April, 2020 - Hilary's Cabbage Patch Clothes Closet

Cornsilk Series 1: Beautiful Dresses

The first series of Cornsilk outfits, beautiful dresses that came out in 1986.

Intro to the Cornsilk Kids Clothing Series
Cornsilk Clothes Series 2 – Wacky and Layered Pt. 1 (300s)
Cornsilk Clothes Series 3 – Beautiful Dresses Pt. 2 (718-730)
Cornsilk Clothes Series 4 – Wacky and Layered 2 (760s)

These Cornsilk kids came out in 1986. They came in a box with a curved top and a cardboard vanity inside. They came with a bag of hair ties, a brush, and a hairstyling guide. In order to hold the brush, these kids were hand-hold kids. Their birth certificates were flowery in design.

MIB cornsilk girl with auburn curls. She is wearing a blue dress with white double collar. the box includes a vanity and she's holding a brush.

Cabbage Patch Kid birth certificate for a Cornsilk doll. It includes the certificate, the "I love " card, Parents association brochure, return envelope and original envelope.

There are nine outfits in this series, #160 – #168. Each outfit appears to have somewhere between 6 to 12 versions (denoted by the letters). For information on clothing codes, jump to: Clothing Tag Codes.

Photos courtesy of Jamie Osterbuhr, Jodi’s Punki Patch, and other unknown sources.

These outfits were made by the KT and OK factories. KT is the primary factory for outfits A, B, C, and OK is the primary factory for outfits H, J, and K. I believe that some of the outfits were made by both factories, although not all. I am missing many KT outfits in my record, as many of the KT tags do not come with a letter code for unknown reasons.

Picture of a white clothing tag for outfit 162 KT. There is no letter code.

All these outfits came with either black or white Mary Jane style shoes and wore regular diapers.

Version Information

My goal is to find every version of every outfit that was produced. Below is a record of each version of this outfit that I have. To understand clothing codes, factories, and variations, please refer to these posts: 1st Blog – Why do this project?, What are Clothing Tag Codes?, Factories and Companies

If you have an outfit that is not recorded here or does not match my information I would like to hear from you. Information is best sent in the form of pictures. For details, visit Taking Clothing Tag Pics.

“They came with” Information

#160: Came with lacy tights and white Mary Jane shoes.
#161: Came with solid white tights and black Mary Jane shoes.
#162: Came with matching bloomers and white Mary Janes shoes.
#163: It generally came with solid white tights, although a few may have been lacy, and white Mary Jane shoes.
#164: Came with white bloomers and most likely black Mary Jane shoes.
#165: Came with matching bloomers and white Mary Jane shoes.
#166: Came with lacy tights and white Mary Janes shoes.
#167: This outfit came with solid colour tights, but they may have been colour coordinated with the dress. I’m not sure. I’m pretty sure they came with white Mary Jane shoes.
#168: Came with matching bloomers and either regular shoes or Mary Janes, I’m not sure yet. This may be the exception to the Mary Jane shoe rule. I have also seen this outfit packaged.

Outfit Specific Notes

— #162: These dresses come in two fabrics, sateen and non-sateen.
162H has such a big ‘surprise’ that is explained in a separate post – Mystery Fancy Frock.

— #163: They used two fabric patterns for this outfit; one has purple flowers, and one has yellow flowers.

— #166 & #168 seem to be the most difficult to find.

— #167: This outfit is called the Cornsilk Country Dress. This distinction is made because #502, which came out a year earlier, is also called the Country Dress. The easiest ways to distinguish between them are the number of flower patches and the curved name logo patch.

Picture of a #167 Cornsilk Country Dress with 3 blue flower patches. It is a teal dress with pink flowers and pink gingham 'blouse' areas. — #502 Country Dress

Other Information

— These outfits came out in early 1986 but could still be found on new kids coming out in 1987. Some may even have come on regular yarn hair kids. They were most likely getting rid of old stock. (Ref# 3, p. 152)

— There is a second set of outfits with numbers in the 160s. They are Sipping Kids outfits. I have no idea why they duplicated the numbers.

— For information on the tights, jump to Pretty Patterns: Lacy White Tights

Intro to Cornsilk Clothing (all 4)

I apologize for the double post. This post was created as part of my editing process.

FYI: This series of posts refers only to those kids sold as Cornsilk Kids. This post does not refer to Growing Hair Kids, Sipping Kids, Talkers, Designer Line Kids, Splashing Kids, or later kids manufactured by other companies. Only girl Cornsilk Kids were produced.

