Valor M2052 and Intrepid M2051 sound like Star Trek ship names (in in fact, I am pretty sure they are) but in this case, Valor and Intrepid are the Cosplay by McCalls “Vikings” costumes. Intrepid is their take on the fabulous Lagertha and comes in two size sets: Y, which will cover sizes 4 to 12, and XX for sizes 16-26. Pretty much everyone can get their Ragnarok on with this size range. They are both rated “easy” and are indeed a great starting point for the beginning costumer. Bang for buck, you are pretty well set for most any costuming need, all in one envelope and at a really great “bulk” price. Because they wanted some “easy” patterns in the Cosplay set, these two patterns are from the talented patternmakers at McCalls, and do not carry a famous cosplayer’s label.
There are 6 pieces in the woman’s Intrepid pattern: A lined top, a basic peasant-y blouse, simple “real” pants with waistband, carriers, and darts, a fun open-front overskirt, a wide belt and a set of cuffs/gauntlets. Although they are shown in “rough” style suitable for a ranger or Viking, I can see these made up in finer fabrics like a silk shantung or organza for a really wonderful fairy or Conan-esque princess. The simple shape of the overskirt lends itself to hand painting, embroidery, beading and more. Likewise, the simple belt is begging for the novices to try their hands at embellishment. To be sure, it’s not a curvy piece but that is all the better for the novice to handle.
Tips in this envelope are about sewing with suede and faux fur. Not coincidently, these tips also work for real leather, should you decide to re-purpose an actual leather jacket or two from Goodwill for this project. Upcycle!
The men’s a-Viking pattern, for the Ragnars or Rollos or Flokis (Oh my!), comes in two size sets: MWW for sizes 38-44, and MQQ for sizes 46-52. It seems a bit light on the small sizes, but the pieces are simple enough that the novice should be able to size them down a bit if need be. The pattern comes with four pieces: a lined vest, a simple pullover top with two sleeve options, a pair of simple “real” pants with waistband and carriers, and a pair of cuffs/gauntlets. Bang for buck, it’s a good starting point for your men’s pattern library. You are covered for simple shirts, and basic pants—just install a zipper instead of the laces and update the “extension” to an actual fly. Take a look at a pair of pants from your closet for guidance on that adjustment. Looks like a good starting point for a Shrek or a dwarf costume as well.
The sewing tips for this pattern are for setting eyelets. These instructions call for using a hole punch to make way for the eyelet/grommet, which is fine for this use, but may be problematic (or not, depending on who you ask) if you wish to set eyelets in a tight-lacing project.
The Cosplay by McCalls patterns continue to provide great, adaptable pieces with large, durable envelopes that can also house your swatches, sketches and trim samples. They offer an inclusive size range so everyone can get in on the fun. Give them a try. You can get the entire collection of Cosplay by McCalls on their website at http://cosplay.mccall.com/cosplay-by-mccall-s-brand-collection-pages-5923.php
How much fabric is used for each piece? Option A has 2 fabric materials, but the material list says either contrast, lining and sew in interfacing.
Halp!
Hi Nicole. Sadly when I moved overseas, I did not keep all my McCall’s Cosplay patterns. But each piece is labelled “A, B, C, D”, and on the back of the envelope the yardage is listed for each. For example the shirt, listed as “A”, has yardage listed for each size (the body of the shirt), and “contrast” with just one amount listed–that’s the sleeves. It’s the same yardage for all sizes because none of the sizes exceed the width of the fabric, and the length is about the same. The lining is for all of it. You can confirm this by looking at the cutting layouts. I hope this helps. Take a quick look at the instructions and I think things will be clearer as to why you need 3 fabrics. You are, or course, not *required* to use 3 fabrics. YOU are in charge of how you want it to look. If you don’t want contrast sleeves, just add that yardage to the main yardage. If your fabric is light weight, you can even use the same for the lining. If you need more help, just let me know!