Description: Springfield Collection DollsSubmitted by Little Raven on Tue, 2017-08-01 12:03The Springfield Collection by Fibre Craft describes itself as "a brand of fun, fashionable and affordable 18-inch dolls, clothing, accessories and furniture." Their modestly priced 18" dolls have long been a popular alternative to the costlier American Girl dolls, but the current Springfield Collection dolls are the result of a long evolution, beginning in the mid 1990s.The original Springfield 18 inchers came un-stuffed as part of a kit and were sold at craft stores like Hobby Lobby. They required Poly-fil and some quick stitching to complete (which is why they were sold at craft stores). They had 3/4" vinyl arms and legs without articulated joints, although they could be assembled with an armature to allow them to stand or make them more poseable.1990s SPRINGFIELD COLLECTION DOLL FROM KITThese early dolls came in light or dark skin with thick wavy hair, either blonde red or dark brown/ black hair, and they had blue, green, or brown eyes. Unfortunately, their hair could be unmanageable and hard to comb. EARLY FIBRE CRAFT/SPRINGFIELD DOLL KITS for SARAH, KATIE, and LAURA SPRINGFIELD COLLECTION KIT MAGGIE1st GENERATION SPRINGFIELD COLLECTION DOLLSLike the early Pleasant Company American Girl dolls, they came with an early American or Frontier theme.A second version of the Springfield collection dolls soon followed, and these came pre-stuffed, and included both straight and curly hair, as well as a new medium skin doll.However, the hair on Generation 2 still frizzed easily after a few comb-throughs, and the body still lacked full vinyl, articulated joints. Their theme was also updated to a contemporary one, with modern day outfits. 2nd GENERATION SPRINGFIELD COLLECTION DOLLSEventually, Springfield Collection dolls were given jointed bodies (they were advertised as "she can pose & sit") and after another round or two of name changes, they got better quality hair. GENERATION 2.2 ADDED ARTICULATED JOINTS3rd GENERATION SPRINGFIELD COLLECTION ABBY, EMMA, OLIVIA, MADISON, and MARIA SPRINGFIELD COLLECTION ABBYSomewhere in the mix, Fibre Craft also added Native American doll Niya. She may have been their answer to AG's Kaya.SPRINGFIELD COLLECTION NIYA and AMERICAN GIRL KAYANiya was unusual in that her hair was rooted into a permanent center part all the way around the back and sides of her head that was intended to stay in the two-braid hairstyle she was sold in. Taking the braids down without some other method of holding the hair in place revealed an essentially bald head. But for a unique kind of collector doll, and a nod to the NA community, Niya was an interesting addition to the Springfield Collection. Unfortunately, she was discontinued a short time later.GENERATION 2.2 with NIYANevertheless, Springfield Collection doll fans have noticed that 3rd Generation Maria is pretty much a replica of 2nd Generation Niya but with better hair, and she can easily fill in as a Native American or other ethnic doll if she needs to!MARIA and NIYAIn terms of diversity, Fibre Craft has made an effort to be inclusive with their dolls, extending all the way back with the AA Maggie kit in the 1990s. With the advent of the pre-stuffed dolls a short time later, Hispanic/ ethnic Gina was added. Gina eventually developed into Sophia, and then finally Maria, meanwhile Maggie had become Madison.MADISON and GINAThere are unfortunately no Asian Springfield dolls, and developing one would likely require a unique face mold. There are currently no boy Springfield Collection dolls.There was also a special Springfield Boutique collection that sold exclusively at JoAnn Fabrics during late 2015. The dolls were fairly identical to the regular Springfield Collection, although they had been given different names (with the exception of Madison).SPRINGFIELD BOUTIQUE ELLA, ALEXIS, MADISON, PAIGE and SAVANNAHFor those interested in the individual dolls' evolution into later dolls and their name changes, the suggested order looks something like this.Springfield Collection Springfield Boutique1st Gen2nd Gen3rd Gen4th GenGinaSophiaMariaEllaSarahAmandaAbbyAbbyAlexisLauraLindseyEmmaEmmaPaigeMaggieMadisonMadisonMadisonMadisonKatieStacyOliviaOliviaSavannahNiyaA MORE COMPLETE TABLE HERESpringfield Collection dolls have cute, round faces in sculpts definitely meant to emulate American Girl doll faces, although their cheeks are noticeably chubbier and their eyes rounder.At times during the various renaming and reshuffling of the collections, their face paint has occasionally suffered from overly bright lips or overly surprised eyebrows. But their general aesthetic has been decent for their affordable price, and the look has steadily improved over the years in terms of hair quality and "makeup."SPRINGFIELD COLLECTION OLIVIA'S EVOLUTION In late 2015, Springfield Collection dolls got a makeover and now have longer (or curlier) eyelashes, and more realistic eyebrows. They've also traded in their bangs/fringe for a side part on their long hair.4th GENERATION SPRINGFIELD COLLECTION ABBYThe altered design was likely carried over from Fibre Craft's BUtiful doll line by Rachel Gutierrez, who updated the Springfield girls' face paint to produce a trendier, more upscale version of the dolls for BUtiful.The BU-tiful dolls used essentially the same or similar models as the Springfield Collection, with the exception of new vinyl chest plates that allowed them to make the most of their trendy image and "upscale" look. Currently they may be difficult to find, although Amazon may offer them