Whiteley Creek Homestead

LIFE AT THE END OF A DIRT ROAD IN CENTRAL MINNESOTA

organically grown triticale in our field
canoeing in our wetlands
raspberries growing wild on our property
our back porch fieldstone fireplace

Tammys_closet_pattern

When I was nine years old, I received a Tammy doll for Christmas. The dolls were manufactured from 1962-1966. Every doll came dressed in a blue one-piece jumpsuit and a pair of white tennis shoes. In addition, a plastic stand was included to support her in a standing position. My mother and I sewed every outfit pictured on this pattern envelope. To store the clothing, I constructed a shoebox closet using  instructions that were included in this pattern. My original closet is long gone, so I recreated it. When I was searching for a shoebox of the proper size, I didn't realize that they came in so many varied dimensions. An extremely helpful sales associate kindly removed the shoes housed in one that was as close in size as I could find and placed them in a generic box used for orphan merchandise. I found some floral contact paper at Walmart that is virtually identical to what is shown on the pattern envelope and what my memory tells me looked like the one that I originally made as child. Because the shoebox wasn't exactly the size requested in the materials list on the back of the envelope, I had to adjust the dimensions of the contact paper covering. Here is a photo of my completed closet.

Tammy_dolls_and_closet_2

Hanging in the closet are all of the handmade clothes that either my mother or I made. The hangers are made from chenille stems following directions provided in the pattern. The original closet rod was made with a chenille stem inserted through a drinking straw and bent downward at each side of the closet to hold it in position, however I chose to use a dowel rod for more rigid support. To make the door hinge, brads are used to attach the lid to the box. It isn't perfectly functional, but to stay true to the original directions, I did it as instructed. I like how the closet's top is swooped down a bit. It makes it look old and used. The Tammy dolls are not my originals. I ordered these two with brunette and auburn-colored hair on eBay because I couldn't remember my doll's hair color. Both came in their original box. I still plan to purchase a blonde to complete my set. They are quite pricey, especially ones in their original box, because they were only produced for a limited number of years unlike Barbie dolls which are still being made.    

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5 responses to “Tammy Doll Closet”

  1. Kate Harkins Avatar
    Kate Harkins

    Hello! I, too, had a Tammy doll when I was around nine years old (I was born in 1954). The doll, case, and Tammy house got sold at a garage sale when I was sixteen and have regretted selling her ever since. This past November I started looking online and was able to purchase a doll and some outfits, including the “Walking Her Pet” set that I know was one I originally owned. I’m pretty sure the doll I found has the same hair color (auburn/dark blond) as that of my original doll and I just love her. I guess I’m soothing my wounded inner child! I’ve seen the same pattern that you have on e-bay and am now wanting to make a shoebox closet just like yours. Thanks for sharing.

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  2. Adrienne Avatar

    I am so unsure of my original Tammy doll’s hair color, too, Kate. My memory assured me that it was brown, but upon asking my three daughters, who had played with my doll as children, I was more confused. My daughters Lisa and Jessie couldn’t remember, but they suggested I ask my oldest daughter, Heather. “She remembers everything,” they said. Heather was sure the hair was a reddish color. My sister Rita said, “Oh, no, it was definitely blonde. We got Tammy doll’s with the same color hair that Christmas… blonde definitely blonde.” Oh, boy. So I have no alternative but to purchase all three… two down, one to go.

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  3. Paula Avatar
    Paula

    I do not remember knowing about Tammy as a child, but now at age 54 I have over 30 Tammy dolls by Ideal and over 30 Pepper dolls, a Bud and a few fathers and Ted’s, Patti and Dodi, Salty, and Posin Pete, and a mother doll. Plus clothing, accessories, and more, So much fun. Tammy is a beautiful doll and I love her. They must have been painted and made well, as they seem to have held up well over the decades.

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  4. Adrienne Avatar

    That’s a whopping Tammy collection, Paula! Whereas Barbie dolls continued to be manufactured through the years, Tammy enjoyed just a four year span in the 1960s. That’s what makes her even more special. Amazingly, there remain ones in pristine condition yet. The hunt is part of the fun. Have you thought of a way to display your collection?

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  5. Janie Avatar
    Janie

    I LOVED making clothes for my Tammy doll. My mother didn’t like the looks of the Barbie doll so I received a Tammy doll for Christmas. Between the two of us, we sewed her a ton of clothes, using the booklet that came with her as a guide. My Mom was extremely creative and my friends couldn’t tell the difference.
    As an adult I kept up the tradition of sewing clothes for my daughter’s dolls. Presently, my Mom & i are enjoying making a wardrobe for my nieces’ American Girl dolls.
    I still have my Tammy doll and all of her accessories. One of my granddaughters just might inherit it.
    Thanks for the walk down memory lane!

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