Skip to content
Q is For Quilter
Menu
  • Quilts
  • Quilt Patterns
  • Embroidery
  • Embroidery Patterns
  • WIPs
  • Children’s Books
  • Aprons
  • Other Needlework
  • Crafts
  • Vintage Finds
Menu

McCall’s Monday — Dressing Tables

Posted on February 1, 2016February 2, 2016 by Martha

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.

McCalls-718-719

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.

Martha Helen Dellasega
Mary-Ellen Larkin

10 thoughts on “McCall’s Monday — Dressing Tables”

  1. Little Penpen says:
    February 1, 2016 at 3:56 pm

    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

    Reply
  2. Jean says:
    February 1, 2016 at 5:47 pm

    These are so cute! I have my mother’s kidney shaped dressing table from the 1940’s, but the skirting is long gone.

    Reply
  3. Barbara says:
    February 1, 2016 at 8:21 pm

    What a cute idea for the American Girl dolls! I love the photo of you Aunt Martha!

    Reply
  4. mickie says:
    February 2, 2016 at 4:45 am

    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

    Reply
  5. Wendy Caton Reed says:
    February 2, 2016 at 7:25 am

    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!

    Reply
  6. Robin in Kansas says:
    February 2, 2016 at 9:37 pm

    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!

    Reply
  7. Marie Tymrak says:
    February 2, 2016 at 10:59 pm

    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.

    Reply
  8. Heather says:
    February 3, 2016 at 6:08 pm

    Oh, these are lovely!! Darling photo of you! Looking forward to seeing you mini one!! xo Heather

    Reply
  9. Sharrie says:
    February 5, 2016 at 4:36 am

    So sweet! You’re an adorable kid! I look forward to seeing your dressing table recreation!

    Reply
  10. Mary Miller says:
    December 18, 2023 at 8:30 pm

    Another gorgeous dressing table is in “To Catch A Thief” with Cary Grant and Grace Kelly. I’ve had one for many years and have loved them since I was a little girl.

    Reply

Leave a Comment Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

A small blog about Martha's quilting hobby.

More About Me

Popular Posts

Categories

  • Quilts
  • Quilt Patterns
  • Embroidery
  • Embroidery Patterns
  • WIPs
  • Children’s Books
  • Aprons
  • Other Needlework
  • Crafts
  • Vintage Finds

Archives

  • October 2017
  • September 2017
  • August 2017
  • July 2017
  • June 2017
  • May 2017
  • December 2016
  • October 2016
  • September 2016
  • August 2016
  • July 2016
  • June 2016
  • May 2016
  • April 2016
  • March 2016
  • February 2016
  • January 2016
  • December 2015
  • November 2015
  • October 2015
  • September 2015
  • August 2015
  • July 2015
  • June 2015
  • May 2015
  • April 2015
  • March 2015
  • February 2015
  • January 2015
  • December 2014
  • November 2014
  • October 2014
  • September 2014
  • August 2014
  • July 2014
  • June 2014
  • May 2014
  • April 2014
  • March 2014
  • February 2014
  • January 2014
  • November 2013
  • October 2013
  • September 2013
  • August 2013
  • July 2013
  • June 2013
  • May 2013
  • April 2013
  • March 2013
  • February 2013
  • January 2013
  • December 2012
  • November 2012
  • October 2012
  • September 2012
  • August 2012
  • July 2012
  • June 2012
  • May 2012
  • April 2012
  • March 2012
  • February 2012
  • January 2012
  • December 2011
  • November 2011
  • October 2011
  • September 2011
  • August 2011
  • July 2011
  • June 2011
  • May 2011
  • April 2011
  • March 2011
  • February 2011
  • January 2011
  • December 2010
  • November 2010
  • October 2010
  • September 2010
  • August 2010
  • July 2010
  • June 2010
  • May 2010
  • April 2010
  • March 2010
  • February 2010
  • January 2010
  • December 2009
  • November 2009
  • October 2009
  • September 2009
  • August 2009
  • July 2009
  • June 2009
  • May 2009
  • April 2009
  • March 2009
  • February 2009
  • January 2009
  • December 2008

Search

© 2025 Q is For Quilter | Powered by Minimalist Blog WordPress Theme