Kenner Blythe

My Kenner Dolls 9-23 Kenner Blythe Dolls with Cases 9-23

The Kenner Blythe Doll was made to be an inexpensive Toy for a Child in 1972; 50+ years later it is an expensive, fragile, sought after Collector's Item.

Kenner Blythe Dolls are Grail Dolls for MANY Doll Collectors. I know they were for me. I am BLESSED to have these four now in my Collection (at this time).

I have been working on this page, and intend to do so often, however. This page is still under construction and I hope to add more very soon.

There is so much more I plan to add to this page. More History on these wonderful antique dolls, caring for them, cleaning and fixing them up, what to look for when purchasing, their original clothing, and more.

I have Kenner Blythe Dolls of my own, and have started doing more and more with them.

Also. Many people, I am one, Collect not only the Kenner Dolls, but also the items they had for her in 1972; The Blythe Cases, Clothing...

Please Scroll Down to see the Kenner Blythes and other items I am so proud to own, and thank you for visiting our Website. Let me Clarify. I do NOT own everything on this page. But I do try to put of photos (and I am behind on that) of my Own Items in my Kenner Collection.

The information below is information I have researched on my own, as well as from Dorie, a good friend who has been Collecting Dolls all her life. She is an Avid Doll Collector who's Knowledge is 2nd to None. She has a VERY impressive Kenner Collection that she shares often on her YouTube Channel, Dorie's Dollies.

Kenner Blythes

Kenner Blythe Doll - from ad1000 to 1 Odds, YOU either OWN a Kenner, or WISH that you did. Most of us would not mind a Kenner Blythe that was played with and loved much... ie .... a "hot mess'. In fact, many of us, would rather have that 'hot mess' than a Kenner that has been restored.

The Original Makers of the Blythe Doll in 1972, and in fact you might be surprised hearing this and it might surprise a lot of people, especially those that LOVE the Blythe Dolls, the Original Blythe Dolls did NOT do well as a toy sold in 1972. The bottom line was, a lot of kids were scared by the doll.

If you do not know (the short of it) Allison Katzman created the Blythe Doll using the idea from her own daughter's new contact lenses. The lenses changed the color of her daughter's eyes. At the time, Mattel was continuing to grow with Barbie and Hot Wheels (and if you did not know, Hot Wheels and Barbie came out the same year and are STILL Mattel's BEST SELLERS) and other Toy Companies were looking for a Doll to keep up or surpass their Competitor.

Blythe Dolls were a Diffrent Type of Fashion Doll, with a NEW idea that Kenner had hoped would be a fast and best seller. However, they only made Blythe for one year or so, because, the rumor is, that she scared kids and was considered Creepy with her eyes.


Kenner History and 50th Anniversary BytheCon

While I, at this time, I did not own a Kenner Blythe Doll. I did attend the 50th Birthday BlytheCon in Cincinnati Ohio where the Kenner Blythe was produced in 1972.

The photo to the left is a table set up for the Kenner Blythe Dolls at the Event to get their photos taken and there was also a GROUP Photo of Kenners. I thought THIS was Brilliant! And I love the set up/background. Whoever painted this....WOW!~ KUDOS TO YOU!

This event was so much fun, there were so many GOOD people there, the Hostess' were AMAZING! And they made it fun for ALL Blythe Owners...of any type.

While I was at the Con, my husband Deron, took my Daisy Blythe and went down and video taped some of the History of the Kenner Blythe along with WHERE the dolls were made and shipped from.

I LOVE ALI BLYTHES (those made in China that some people call fakies), I OFTEN CALL THEM BLYTHE 202s. There is so much you can do with and to them, it is an endless and fun Hobby for sure. AND, I say over and over, without these Blythes, these so called "Fake" Blythes, the Blythe Craze & Hobby would die out.

Buying An Original Kenner Blythe

I know. With the cost of a Kenner Blythe Doll, it is scary to decide if you are getting your moneys worth or not.

I am blessed to have a good friend, Dorie (Dorie's Dollies on youtube), to help me. I have learned a LOT, and mostly from her. Yes, I read things on line. Yes, I researched 1972 Kenner Blythe Dolls. Yes, that really helped. But to have someone who KNOWS Dolls like Dorie KNOWS Blythe Dolls, a real comfort when spending that kind of money.

