I'm Making Myself a Winter Coat Using McCalls 8123 by Angela Clayton

I've been wanting a second winter coat for a couple of years now, and I have also had some lovely red wool sitting in the stash for a couple years, so with snow on the way, I figured it was time to get started. I used McCalls pattern 8123, designed by ‪@AngelaClaytonCostumery‬ as my base, but made several changes to make it more functional and less of a costume piece, all of which I will cover in this video.
Here is the pattern I used: somethingdelightful.com/mccal...
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[@LadyRebeccaFashions]

If you'd like to support my channel, you can join my Patreon! Thank you to all my amazing patrons! www.patreon.com/ladyrebeccafashions

[@morrowdimtindomiel]

I really appreciate how detailed you are when discussing the fitting issues and how you solve them. It has taught me so much about alterations on the patterns. When I made the Halloween costume for my friend, I was able to mark everything on the mockup and use it as the pattern. She lives 3 hours away and could only visit twice, once for fitting the mockup and once for pickup. I just kept telling myself that I could trust the pattern because I had followed your lead. It worked and fit like a dream. My friend has been going through a very difficult time and desperately needed the boost. Thank you so much, Lady Rebecca, for helping this Rebekah make her BFF Becky feel like a queen! I love your videos. It doesn't matter if it's historical, vintage, fashion plate, doll, wardrobe, cleaning, convention, or other events. I enjoy all of it. Even your frustrations have been learning experiences for me.

[@LadyRebeccaFashions]

Aww, thank you so much! That is wonderful to hear, and I'm so glad your friend's costume fit perfectly!

[@greenboing1111111119]

I bought this pattern a couple months ago with the intent to make it as is (maybe with a massive hood added) and then got pregnant with twins so I'm very happy to live vicariously through you and to have something to look back on in the summer when I get to make it for myself.

[@cb9825]

Congrats!❤️❤️I also bought some fabrics and patterns for office outfits, and now I am pregnant and not going to use them any time soon🤣 it's a shame to let them lay in storage, those tweeds are so beautiful☺️

[@dancooper-jones]

congratulations. my friend has just given birth to twins too. I would certainly add a huge hood too. I might get to this before you. but probably not🤣

[@LadyRebeccaFashions]

Congratulations!

[@shamancarmichael5305]

Congratulations! 🎉🎉

[@cemitchell6496]

From our p.o.v. your life is "goals"!

[@mcomeslast]

I just bought a selfie tripod/stick with a remote so I can take fitting photos, especially of the back.

[@mikeymullins5305]

I saw this one Instagram and was like... Did I miss a video?? Also my winter dress coat is bright red too!!!!

[@werelemur1138]

Cute! And both Dora and Lion making an appearance!

[@sewmeonekenobi639]

You could use both the red and blue fabric for the lining. It’d be cool. You could keep the collar and add a detachable hood.

[@TealCheetah]

Wool pocket were a good call, imo Dora baby

[@LadyRebeccaFashions]

Seriously, though. Wool pockets are a game changer!

[@amb163]

As soon as I saw it was one of Angela's patterns, I thought, "Yup, she'll be taking in the shoulders. Angela always complains that she has shoulders like a linebacker!" LOL The coat looks beautiful so far!

[@LadyRebeccaFashions]

I had totally forgotten till after I added and then removed the extra length that people tend to say her patterns run long, too. And thank you!

[@elizabethclaiborne6461]

I have broad shoulders. If this pattern accommodates me, I will buy it so fast! Skinny shoulders are not a norm, they’re an outdated fashion ideal.

[@amb163]

@@elizabethclaiborne6461 Umm, "outdated fashion ideal" or not, people have what they have.

[@LadyRebeccaFashions]

@@elizabethclaiborne6461 honestly, I feel like most commercial sewing patterns have broad shoulders.

[@foxylovelace2679]

I think everyone should have a brightly colored winter coat. It just makes winter a little less blah. Mine is fuschia!

[@history.sirena]

I love how attentive your dog is. I am sure your dog is learning too. 😉😊

[@emilysullivan4031]

I made a coat for this winter as well (Butterick B6430) using polar fleece as my outer, as I am allergic to wool. For these pockets, it has you cut one piece out of the outer, one piece out of the lining, so that if it gapes open you see the outer fabric. Making my own coat is definitely the most ambitious piece of every-day wear I have made, and I love it! It makes me feel like a bad-a##!

[@stache1954]

Look at our cutie in her snowflake dress! Another option for pockets is silk.

