Samantha's Wicker Chair

Wicker furniture was still pretty popular when I was a kid. I remember having a little wicker chair that I mostly used for my stuffed animals (I think my Magic Attic Club Megan could fit in it as well), but neither it nor the Magic Attic version from Allison's bedroom set could compare to Samantha's Wicker furniture from her birthday collection. I loved everything about her set -- the color of the wicker, the beautiful rose print cushions, the lacy tablecloth, and all of the beautiful glassware and dainty party treats.

Recently, while I was looking for Felicity's Summer Outfit, I stumbled across a single chair from Samantha's birthday set, new in box! I never knew it was even possible to buy just one chair from American Girl. Samantha's items had been retired years before I began my American Girl collection, and I'd never thought to look closer at the description of the table and chairs when I was a kid, because I always assumed they'd be way too expensive to ask my parents for anyway.

I realized that the longer I waited, the more difficult it was going to be to find her wicker furniture in good condition, let alone new in box. If American Girl ever does rerelease her furniture (which I doubt, considering they didn't bring it back for her BeForever rerelease), I doubt it'd even be made of the same materials -- Mattel loves its plastic. So, I pulled the trigger and bought one.

The chair arrived a couple of days ago and it is EVERYTHING I hoped it would be and more! I remember thinking how beautiful it looked in the catalog -- the details are even more stunning in person!

THE Chair. The best chair in all of the birthday collections -- in my humble opinion, anyway.

The way the chair is woven is so pretty. I love the braided arms and how delicate the back and sides look. The basket weave of the seat is nice and sturdy, too. The cushion is the cherry on top. The rose print on the seat is so vibrant and beautiful, and I love the matching print on the front ties.

Cushion Close Up

For being several decades apart, the chair actually reminds me a lot of Felicity's summer dress ribbon. As you can see, it matches well...

Mia, my mini me, living out my dreams in doll form.

I'm so excited to finally have a piece of Samantha's birthday set in my collection. The more new items American Girl releases, the more I realize just how much more I love the old items. I really hope we see some new historical releases soon -- or at the very least something that looks a little more realistic and everyday. But I get it, they need to bolster the company by selling fantasy items kids will go crazy for, like sequined concert outfits. All the more reason to continue to practice sewing, I guess. The company's 40th anniversary is next year. Maybe we'll see some fun throwback items then.

#MiaRyder