Cosplay by McCalls “Prelude” M2082, and “Hitched” M2072

Two new patterns from Cosplay by McCalls. “Prelude” M2082, and “Hitched” M2072. These are sweet little things that are exactly what you are looking for. Both come in two size sets: sizes 6-14 and 14-22—a size inclusive range. With only 2 packets, these patterns won’t break your budget if you need multiple sizes.

Prelude is a set of modern bloomers/pantalettes/cullottes, and they are darling. An intermediate skill level is suggested, though for view A, you can absolutely be a beginner. Back in my college days, I rocked a pair of similar pantalettes as an all-in-one that I made for one of my pattern making classes. I adored them, and wore them everywhere. These are so much cuter. The McCalls pattern makers have really outdone themselves here in proportion and style.

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Those of you who have made historically accurate versions of these, let me say now that these do have a crotch seam. In version A, where it looks like it might have a zipper, it is actually just an overlap with a hook and also a button at the waistband. You could leave it as is, or if you worry, you could add a small hook midway up the opening. The lap is about 2 1/2 inches wide at the top (it is a V-shape) and the opening about 9 inches deep.

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You will find option B to be an adorable lined short bloomer style. It’s heavy on buttonholes, as these are used to run ribbon through, not unlike beading lace. There are 48 buttonholes around the waist and legs. Yes. It is worth it. The effect is both vintage, with the reference to the beading lace, and quirky, because there is none. There is elastic at the waist and legs, and the ribbon is inserted over that as decoration. Sure seems to me that you will need to tie and untie to put on and take off the bloomers, but then you pretty much have the elastic tie system you see in men’s sweat pants, but prettier.

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Version C is all about pleats. To that end, the pattern envelope “tip” is how to make perfect pleats. You can translate this to any pattern, as their method—which is the best method—has you pleat your fabric first, then cut your pattern from that. You can do this with just about any pattern. This version is lined, so you can get some really cool effects using sheer fabrics for the pleats over a colored lining. As the pleats move, the opacity varies, so you get a pretty mesmerizing look. Wear these to work, and then after, on a date. These are spectacularly versatile.

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“Hitched” M2072 is that high-low skirt everyone wants. An easy skill level pattern, you could knock these out pretty quickly. It’s a modern take on the trope of the saloon girl’s hitched-up skirt. Speaking of work-to-evening wear, this is the poster child for it. The pattern includes three versions of this skirt, which is really just adding length in the back. It’s lined, so you won’t see those ugly seams on the low part—a particular pet peeve of mine. It also means that you can play with color. Line your black skirt with a red, for a wild take on the classic vampire, or fill the inside with a geeky Star Wars print that will not be noticed at work while it’s not hitched up, but will be a happy focal point in the evening or a convention where you will hitch it up. There is no waistband, so it has a neat and clean look. Make sure that yoke fits perfectly, though.

The amount of hitch is controlled by ribbons and 2 columns of D rings set at the front yoke. Take it up or leave it down on a whim. The pattern “tip” is all about D rings, which are pretty straightforward. You’ll need 24 D rings—six sets on each side.

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These are the kinds of timeless and useful patterns that really pull their weight. They are a go-to for so many things, from Raggedy Ann, to steampunk, to expressive streetwear that puts a spring in your step.
Cosplay by McCalls has become a favorite. Adaptable, imaginative, and size-inclusive, with fabulous large, sturdy envelopes that will hold project notes, sketches and swatches. There will never be that fight to get the pattern back in that tiny flimsy envelope again, and you can keep your swatches and buttons together in the same envelope—which is great when you go shopping for fabric. Offered on-line only, it’s never out-of-stock, and you never have to brave the lines at JoAnn’s. Get them at http://cosplay.mccall.com


 

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