Doll talk + Cathy's Comeback muslin!

The darts need work, of course, but I think you'll agree that Vogue 4018 looks promising if a little Cinderelly at the moment.



It may be time to channel my inner fairy godmother.

Can I be real with you for a moment?  The dilemma is -- as always -- boobage.  I'm thinking of maybe sewing in a couple of these, or nothing at all.  Cathy's more Francoise Hardy than Mamie Van Doren, after all, and I don't think she needs dramatic enhancing, do you?  She badly wants to be a positive role model for other young women considering a career in modeling or hostessing, and young men too.

But enough about Cathy's attributes and lack thereof.  You're undoubtedly wondering about how Ken and Allan are getting along.  Friends, they argue constantly, mainly over clothes.

Yesterday, another package arrived in the mail.  It contained...

MORE cute Ken and Allan outfits!



How Negroni are these marvelous print shirts?  We were all very excited.



Yesterday evening the boys wanted to go out on their own and explore the neighborhood.  Ken wore his new red quilted ski jacket with mustard knit dickie, while Allan opted for green retro-print shirt and mod suede vest.



This did not sit right with uptight Ken, however, who refused to go out if Allan wore that fringe vest, especially with those two-toned shoes.



Allan -- who's clearly the conciliator, relented finally, opting instead for gray suit jacket with pocket square.



But then Allan felt resentful.  Finally, Ken compromised: Allan could wear the mod suede pants, and tone down the outfit with white shoes and coordinating tennis sweater.



And off they went.  



More pics and the full-blown argument below.



Patient readers, Ken and Allan have requested that we no longer refer to them as dolls, a term they find, if not exactly demeaning, confining.  They prefer to be called fashion figures.  Please make a note of it in future comments.

You may have noticed their new sturdy black metal stands, proudly made in the USA and a steal at $2.50 each on eBay.  If you have dolls, er --fashion figures, and I know many of you do, do give them the gift of true vertical posing.  How would you like to lean all day or lie flat on your back with your feet stiff in the air?

On Facebook yesterday, MPB reader Mikel admitted to owning "at least 2000+ vintage & repro Barbie's."  In light of this, I ask you, would it be so terrible if I picked up another Ken or two?  I find the flock hair Kens ugly but I wouldn't mind a painted hair brunette or maybe even a hard-to-find Brad or Curtis.   It's easier to have one doll per outfit and not have to dress and undress them all the time and I do think they're a good investment, especially as petroleum by-products become more costly.

In Sew-Along news, we have many new contributions in our Flickr group, including Ken and Allan-worthy garments by Mainely Dad, Very Purple Person, Edsel, and others! 
 
Collect them all Check them out!

I know many of you are still working on your shirts.  Remember, March is just around the corner and then your mid-term evaluations.  Please keep plugging away!

See you bright and early on the morrow!