[@kellynelson3186]

Slightly longer back is quite nice... had an elegant look 👍

[@SanguivorousRevenant]

Your videos lift my spirits so much, especially as a heavy person who has always felt left out of historical clothing communities.

[@LadyRebeccaFashions]

Aww, thank you! 🫂

[@trudicole3520]

Lion was very interested in the process of coat making

[@tashacano3324]

The percentage of times the bag lining comes apart on me is 100% which is why I'd like to sew my own outer garments

[@tealduckduckgoose]

The coat is coming along great, can't wait to see it finished! Your chistmas decorations are amazing, thank you for sharing them with us

[@julzb9187]

I’m in Australia in summer but now I wanna make a coat! 😂 it’s so beautiful already ❤

[@Hiker_who_Sews]

I love red! and can't wait to see it finished.

[@catherineleslie-faye4302]

I just bought that pattern 2 days ago... I'm so happy to see you making it!

[@dee-annegordon5959]

I love these fitting/alteration type videos. I get so many good ideas for how to get a better fit with my own projects

[@kiracraft3360]

I'm so so glad you're doing this make/pattern!! I've wanted to make one for years and though I make cloaks and robes, I've never attempted something so fitted in an outer garment. So excited to see the rest and completely agree with the decision to put a hood on it. (Yes I know it's already finished and I love the pictures but there's something that sparks light bulbs of understanding watching the process)

[@bhavens9149]

not a bad idea to have a tea length coat, if you have more than two coats, just a thought. Also another way to make that neckline work is to have an inset. I too get cold when neckline is too low, so understand.

[@elizabethclaiborne6461]

That’s going to be a beautiful coat! I love that the photo of AC on this pattern is pumpkin cosplay XD There’s a green stem on her hat. Easter egg!

[@melissam8939]

Thank you for cuddling Ms. Dora this time. Redeemed! Love this coat pattern--I got a very similar wool coat this year, except I just paid someone else to make it via Etsy. Mine is the full tea length, and I love it!

[@dancooper-jones]

I have a winter coat on my to do list. it's been on there for about 15 years now, but I keep being given floor length coats, which is my preference due to bad joints affected by the cold. buy one is really showing its age an wear. so I might give this a go.

[@marykallis3677]

My my Rebecca, deck those halls! Your house looks lovely. Your energy levels are amazing, but then again you are a few decades younger then me I am sure! Happy Holidays! 😍

[@roxanneash4091]

I think the coat will look amazing on you when it's done. Also loved the kitty cuddle moment.

[@kitkatkagomeX2]

I bought wool to make this same pattern in December of 2020... maybe I'll actually make it before this winter ends 😅

[@LadyRebeccaFashions]

You totally should!

[@kayladionyssiou3636]

I think the longer back hemline looks lovely and intentional. I'd go with it unless it's affecting something else.

[@bekytg9393]

Finally gotta around to watching your video, still have to catch up watching all your others. So glad you are doing this pattern, I purchased it around a year ago, will hope to make it.

[@trudicole3520]

I love your decorations

[@cyn4rest]

This was amazing! TFS all your details. Can’t wait to see your red coat complete. New subbie. ❤

[@frostywych9374]

its on my to make list too and its sitting on my shelf to make for months

[@robinsiciliano8923]

This is going to be gorgeous!

[@daisukidatotoro]

This coat is going to be so beautiful. I'm excited to see it completed!

[@persiswynter6357]

So far so beautiful!

[@MichelleSMV]

Where was I during that wool sale lol. I wish I had seen it to scoop some up too! It’s looking to be a really nice coat though. Hope you can figure out the length situation for the hem soon and I’m looking forward to seeing how you finish it next video ❤

[@jenniferstocker5462]

Your decorations look amazing!,

[@KellyAK]

What a beautiful colour, I can't wait to see the finished coat!

[@laurensternenberg7635]

Great color choice! It goes so well with your hair color. It going to be a lovely coat.

[@sleepycalico]

That pattern is gorgeous as is, to me. 😍😍

[@itamarmedeirosnetto]

Your christmas decorations are amazing, I can imagine the amount of time it took to hang up everything.

[@LadyRebeccaFashions]

Thank you! Yeah, it takes several hours spread over multiple days!

[@itamarmedeirosnetto]

@@LadyRebeccaFashions Here in Brazil because of the FIFA worldcup, there are almost none christmas decorations unfortunately

[@LadyRebeccaFashions]

@@itamarmedeirosnetto you mean like, everyone decorated for the world cup instead of Christmas? 😥

[@sandrazboinski6473]

Looking forward to the finished coat. 😀

[@hattyburrow716]

This coat is going to be beautiful xxx

[@mandylavida]

Love that coat! Those decorations are completely OTT but in a very good way!

