I've had my Samantha doll since I was 9 years old in 1991. Back then, she was one of only three American Girl dolls, and she was my favorite -- mostly because I loved her clothes! It was a childhood dream of mine to dress up as her, and I coveted those expensive costumes in the Pleasant Company catalogue, though I was never lucky enough to own one.

Fast forward 15 years later, and my girlhood dream came true.

Yes, this is actually one of the retired offical Samantha dresses made by Plesant Company which I found second-hand on eBay. I took a gamble that it would fit me, and it did. I then made the petticoat to go underneath it and the matching bow out of leftover fabric that matched perfectly.

Then all I did was dust off Samantha and find her matching outfit which had long been stored away.

Christmas present to myself: $50.
Being 9 years old again for a day: priceless.