Making Samantha's Winter Cloak and Gaiters -- American Girl Cosplay

[@werelemur1138]

Dora knows that the blue and green set off her orange patches very nicely.

[@cb9825]

I love how Dora was just calmly sitting in the fabric and never leaving despite all the movement 😆

[@jasminearch8632]

You may carry me, human.

[@winterinbloom]

I saw the thumbnail and got all excited because I saw my doll. Then had to remind myself she is not my doll anymore because I gave her to my daughter. This is project is so cool. I have always loved Samantha's winter cloak and wanted one just like it.

[@SarahSpaceman]

Dora in the fabric 🤣 I love every time I see her! I used to have a multicolored/calico tabby like her so every time I see her she makes me smile!

[@lynndragon2536]

If there are leftover scraps make Dora a bed because cats deserve loooove too

[@LadyRebeccaFashions]

The last scrap left is smaller than Dora!

[@lenabreijer1311]

@@LadyRebeccaFashions crazy quilt all the bits together on a dark piece of cotton to make a pillow top!

[@johnalvinbelarmino598]

That fabric is a jaw dropping OMG it's like from the American doll

[@dee-annegordon5959]

It's looking so warm and cozy. Loved the spats.

[@checkerspotfarm3927]

Love it! I have a cloak with pockets and I find I don't use the outside pockets very much, although they are brilliant for putting things in. The slits do need to be a lot larger than you would think! My cloak also has three inside pockets though and I can't recommend that highly enough. One is an upper chest pocket that is perfect for stashing my phone and the other two are just big patch pockets. Mine has a drawstring style closure, with a strip of the cloak fabric as the string. I don't find I need to actually cinch it, but it does make a much sturdier tie and it lays really nicely. I am now super wanting a blanket thick one now though!

[@debbiel7736]

I kept thinking about secret inside pockets.

[@anna7118]

I love that you are making Samantha’s cloak in real person size! I found a set of the original Samantha sewing patterns in a thrift store recently! I had to buy it even though I had previously downloaded the online copies.

[@beatriceotter8718]

Hot tip: whenever possible, get sewing tools from the hardware store instead of the craft store because it's cheaper. You can pay $20 for a buttonhole punch ... or you can go to a hardware store and get a set of three chisels at different sizes for $20.

[@crystilmurch5659]

This is turning out so well! I don't know if this thought is helpful but, if you find you need more space in the arm slit area maybe put an internal patch pocket instead of an inseam one? I know it would be so much more work but it might make the pockets more functional. Also, I giggled so hard at Dora adopting the fabric. Pets are so adorably predictable. I put fabric on the floor and it took less than 15 seconds for my dog to decide it was his new bed (which seems strange since it was tulle on tile floor and I can't imagine it was as cozy as your wool. I hope Lion is feeling better. And break a leg in your rehearsals!

[@aninocentangel]

I’m sitting here with a lap full of freshly washed Riley Blake wool, also purchased during the fabric .com debacle, that I’m contemplating turning into a cloak and the cats mysteriously appeared and are purring and kneading it lol You have my sincere sympathy on de-cat hairing your washed fabric.

[@theplussizecostumer]

First of all I'm glad to hear that your car situation has been resolved to your satisfaction. As someone who has been without a vehicle for about 2 years (or has it been 3? Whatever.) With the cape, I must say that the way you did the pockets was surprising to me. I would have done a patch type pocket accessible from the inside. To me it would be easier to use when wearing the cape. But that's just me.

[@robintheparttimesewer6798]

Wow the cape is looking so good!! The spats are amazing! We need to bring back spats!!! If you have any material left you should make a pillow case for Dora! I’m sure that she wouldn’t mind piecing or an old flat pillow either! Also hopefully Lion is doing much better!

[@abbypayne4496]

You’re stronger than me. I’d have started crying about the lining fabric. I’m only about half way through, hopefully you find something else that’s good at Joann’s!!