Where Do You Buy An Original Blythe Doll?

If you Collect Blythe Dolls, or just have one or two and would LOVE to own a Kenner, you, like the rest of us, DREAM of going to a Garage Sale or Retail Shop and finding one for $10. It happens. But THAT is almost like finding a Unicorn with the perfect saddle on ready for you to ride it into the sunset.

Most of us buy our Kenners from sellers on ebay. <sighs> Buyer Beware. First of all, KNOW that the Kenner you are buying is over 50 years old. Just because the eyes and legs were working for the Seller, does not guarantee that they same parts will work when the doll reaches you.

I bought a Kenner Blythe, working, very nice shape, I mean REALLY nice shape, and she came.....IN AN ENVELOPE! An envelope! For all I paid, the Seller did not even put her in a BOX!~ She had very little bubble wrap too. However. Thank You Lord! She was fine. I probably do not have to TELL you what might have happened to this poor OLD Doll.

much more to come on Where To Buy....

How Do I Know A Kenner Blythe Bought On Ebay Will Be What The Seller Says/Said It Is?

Quite Honestly, you don't.

The Best You Can Do!~ Is...

Ask Questions, keep the answers, copy the sales page, copy out your receipt.

If you have friends that are also Kenner Blythe Collectors ask them to look at the Sales Page and the Photos of the Blythe Doll. (Keep In Mind, you need to trust this person. Will they tell you the truth, or will they buy that doll themselves. People can be...)

AND MOST OF ALL, VIDEO THE OPENING OF THE PACKAGE. Hopefully you will never need the footage, but if something is wrong with the Kenner Blythe, or if it is not what the Seller says it is, you have proof right out of the package.

Try the eyes and legs as you Unbox the doll, ON VIDEO. Handle the Blythe Doll gently and kindly on the video for SURE, or the Seller, if there is a problem, might hold that against you.

If you buy your Kenner from an individual, from an Antique Shop, Garage Sale, Doll Shop, Doll Show, or the like, ASK before undressing and clicking the eyes or legs!~

But DO take all of the clothing and shoes off the doll, do ask and do click the doll's legs and eyes. Check each foot, hand, back side, front side, check for mold (white flaky on some plastics, green or black on others), look at each eye chip, look for scratches, fading, REALLY look the doll over BEFORE you buy it.

ALWAYS Handle the over 50 year old doll gently and right.

What Does 6 Lines Or 7 Lines On The Back Of A Blythe Doll Mean?

Original and from early on when Kenner Blythe Dolls had 6 lines in their Branding, rather then the later dolls, with 7. The six lined dolls are the earlier Kenner Blythe Dolls. The prototype and very early dolls.

What clothes did each Blythe come in when sold in 1972?

What If A Kenner Blythe Is Being Sold Now Without Her Clothing

A LOT of Sellers are doing this now days. Selling the dolls and their clothing separately.

If you have found a Kenner Blythe and it is one you really want, but she has not clothing, buy her. If you do not, you very well might regret it later.

You can find Kenner Original Clothing for sale. No. It is not inexpensive, but it is worth having for your Original Blythe Doll.

If you do not have Original Clothing for her, there are MANY outfits on the market that will fit her.

What If She Does Not Have Shoes?

Original Kenner Blythe Shoes are HARD to find. Most of the Kenner Blythes do not have their original shoes. Kids played with these dolls and kids (and adults) loose doll shoes....as a rule, all the time.

You can find shoes to fit your Kenner Blythe. Some are inexpensive and most are not. Just look around on the Internet and see what you can find.

Do not store your Kenner Blythe in Shoes. Remove them from the doll's feet, store them in a small bag WITH her, but not on her. The plastics, foot/shoe, can meld together...no one wants that!~

What Should I Expect To Pay For An Original Kenner Outfit or Dress?

You can find Original Kenner Clothing on Ebay. Sometimes you can find them for 'good deals'. The average cost is about $100 per. MAKE SURE YOU SEE THE KENNER TAG IN THE PHOTOS before buying or bidding on an outfit.

Be sure to see the Tag inside the outfit. Ashton Drake Galleries also made clothing for their Blythe Dolls, exact copy.

