’ (see above). Secondly there are a number of variations of the brown floral fabric, some of which to our eyes are to do with the intensity of the dyes used. Some of these outfits are wonderfully bright and vibrant whilst others are really quite dull.
Winter Nights (Ref 44320) – Out and about fashions
Sindy’s nightdress and dressing gown ensemble for 1979 was a floor length nightdress and dressing gown set, but what really lifted it was the pretty embroidered tape used to trim the garments. Made of 1 cm wide cotton, this tape was embroidered with red stylised roses alternating with yellow flowers and interspersed with green leaves.
The nightdress was made of white silky nylon, it had an elasticated neckline & waist, and the embroidered tape was used to make the shoulder straps and to decorate the hem. The nightdress fastened at the back with two chrome coloured poppers with the backs facing. The dressing gown was a buttercup yellow hooded cotton towelling robe. It had long sleeves, a patch pocket on the left hip and an elasticated neckline to provide shape to the hood. The edge of the hood and the front edges were also trimmed with the embroidered tape, and it fastened at the front with two sewn-on metal snap fasteners. This outfit came with a pair of slippers made from a pair of Sindy’s white slip-on mules with a piece of bright yellow faux fur glued over the top.
Tartan Touch (Ref 44321) – Out and about fashions
Just right for Hogmanay, this was an elegant tartan evening dress with a pretty lace shawl and matching evening bag. The floor length dress was made of a red tartan patterned cotton. Surprisingly the cotton was very fine and thin, so the front of the bodice was backed with white fabric stiffener. The dress had short puffed sleeves, a square neckline, a shaped bodice with two darts at the front, and a calf-height frill made of the same material. The sleeves and neckline were trimmed with a length of white nylon lace. This same lace was used to trim the hemline of the dress but by way of additional decoration, a much wider length of white nylon lace was sewn behind the narrower strip providing an extra flourish to the frill. This dress fastened at the back with two chrome coloured poppers with the backs facing.
There are a number of variations of this outfit. Some relate to the tartan cotton, others to the lace trim, even the dolly bag has been found with both satin and taffeta ribbon handles. Here are three variations that we know of and we would be very pleased to hear of any others.
Sindy’s shawl was made of a triangle of white nylon floral patterned net. The long edge of the shawl was folded over and stitched, and short edges were decorated with the same wider lace strip that was used on the bottom of the dress.
The evening bag was a cute little dolly bag made of the tartan cotton, with an elasticated opening trimmed again with the wide lace strip. It had a little white ribbon handle.
We did believe that this outfit came with red round-toed court shoes, but as can be seen from the MIB (Mint in Box) example shown left & below the shoes are actually white tassel shoes.
Bonnie Sindy (Ref 44901)
This outfit was subsequently used for a boxed basic Sindy doll called ‘Bonnie Sindy’ (Ref 44901). We understand that she was made for the Edinburgh based firm John Menzies plc who owned a chain of newsagent shops. At the time, John Menzies newsagents in the UK were mostly located in railway stations, but in Scotland it also had a significant number of larger high street stores giving it a dominant market position north of the border. We believe this Sindy doll was commissioned for that Scottish market. These newsagents are no more, the retail arm was sold in 1998 to enable John Menzies to concentrate on its distribution business.
Seaside Special (Ref 44322) – Out and about fashion
Sindy’s beach wear for 1979 was one of those interesting outfits which could be worn in a number of different ways.
Made from white cotton towelling and red & white candy stripe printed cotton, the outfit included a bikini, top, skirt and bag. The skimpy string bikini was made from the white towelling and was trimmed with the candy stripe cotton which also formed the string straps & ties. The bikini bra had a halter neck and it fastened at the back and behind the neck with a sewn-on metal snap fastener attached to the candy stripe ties. The matching bikini bottoms simply fastened at the side of the hip with the candy stripe ties. The beach top was another hoodie, it was made of white towelling with straight long sleeves, an attached hood lined with candy stripe cotton, and patch hand pockets also made of candy stripe cotton. The top had a half-opening at the front which was bound with candy stripe cotton and which fastened with one sewn-on metal snap fastener and it had a drawstring waist threaded with a fine white silky cord.
Her co-ordinating floor-length wraparound skirt was made of candy stripe cotton bound with a white cotton binding. It was broadly U-shaped, cut with a longer strip along the top of the U which could be used to tie the skirt around Sindy’s waist. Sindy’s beach bag was a drawstring type made of the candy stripe cotton with a soft cotton cord tie, and to complete the outfit she had a pair of red slip-on mules.