[@teddy-3765]

Samatha's gaiters aren't fitted at the ankle beause doll boots and other foorwear generally isn't very fitted because their feet don't flex to get through a close-fitted ankle (and children are expected to be dressing/undressing the doll) I have a bought cloak that is patterened pretty much the same as the main body of your Samantha cloak - it had patch pockets (recatangle with one top corner chopped off - that missing corner being the opening) on the outside of the front panels, rather than set into the seam. I didn't like the look of them so, unpicked them and sewd them back in place on the inside of the cloak where they work just fine. I just pull my hand back inside the cloak to access them.

[@Bexinmo]

I was going to suggest putting the pocket opening inside the cloak.

[@violetcat12]

@@Bexinmo my mum wore cloaks a lot in the 70s and i remember more than one having a patch pocket on the lining as well as in seam pockets though to be honest she was a handbag kind of gal

[@pixydarkstar8734]

you almost need to make them SECRET pocket...interior accessed pockets

[@pammatthews9743]

Idea for pocket: could you attach them to the inside of the front cape?

[@rhondacrosswhite8048]

You’ll have to make a kitty bed out of the remnant when you finish. I lined my blue velveteen cloak with red flannel. Every other cloak I have seen is lined in satin but satin is cold to the touch. I may as well be walking around swathed in a blanket when wearing it. Oh, I closed it with frogs but a big double-layered tie would be lovely.

[@marytaddei4957]

Dora is so precious loving your fabric 😂 and you are so talented and make such beautiful garments

[@MonaSkovJensen]

The cloak is looking really great! Has Dora accepted that you have demolished her bed? I'm glad the car situation is solved! Best of wishes to Lion's recovery, and big hugs to Lion, Dora and you!

[@LadyRebeccaFashions]

I think Dora has accepted her bed's fate! 😉 And thank you!

[@brbz369]

I vote for a few frog closures for the cape (I think someone else's comments mentioned this, too). Maybe add a decorative ribbon bow. And make a bed or blankie for Dora out of any scrap fabric! Healing vibes from me to Lion (poor little guy!). It may take awhile to heal..ask your vet about Lion's particular situation. All the best for "Into The Woods"!

[@SolangeScarlette]

This is so exciting and inspirational, I cannot believe you found the perfect fabric!

[@bhavens9149]

shhhh its a secret - you put the pockets on the Inside! :)

[@sandiemable]

Hey Rebecca, I have the sewing pattern set for Samantha; loving it in people size! I think I have the perfect closure for you. I am a knitter, and one of my fave shops is The Woolly Thistle. If you go to the website and click on Shop All, then scroll down to Bits & Pieces, you will find Norwegian pewter sweater clasps! OMG! There are many designs to pick from; I think they would be gorgeous on your cape. Do let me know if you try them. xoxo's Sandie

[@sarahrosen4985]

I'm not making a cape (or anything) but now I want Norwegian sweater clasps! What a great recommendation.

[@LadyRebeccaFashions]

Those sound neat, but I wound up using just regular cloak clasps from Jo-Ann's.

[@kayta84]

I'm fron Norway, we do love those clasps, unfortunately I am a expert in braking them... but there is so many patterns to choose from so... 😊😊 just in case you don't know, many of the patterns they come in is old, hundreds of years old😊 we use them in our traditional knitting jackets called Kofte, every region have there own pattern. They are soo warm and lovely!

[@lizzajoy]

I also have the original Pleasant Company pattern set for Samantha!

[@angelaross1]

I used to scale down/up using a photocopier to make clothes for my daughters “My Twinn” doll. I made the Titanic “Jump dress” and multiple versions of her Girl Scout Uniforms (including badges). It was so fun to make her and her doll matching outfits.

[@kaytiej8311]

"Its Gaiter time!" Yes! What a fascinating idea. Why have we lost these as part of accessories? Great way to make 'boots', for something different. Is it just that the buttons are horrible to do up? I need to consider these in my future makes.