Always look at ALL of the photos and if in doubt, ask the Seller questions about the item. Mostly this would be about Smells.

If you have to wash the items....USE CARE! I personally GENTLY Wash them by Hand, Warm Water, with a Good Shampoo. I set them on a Clean Wash Cloth, laying on my counter. I lay them flat and kind of gently pull the fabrics into place so that they AIR Dry without wrinkles. I do not recommend ironing, but if you should, do not use a HOT iron.

I am not there to help you, I can not see how you are going about this. But I can tell you, YOU ARE DOING THIS AT YOUR OWN RISK. I WILL NOT BE HELD RESPONSIBLE FOR THE CARE OF YOUR OWN DOLLS. THESE IDEAS ARE WHAT HAVE WORKED FOR ME WITH MANY TYPES OF VINTAGE DOLLS. YOU ARE TAKING A CHANCE WITH YOUR OWN DOLL.

How Do I Untangle My Kenner Blythe Doll's Hair?

Vintage, Preloved Dolls, of any sort, can and often do, come with hair that is...a MESS!~ If the child or even adult, started that brush in the hair at the top and just yanked and pulled to get it through the hair, you will have ruined hair. Can it be fixed? It depends on the thought in your head about what "Fixed" is.

I Highly Recommend using a good Cream Rinse on the Doll's hair first. Work it into and through the hair. Let that sit for at least 20 minutes.

Get a very side toothed comb and slowly, and I mean SLOWLY, starting at the very ends (away from the head) and start the untangling process. THIS takes time. Your arms may well be tired or this before the doll is finished.

I highly recommend holding the top of the hair, just below the scalp, with your other hand, so that you are NOT pulling the hair from the head, and might pull it out of the head.

Do the hair in small sections, very small sections. And seriously, TAKE THE TIME IT TAKES TO DO THIS RIGHT. How long? Every doll is different. It depends on the damage, the knots, how the hair has fared over the years.

After the hair is ALL Untangled, wash with shampoo. Use shampoo twice and really massage it into the hair. Set your comb in the sink where the water is running to wash it at the same time...It Will Need It!

Lay the doll out on a clean towel, with her hair up over her head in a fan like area. Very gently, as before, with your comb, starting at the very ends (away from the head) comb out the hair and let it air dry over night.

See how you like it the next day before proceeding. You might want to do a "Downy Dip", but make sure it is something you will want to do. This is where, in hot water, you add a capful of Fabric Softner, and soak the doll's hair in it for up to 30 minutes.

If you do the "Downy Dip", be sure and move the doll up and down into the water and out. Holding the doll over the mix, comb the hair starting at the bottom and do so EVER SO GENTLY....HOLD THE HAIR AT THE TOP.

DO NOT SOAK THE SCALP OF THE DOLL (any type of doll) when doing a Fabric Soak.

I am not there to help you, I can not see how you are going about this. But I can tell you, YOU ARE DOING THIS AT YOUR OWN RISK. I WILL NOT BE HELD RESPONSIBLE FOR THE CARE OF YOUR OWN DOLLS. THESE IDEAS ARE WHAT HAVE WORKED FOR ME WITH MANY TYPES OF VINTAGE DOLLS. YOU ARE TAKING A CHANCE WITH YOUR OWN DOLL.

How To Clean Up A Kenner Blythe's Body?

Most Vintage Dolls you can just clean up, Rub A Dub Dub! However, with a Kenner Blythe you want to be very careful with their faces, head, and torsos.

Do any cleaning very gently, use a gentle touch, do not twist the wash cloth on their legs or bodies.

Get as little water into the face, scalp, back side of the head as you possibly can, while getting the dirt, grim, and germs from the years, off your doll.

I recommend a Shampoo to clean the body, or a gentle liquid soap.

I am not there to help you, I can not see how you are going about this. But I can tell you, YOU ARE DOING THIS AT YOUR OWN RISK. I WILL NOT BE HELD RESPONSIBLE FOR THE CARE OF YOUR OWN DOLLS. THESE IDEAS ARE WHAT HAVE WORKED FOR ME WITH MANY TYPES OF VINTAGE DOLLS. YOU ARE TAKING A CHANCE WITH YOUR OWN DOLL.

What If The Kenner Blythe's Torso Is Broken?

