#Pleasant Company

[timetravelingcourtney]

[5hensandacockatiel]

I feel like we all can agree that Kaya is one of the most underrated American Girls.

[coconutlicorice]

The Original American Girl’s Hairstyle Guide

[stluciabuns]

The Historical Accuracy of Kirsten's Dirndl

Despite its adorableness, I have seen many people complain about Kirsten's Swedish Dirndl outfit.

I would kill a man to have bought this for $22.

She wears this outfit for most of Meet Kirsten, being that she is an impoverished immigrant child who does not own any other clothes, and also for continuity reasons.

Frequently, I have seen it claimed that this outfit is not historically accurate and should not have been included as part of her collection. Conversely, I have also seen many German folk costumes marketed as being made for Kirsten. Both of these pain me a great deal (actually they just annoy me).

Nonetheless, I have decided to further procrastinate doing actual, meaningful work and instead set out on a new mission: figure out what the fuck is up with Kirsten's Dirndl.

In this post, I will lay out the research I have done, the evidence supporting the historical accuracy of this outfit, the challenges to its existence, and ultimately aim to answer the question of whether this outfit is one Kirsten plausibly could have worn on her journey from Sweden to America in 1854.

Let's begin.

First, the name. Pleasant Company/American Girl referred to this outfit as "Kirsten's Swedish Dirndl and Kerchief."

Unfortunately, there is no such thing as a Swedish dirndl. "Dirndl" is a German term, and refers to folk costumes worn by people in German-speaking areas of Europe (the Alps, Bavaria, Austria, and so on).

Kirsten is Swedish, and before Meet Kirsten has never left Sweden before. It is very unlikely she would have acquired, and regularly worn, a German dirndl. See this gorgeous example of a dirndl c. 1840:

Outfit, c. 1840. Munich, Bavaria, Germany. Münchner Stadtmuseum.

This ensemble is beautiful, but tragically, it is not what Kirsten is wearing.

What, then, is Kirsten wearing? What kind of traditional dress does Swedish culture have?

As it turns out, the proper term for what she is wearing is a folkdräkt. This is a Swedish term meaning "folk costume." Here is an illustration depicting multiple examples of Swedish folk costumes. In proper terms, these would be called "Svenska folkdräkter."

Nordisk familjebok (1908), vol. 8, Folkdräkt. Retrieved from runeberg.org.

These outfits are not quite identical to anything we see in Kirsten's collection, but you can observe various elements that have carried over -- the vertical stripes, black woolen skirts with ornate trim, and white dresses and red sashes (hello St. Lucia)!

Let us dive deeper. What do extant Svenska folkdräkter, specially those made c. 1850, look like? Is there anything like Kirsten's outfit among surviving examples?

Johan Sodermark, "Kvinna i dräkt."

In my few hours of research, this example image is the closest thing I have found to Kirsten's dirndl.

This lovely portrait is a watercolor from 1850 painted by Johan Sodermark. It is very creatively titled "Kvinna i dräkt" -- literally, "Woman in costume." The pattern of this woman's apron is incredibly similar to that of the skirt of the Kirsten doll's outfit -- a dark red base with blue and yellow stripes woven throughout.

Here is a closeup from the American Swedish Institute.

Although it is not shown in the doll-sized version of the outfit, the illustrations in Meet Kirsten by Renée Graef show us she also wears a light-colored, striped apron, which is almost surely the one that comes with her meet outfit.

Illustrations from Meet Kirsten, drawn by Renée Graef.

Notice the fabric of the bodice in the third illustration, though: Kirsten's top is made of red plaid fabric, while Sodermark's girl has an outfit full of stripes. Kirsten, bless her heart, spends an entire book outfit-repeating a potential pattern-mixing fail: plaid and two kinds of stripes and a floral scarf. Did Pleasant Rowland just hate her? Is Kirsten on another, elevated fashion plane far beyond my comprehension? Is there a historical basis for this combination of patterns?

I have no answer to the first two questions, but thankfully can speak on the third.

Komplett Vilskedräkt, Västergötlands museum. Some pieces c. 1865.

The top is plaid and laces up, which is not necessarily the most common way of fastening (in most examples, the bodice pins up), but it is a sensible choice considering both Kirsten's age (9) and the fact that Pleasant Company was making toys for little hands.

The model for the outer shell (the lace up top) belonged to Karl Edberg from Hällestad; it is not dated, but at least one piece of this set (the bag, which is not shown) is c. 1865. Additionally, the blouse here is very similar to the one that comes with Kirsten's winter outfit -- look at that keyhole neckline!

So, Kirsten's Dirndl outfit is actually very accurate as far as the clothing itself goes...the name remains the trouble.