[@LadyRebeccaFashions]

The buttons are pretty difficult to do up. So maybe that's why?

[@mizhenheimer307]

gaiters are common hiking gear! Obviously the ones made for hiking aren't super fashionable, but I think you could take the principles that makes those modern gaiters easier to do up than their predecessors (they usually have a velcro closure, actually!) and apply them to a more fashion-oriented gaiter

[@cb9825]

I remember that in like 2003 knit sretchy gaiters were very cool and almost daring. The most fashion forward and wealthy girl in my uni was wearing them with shoes and mini skirts in autumn (and even winter). Then everyone just forgot about them next year.🤣

[@vishnaya6]

Ah Dora looks so happy with that fabric, make her a bed with any scraps if you can!

[@LinniuesLinens]

Get well soon, Lion!! 🤗

[@mirimiriela480]

Aaaahhh the gaiters are sooo cuuuute!!! I had this outfit for Samantha but it wasn't the official American Girl one. My grandfather sent me handmade doll dresses from local shops in his area. Same pattern, but it was light gray. I completely forgot about the gaiters until this video!

[@Besaccha]

I love interpretations of American Girl doll clothes! Having a quick look through my small collection of vintage cloaks (all mid-20th c to my knowledge), there are three that have pockets. One has applied patch pockets centered beneath the arm slit. The other two have welted pockets immediately medial to the arm slit (closer to the center of the body), and the pocket opening starts in line with the bottom of the arm slit. One set of pockets keeps the opening horizontal, the other angles upward. (These have been affectionately dubbed "t rex pockets", as they seem to be designed so that only your hand should emerge from within the cloak!)

[@autumn7143]

Yay!!! The car is taken care of. I’m happy for you. I’m praying Lion is well soon. I like the new lining, and I think you’ve done a great job.

[@midnightqueen3332]

I don't/didn't ever have that doll, never got into the "American Girl" stuff too much, much to my moms displeasure. I just wasn't that Girly Girl that every mom wants when I was young. That being said I did have other dolls that had cloth ties of varying sorts near velcro that did develop similar issues, where the velcro was "eating" the ribbons. Side note to those reading- Cherish the time you have with your family while you can, you never know when they will be gone. Years later I am now becoming more that "girly girl" and I dearly miss my mom who passed from ALS in about 2013. I would love to have her here to go shopping and things. The little things matter SO SO much!! Don't waste what you have.

[@beamteammom5431]

This may not work for this project, but have you considered putting the pockets on the inside? Loved the video!

[@lunch12]

This makes me want to make my own clack… and meet me dress…. Maybe a whole Samantha wardrobe for me.

[@LadyRebeccaFashions]

I'm wondering if I'm going to need to make the meet dress at some point too!

[@Inna-sa]

Yes! Just what I needed to accompany my sewing room organising! I love how we know everything about your projects without needing to see every detail of the actual sewing.

[@erinhawkins1950]

Don't know if it's too late for this idea, but I'd put the pockets inside instead of outside. The arm holes are just to kind of reach out when you need to and hide your hands nice and warm inside otherwise, so pull your hands in to get stuff from inside pockets instead?

[@historicallyfashioned]

That’s what I was going to suggest as well. Set the pocket into the lining and you’ll be able to reach your stuff much easier!

[@catstreat9434]

Agree as well. Put them on the inside and when you don't want your hands outside, you can use your hands in the pockets to hold the cloak closed.

[@auntiezann5146]

All good thoughts for Lion!

[@YanickaQuilt]

I vote for the comeback of capes and cloaks! I made myself a wool cape for winter in Montreal and it's warm and awesome. It's also chartreuse so I really stand out. Don't care!

[@shelleymonson8750]

I have seen *many* Victorian garments which were not pattern-matched, so I wouldn’t worry about it!