[@robintheparttimesewer6798]

Lovely!! I’m getting ready to take notes for a dream coat for me. I can almost see it but it will definitely need a hood! The only thing I can’t decide on caplet or puff sleeves

[@catherinerw1]

I've just fininshed my first ever winter coat: Vogue V8346, in purple cotton velvet! View C, but not quite as long, so could get the pieces on folded fabric instead of having to floor troll on single layer! I did some bits of the lining in silk habutai (sleeves etc.), those were French seamed as the silk frayed like crazy! But all other seams were at most pinked :) Such a fab achievement to go "yes, I made it, that's why it fits!"

[@LadyRebeccaFashions]

Ooh, I love the idea of a purple velvet coat! That sounds so glamorous!

[@Neophoia]

One thing I've done for coats that i wanted a fake fur collar and cuffs on is have them be "covers" for the collar and cuffs that I can slip on when I like to have them for aesthetics, but can remove for washing the coat. And yes that was on a wool coat. It can be a bit annoying to make, as one has to either make them after the whole coat is made, or be very good at estimating how much to add for the bulk of fabric that is to fit within the "pocket" of the cover.

[@aksez2u]

I think the time that the Christmas decorations took was time well spent. A nice wool coat is worth two videos! Looking forward to seeing it completed!

[@nimuenorth6295]

Your list of style alterations for this pattern sounds a lot like mine - shorter, hood, pockets - but I also want to take the poof out of the sleeves for a more modern look. A friend bought the pattern after me and already made an autumnal wearable toile version. If I'm brave enough, I'll put it on my Make9 list for next year.

[@heavenleighbliss]

I'm so excited for this video!!!!! I like yours better than the original!

[@lcwaves]

I have been wanting to make this same coat pattern and yours is looking so good i think you gave me the push to try it myself! Great video, as always!

[@LadyRebeccaFashions]

Thanks! You should totally give it a go!

[@firecracker3911]

I bought that same pattern!!! I can only sew pillows but I like to dream!

[@LadyRebeccaFashions]

I definitely recommend trying some simpler clothing patterns before tackling this one!

[@hedgerow.homestead]

I kind of like the hem - almost high/low hemline going on. I think it gives it a unique flair!

[@Bexinmo]

I kind of like the longer back. It gives it a historic flavor. I like the idea of a soft faux fur lining for the hood, but it would have to be removable for washing and that is a bunch of extra work. That red color is gorgeous.

[@heidihaeni7783]

❤🐈

[@jaydenwinge5511]

I love watching your videos! Someday I hope to be able to successfully sew my own clothing because dresses never sit well on me…..I’m tall! You give me confidence

[@LadyRebeccaFashions]

Aww thank you! I'm sure you'll be able to - it just takes some practice!

[@michellecornum5856]

I can't wait. Speaking of red coats, I had heard, on more than one occasion, that a lady should never wear a red coat, but I never heard any reason why. Was it too flashy? I don't know, at any rate, love this!!!

[@miramari732]

I'm just leaving comment to track any possible answer!

[@LadyRebeccaFashions]

I had never heard that before! Do you know when that dates to? Red actually seems to have been the most common cloak color in the 18th century.

[@michellecornum5856]

@@LadyRebeccaFashions I have been deep diving trying to locate which antique sewing manual I located this in. The closest I can locate are several rules that say not to wear overly dramatic clothes. (And a BBC article called A Point of View: The Power of Wearing Red, in which, toward the end, a girl got called a hussy for wearing a red coat.) Surely, I am not the only one who ever heard "Ladies should not wear a red coat."

[@michellecornum5856]

@@LadyRebeccaFashions All the comments I heard about mothers disapproving of red coats seem to be fairly recent -- like the 1940s and 50s. I did a little research about it, when I first ran across these comments, and, of course, found the usual controversy about the color red (sumptuary laws, scarlet letters, prostitutes, etc.) And I have run across the statement a couple of times in articles about color and very old books on fashion and/or sewing, but I could never even trace it down to a fashion rule like no cleavage before 5 p.m. or no white after labor day. Perhaps it is nothing more than a personal peccadillo of a few mothers from the 40s and 50s. At any rate, It's an anomaly I have heard but could never find any backing for, and every time I see a red vintage coat, I think about those statements, that apparently live noisily and rent free in my head. Sorry for the disruption, please proceed.

