If Barbie and Ken are vintage lovers and are going to be spectators at the 2024 Paris Olympics, they might want to wear something they would have worn if they were going to be spectators at the Summer Olympics in Tokyo (1964) or Mexico City (1968). It would have to be something designed to show their Team USA spirit. As luck would have it, an undated, tattered and coverless book of knit and crochet Barbie and Ken outfits fell into my greedy hands, and in the summer section there were perfect patterns for the dynamic duo to wear.
We know these patterns are from the 1960s because of the Barbies and Kens modeling the clothes. If we weren’t so lazy, we would have identified the specific dolls and when they were made to narrow it down. But we’re going to settle for 1960s. We know it wasn’t the 1960 Rome Olympics because Ken hadn’t been born yet.
To be equally fair towards knitters and crocheters, we wanted an outfit in each method for each person. But luck was not our friend, so patterns are weighted 3-1 for knitting. We’ll do better in the future. It would also be nice if these were complete outfits, with bottoms you could make as well as tops. We’ve adjusted to the disappointment, and we hope you can too.
We’ll start with pullover vest for Ken, or as he is called, 12″ boy doll. It would be fast and fabulous to embroider a USA on the chest. And maybe add some sequin stars.
It’s Barbie’s turn. This adorable little flounce dress should also come in full grown adult sizes.
Barbie’s turn again. Normally, we raise an eyebrow at things with sailor collars because we had maternity clothes with sailor collars and that is a memory we would laser erase if we could. But this little middy blouse is way too cute, particularly for the watching boating events when long sleeves would be helpful to protect from sunburn.
Finally, another Ken piece, this one a sleeveless cardigan vest. A nice USA stitched on the back would be a good touch. The Ken outfits are pretty basic, they need some added dazzle. (As if Ken’s smile didn’t add enough shine.)
With a wardrobe of Barbie and Ken outfits like these, our doll friends would show Paris that spectators don’t always wear t-shirts and baggy shorts. You might reasonably think why are Barbie and Ken spectating and not participating? Fair question. It’s a well known fact that Barbie can do anything. But not everyone grows up to be a Olympic athlete, not even every Barbie. Some of us grow up to admire and cheer the athletes on. So these outfits are for the everyman Barbie and Ken. Unless they have already completed their events and are wearing them to other events on their off days…