[@IceWeirdo]

I also have a cloak with arm slits. What I did for the pockets is patch pockets in the lining, just below the slits.

[@thesewingequestrian382]

🥰 I grew up in Marysville:)

[@kathyjohnson2043]

Bravo on being the Baker's wife...a challenging role. I conducted a performance of Into The Woods with the full, original instrumentation and it was the most challenging pit orchestra I have ever done.

[@FlybyStardancer]

Hahaha I feel you on cats deciding materials are theirs… I’m working on embroidering a purchased skirt and my kitty Cleo has decided that skirt is hers.

[@StephanieCanada]

So cute! And I hope Lion starts feeling better. Also, how’s you know it was cape time?? 😏

[@HoneyBear36]

I’m so glad you got the car fiasco figured out but sorry that you had the lining fiasco instead. You need to catch a break! Also I love into the woods and I bet you will be such a good fit as the bakers wife.

[@catherinealekseyenko9317]

super cute! when you first mentioned pockets I assumed they would be on the inside since that's sort of the how you wear the cloak, with hands ticked in unless you need to do something and then you can reach out though the slits. maybe i'm wrong but that's how I feel about cloaks

[@kimbelinag]

You can always plan to use the opposite pocket!

[@bhavens9149]

I took off the velcro the first time the tie got caught in it.

[@LadyRebeccaFashions]

Did you put on a different closure?

[@bhavens9149]

@@LadyRebeccaFashions No, I suppose I could put on snaps, but I was okay with it just having a tie. I have plenty in sewing stash, but it wasn't as important to me as the tie not fraying.

[@bhavens9149]

@@LadyRebeccaFashions also it was very fiddly getting the velcro off and was exasperated by that time so possibly that was another reason I didn't go ahead and replace. but its many years ago now, so all conjecture. :)

[@FlavorsandTextures]

It is looking really good!

[@rosa733]

You could see pockets on to the garment instead of in to the garment. For a cloak this is easier. I had one for a few years.

[@juniper111984]

I have a Samantha doll and I love this. I would have been thrilled to have clothing in my own size to match when I was a kid This is really fun to watch! I'm also very intrigued by the gaiters and I'm tempted to see if I can make some for myself although I don't know where I would wear them lol

[@rachelway8913]

Ok seriously this is my dream!! I can’t wait to see the final product. 😊

[@pamkarickhoff7814]

Sending healing vibes for Lion. You will love your Hyundai. I'm on my second one. Customer service at my local dealership has always been wonderful. I think Dora was determined to keep her bed.

[@christinehodgson7948]

Why not put the pockets inside the cape? I had a cape with pockets inside and it was great!

[@trudicole3520]

Sending Lion healing prayers it takes about 4 weeks to properly heal I love this cloak it has inspired me to try a cloak for myself

[@judithdesveaux1699]

I'm sure its too late, but I've had a few cloaks and the pockets were in the front panel, beside the arm opening, not in the seam.

[@lenabreijer1311]

On my cloaks all the pockets were inside as patch pockets on the lining. If I needed something, I pulled my hand inside and into the inner pocket.

[@fawntheresa5338]

I love this blanket wool as much as Dora.

[@TracyLynnAP]

Glad you have a car now.. the ACL surgery is a long recovery. Like 3-4 months if I remember correctly. I was thinking if you have any bits of the Black Watch tartan that are bigger you could maybe see them up for a Dora blanket/bed.. then you would both get to enjoy the lovely wool.

[@hannahgreen681]

Cute. I know the problem with the pockets. I thought maybe that you could have patch pockets. Maybe. Also I think frog closures would look good on it. I would love to know how the growgrain ribbon holds up on the buttons. Could be a great idea for making them last and not stretch out as much.

[@sophuzzy]

I'm gathering materials for a similar cloak based on the cape in the Red Riding Hood movie. I will put the pockets on the inside. I had though of trying to put the pockets between the outer fabric and the lining.

