B&S #33: Smart Accessories for Your Best Cosplay
Bodacious
I hope all of you in the U.S. had a fantastic Thanksgiving! My son spent it with our extended family, including his cousins, and had a delicious dinner. We even got to bake a bunch of the leftovers home. I avoided Black Friday as I do every year. In fact, I saw a video today explaining how Black Friday sales aren't even as good as you might think.
On to what you're here for: steampunk and cosplay!
Today, I'm sharing three new patters from Cosplay by McCall's: Fatale (designed by Ichigo Black), Rove, and Stash. These are accessories that can compliment a variety of costumes.
Fatale
Sexy stockings, an alluring collar, strap-on shoulder armor, and a regal crown make Fatale suitable accessories for a queen of hearts-type character, a harlequin, and a masquerade goer. How might this work with steampunk? They had parties in Victorian times. Why not add steampunk flare like leather bracelets with embedded watches, mechanical armor to giver the appearance of a robotic arm, and, of course, that mainstay of steampunk, a pair of goggles?
Use what you want from the pattern. Perhaps you have a cosplay that would benefit from the shoulder armor and stalkings alone. Perhaps you simply want the crown and choker. As you'll soon see, you an mix and match parts from all three of this month's patterns.
Even if you have little sewing experience, you should do fine with Fatale, as it's rated Very Easy. In addition, the pattern comes with instructions for craft foam and craft glue. Both are important for all sorts of cosplay. The tips cover using them to create the heart crown portion of this pattern.
Rove
Rove, rated Easy, is for six bolero jacket styles, ranging from anime to futuristic. A bolero jacket is essentially the top part of a jacket, cut off at mid-chest, and they can look great with all sorts of costumes, adding an air of strength as it enhances the arms and shoulders. Metallic-colored fabrics would give this pattern a steampunk-vibe, as would gear-style or Victorian era buttons.
The tips will help you create the best collars you can. First is "Tips for Perfect Collar Points," which explains how to switch stitching direction on a collar to make the points nice and flat. "Pressing Collars" explains proper ironing technique.
Stash
Now, we come to belts and pouches! Need a place to keep your business cards, money, and more, while having the appearance of carrying ammunition or rations? Then you need Stash.
This package contains patterns for two belts, a series of pouches, and one large, hanging pouch. Recommended fabrics include twill and canvass for the main sections and cotton or cotton blends for the lining.
This "Easy" pattern will teach you how to apply a variety of snaps. Keep in mind that snaps have been around since the 1800s, which makes them perfect for steampunk cosplay. This will also provide you with a way to add a steampunk feel to Stash. Find buttons that scream "Victorian England" or "Wild West."
It's tough to imagine a steampunk adventurer who wouldn't benefit from these belts and pouches.
Also, this one would go great with Rove: bolero jacket on top, pouches at the hips. Match colors for a stronger look.
Unlike the others, Stash would be great for male as well as female costumes.
Sundry
Are you a writer? If you are, and you're like me, you know that there's always something new to learn.
Soon, I plan on adding a new feature to my YouTube channel: writing tips videos. I plan release three per week. I'll record them on Sunday, and put them out on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday. This will be an opportunity for me to pass on some of my knowledge, and for you to hopefully learn something new.
Go to my YouTube channel and subscribe! The first video will come out this coming Monday.