Country Club (Ref 44323) – Out and about fashions
Ideal for a walk down to the paddocks or a round of golf, this was a crisp smart jacket & skirt set. The jacket was made of a mushroom brown linen-like cotton material and was styled as a double-breasted jacked. It had long straight sleeves, a sewn-on shawl collar, and it was trimmed with four tiny white plastic buttons. It fastened to one side at the front with one sewn-on metal snap fastener. The co-ordinating pleated skirt came to just below the knee and was made of a cream linen-like cotton material which had minute brown flecks in the weave. It had a wide waistband and it fastened at the back with one sewn-on metal snap fastener.
Under the jacket Sindy wore a sleeveless shirt with a sewn-on collar with notched lapels. It was made of a complimentary brown and white gingham cotton and it fastened at the front with one sewn-on metal snap fastener.
Although described as “nylon” in the trade catalogue, Sindy’s beret was made of chocolate brown thin drill cotton. It had a sewn-on headband and a loop tab made of the same material.
A pair of brown tassel shoes accompanied this outfit.
Rainy Days (Ref 44324) – Out and about fashions
Sindy’s raincoat for 1979 was a very stylish navy blue gaberdine cotton raincoat. It was a calf-length coat with long sleeves, an attached hood and a belted waist. With echoes of the red, white & blue garments of 1978, the cuffs of the coat sleeves were trimmed with a narrow stripe red, white & blue cotton. The inside of the hood was also lined with the same fabric. The coat fastened at the front with two sewn-on metal snap fasteners and was belted at the waist with a belt made of the same navy blue fabric. The belt was attached to the back of the waist and was adorned with a gold coloured, oval shaped metal belt. Matching the raincoat was a navy blue gaberdine cotton shoulder bag. It was decorated with the red, white & blue cotton and it had a front flap which fastened with a sewn-on metal snap fastener. To complete this outfit Sindy was given a long red scarf with fringed ends and a pair of her red knee-high boots.
Those collectors who like variations will be pleased to know that there is a variation to this outfit, but it is quite subtle and easily missed. Firstly, there are two types of navy blue gaberdine cotton fabric. One is quite thin and rather limp, and when you hold it up you can see the light through it. The other is much thicker, it feels stiffer, hangs very nicely and needs less ironing.
We have found two different scarves. One scarf is made from red brushed nylon and the other from red felt.
We cannot be entirely sure how these items all go together as none of our outfits are MIB (Mint in Box) but based on outfits which were bought as complete from original owners we think the thin gaberdine raincoat came with the brushed nylon scarf. We have also seen the felt scarf MIB (Mint in Box) in Marx packaging, so it could be that version. We would be very pleased to hear from anyone to see what they have.
Fancy Free (Ref 44325) – Out and about fashions
This is a lovely denim and cheesecloth outfit which was a very popular fabric combination at the time. These blue jeans were straight-legged with back patch pockets, a fly opening and sewn-on metal snap fastener. They were worn with a matching casual V-shaped, short-cut waistcoat. Under the waistcoat Sindy wore a cotton cheesecloth shirt in the pale pink. It had long sleeves, a sewn-on collar and curved shirttails. By way of extra detailing the material down the front opening was folded back and stitched into place. The shirt fastened with one sewn-on metal snap fastener. Sindy was given a long rectangular headscarf made from the pale pink cheesecloth. The long edges were hemmed but the short edges were left unstitched and were gently frayed instead. Sindy carried a tote bag made of the jeans material. It was decorated with a jeans patch pocket with a turned-down flap. The edges of the bag was trimmed with pinking cotton binding and the two handles were made of the same pink fabric. This outfit came with white slip-on mules.
1979 Mix n Match fashions
The red, white and blue theme of the 1978 outfits was replaced with a brown, white and yellow colour scheme. There were still eight different packs which could be used to create 84 different fashions and the trade catalogue described them as “Priced for young pockets. High fashion separates”. The general product lines of combinations of skirts, tops, trousers and jackets was continued.
The trade catalogue didn’t show international references for this range, and there was no new write-in offer, the child’s T-shirt offer having been discontinued in 1978.
Ref 44327
Two pairs of cotton trousers, one pair in brown and the other in white. They had fly openings and fastened at the waist with a sewn-on metal snap fastener. A pair of white slip-on mules was included in this pack
Ref 44328
A pair of golden yellow thick cotton trousers with a fly opening which fastened with a sewn-on metal snap fastener and a brown thin cotton skirt with contrasting yellow overstitching. The skirt was A-line in shape with made up for four half-panels with a sewn-on waistband. It fastened at the back with one sewn-on metal snap fastener. The front of the skirt was decorated with a yellow overstitch which highlighted the front seam and provided the impression of two hip pockets. This set came with a pair of brown tassel shoes.