[@ladyjusticesusan]

You stole Dora’s bed!!!!! I feel so bad for Dora! OMG she is so cute ❤️❤️❤️ The spats are adorable. I love this project. I hope the lining return went smoothly. What a weird fabric for a lining. Can’t wait to see this finished. Still feeling bad for Dora though 😊❤️

[@elizabethlee3429]

I would recommend that you put the pockets on the inside of the cloak. It's a lot easier to pull your arms back in to reach down, then trying to access on the outside. I will be at the 2pm showing on the 27th. :)

[@LadyRebeccaFashions]

Awesome - I'm glad you're able to make it!

[@kayta84]

I'm so glad to get back to your videos, the brain fog has kicked me hard this last month... love your videos so much, you give me so many ideas, you teach me so much and you bring me all the joy💚💜💚💜💚 and love me some Dora content🐱

[@DOSBoxMom]

I was able to get a huge package of satin ribbon in various colors from Amazon at a very reasonable price about a year and a half ago (needed drawstrings for a crochet gift bag pattern test). And when I needed hundreds of stitch markers for a baby blanket I was making for a yarn store contest, Amazon came to the rescue again, with mass quantities of stitch markers in a soft but durable plastic. (Yarn isn't usually a good buy on Amazon, though, so the yarn vendors still get plenty of my business.)

[@cdeg1964]

These are coming along great. I am wondering why you don't put the pocket inside since it seems like that would be more functional to me.

[@Christopherhlee]

I feel like the pockets need to be along the front inside edge of the cloak. Then you can reach across to the other side to access the pocket. If that makes sense.

[@lakeshagadson357]

i like that you sew like a lot of people i seen online.

[@roiannenarita4275]

Hi ,good luck with into the woods, most cloaks did not have pockets because your muff would have pockets in them,.at least mine did.

[@IceWeirdo]

Have you considered Kasha lining for your winter wear? It's a lining that's thicker. It's basically a satin looking polyester on the right side and a cotton flannel on the wrong side. It's a little bit thicker, but it adds some warmth (I live in Canada, so warmth on outerwear is a priority in my life 😂).

[@LadyRebeccaFashions]

I think that might be too much warmth for WA!

[@hedgerow.homestead]

Very pretty cloak. Do you think some kind of hidden interior pocket would work? I don’t know if this style of cloak is one where you always have your arms out or would your arms typically be within the cloak to access stealth interior pockets?

[@LadyRebeccaFashions]

I feel like my arms would probably always be out?

[@kirstenpaff8946]

Yeah, the ties on my Samantha doll's cloak also got kind of shredded from the Velcro.

[@sarahrosen4985]

Don't forget a hidden pocket in the muff!

[@ajjones8013]

I am so excited you are recreating this cloak! Samantha was my first intro to the American Girl brand and I still love those lovely historical dolls. I love all the details you were careful to replicate. I'm sorry the bemberg didn't work out. I was just about to hit buy on some bemberg for a bomber jacket I am making, and now I'm worried. Do you mind sharing what site I should be avoiding for that purchase?

[@LadyRebeccaFashions]

I got mine from the confident stitch. They said that was the only kind that they've ever sold, but it sounds like there's a couple different types of bemberg and I'm not sure how you know what you're getting...

[@ajjones8013]

@@LadyRebeccaFashions Thank you. It is unfortunate that it is not all the same quality. I'll see if I can order a sample first. Thank you!

[@curlyclaire2]

Would the pockets in a cloak be more useful if they were inside? Maybe a slit through the lining to the pocket bag anchored to the inside of the wool seam? Cloak is looking great so far by the way...

[@mirimiriela480]

I thought you were going to have the pocket fully inside the cloak and not at all accessible from the outside, so that you can tuck your hands inside the pockets to keep them warm from the cold air that would come in from the arm holes. Then you can use the pockets to hold the cloak close to you when it's cold.