There are four known series of outfits that were used exclusively on Cornsilk Kids (to a point). They came out in 1986 and 1987. Each series has easily identifiable characteristics; however, they can also be VERY confusing.

This is the first of five posts in which I will attempt to demystify these beautiful, wacky, and confusing outfits.

Series 1: Beautiful Dresses. Launched early 1986.

Series 2: Wacky and Layered Outfits – A set of wacky coloured/patterned mod-styled outfits. Many have a lot of pieces and layers. Launched mid-1986. (Ref #2, p. 79)

Series 3: Beautiful Dresses Part 2, Dresses made of sateen, velveteen, and other fancy fabrics. Launched late 1986/early 1987. (Ref #2, p. 79) This series acted as a template for the ‘regular kid’ versions, jump to: Ho·mo·phone: Series.

Series 4: Wacky and Layered Part 2 – A slightly toned-down version of Series 2. Launched mid to late 1987. These are harder to find.

Pretty Patterns – Lacy White Tights

#20 Sailor Suit

Safe harbour and calm winds.

Suggested reading: An explanation of the 1983 series of outfits that the swing dress belongs to. Jump to: 1983 Series – The 1st CPK Clothes

Description:
Legless romper with short sleeves made from cotton twill fabric. It has a sailor collar with trim and a fabric necktie. There is a pocket with an anchor patch on the right breast pocket and button accents at the waist. Decorative features are enhanced with contrasting trim. It came with sneakers and socks.

Outfit 20B KT. Red sailor suit with white accents, anchor on the pocket, and tie. — Outfit 20B KT

This outfit is not technically a part of the 1983 series as it did not come out on kids until 1984. (Ref #4, Vol. 3 Iss. 8, p.5) However, based on the numbering convention, it is just easier to include it in the 1983 series. It was used/manufactured until at least 1985, but probably later.

Version Information

My goal is to find every version of every outfit that was produced. Below is a record of each version of this outfit that I have, up to the date indicated. To understand clothing codes, factories and variations, please refer to the suggested readings below.

If you have an outfit that is not recorded here or does not match my information, (e.g. you have a 20A OK that has green accents, not red) I would appreciate hearing from you. Information is best sent in the form of pictures. For details on the pictures required, jump to Taking Clothing Tag Pics.

Spreadsheet showing which outfits I have recorded for this outfit.

This outfit does not appear to have been manufactured by the primary factories CC and SS.

Variations

> The following are observable differences between outfits produced at various factories.

tie fabric
anchor colour
colour/shade
one vs. two accent colours

Collage showing four sailor suit outfits. It shows the comparison between version 1 and 2 of both outfits 20A and 20B. In both cases, the P factory outfits have two accent colours, versus one.

> Mimic outfits: The 25^th Anniversary version is blue with white accents. It only came on boys.

In box 25th Anniversary kid with butterscotch looped hair and blue eyes, #2 head mold. He's wearing a blue sailor suit with white accents and white silk ribbon tie.

> There were many variations made by foreign factories. For information on identifying a Jesmar version, jump to Identifying Jesmar Clothing. They came in a rainbow of wonderful colours.

Picture of 6 kids standing against a wall. Each one is dressed in a sailor suit and looks different. Dark brown loops, red fuzzy, auduburn fuzzy, lemon loops, wheat loops and brown fuzzy, all except one with blue eyes. They are all paci kids. They are wearing the following coloured sailor suits: gold, aqua, celery green, navy blue, medium grey, and orange. — Jesmar sailor suit outfits (Photo courtesy of Monica Sehovic)

Other Information

> A unique Sailor Suit has been found, visit Sailor Suit Surprise!

#19 – There Isn’t One!

Challenge Day #19 – Huh? What’s happening? Naked kids?

Picture of two naked Cabbage Patch Kids with lemon blonde hair.

We can only theorize that there was an outfit planned for this number but, that for some reason, it was never produced.

Some speculate that it is the one outfit on the 1983 box that was never produced. The interesting thing about this picture is that they never produced a looped AA girl (or boy) like that in 1983 either. (FB Conversation, Feb. 21, 2022)

#18 Striped Jogging Suit (Updated 06/21)

Another day to jog your worries away.

Main graphic with mauve background and black text saying "#18 Striped Joggin Suit" bracketed by kids. One kid has butterscotch loops with green eyes and #3 head mold wearing a white jogging suit with purple and white striped arms and legs. The second is a gold double braid with blue eyes and #2 head mold wearing a yellow jogging suit with blue and white striped arms and legs.

