FROM THE DESK OF

Shirley R. Heater

July-August-September 2000

We take so much for granted these days. Recent storms throughout the mid-west forced me off the computer more than once. One evening we were without power for about four hours. Since it was too early to go to bed, we got out some candles. I folded copies of my patterns and inserted them in their envelopes by candlelight!

Besides the power interrupts (yikes!), my printer quit (and is still not right), then my sewing machine locked up—all providing a greater challenge than anticipated. It seems the more hi-tech things are, the more potential there is for problems. Such as been the case while working on the web site, preparing this issue of The Fashion Plate for dolls, ongoing pattern design and making prototype fashions. I'm not a computer whiz and am pretty slow anyway, without the problems. But at last, here it is:

In this issue of The Fashion Plate I share in "Nostalgia" my hiatus from dolls and unexpected return, with gusto! You'll enjoy a chuckle at my "bucket of Barbies" story. "Keeping You in Stitches" continues with a discussion of fabrics as part of the preliminary basics to sewing tips, techniques and shortcuts. (Pattern layout will be covered in the next installment.) Check out new additions to the pattern sections. New "On the Runway..." designs feature "Billows" for Gene, "Matinee Fashion" for Barbie (a re-mastered, updated version of Aileen's pattern #78, shown on page 138 of Sarah Eames' Barbie Fashion, vol. 1) and "Hosiery Bag" accessory, re-mastered from 1968. Archive reprints include "Bon Voyage to an Hawaiian Holiday" (Barbie), "Campus Coeds" (Barbie & Ken), "Date Mates" (Barbie & Ken), "Cuties for Crissy" (Ideal's 17") and "Dawn Darlings" (Topper's 6").

Just click on a section title below:

Nostalgia: Starting over with a bucket of Barbies!

Fabrics 101: Selection & Preparation