Bodacious & Sundry #16: The McCall’s Brand Collection
Bodacious
Welcome steampunks and cosplayers! This is my third blog post about the Cosplay by McCall’s website. First, I shared the news when the site launched, then I posted an updated after the collections had greatly expanded, and now, I’m letting everyone know about their new Brand Collection.
A representative from McCall’s contacted me a few weeks ago about these, and sent me each of the three new patterns. They are just amazing! Frankly, I’d like to have all of them made, but definitely plan to do the trench coat.
I’ll share that first. The trench coat pattern is called Trenched, and it’s pattern number M2014. Size options range from S to XXL.
As you can see here, the advertised look would be great for cosplay as an anime character. The back shows three different options to produce different looks.
The pattern calls for synthetic leather and provides ten tips on working with the material. Depending on the style chosen, one could create a great Asian or western steampunk look.
Think about the variety one could create with different colors and accessories. Black could be sinsister or give a Matrix feel, and white could be perfect for a tough angel.
Speaking of angels, I love costumes with wings. If you’ve ever wanted a costume with angel wings—and yes, I think that these could easily be part of a fantastic steampunk ensemble, and even go with Trenched—then check out Flight, pattern M2015. The pattern includes the wings and the harness.
One of these days! Personally, I’d use copper and silver tones for the feathers to give it a real steampunk flare.
This pattern is one size fits all, so they'll appear bigger if you're a small, and smaller if you're a large.
If you’ve read this blog regularly you’ll know that I’m a big fan of Game of Thrones, including the A Song of Ice and Fire book series. McCall’s Cloak X pattern, number M2016, is perfect if you want to cosplay a watcher on the wall like Jon Snow or Samwell Tarly.
Crow-style isn’t the only option. Others include a wizardly and a priestly look. Any of these could go well with a steampunk outfit. Imagine brass-colored fur, for instance.
For the watcher look, you’ll need faux fur, and the pattern directions explain how to use it.
My mom happens to be a very good seamstress and has agreed to make the trench coat for me. Hopefully we’ll be able to do that within the next few months! When we do I’ll share it and write about it here.
If you’re a cosplayer and you haven’t checked out the Cosplay by McCall’s site yet, you owe it to yourself to have a look!
Sundry
Podcast News
The latest Mostly Steampunk Podcast is also out! Watch my son Clark and me talk about the Steampunk Tarot by Barbara Moore and Aly Fell and about the McCall’s patterns. Like! Comment! Subscribe! It costs you nothing and helps me. Also, YouTube will let you know when I post new videos in your YouTube feed. You can also listen to and subscibe to it on iTunes or Podomatic.
You can also watch it right here!
Bodacious Creed News
I’m about half way through the second draft of Bodacious Creed: a Steampunk Zombie Western! In the Kickstarter for the novel, we reached one stretch goal: an interior illustration by Joshua J. Stewart. Josh and I talked, and he’s going to do a full color cover instead!
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