Suggested reading: An explanation of the 1983 series of outfits that the swing dress belongs to. Jump to: 1983 Series – The 1st CPK Clothes

Original Name: Sports Time

Description:
Jogging suit made of fleece sweater material that has striped pant legs and sleeve extensions made of a second thinner fabric. It also has a tall ribbed collar and piping along the armpit, trunk, and pant leg seams. Occasionally it came with a terry cloth hand band. It generally came with regular lace-up shoes and socks. Very occasionally, they came with sneakers.

Outfit 18H, IJ. Yellow jogging suit with blue and white striped arms and legs and white neck and shirt hems. Above it is a white terry cloth head band. — Outfit 18H, IJ

This outfit was sold from 1983 until 1985, most likely longer. It was sold both on kids and packaged, starting in 1984.

Version Information

If you have an outfit that is not recorded here or does not match my information, (e.g. you have an 18A KT that is pink, not white) I would appreciate hearing from you. Information is best sent in the form of pictures. For details on the pictures required, jump to Taking Clothing Tag Pics.

Spreadsheet indicating which Striped Jogging Suit outfits (#18) I have and which I do not.

This outfit does not appear to have been manufactured by the primary factory SS.

Variations

> The following are observable differences between outfits produced at various factories.

fabric types
colour/shade
width of the stripes
piping solid/dashes
length and pattern of dashes on piping
pattern on the sleeve cuff

Comparison picture of two yellow tracksuits with green and yellow striped arms and legs. Factories, AX vs. OK — AX vs. OK outfits Courtesy of Jodi’s Punki Patch)

>Mimic Outfits: I am aware of one USA version of this outfit and the only visible difference is a lack of piping on the pants and the sleeve seams.

> So far, it appears that KT is the only factory that produced solid colour piping. The rest are dashes.

> The KT Hong Kong versions of this outfit have been found with small flower patches at the neck. Do you have another example of this?

Photo and information courtesy of Carey Reiss Jarchow.

> There were many variations made by foreign factories. For information on identifying a Jesmar version, jump to Identifying Jesmar Clothing.

Other Information

> Some sleeve cuffs are white, some have horizontal stripes, and some have vertical stripes.

#17 Heart Dress

Challenge Day #17 – “A loving heart is the beginning of all knowledge.” ~ Thomas Carlyle

Suggested reading: An explanation of the 1983 series of outfits that the swing dress belongs to. Jump to: 1983 Series – The 1st CPK Clothes

Original Name: Little Heart Throb
Alternate Name: Puffed Heart Dress (Ref #4, Vol. 3 Iss. 8, p. 3)

Description:
This outfit has a drop waist dress with an attached mini skirt and is made out of fleece-lined sweatshirt material. The skirt has three rows of satin ribbon encircling it, and there is a pink heart applique on the right breast. It generally comes with tights and regular lace-up shoes.

yellow dress with thre ribbons around the skirt and apink heart on the breast. — Outfit 17 IC, code still unknown

This outfit was sold from 1983 until 1985, most likely longer. It was sold both on kids and packaged, starting in 1984.

Version Information

If you have an outfit that is not recorded here or does not match my information, (e.g. you have a 16A KT that is green, not blue) I would appreciate hearing from you. Information is best sent in the form of pictures. For details on the pictures required, jump to Taking Clothing Tag Pics.

This outfit is difficult to record reliably. I always want to hear about tags that I don’t have recorded; however, only include the tights if you KNOW they came with that dress. It turns out that the tights are the distinguishing feature of the outfit. I need to know they came together.

This outfit does not appear to have been manufactured by the primary factories CC and SS.

Variations

> The following are observable differences between outfits produced at various factories.

dress fabric texture
heart applique (in various ways)
colour/shade of ribbons
tight fabric
tight structure

> Mimic outfits: The Play Along 25^th Anniversary kid version is pink and looks very close to the Coleco, except that the applique is more of a sticker, and it only opens halfway down the back instead of all the way.

> There were many variations made by foreign factories. For information on identifying a Jesmar version, jump to Identifying Jesmar Clothing. They came in different colours, and the heart applique was often in different places or, in some cases, missing altogether. In most cases, on foreign outfits, the colour of the heart matches the colour of the dress. (Ref #3, p.375)

Other Information

> The applique on the KT outfits has been added in a structurally different manner than others.

#16 Denim Romper

Deceptively simple, incredibly cute.

Suggested reading: An explanation of the 1983 series of outfits that the swing dress belongs to. Jump to: 1983 Series – The 1st CPK Clothes

Original Name: Checkmates

Description:
Jean/denim romper with a square CPK silk label on the bib, worn over a collared short sleeve shirt that closes at the front with one button. It comes with a red twill baseball cap, sneakers, and socks. Take note, some early versions may have come with regular lace-up shoes.