We know of two variations of this top, one is a dark brown and the other a lighter tan brown. Given this garment is made of brushed nylon we think these are the true colours.
Ref 44329
This set consisted of a brushed nylon chocolate brown over-jumper and a tote bag. The jumper had a rounded V-shape neckline with a high yoke giving it a swingy smock style. It had half-length sleeves and it opened down the back and it fastened at the back of the neck with one sewn-on metal snap fastener. The accompanying tote bag was made of white cotton with double handle straps and it was decorated with a stylised butterfly motif embroidered in brown and gold thread.
Ref 44330
Two skirts. The first was a golden yellow thick cotton A-line skirt made from the same material as the trousers in pack 44328. It had a kick-pleat at the front and a sewn-on waistband. It fastened at the back of the waist with a sewn-on metal snap fastener. The second skirt was made of a fine cotton and was a fashionable three tier skirt made of two contrasting tiers of brown and white vertical stripes with a white tier in the middle. The seams of the tiers were trimmed with a length of white nylon lace. The skirt had a sewn-on waistband and fastened at the back of the waist with a sewn-on metal snap fastener. This set came with a pair of white tassel shoes.
Ref 44331
Two tops. A “big-stripe” cotton shirt and a printed nylon T-shirt. The shirt was made of the same brown & white cotton as the tiered skit which came with pack 44330. It had long sleeves and a sewn-on mandarin collar and cuffs. It fastened at the front with two sewn-on metal snap fasteners. The T-shirt was printed with a faux V-neck displaying a shirt and bow tie beneath and a handkerchief flowing from a left-breast pocket. The design cleverly made use of three complimentary colours to create the effect, dark brown, light brown and yellow.
We know of two variations of the T-shirt. As you can see the printing is different and in fact the T-shirt at the top is more like the Pedigree literature which also shows a lighter brown for the outline of the bow tie and handkerchief.
Ref 44332
A long-sleeved jacket was made of bright yellow brushed nylon. It had a sewn-on collar and two shaped pouch pockets at the front just above the waistband. It fastened at the front with two sewn-on metal snap fasteners – one at the neck and one at the midriff – and it tied at the waist with a white silky cord drawstring.
This jacket is different to the one shown in the Pedigree literature which was white and yellow horizontal stripes and appeared to be made of towelling although it was described in the literature as being made of brushed nylon. The one we have is very similar indeed to the 1978 red brushed nylon jacket from pack 44186 and we think the striped version shown in the literature was a prototype. We would be interested to hear if anyone does have a white and yellow striped version.
We know of two variations of this top, one is a bright lemon yellow and the other a buttercup yellow. Given this garment is made of brushed nylon again we think these are the true colours.
Ref 44333
Two tops. This set consisted of a golden yellow nylon “polo neck” sweater and a smart white cotton blouse. The nylon sweater had long sleeves with a sewn-on polo neck and cuffs and a sewn-on waistband. This jumper fastened at the back with two sewn-on metal snap fasteners. The tailored short-sleeved blouse had a sewn-on collar and it fastened at the front with one sewn-on metal snap fastener. By way of detailing, it was overstitched in brown thread around the collar and down the front edges, with a double row of stitching at the end of the sleeves. To us, it looks very similar to the 1978 ‘Mix n Match’ blouse which was depicted in the Pedigree literature for set 44191 (see 1978 Sindy).
Ref 44334
A tailored jacket and scarf set completed the ‘Mix n Match’ line-up for 1979. The long-sleeved edge to edge jacket was made from chocolate brown cotton. It was collarless and had turned back lapels. The neckline, lapels, front edges of the jacket and end of the sleeves were decorated with a yellow overstitch. Accompanying this jacket was a yellow and white check scarf.
There are two variations of the scarf. The first is similar to the Pedigree literature. It is made of yellow & white gingham check cotton, hemmed along the long edges and left unfinished at the ends. The second is wider and made of a gold, yellow and white nylon woven with an eyelet pattern. We did wonder if the nylon scarf was a later addition to complete the production run, however our MIP (Mint In Packet) version with the cotton scarf bears a Pedigree shipping label dated 27th November 1979 indicating that the cotton scarf was still being distributed towards the end of the year.
