This is Susan. Basically the newest member of our family. So when I was at the Estate Sale looking at all these amazing doll clothes and trying to figure out how I could justify purchasing some of these gems, well it turns out some of those clothes were made for this little doll on a nearby shelf. PSP begged to buy her and the accompanying outfits we found. After some proper begging, we agreed. But she had to use her own money. Probably the best 10 dollars she’s ever spent. After suggesting a few period appropriate names she immediately decided on Susan.
PSP was never one for babies or even dolls in general. And even when she’s really wanted and loved a toy and has actually gotten that toy, her reaction has always been rather underwhelming. A little, Oh look at that. Santa brought me that toy I wanted….how nice. But Susan… Susan has brought out some serious love in this girl. She dresses her every day, several times a day. She fixes her hair constantly. She tucks her bed and talks about her all the time. She asks Lamp to watch over her while she’s at school. She loves Susan.
Luckily she happened to have an extra purple suitcase on hand–the perfect place to keep Susan’s dainty wardrobe. I have to say, the vintage loving thrifter in me loves that she loves Susan so much. In a world filled with Bratz and Monster High dolls, I’ll take a Susan any day. And like I said, it gave me a reason to buy some amazing, vintage doll cloths. Like this little party dress, complete with pinafore.
PSP really understands this doll is special in a they-don’t-make-them-like-they-used-to sort of way. She told me she’s not ever going to take off her shoes. When I suggested taking Susan to school for show and tell she shook her head and instead asked if she could just bring some pictures of Susan. She didn’t want to risk a day in the backpack.
Admittedly, I’m a little jealous of Susan’s wardrobe… especially her nightgown and robe combo. So very Betty Draper. And get this, her hair even grows. It took us a few minutes to figure out what the button on her belly and the turning-knob on her back were for. Push the button to pull the hair out, and turn the knob to bring it back in. The unfortunate part came when the internal string broke that attached the two. B came to the rescue and fixed Susan, but when he had to remove her head to do the job, PSP came unglued. Crying and sobbing. It was genuine anguish.
If that’s not love, I don’t know what is.
But c’mon, you’re not a real member of the family unless you have your head ripped off from time to time.
Welcome Susan.
PSP fell asleep with the light on the other night and went I went to turn it off I saw this sweet scene and snapped a photo. See? LOVE.
Hello my sweet Miggy 🙂
I am doll maker and just wanted to tell you, to get Susan's hair a little softer, put a generous amount of har conditioner in it, then wrap it in cling film (seran wrap) and leave it for a 3-4 hours. It will come out silky soft.
Yes they do not make them like that anymore, I agree with you 🙂 I also would take a Susan any day of the week rather than one of the new dolls they have come up with!
Hugs
Tina
Tina! Thank you… What great advice. And you're a doll maker?? That's amazing.
This is so lovely. Susan looks like the perfect addition to your family. 🙂
Please know that this post had me laughing until I was crying… Yes, B can fix anything! ( A little but well known fact, Dentists are also great carpenters/DIYers… and B excells at these things, as well as Dentristry!) Now in my house, I would have truly been hysterical if my Father (beloved as he was) would have had my doll's head off… because he could not fix anything.
And love the part…"you're not a real member of the family unless you have your head ripped off from time to time."
Most of all LOVE that PSP LOVES this doll… how very precious! And Lamp gets to babysit her all day… how sweet is that! Susan was a great find…meant to be.
Love,
G.G.
Glad someone Found that joke funny….
Oh I laughed out loud too on that one.
i love this. i get this. this is a beautiful part of your family. i need to find a susan. perhaps i can convince my girls to name her gwendoyln.
How gorgeous. Love your little girl's painted nails too.
Love your blog. Have read almost every post.
Oh my. That last picture just gave me a lump in my throat. <3 So so sweet. 🙂
OH MY GOODNESS! I had that doll as a little girl!!! "Beautiful Crissy with beautiful hair that grows" (I can still hear the jingle). I wanted her with every fiber of my 8 year old body. She was hard to come by, but Santa came thru. She had an orange sheath that had a lace overlay. PSP has great taste in dolls.
Arlene! No way! I'm dying… That's fantastic. Crissy…. I can't believe you got her for Christmas too. That's perfect.
Susan's face looks a little bit like Lamps. Maybe PSP saw it too.
You're right there is a little Lamp in her…. Hmmmm…
I am DYING! I LOVE Susan! I am such an old woman when it comes to stuff like that- if I have girls, I hope they have ZERO interest in those ridiculous/too old-for their age- looking BRATZ dolls. And don't even get me started on sweatpants with writing on the behind….Haha….
All old-woman-nagging aside, Welcome to the family, Susan! You are loved! 🙂
Too cute! And what a lovely doll, a real find!
I remember this doll also – but I think PSP's is more lovely than any version I ever saw:
http://www.hairromance.com/2012/05/the-crissy-doll.html
I will admit that I fought like the devil against my own girls' AMerican Girl doll acquisition. They have one each, and four years later, I have to say that those dolls are worth every penny, and are much loved and played with for hours on end. I wouldn't have more than one per girl (a girl on her street has ELEVEN, I kid you not), but each of my daughters will never remember her childhood without thinking of her doll. Priceless.
Angela–I love this! Thanks for showing me….so funny that so many people remember her.
I had the blonde version of this doll when I was a child. Her name was Velvet and she wore a purple velvet dress. My brunette sister had Crissy. Loved to change the hair length, too!
How sweet. Love Susan's clothes too!