[@eeyore_chick6059]

such a lovely coat! I would probably add the fur to the hood, but we've been sitting at -30 C for the past week...lol

[@naurlind]

This pattern and yaya hans M7938 have been waiting for me to make them roflmao. I go to Maryland a lot in the winter, i need to.

[@Skirt553]

I'm honestly considering making a new coat too. I have a black one that's lined with blue satin (the remains of a king-sized sheet set), but I need to do SO much to fix that, it might be better to have a backup coat while I do....

[@KureejiiNeko]

It must be a winter coat year. XD..... I just remade my winter coat. I used McCall's 6800. ...... I can't wait to see your coat all done. :D

[@JM-bh2pr]

I'm working on this same pattern as we speak! Having some of the same issues with the back :P

[@kayta84]

Lovely coat! The blue one also looks warm and cosey! A long coat is on my to do list, when I can afford the wool and the quilted lining... Norway is cold... how much fabric did you end up using with the hood? And good to see that I'm not alone in wanting to squish cats cute little faces❤❤❤ give Dora and Lion all the internet hugs!

[@LadyRebeccaFashions]

Thank you! The hood winds up taking about one yard of fabric.

[@wendyhutchins945]

Pretty kitty. :)

[@nikigunn]

I bought this pattern during a Something Delightful sale. When patterns are $2 to $7 dollars, I can't resist. I have too many that I haven't made but I never know when they'll go out of print.

[@liztrapp1089]

When buying wool online how do you know the wool will be thick enough for a winter coat?

[@LadyRebeccaFashions]

I generally look for things that say "wool coatings." Wool flannel can often work, too.

[@liztrapp1089]

@@LadyRebeccaFashions thanks!

[@mrs.knecro7044]

Some how it’s been forever since I’ve watched your videos… almost a year late but I’m gunna catch up 😂

[@taylortomblin]

Rebecca, I’m curious about the pockets. You were going between choosing either the wool or satin for making the pockets out of, saying you were worried about how long the pockets would last if made of wool. Why not cut pockets from both and serge them together? You could have the warm wool on the inside of the pocket, and the other fabric wouldn’t be seen because it would be covered by the lining. That would give the best of both worlds right?

[@LadyRebeccaFashions]

I hadn't even thought of that, tbh!

[@magiv4205]

I'm actually so jealous right now that you got this lucky and were able to buy this much wool for dirt cheap because of an accidental sale. I'm pretty poor, but I love sewing so much and it's a dream of mine to make clothing out of actual wool. But anything past a yard or two of blended wool is literally unaffordable, and I can downright forget about pure wool. Do you perchance know of any online resources for affordable fabrics that are based in or ship to Europe?

[@LadyRebeccaFashions]

Sorry, I don't know who all ships to Europe. But I can tell you - every time I've found wool, it has been through random online sales or by purchasing it secondhand.

[@magiv4205]

@@LadyRebeccaFashions That's alright, I thought it was worth the ask. I purchase all my fabric secondhand, but the trouble with wool is that things like curtains, table cloths or bedsheets aren't really made out of wool anymore (few things are, unfortunately), so I've never seen it in any of the thrift shops I frequent. Cotton or linen are much easier to find. I guess I gotta find some online shops that ship to my country for a reasonable fee:)

[@woochles]

I wish at least the big 4 would just make all patterns in plus sizes.

[@LadyRebeccaFashions]

100% Agreed!

[@kylejolley]

I want to make a Peacoat out of Black Watch wool.

[@LadyRebeccaFashions]

Ooh, you totally should!

[@jean2852]

Wear did you purchase your wool?

[@LadyRebeccaFashions]

This was from a fluke fabrics.com sale a few years ago.

[@AllanGradus]

Have you ever considered keeping the shoulder width? Perhaps have some thin shoulder pads? I think you do not need to lengthen front or back. Give the impression of shorter torso, longer leg?

[@LadyRebeccaFashions]

Honestly, I hadn't ever thought of that. I feel like it would just make me look wider on top.

[@AllanGradus]

Hour glass silhouette?

[@vanessatrotter69]

👑👑👑👑👑👑👑👑👑👑👑👑👑👑👑👑👑👑

[@lauramusser4973]

Where did you get your mannequins or did you make them?

[@LadyRebeccaFashions]

The one in the turquoise corset is a Bootstrap dress form pattern I made, and the other one is purchased (I think it was from Roxy forms?)