These dressing tables are so old-fashioned now, but I still love seeing them in old movies (Alfred Hitchcock’s Rebecca has one of the best). We even had one of the kidney-shaped dressers when I was little, and I remember my mother making a new skirt for it. Maybe she used this pattern.
I want to make a miniature dressing table for my new 1950s American Girl doll (Mary-Ellen Larkin), which my son and his girlfriend gave me for Christmas. Mary-Ellen is exactly 2 years and 2 days older than me, is the middle child in a similarly-sized family, and even looks a little like me when I was her age (same high bangs and long pony tail). I’m going to have so much fun reproducing my favorite outfits from the 1950s, which were either sewn by my mother, or bought for me by my oldest sister, Jean Ann, when she got her first real job.
Here we are at 9 years old. I’m wearing a dress from Jean Ann.
These dressing tables are so feminine and pretty. I have always liked them, too. Your doll is wonderful and yes, she does look like you! Have fun with your new doll! <3
These are so cute! I have my mother’s kidney shaped dressing table from the 1940’s, but the skirting is long gone.
What a cute idea for the American Girl dolls! I love the photo of you Aunt Martha!
I had the kidney shaped table too! You and your doll are adorable! Looking forward to seeing what kind of table you make for her! Keep us posted! Hugs, Mickie
I absolutely love your posts. They bring me right back to my childhood. I had a kidney shaped white vanity too. I was a true tomboy, but I loved it, because I could hide treasures behind the curtain. And yes, Rebecca is one of my all time favorites too. That bedroom scene where she is showing the new Mrs. DeWinter all of Rebecca’s things is so sinister! Thanks for sharing!
I always wanted a dressing table like these, the closest I got was the one I made for my Barbie doll out of cereal box cardboard and one of my gramma’s frillyest handkerchiefs. I hope you have a ball sewing and creating for your Mary-Ellen!
How generous of you to share about your family as well as the projects. I also spend time with my precious father, just a year short of your father-in-law in age, but we watch old tv westerns.
Oh, these are lovely!! Darling photo of you! Looking forward to seeing you mini one!! xo Heather
So sweet! You’re an adorable kid! I look forward to seeing your dressing table recreation!