THIS, unfortunately is common. The Kenner Blythe Doll's Torsos were made with a cheaper, thinner plastic, and then, they added a big heavy head on top of it. The legs are made from a rubbery plastic, so when these dolls were stood in their Doll Stands....the weight, after time, became too much for the cheap thinner Torso plastic, and many broke.

Let me stop here and remind you no to store your Kenner on a Doll Stand. If she is not already broken, she sure could break. Especially since that thinner, cheaper plastic is over 50 years old.

There are two Schools of Thought on these broken bodies on Kenner Blythe Dolls.

1.) Leave it. It adds to her charm and many Collectors do NOT want any upgrades done to the Kenner Blythe Dolls.

2.) Get the Kenner Blythe Doll Cleaned Up and grab some Super Glue.
But it gets tricky here. You must do this right, OR the Kenner Blythe can be RUINED! You want to make sure you are gluing ONLY the broken part of the plastic. Nothing extra and do it pretty. Be SURE not to get any of the glue in the waste where it turns.

Never try to sell a "fixed" Kenner as 'Not Broken'.

I am not there to help you, I can not see how you are going about this. But I can tell you, YOU ARE DOING THIS AT YOUR OWN RISK. I WILL NOT BE HELD RESPONSIBLE FOR THE CARE OF YOUR OWN DOLLS. THESE IDEAS ARE WHAT HAVE WORKED FOR ME WITH MANY TYPES OF VINTAGE DOLLS. YOU ARE TAKING A CHANCE WITH YOUR OWN DOLL.

How Do I Display Her In My Home?

We all want to Show Off our Grail Dolls on Stands in Lovely Clothing. However. These Kenner Blythe Dolls are now over 50 years old and were not made for Collectors, but to be inexpensive toys.

Because of the weight of the Blythe Dolls Head, because of the type of plastic that was used for the torso, because of the way the legs were made, it is NOT recommended to keep a Kenner Blythe upon a Doll Stand.

Many times, the reason the torso of the Kenner's are broken, is because of standing too long in a stand....or a child really loved that doll and played with it a lot. This second reason makes me smile.

Kenner Blythe's legs/feet are made of a rubbery type of plastic, it is advised NOT to store your Kenner Blythe with shoes on their feet. Put your Kenner's Shoes inside a tiny plastic bag, together, and store them with your doll. You do not want the two plastics, foot and shoe, melding into one another.

Kenner Blythes should be stored, wrapped in tissue paper, perhaps with bubble wrap around that, in a Kenner Storage Case, or a nice box.

More Topics to come

Kenner Blythe Dolls, Kenner Blythe Doll Cases, Kenner Fashion Packs, Kenner Blythe Sewing Patterns

Kenner Blythe Dolls & More!

Blythe Doll NIB

Not only were there Four Basic Blythe Dolls, but there were some 'variations' within them also. There were four basic hair colors, but there were, and rarely, on some, bangs, no bangs, longer hair than another. You will find, for example, a Red Head, in the "Love n Lace" Dress with Bangs, but now and again, the same doll without bangs.

There also were many items for Blythe that came out in 1972. Not only the Dolls, but a Case the kids could store and carry her around it, Fashion Packs so that she had more clothing, Wigs for Blythe, as well as Blythe Sewing Patterns by Simplicity.

There is much to Collect with this Doll, and fun to.

Kenner Blythe Doll Case

Kenner Blythe Doll Case 1972

These Doll Cases are more rare than the Kenner Blythe Dolls, hard to find, not inexpensive, and not always in the 'best repair'.

Back in the 1940s, 1950s, 1960s and the 1970s, little girls carried their dolls with them to Grandma's House, Cousins and Friends to play with them. In the 1960s the Cases became more for EACH Doll, rather than just a Doll Case, they Became, Barbie Cases, and such. So in 1972 along with the Blythe Dolls, Kenner made a Blythe Doll Case in hopes that every doll owner would also buy a Doll Case.

If you are Lucky enough to own these I do not have to tell you how well made they were in 1972. Most however have been carried with dolls and clothing and all the fun stuff a girl would have taken with her.

Don't turn your nose up at a Blythe Case that has nicks and the corners are worn and the inside might be missing a Drawer. If you find a Blythe Case, LUCKY YOU!

