*Foot Notes

In this week’s Footnotes:

When it comes to special objects you really love, you don’t want to trust just anyone with their repair. Whether it’s that ragged doll in need of a make-over or your great-grandmother’s faded dress that you’ve inherited, here are a few folks who can help make collectibles bright and shiny again.

* Dolls of all shapes and nationalities will find fix-it help at Sherman Oaks’ The Doll Shoppe, at 13300 Riverside Drive. The 7-year-old business specializes in bringing broken dolls from all corners of the country back to life. Recent success stories include the Eloise doll who needed her frayed yarn hairdo restored and the poor plaything that came in headless. Owner Harold Feldman also has for sale about 15,000 dolls ranging from brand-new $20 Barbies to rare 19th century Jumeau models from France that will cost you $3,000. “It’s a lot of fun,� says Feldman of his occupation. “There’s a lot of history behind these dolls. It’s almost like a museum.� Dollhouses and dollhouse repair are also available, or get your old dolls appraised for free. Repairs start at $12. Open Tuesday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. (818) 784-3655.

* If you’re in the market for a vintage stove or refrigerator or need one repaired, Burbank’s Sav-On Appliances is true to its name, says owner Emmett Julian. “An old stove [or refrigerator] seldom breaks, unlike newer models. It costs more, but you’ll save money in the end, because an old stove lasts forever.� Indeed, Sav-On has a two-month waiting list for those who wish to purchase vintage kitchen appliances, and its owner receives hundreds of calls each week from locals looking to sell or repair their grandmother’s or mother’s appliances. New versions of all major appliances are also available. Open Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 7 p.m., Saturday 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sunday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. 2925 Burbank Blvd. (818) 843-4840.

* Got a textile treasure that needs retooling? Forever Treasured in Granada Hills cleans, repairs and preserves wedding dresses, no matter how old or how ragged. Owner Lynda Valenti’s success in refurbishing bridal finery--she’ll only say it’s a secret and involves hand-washing with wet ingredients rather than dry cleaning--has gained her a reputation with bridal shops from here to Alaska. She will also pack away dresses in her special, acid-free boxes and tissues to prevent them from yellowing with age. Cleaning is $250 per dress and is guaranteed “no matter how dirty the dress is, and I’ve never had to turn away one yet,� boasted Valenti. Antique veils and linens also repaired. Open Monday through Saturday, by appointment only. Call (818) 360-9943 or (888) 389-8787.

We all know that it’s Cupid who mends broken hearts, but what about a broken doll? Or that vintage wedding dress or fridge you picked up at a garage sale? That vintage doll, for example: Your mother just fished it out from the basement and what a mess! We have some places where you can take Dolly, plus your other vintage objects, for beautification and repair.*