Outfit 16D, OK. Blue and white check t-shirt, jean romper, and red cotton hat. — Outfit 16D, OK

This outfit was sold from 1983 until 1985, most likely longer. It was sold both on kids and packaged, starting in 1984.

Version Information

This outfit does not appear to have been made by the primary factories CC or SS.

Variations

> The following are observable differences between outfits produced at various factories.

fabric colour/shade
romper stitching
romper structure
look of the square CPK logo
shirt fabric

A collage of pictures showing the differences in sewing and structure in the denim romper and the fabric shades of the shirts. — Pictures courtesy of Jodi’s Punki Patch.

> Mimic outfits: The Play Along 25^th Anniversary version came with a blue and white check shirt and the traditional red cap.

25th Anniversary Cabbage Patch Kid, mint in box. He's got fuzzy wheat hair, green eyes and a #3 head mold. He's wearing a blue and white check shirt, jean romper and red cap.

> There were many variations made by foreign factories. Tsukuda also put some of their twins in this outfit. For information on identifying a Jesmar version, jump to Identifying Jesmar Clothing.

Other Information

> Refer to Beneficial Buttons for information on clear vs. white buttons.

> A few early Hong Kong versions of the outfit have been found with metal buttons and closures. I am unsure of the significance of this difference.

“Triple HK, 1983 KT Early HK kid – Bibbed denim romper with an aqua flannel shirt and red cap. Very unusual, however; is the romper itself which opens and closes at the side with 1/2″ copper naps which are embossed with USA style on each one. Snap fasteners also attached the straps to the bib. The shoes . . . are white high tops with blue stripes, but the stripes are a dark teal shade, are very shiny and appear to be hand-painted. The inside soles of the shoes are stamped KT Hong Kong in bold black letters.” (Ref #4, Vol. 3 Iss. 3)

(Photo courtesy of Kat Perhouse)

It is interesting that a second metal button outfit has been identified, and both outfits have the same red flannel shirt.

> The CPK logo changes colour/look. This most likely happened due to changes over time but may also be caused by the factory. I do not know at this time.

A comparison of the silk label used on the front of the CPK denim romper. There's a difference in size, design, and shade of green.

#15 Bib Dress

Most of our kids are too old for bibs, but we love this outfit anyway!

Suggested reading: An explanation of the 1983 series of outfits that the swing dress belongs to. Jump to: 1983 Series – The 1st CPK Clothes

Original Name: Lil Lollipop
Alternate Name: Giraffe Bib Dress (Ref #3, p.387)

Description:
Cotton dress with a peter pan collar edged with piping and matching bloomers. It comes with a white lace fringed terry cloth bib that generally has a giraffe patch on it. It generally came with regular lace-up shoes and socks. Very occasionally, it came with Mary Janes.

Outfit 15J, OK. Blue dress with yellow, white, and red flowers. The peter pan collar is white with red piping. Over top is a white bib with lace edging and a giraffe applique in the middle. — Outfit 15J, OK

Outfit 15T PMI, white with peach flowers, without the bib. — Example of dress without the bib

This outfit was sold from 1983 until 1985, most likely no longer. It was sold on both kids and packaged, starting in 1984.

Version Information

If you have an outfit that is not recorded here or does not match my information, (e.g. you have a 15C OK that is green gingham, not pink gingham) I would appreciate hearing from you. Information is best sent in the form of pictures. For details on the pictures required, jump to Taking Clothing Tag Pics.

Variations

> The following are observable differences between outfits produced at various factories.

lace
patch used on the bib – Jump to Plentiful Patches Pt.2
collar piping colour
look of the patch

> Mimic outfits: USA versions are very similar except, their collar piping appears to be consistently white. The giraffe patches look different. (see below)

Pink and white gingham bib dress with bib. The bib has a giraffe applique on it that is silver, red, and yellow. — USA Version, courtesy of Jodi’s Punki Patch

> There were many variations made by foreign factories. For information on identifying a Jesmar version, jump to Identifying Jesmar Clothing.

Other Information

> The giraffe patches are subtly different. For example, on some, the tail of the giraffe points straight up, the embroidery lines are thicker, and there’s less space between the front and back legs.

Pictures of three giraffe appliques, each being subtlety different. They are Jesmar and USA factory appliques. — Photos courtesy of Nicole Sorensen Barnes and Jodi’s Punki Patch.

