The Heart Family was produced by Mattel from 1985 to 1990. Mr. and Mrs. Heart, 11.5 and 12 in., were the size of Barbie and Ken. They had three children, grandparents, cousins, neighbor kids, and a dog. Many fashions and play sets were created for them.
Fashions by Me, 1982 by Hasbro, is a 13 in. unusual fashion doll. It has a one piece plastic body with cutouts along all sides to tuck in her clothing. Over the years a few cracks appeared in the cutouts but it still works as a no-sew solution to sewing the clothes. It came in a large box with materials, patterns and accessories.
Ashley, 11.5 in. by Hasbro, is Maxie’s cheerleader friend.
Kristen, 11.5 in. by Hasbro, is one of Maxie’s best friends, and one of the Maxie set of high school teens. Rob, 12 in., is Maxie’s boyfriend.
Maxie, 11.5 in. by Hasbro 1987, was the first in a series of teen age fashion dolls with bendable knees, painted faces and long hair. The idea of creating outfits for them was promoted by a 1989 boxed set of dolls plus 12 basic clothing pieces. Hasbro claimed that these items could be combined to make 101 “Fashion Looks”!
Strawberry Shortcake’s 13 in. high vine-covered gazebo, 1981, was made by American Greetings, who feature the dolls on their greeting cards. Inside are two hammocks and a closet for hanging outfits.
Strawberry Shortcake dolls, 5.5 in. by Kenner, were made in the early 1980’s. The series, made of scented vinyl, also included Raspberry Tart, Blueberry Muffin, Orange Blossom, Lemon Chiffon, and a boy named Huckleberry Pie.
Lloyderson of Spain produced a line of soft sculptured Sweet Cheeks dolls in 1984. They have a vinyl-molded head covered in cotton knit with painted features and round plastic eyes. This one, Caramel, is dressed in velvet with leather-like boots. Lloyderson said their old world craftsmanship would be a “joy forever,” and I think they are right.
Kimberly, 17 in., by Tomy, 1981-1985, looks like a little schoolgirl. She has long thick nylon hair, painted blue eyes, a five jointed and strung body, and many outfits sold separately, such as the roller-skating one shown. In 1984 the smiling Gettin’ Fancy Kimberly was introduced. Both are in their original outfits.
These 12 in. wire and cloth dolls of the 1960’s and 1970’s were not playthings but were made for a dressing table. They have painted plastic faces, individual wired fingers, and are dressed like Southern Belles. Different Asian firms made them and INESCO was an importer. Their legs are glued to stands.
