European Folk Costumes
The first set of costumes Margaret made were obviously European folk costumes in keeping with the increasing familiarity of these countries as tourism to the continent opened up in the 1960s. They were described as “short” garments, all cotton fabrics and short skirts. These are perhaps the 'simplest' designs in the collection but that in no way detracts from the attention to detail and the beauty that can be found in each outfit.The dolls in this set are some of the earliest Sindys in the collection; they are sideparts and trendys. The dolls are shown in the order that Margaret catalogued them.
1. Norwegian




Bright blue cotton skirt with band of orange and mauve embroidery on a black background. White lawn half-sleeved blouse with lace at the neck and blue thread decorative stitching at the neck and on the edge of the elasticated cuffs. Scarlet felt waistcoat and pillbox hat with yellow embroidery and black stitching. The blouse and skirt are fastened with a small matching white and blue button respectively. A two-layer half-petticoat also fastened at the back with a little button. The under-petticoat is made of white nylon trimmed with lace and horizontal double tuck detailing. The over-petticoat is made of stiff white organza, with two tiers, horizontal triple tuck detailing and a wider lace trim at the hem.
This Sindy is an auburn sidepart. Her hair has been cut to reflect the style.
2. Welsh
2. Welsh




Red and white striped cotton skirt with red cotton V-shaped straps. White lawn long-sleeved lace fronted blouse with a high collar. A white lawn, lace trimmed apron and cap. Paisley shawl with black fringe. Black tall-crowned stovepipe hat with white ribbon ties. The hat is very interesting as it is made from a ‘Shopping in the Rain’ (Sindy 1963) raincoat. A two-layer stiff half-petticoat fastened at the back with small button. A simpler under-petticoat trimmed with lace and a much fancier over-petticoat decorated with 5 horizontal rows of tuck detailing and a wider lace trim.
The Sindy is an auburn sidepart walker. Her hair has been cut to reflect the style.
3. Breton
3. Breton



.

Milli-flora red, white and blue cotton skirt. White lawn long-sleeved blouse with a wide lace trim at the neck and cuffs. A tall white lace Breton headdress with an attached veil with pleated edges which has been gathered at the back. Royal blue cotton apron with bib, decorated with tea green ric-rac braid. A two-layer half-petticoat fastened at the back with a little button. The under-petticoat is made of nylon with a deep hem trimmed with lace. The over-petticoat is made of stiff organza, with two tiers, a horizontal tuck detail and trimmed in the same lace.
This Sindy is a brunette trendy with the rubbery legs. Her hair has not been cut, it is tied back with a white ribbon.
4. Swiss
4. Swiss




Reseda green poplin skirt. White lawn three-quarter sleeved blouse trimmed with lace at the neck and cuffs. Ribbed lattice organza cap trimmed with lace. Scarlet square-neck felt jerkin decorated with yellow stitching. Turquoise piqué apron decorated with a band of embroidered ribbon. A two-layer half-petticoat fastened with a button at the back. A simpler under-layer trimmed with lace and a much fancier over-layer with a triple horizontal tuck detailing and a cotton broderie anglaise trim. Outfit completed with a swiss cow bell hanging from the waist on a red cord.
This Sindy is an auburn trendy. Her hair has been curled around her cap to frame her face.
5. Swedish




Turquoise sateen cotton skirt. White lawn long-sleeved blouse trimmed with lace at the neck. A white peaked cap trimmed with lace and decorated with ribbons at the back. Pink and green floral cotton fichu (a small triangular shawl worn around a woman’s shoulders and neck). Black felt bodice, laced at the chest front. Pink and white striped apron embroidered with vertical bands of sage green. A two-layer half-petticoat fastened at the back with a little button. A simpler under-layer trimmed with a lace flourish, and a much more fancier over-layer with a wide width of horizontal four tucks detailing and a cotton broderie anglaise trim.
This Sindy is a blonde trendy walker and she’s still wearing her original boots. Her hair has been cut to reflect the style.
6. Dutch
6. Dutch




Blue and white check cotton skirt with coloured patches. White lawn short-sleeved blouse trimmed with lace at the neck and an apron with patch pockets. Black felt square-necked bodice laced at the chest front. White traditional Dutch cap made of white cotton embroidered cap, with a curled peak and side wings trimmed with lace. A two-layer half-petticoat fastened with a button at the back. A simpler under-layer trimmed with a lace flourish, and a much more fancier over-layer with a wide width of horizontal three tucks detailing and a cotton broderie anglaise trim. White socks decorated with blue stitching and fawn hand-stitch leather clogs.
This Sindy is a blonde trendy walker. Her uncut hair has been styled into two side plaits tied with blue ribbon.
7. Spanish
7. Spanish




Terracotta red sateen cotton skirt banded with three rows of small serrated braid (red yellow and black). White lawn long-sleeved blouse lace trimmed at the neck and cuffs. Canary yellow felt jerkin decorated with black stitching. Black cotton apron with black lace frill. Black fichu with bobble edging. Canary yellow satin nylon kerchief on head, edges hand-hemmed. A two-layer half-petticoat fastened with a button at the back. A simpler under-layer trimmed with lace, and a top layer with a wide cotton broderie anglaise trim.
This Sindy is a brunette trendy with the rubbery legs. Her hair has not been cut, it is tied back and carefully tucked behind the yellow kerchief.
8. Scottish




Black felt jacket with shiny black buttons (lozenge shape) on the front and end of the sleeves. Black felt tam o’shanter with silver brooch holding a red cockade (or heather adornment). Sheer white ruffled blouse with lace at the neck and cuffs. Tartan kilt with pleats at the back, a red fringed side edge and a brass kilt pin. Shoulder plaid with a red fringe fastened to the shoulder with a silver brooch. Knee socks to match tartan with a red ribbon garters. Handmade black leather shoes with silver buckles. White fur sporran with black tassels and a silver trim hanging from the waist on a black belt.
This Sindy is an auburn trendy. Her hair has been cut to frame her face.