Vintage Pin Cushion Doll

I found this hat pin doll at a thrift store.

I don't really know what year she is from.

I would guess the 1930s or 40s.

These dolls were used like a big pin cushion

to hold hat pins on a lady's dressing table.

They came in many sizes and styles.

Well, I didn't like the dress this

little lady was wearing.

Her dress is too bulky and ill-fitting.

I took her all apart to see how

she was put together.

Her bodice is from a Georgian style dress

with side panniers.  I wanted her new dress

to reflect that style.

I learned about the construction of these dresses

years ago when I was making them for

our American Girl Dolls.

I decided to use foam to create the skirt shape.

I covered the foam with batting for softness.

I made a satin underskirt and added a layer of lace.

Then I started going through fabric and 

bric-a-brac, looking for ideas.

I decided to use blue and pink since her bodice

is pink and her hair ribbon is blue.

I drew around the skirt form and made a pattern.

I cut 2 pieces and cut open the front.

I hemmed it all around.

Now the dress just needs some 

finishing touches...

AND

HERE

SHE

IS!

She now sits across from my sewing table

on the big dresser. I love looking at her.

Before and After

On the after photo you can see I 

added my Grandmother's hat pin!