Kenner Blythe Doll Fashion Packs

Kenner Pretty Paisly Fashion Pack Kenner Boutique Outfits Wigs Dolls Kenner offered 12 Different Fashion Packs. Or as Kenner called them, Fashions from their Kenner Boutique.

I am sure you have noticed that they offered the same outfits that they also sold their Blythe Dolls wearing. Each Outfit had a name.

As you can see on the back of the packets, the second photo here, Kenner also offered Blythe Wigs....Now THERE is a Rare Find.

Below are photos of the 12 Fashion packs, names listed in order of the photos, Kozy Kape; Pow Wow Poncho; Golden Goddess; Purple Pinafore; Pleasant Peasant; Lounging Lovely; Medieval Mood; Aztec Arrival; Roaring Red; Princess Parfait; Pretty Paisley; Love 'N Lace.

Kenner Kozy Kape in pack Kenner Pow Wow Poncho Kenner Golden Goddess Kenner Purple Pinafore Kenner Pleasent Peasent Kenner Lounging Lovely Kenner Medieval Mood Kenner Aztec Arrival Kenner Fashion Pack Roaring Red Kenner Princess Parfit Kenner Pretty Paisly Kenner Love 'N Lace

Kenner Doll Clothing Patterns by Simplicity

Simplicity Blythe Clothing Pattern

If you are Lucky enough to have an Original Sewing Pattern from Simplicity, I would HIGHLY recommend not cutting it if it is not already. Carefully carry your pattern to a window, hold it up with a piece of copy paper over it, and draw around it. Once you cut that Pattern, the value of the items plummets.

People selling the 'downloadable versions' of this pattern, are breaking laws doing so. However, they are getting away with it, and THIS is about the only way you will probably get these old patterns for yourself. And Yes, I might have bought a set off the Internet, Downloadable, myself.

I did set up a Page for this Pattern here on this site. I did a Youtube Collab with 3 other Channels using this Pattern, and I have the Video here on that page, I hope you will take a look.

Kenner Blythe Doll Wigs &Sunglasses

Kenner Blythe Wig

Now THESE!~ These are few and far between and if you find one, you found something that compares to finding a Unicorn. If you want one. BUY IT WHEN YOU SEE IT!~ It will sell fast and for much. I have seen these for sale on the Internet, and they SOLD as fast as they came up for sale.

The wigs originally came with a little Styrofoam Wig Stand (what people had for their wigs at the time), a little brush/comb, brush on one side and comb on the other (also something that was popular at the time), and a card with Hair Style ideas on it with pictures.

All of this came in a Box that looked much like the Carry Case for Blythe Dolls.

Kenner Blythe's Shoes, Stand, Hairnet

These items came with a Kenner Blythe in the box she was packaged in. Most of these items, through the years are long gone.

The Kenner Blythe Stand

Kenner Blythe Shoes

Kenner Blythe's Hairnet

Hard To Find Items

Kenner Blythe Shoes Takara Good Smile Ashton Drakes My first Kenner Blythe came to me the way MOST Kenners come today...without Shoes and without a Doll Stand. You should also note, sometimes Kenner Blythes come without their original clothing, mine came with a 1972 Dress, but not the one she was sold in..

I had bought a Takara Blythe the same way, she no longer had her shoes.

Deron 3D Printed Shoes for my own dolls. The Takara Shoes also fit my Ashton Drake Blythes as well as my Kenner. I am thrilled with them. We started selling them in our own On Line Store here on this site. If you need a different color, contact me at Marna@WhimsicalBlythe.com.

Deron is also in the process of designing a Kenner Blythe Doll Stand. Our Blythe Doll Stands, we have for sale now, will fit and work well for any Blythe Body Type. He is designing something a bit special coming soon.

My First Kenner Blythe Doll

Kenner Blythe Doll 2023-02-02

This is my first Kenner Blythe Doll we bought in Chicago IL, while at Sherry and Gigi's Doll Store. How did I get in? My Dear Friend Dorie Troupis, who I met from Youtube, her Channel, Dorie's Dollies (seriously, if you have never seen her channel, YOU are missing out) who secured an appointment for us. The Store IS AMAZING!