I have no idea why they called it a dirndl. Folkdräkt is definitely challenging to pronounce, but why wouldn't PC just translate it as "folk dress" or "Swedish outfit" and call it a day? Why the insistence on referencing a culture that isn't relevant to the doll or her dress at all?

Perhaps this is a mystery to tackle for another day...

[shakespearefreak]

It’s been blisteringly hot for like a week now 🥵, but finally we got a reprieve today (70° and partly cloudy 🌤️, with a nice brisk breeze 🌬️), so Addy and I took the opportunity to go to a local park down the street for a little photoshoot! 📸 She wore her old/new Summer outfit (I had this outfit as a kid, but sold it along with all of her other clothing a couple years back, before I decided to keep her, and just recently bought it again on Mercari). After we took the pictures, we rested on a bench and read one of her short stories 📖 together before walking back home.

[dollsofthewest]

AG Cowgirl Outfits

Following in the footsteps of @enby-dollhouse and @doll-collecting-aerialist, who did posts on the variety of ballerina and tennis outfits respectively, I wanted to do my take on a section of AG outfits I love: cowgirls! Saddle up and let's head out!

Rootin', Tootin' Cowgirl (1998)

Okay, so maybe this is the outfit that inspired me to do this post in the first place. This is adorable. It's rootin'. It's tootin'. I love the bright blue color. It's advertised as a Halloween costume, but doubles just fine as a fancy rodeo outfit. I do like the idea that you can be the sheriff, or the bandit, or both at the same time! And lest we forget to mention that black cat trick-r-treat bucket!!

Molly's Dude Ranch Outfit (2004)

Is anybody doing it like Miss Molly? This outfit was not connected with any book but released as part of a "Summer Fun" collection. I like to imagine Molly went to a dude ranch near Yellowstone National Park, or maybe somewhere along her Route 66 Adventure. It's cute and pretty authentic to rodeo shows. Also, look at her little canteen!

Nicki's Ranch Outfit (2007)

Most cowgirls don't wear the fancy rodeo costumes like a lot of people think: those are for the shows and fairs! During her daily work, Nicki wears her own pink version of modern jeans, chaps, and boots. And of course her staw hat to protect her from the sun.

Rustic Ranch Outfit (2008)

Another practical outfit; it may look impractical to wear a skirt but I've seen girls who prefer it, if they are riding side-saddle. The vest is kind've plain, but it comes with a horse-themed scrapbook and a (faux) leather Western Hat.

Western Riding Outfit (2010)

Definitely a casual pick for our cowgirl. Fit for farm or school, everybody knows exactly what animal is this American Girl's favorite. Like Nicki, this girl wears a straw hat, but she'll need sunblock if she's going to ride all day with those short sleeves and skirt!

Western Plaid Outfit (2014)

I like to think of this as Abercrombie Horse Girl. I'm not sure how practical that dress is for horse riding, and I'm a bit worried about those loose band around her boots. Still, this girl has something not previously seen, even with Nicki, and that's the very important helmet! Always wear a helmet while horse riding!!

Pretty Pink Riding Outfit (2014)

Sold at the same time as the previous one, so you could choose which outfit you wanted with your life-saving helmet. This girl is wearing what I liked to call Gucci Horse Girl.

Blue-Ribbon Riding Outfit (1998)

I forgot this one so I'm adding it here to show you what I would consider an Ideal Horse Riding outfit. Helmet: check! Proper boots: check! The coat even comes with functional pockets and inner thigh padding. She certainly gets the blue ribbon from me for best dressed!

Maryellen's Cowgirl Outfit (2022)

Ah, a return to classics! This is about as stereotypical "cowgirl" as you can get. As far as I'm aware, this is meant to be her Halloween costume, which tracks with how popular cowgirls & cowboys were during the 1950s. Lookin' cute, Miss Maryellen!

Lila's Horseback Riding Outfit (2024)

I think when Glen Campbell sang "Rhinestone Cowboy" he wasn't talking about this. Still, maybe this is what horse girls these days wear? It's a shame to see a modern girl without a helmet, but you can't deny this fits Miss Lila's style to a tee!

What is your favorite AG cowgirl/horse-riding outfit? What would you like to see made in the future?

[figures4fun]

Created with a good friend!

[y2kbeautyandother2000sstuff]

American Girl Doll Catalogue

1995-1999

Found on Ebay, user boxelder0051

[the-tallest01]

just got a Pleasant Company Addy Walker! :D

She’s never been opened, and came with all her accessories except for the gourd and half dime. I assume her year is probably around the late 90s- like ‘98 or ‘99

[pleasantpuddingg]

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A post shared by Aunt Sarah Draws (@auntsarahdraws)

[sweet-sunshine-smiles]

Hot girl with a sunshine smile

[thelasthippie]

I met a traveller... She came from far away and destiny put us working on the same place. Passing hours talking about Kant, Floyd, Zeppelin, the past and stories with fire in our eyes. So cute, so nice. Im not sure where this will go, but im totaly grateful for her existence.