[@marynimocks6791]

WAWAK has 5 yds of 60" Navy Bemberg on sale for $49.25

[@makeda6530]

Hmmm, maybe if the pockets were on the inside though it may look weird pulling you arms in for rummaging inside the cloak for things. And I never got to have the dolls though I had several of the books and went for tea at the American Girl store once with my mom. I wasn't the girliest girl but I do remember it being fun.

[@olgaevans8749]

I’m near Bellingham! I think I know that craft thrift store. Assuming it’s the one I’m thinking of and there isn’t one I’m not aware of. (Perish the thought!)

[@leigh2e200]

I think I would put an inside patchpocket. Since my hands would be insidelots of times...

[@jocelyn_l.5479]

I realize that I am super late but I was confused by the pocket placement in the cape. I thought that the pockets would be accessed whenever your hands were inside the cape. Almost like the inside pocket of men's jackets and spies.

[@RianShafer]

Because of my RA I can no longer flex my ankles (like Samantha lol) & in fact, can not wear real shoes. I wonder if I could make spats to hide my Crocs since they are the only shoe I can tolerate for a short time. What do you think? I absolutely love the look! I was considering buying the real thing after my foot surgery but the reviews have not been so hot for that company but maybe make these for over a comfy shoe. Something to look forward to. I love your tutorials & still binge watching them all. You have been a very busy girl!

[@LadyRebeccaFashions]

Thank you! I'll bet you could totally make spats to go with your Crocs!

[@Susanfuzz]

Maybe make a pocket you can access from inside?

[@hattyburrow716]

I have no doubt Dora will claim the finished cloak too xxxx

[@nixhixx]

Pockets on the inside?

[@PurplePlumMays]

I have a nosy/curious question. How many American Girl and other dolls do you own? I loved making doll clothes when I was younger.

[@LadyRebeccaFashions]

I'm up to 22 now. 🤭

[@PurplePlumMays]

@@LadyRebeccaFashionsWow😊

[@elizalagonia1049]

What are the function of gators? are they their as leg warmers or to protect the stockings?

[@LadyRebeccaFashions]

I think both, but mostly warmth. I know when I was a kid and we'd go to the snow, we'd put gaiters on, but those would be waterproof ones too.

[@rebeccawest8973]

Oh my gosh.

[@starlightie]

I would definitely suggest putting pockets inside rather as it is much easier to just pull your arm in and grab something from the pocket and then back through the arm hole again ... AND no fear of pick pockets lol

[@babyjenks1784]

Shut the front door! Now you're doing an outfit inspired by my FAVORITE American Girl?? I haven't even watched the episode yet so I don't know if you mention this BUT Do you remember back in the day, you could order in the American Girl catalog the SAME DRESSES the Dolls wore but in GIRL sizes?? AND If your Mom or Grandma or whomever was CRAFTY you could actually get the SEWING PATTERNS! I always wanted to have Samantha's dresses!

[@LadyRebeccaFashions]

I used the doll sewing patterns for this! 😉

[@amandahertel4015]

I'm just a little confused why you put the pockets on the outside and didn't do them on the inside, where you wouldn't have to stick your hands out of the warm coziness to get to them.

[@LadyRebeccaFashions]

I didn't even think of it.

[@A_Redheads_Ramblings]

Dora says: Dis mine now ❤

[@vanessatrotter69]

👑👑👑👑👑👑👑👑👑👑👑👑

[@HarmonyWales]

inside pocket?

[@shirliepriestley8761]

Why dont u sew ur pockets inside ur cape, for easier access. I had a cape /cloak in the 70’s that had inner pockets, oh how i loved that cape.

[@alli_mode]

Hi Dora!

[@alli_mode]

The kankles on the American girls are REAL.

[@vanessatrotter69]

😊😊🧡🧡👑👑👑👑👑👑👑👑

[@anessaharris9947]

🇨🇦😃