in limited quantities. In regards to the latest Springfield Collections, it's worth a mention that Madison's vinyl seems to have progressively lightened; she nearly looks medium skinned now. Some may see this move as disappointing or unnecessary (myself included) but in either case, Madison now has a lighter vinyl color than before.MADISON THEN and NOWSpringfield Collection dolls compare fairly well with American Girl dolls in overall size, although their cloth bodies and vinyl limbs are thinner. Their hands and feet are thinner, and the feet slightly longer. Still, most clothing and shoes can be shared with little issue, especially when comparing them with the newer, thinner American Girl dolls. MATTEL AMERICAN GIRL #42 and FIBRE CRAFT SPRINGFIELD COLLECTION MARIAPleasant Company AGMattel AGSpringfield Collectionheight18" / 46cm18" / 46cm 18" / 46cmhead12 1/4" / 32cm12" / 30.5cm 11 1/4" / 28.5cmchest11 1/2" / 29cm11 1/4" /28.5cm 10 1/4" / 25cmwaist11 1/4" /28.5cm10 1/2" / 27cm 10 1/4" / 25cmhips12 1/2" / 32cm12" / 30.5cm 11 3/4" / 30cmThe measurements are approximate. Individual dolls may vary.Their vinyl comes in light, medium, and dark, as is slightly sallow like American Girl dolls. They have blonde, brown, red, or black rooted hair, and blue, green, or brown sleep eyes. Their hair is long and straight, or wavy/curly (in Madison's case). Their cloth body color matches the vinyl color fairly well, at least those I have seen. They stand fairly well on their own (most of them) but they don't quite have the the stability of AG dolls, and are also more loosely stuffed. Yet for their affordable price tag, Springfield Collection dolls will probably make most doll fans or collectors happy. They have a variety of cute clothing and accessories which will fit most other 18" dolls as well. PLEASE NOTE* I could have dolls name wrong. I tried my best to find the correct name, and information on doll. Forgive me if I am wrong on her name/ verse information about doll will probably be wrong. Doll is set up AS IS with randomly selected accessories. Doll, and all accessories are used/ NOT new some show wear and tear to them. Extra clothes, and accessories are still available on line, in stores, all over!! Please see all attachments for a visual view of doll, along with details. Expand photos if needed to view details closer. Never submerge your doll into water. Clean-up on doll is simple, use cold water, soft wash cloth, mild soap to clean area. Never use dryer, curling irons, hot rollers, or hair sprays on doll. Wash hair with a mild soap, and cold water. Towel dry. Use a small amount of fabric softener on dolls hair after washing it. Allow softener to sit in hair for an hour or two, then rinse thoroughly, and towel dry. This gives doll a nice smell, and helps with tangles. Doll stand in photos IS NOT INCLUDED WITH DOLL. All items for doll were randomly selected, and put together by my helpers (children)! Clothing and accessories are all used, and shows wear and tear. Some dolls need some cleaning (the ones that do, I will try and point out in each listing, as well as in photos). Caring for DollsHow should I clean and help preserve my dolls and accessories?We’re so glad you want to take care of your doll and her things. For doll faces and bodies, simply wash the surface gently until clean with a wet, soapy cloth, and then air dry at room temperature. For clothing and accessories, spot clean with cold water and a mild soap, and then air dry. Do no put any doll, clothing, or accessory in the washing machine, dryer or near any direct heat source.How should I care for my dolls’ hair?For best results, it is recommended to use a wire brush.Divide doll’s hair into small sections and gently brush them one at a time. Make sure to brush out the tangles starting from the bottom of the hair and then moving up.Mist doll’s hair lightly with water from a spray bottle if you are having a hard time detangling it.If doll has wavy hair, be very gentle when brushing the ends, as this will help preserve the curls.For tight curls, finger style the doll’s hair. Separate a small section of the hair and work your fingers through it, twirling as you go.For braided styles, tightly braiding the doll’s hair while damp will help control frizzy ends.Avoid using styling products like gel or mousse, as this may damage the doll’s hair.Avoid using a blow dryer, hot rollers, curling or straightening iron.Always keep doll’s hair away from extreme heat.
Price: 14 USD
Location: Austin, Texas
End Time: 2024-08-10T00:15:27.000Z
Shipping Cost: 18 USD
Product Images
Item Specifics
Restocking Fee: No
Return shipping will be paid by: Buyer
All returns accepted: Returns Accepted
Item must be returned within: 30 Days
Refund will be given as: Money Back
Artist: Unknown
Unit of Sale: Not Specified
Antique: Yes
Number of Pieces: 9
Occasion: All Occasions
Doll Type: Dressed Doll
Year Manufactured: 1996
MPN: N/A
Vintage: No
Doll Gender: Girl Doll
Original/Licensed Reproduction: Original
Item Height: 18"
Features: Movable Arms & Legs
Handmade: Yes
Clothing Type: Dress, Shoes
Character: Maria
Color: Tanish/ Beige
Material: Plastic & Cloth
Set Includes: Mini Books, Dressed Doll, Backpack
Age Level: 5-7 Years
Franchise: FCM-Springfield
California Prop 65 Warning: N/A
Brand: Springfield
Clothing Style: Casual, Everyday
Type: Fully Dressed Doll w/Backpack & Books
Ethnicity: Hispanic/Latino
Doll Age Group: Child
Compatible Doll Size: 18"
Theme: School Girl
Time Period Manufactured: 1990-1999
Country/Region of Manufacture: China
Item Weight: Unknown
Product Line: Springfield Doll