Deron and I took a trip to Chicago, Dorie and her Husband Andrew showed us a MARVELOUS time, including but not limited to, going the Sherry' and Gigi's Doll Store, American Girl Store, Thrift Stores, Dinner, and a tour of Down Town Chicago!~ I could go on and on about the visit, but I guess I was talking about my Kenner Blythe.

I had not held a Kenner in my hands before this one. So I was excited to see her. I do watch auctions and sales on ebay, so I had an idea of about what this doll might sell for.

I REALLY need to get more photos of this beautiful doll.

This is a Video on my Youtube Channel showing my First 1972 Blythe Doll.

more to come

My Second Blythe Doll

My Second Kenner Doll WITH Case  2023-06-01

My Second Kenner Blythe Dolls. Man. I love a Red Head and THIS Doll in THIS Dress is iconic!~

As you can see in the photo, she also came with a Case. A 1972 Blythe Doll Case.

I had 'watched' her for over a week. I did not need to set an alarm to bid on her....I remembered.

Something really fun. Before the bid I told Dorie, YouTube Dorie's Dollies, that I was bidding, she went and looked the doll over, and we were texting just before and as I was bidding. So once again, Dorie was 'kinda there' when I bought this Kenner Blythe too.

I am so thrilled with this Doll and Case, both are in better shape than I expected. Plus they sent me an extra item.

My Third Kenner Blythe - 6 Lines

My 3rd Kenner Blythe 6 lines

This is a photo of my own Kenner Blythe Doll in the outfit I bought her in. I am so thrilled to have a Brunette now. Just THRILLED!

She is an Original and from early on when Kenner Blythe Dolls had 6 lines in their Branding, rather then the later dolls, with 7. The six lined dolls are the earlier Kenner Blythe Dolls. The prototype and early dolls.

Oh I am THRILLED!~ I will be changing her very soon, I bought a dress that is PERFECT for her.

more to come on this doll and on Kenner Blythes in general

My 4th Kenner Blythe Doll

My 4th Kenner 9/23 I will be honest, I can not believe I have ONE Kenner, not alone typing this about my 4th.

THIS one, was a thrill and surprise, ever to me. I had watched her one ebay. She had a "Make Offer", and I had wanted to, but. Let's be honest. THESE are not inexpensive dolls.

The Seller put her up for less than was listed before with a Bid. I wanted to bid, but again. It was not just a little money.

I was SHOCKED when she did not get a bid. As soon as she was relisted, with a "Make Offer", I made a lower offer. AND THEY EXCEPTED MY OFFER!

Unboxing my 4th Kenner Blythe Doll. Oh My Oh My! I still can not believe I have them!~

My 5th Kenner - A 6 Line Red Head

6 Line Kenner Red Head 2023-11-25

I found this Little Streaker on Ebay, she is from 1972 and an earlier Blythe Doll with 6 lines. She came out in 1972 and the Song by Ray Stevens, The Streaker, came out in 1974, so when I saw her, I kinda giggled. It did make her cuter to me for sure.

My Dream is to have a full set of four, each hair color, 7 Line Kenners; And, a full set of four, each hair color with 6 lines.

6 Lines on My Kenner Red Head with Bangs

This Pretty Little Red Head is my second 6 Line Kenner. (see brunette above) I am THRILLED to have found her.

Much more to come. Photos coming. I need to get photos of ALL my Kenners updated. I was so excited about this doll, I used the ebay photos.

You can see all 5 of my Kenners in this video. And. You can hear my excitement in my Voice.

Honestly.

I never thought I would own a Kenner Blythe. I am so Blessed. Wink

1972 KENNER BLYTHE CLOTHING

Kenner Medieval Mood 1972 Dress

I have found some GREAT Deals on eBay for Kenner Items, including and not limited to, Clothing. I need to get more photos of my FULL Collection (although it keeps growing).

Some of my Original Kenner Clothing, including panties, have come on the Kenner Blythes I have bought. But most of the clothing I have in my Collection came separate and on it's own.

1972 Kenner Outfits can be costly. Some, I have bought for a 'Song'. Like anything on eBay, sometimes you find a PEARL!~

This Dress is Medieval Mood. There are two prints of this dress and I have them both.


-- The Whimsical Blythe Team
Marna@WhimsicalBlythe.com
Wed, 14 Sep 2022 15:05:12 -0500

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