I had a doll as a girl. It was purple and white gingham and it was cloth. It had to be in the late 70s but possibly the early 80s. I have searched online everywhere for this doll but I can't even remember what they were called. Does anyone know what I'm talking about, or even better... have a picture (or the doll?)

Its not andy pandy is it ?

Here is a picture. I am sure you are talking about the Romper Room softies dolls 1973. Made by hasbro. They came in several pastel colors. http://i150.photobucket.com/albums/s82/melmel77-photo/dino10287.jpg

This is the 1973 Romper Room Softies. The gold/white gingham was Abigail. The pink/white gingham is Annabell and there is the purple/white that you are speaking of and it does have an "A" name. There is one boy who is blue/white w/a cap on - I think Andy. These were made by Playskool from Pawtucket RI. I have even wrote to the company for any old surplus and it just takes lots and lots of determination to find them. Currently on eBay (7/12/2008) there is a pink one and blue one up for bid. I have also looked for these dolls for over 15 years and 2 years ago bought an Abigail on Ebay for 15.00 US. GOOD LUCK.