[angellimbed]

pls watch!

[ribbonsonmyghost]

All of my modern dolls sitting in my little work area 🤍


L to R: antique teddy bear from an estate sale, American Girl Doll Wellie Wisher Emerson who I bought used for $12 because someone had previously cut her hair, wearing a Madame Alexander outfit, Rainbow High Victoria, modern Molly Mcintire wearing a vtg Pleasant Company Samantha sailor dress, 1980’s My Melody plush and the last doll is a mid 90’s Heidi Ott doll from the Faithful Friends collection, wearing a handmade dress from Etsy

[shakespearefreak]

Samantha and Nellie’s Northwoods Adventures

As I’ve already mentioned, last weekend Samantha, Nellie, Kaya, and I went to my family’s Cottage in Northern Wisconsin! 🌲 Samantha had visited the Cottage with me when I was little, but a lot had changed since she (and I) had last been there; and this was Nellie’s first time ever! Sam described it to her as being like a smaller version of Piney Point, where Nellie had joined her and Grandmary on vacation after being adopted into the family. I already shared photos of what Kaya did up North, so now here’s Sam and Nellie’s Northwoods adventures!

We left in the afternoon, but the drive to the Cottage is four hours(!), so it was already evening by the time we got there. In keeping with Cottage traditions, I rang the loud, clanging ship’s bell 🔔 that’s mounted on a pole near the door to announce our arrival to the forest and the few neighboring cabins. That first night, we really only had time to unpack and get settled before going to bed.

The girls were so excited they stayed up late into the night, snuggled into their sleeping bags, talking in low tones and giving the occasional hushed giggle.

Despite the late night, we awoke bright and early for the first full day.

Breakfast somehow tastes especially delicious when eaten in a cabin by a wide window with a lakeside view.

After breakfast, I was mainly occupied with taking the pictures of Kaya and swimming 🏊, so the two girls were left to their own devices for most of the day, but Nellie did join my mother, stepfather, and me on the pier later on.

Nellie stood on the pier, staring out at the bright blue sky over the deeper blue of the waters.

We also discovered a perfectly doll-sized chair that matched the bigger ones, so of course I had to take advantage of that!

She relaxed in the chair in the warm early evening sunlight, listening to the waves lap at the wooden planks.

The next day, I was so exhausted that I ended up sleeping into the early afternoon, and by the time I woke up the sunshine had been replaced by a wet, cloudy sky. Samantha passed the time painting 🎨 on the deck (Virginia had kindly allowed her to borrow her paints and easel) until it began raining 🌧️ in earnest.

The gray day was a little disheartening, but Samantha made the best of it with Virginia’s borrowed paint set (though she did have to duck inside with the painting still unfinished when the occasional light spotting of rain turned into a regular drizzle).

After it began to pour, we went back inside and made popcorn 🍿 before retiring early.

The last day seemed to sneak up on us before we knew it. It started out gray again, but Sam and Nellie decided to take a walk with Jip 🐕 anyway, and while they were playing ball the sun came out again.

Jip was full of energy, so they decided to tire him out with a game of keep-away. Sam and Nellie tossed the bright red ball back and forth, Jip running back and forth between them, following the ball’s progress and occasionally leaping up in an attempt to grab it out of the air. Finally he caught it and paraded around proudly with it, then sat down to chew it and refused to relinquish it for several minutes until he was convinced the game was over.

After a short rest, it was time to head back inside to pack up again and begin the long journey back home.

The sun had come out during the game, and both girls were feeling hot and winded. They sat down on a fallen birch to catch their breath, grateful that they’d brought along a big jug of iced tea*. Jip already seemed energetic again, wagging his stubby tail and sniffing eagerly through the dead leaves. “I think he tired us out!” Nellie laughed, a little breathlessly. They sat and drank their tea, listening to the sounds of nature (and the occasional sharp bark from Jip when he saw a squirrel), reluctant to leave… but eventually they went back inside to pack and say goodbye to the Cottage. 

“I hope we can come back next year!” Nellie remarked, watching the Cottage dwindle down the road behind them, before disappearing around a bend and being lost to sight.

THE END

*I realized after taking the photo that their mugs of tea look kind of like beer steins, but I promise they’re not 😅

BONUS:

(In case anyone was wondering what Samantha's finished painting looked like!)

I’m thinking of covering my poor attempt at a birch tree in the lower left with something else… a pine tree perhaps, or maybe just re-painting the trunk so it’s brown instead of white with black marks… though then I’d have to make it much darker than the surrounding dirt, to make it stand out. I’m open to suggestions!