Busting Out Worbla, Cosplay by McCalls Calista Knight I and Carpathia

Back in the dawn of Cosplay by McCalls time, Anachronisms in Action offered two lovely corset patterns: Shapeshifter M2032, a pair of under bust corsets, and Laced M2034, a trio of over bust corsets. This latest release of Cosplay by McCalls patterns includes another of Anachronisms in Action’s under bust corsets: Cosplay by McCalls M2102 Carpathia (sizes 8-24). The shape appears to be about the same as Laced, but this pattern only includes one style—the kind with the separate hip pieces. However, the stars of this pattern are really the two neck corsets. There are 5 pattern pieces in each of the two boned neck corsets, so there are plenty of fitting opportunities. You can fine-tune this to a perfect copy of your body, which is essential to make the look succeed while still allowing normal breathing. Yes, I am exaggerating, but not by much. Too loose a fit will look clunky, while too tight will not be comfortable. Like Anachronisms in Action’s regular corsets, these neck corsets have great lines and would work in everything from lace to leather. I seriously want to hang a floaty dress from a sequin version of the larger neck corset.

Take a look at Anachronisms in Action’s other two patterns in detail over on Cosplay by McCalls Corset Pattern. The shapes are really wonderful.

The other pattern in this release is Calista Knight I M2114 (all sizes in one pattern)—which leads us to expect a Calista Knight II in a subsequent release. Another pattern from accessories queen Becka Noel, this one is a Worbla corset and gorget. Becka’s other Cosplay by McCalls patterns are Al La Glow M2104 (fairy wings plus accessories) and Ribbon Candy M2086, a tutu and bustier set. All are great accessories to have in your costume closet.

To be sure, this is a no-sew pattern that does not use fabric, offered by a major pattern company. Pretty cool, eh? Cosplayers, they are listening to you. Calista Knight I is made entirely out of Worbla and foam. The pattern contains all the pattern pieces you need, and an excellent tutorial on Worbla—or Worbla over foam, to be more exact. To be sure, this pattern will not translate to fabric, as the bust cups are flat pieces shaped over half of a Christmas ball. Might work with felting, though! It’s pretty adorable that the cutting layout still shows the word “selvage”.

If you want to work with Worbla, this is a great package to cut your teeth on. Step by step directions—even down to what to seal it with and how to paint it—guide you to your finished project. Once you have made this piece, anything else will be a breeze. You cover cutting, 3D shaping over a form, layering with foam, hole punching, fitting, and shaping the warm Worbla on your body. That skill set is pretty close to all you need to execute any Worbla project. This is a detailed tutorial that also provides you with pattern pieces, and it’s fabulous.

Cosplay by McCalls continues to impress. The line is very adaptable, size-inclusive, and offers a broad selection of expressive clothing options you can use in cosplay or streetwear. Offered online only, it’s never out-of-stock, and you never have to brave the lines at JoAnn’s. They ship world-wide. Get them at http://cosplay.mccall.com

 

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