> The bib with a lamb on it may have come on Coleco OK kids as well as Tsukuda kids (see above). For more information visit: PTP: Patch Particulars (Pt. 2)

> A long-time collector believes that the plaid material (i.e. 15H) was introduced later, around 84-85ish and that they introduced new patterns for the bib dresses over time. She believes that they stopped making them in 1985-86. (Leah Salt FB Conversation; Feb. 6, 2019)

> This bib is very unusual. I do not think it’s a Coleco bib, maybe it’s an aftermarket?

#14 Pinafore Dress

Pretty, pretty pinafores!

Suggested reading: An explanation of the 1983 series of outfits that the swing dress belongs to. Jump to: 1983 Series – The 1st CPK Clothes

Original Name: Spring Picnic

Description:
A cotton dress that looks like it has a pinafore over top. The sleeves and bloomers are patterned. The pinafore section is white with blue thread edging. There are two decorative buttons on the chest of the dress. It generally came with regular lace-up shoes and socks. Very occasionally, they came with Mary Janes.

Outfit 14S, PMI. White pinafore dress with pink and white striped sleeves and matching bloomers. The entire dress is edged in blue snitching. — Outfit 14S, PMI

This outfit was sold from 1983 until 1985, most likely longer. It was sold both on kids and packaged, starting in 1984.

Version Information

If you have an outfit that is not recorded here or does not match my information, (e.g. you have a 14A KT that is green gingham, not solid red) I would appreciate hearing from you. Information is best sent in the form of pictures. For details on the pictures required, jump to Taking Clothing Tag Pics.

This outfit does not appear to have been made by the primary factories CC or SS.

Variations

> The following are observable differences between outfits produced at various factories.

shade/colour
colour and pattern of blue stitching

Collage of 4 pictures showing the various stitching patterns and shades of blue used by 4 different factories, OK, KT, PMI, and UT.

> Mimic outfits: Play Along used this outfit on 25th Anniversary Kids. The USA version of this dress was made with very thin cotton and looks quite different from the Coleco version, having more lace and no buttons.

USA Version,
Courtesy of Jodi Punki Patch

> There were many variations made by foreign factories. For information on identifying a Jesmar version, jump to Identifying Jesmar Clothing

There are Tsukuda and Tri-ang Pedigree dresses that are structurally the same as the Pinafore Dress but which are the same pattern/colour all over. (Ref#3, p. 398)

Tsukuda brown haired poodle double ponytail girl with brown eyes and #1 head mold wearing a plaid dress with two buttons on the front and matching bloomers.

Other Information

> Be careful when comparing pinafore dress patterns as many look very similar to each other!

> Refer to Beneficial Buttons for information on clear vs. white buttons.

#13 Square Yoke Dress

This outfit came on my first kid and holds a special place in my heart.

Main graphic with a grey background and white text that says #13 Yoke Dress", brackted by two dolls. The first is an auburn single ponytail with brown eyes and #2 head mold wearing a green and white gingham dress. The second is a brown double braid with brown eyes and #2 head mold wearing pink and white horizontal stripes.

Suggested reading: An explanation of the 1983 series of outfits that the swing dress belongs to. Jump to: 1983 Series – The 1st CPK Clothes

Original Name: Morning Glory
Alternate Name: Yoke bib dress (Ref#3, p.395)

Description:
Basic cotton dress with a square-shaped yoke of pleated nylon with a bow and eyelet trim. (Ref#4, Vol. 3 Iss. 80, p.3). It came with matching bloomers, regular lace-up shoes, and socks. Very occasionally, they came with Mary Janes.

Outfit 13F P. Blue dress with matching bloomers. The dress is blue with small white polka dots. The yoke is white shadow striped square shape, edged with lace and ribbon and has a ribbon bow at the peter pant collar. — Outfit 13F, P

This outfit was sold from 1983 until 1985, most likely longer. It was sold both on kids and packaged, starting in 1984.

Version Information

If you have an outfit that is not recorded here or does not match my information, (e.g. you have a 13J OK that is green, not yellow) I would appreciate hearing from you. Information is best sent in the form of pictures. For details on the pictures required, jump to Taking Clothing Tag Pics.

Variations

> The following are observable differences between outfits produced at various factories.

fabric shade/colour
ribbon colour

> Mimic outfits: The Mattel 15^th Anniversary kids came with a slightly different version of this dress where the yoke itself comes off, almost like a bib. Outfit #659 came out in 1986ish and is the mimic version of this outfit. The yoke is more frilly and the bow velveteen. Outfit #149 is a transitional outfit that most likely only came packaged.