#pattern alteration

Surprising NO ONE, I'm giving Sonic 3 Robotnik a shot this year. In looking for references and such, I realized that it would probably be a good idea to document all of this for Cosplay Posterity and all the other unhinged Eggheads out there. Yes, the unspoiled Sonic 2 version of the coat is for sale in several places for about $120. Which is probably cheaper than it would be to make this from scratch. BUT I got a pre-made Star-Lord jacket several years ago and while it fit okay ... I want this to fit perfectly. Because Ivo's does. Because Stone loves him. But I digress.

I'm using McCall's Pattern #M7821 for the base. I got it from JoAnn Fabrics (RIP), but I'm sure there are plenty of other places it can be found, because it's McCall's. The WalMart of Patterns.

Then, using photos of the pre-made coat and copious screenshots as reference, I started mocking up how I'll need to alter the pattern to become The Coat.

Threads, Spring 2022

This cover of this issue offers a brilliant fuchsia wrap top (Vogue 1246) in silk organza which accompanies an article by Sandra Betzina on sewing organza and how to best take advantage of its thin stiffness. Other articles continue the theme of dressy clothing. The back cover shows off a pale pink dress from the 1930s with a large, bertha collar made out of lattice work created from the same fabric. Judith Neukam explains how to make this vintage feature from creating the tubes of fabric, laying them out into lattice and then attaching a scalloped edging. At a time when women’s wardrobes were much smaller, every dress had to offer details and features that might it right for the occasion. I imagine this dress at a tea party or worn with a hat at a garden party. For a more modern look, Anna Mazur explains how to alter a basic sleeveless sheath dress into a one-shouldered look. And Laura Nash shows how to take a gored a skirt pattern and redraft it with scallops.

All of these are for more formal occasions and wear, while other articles deal with more basic issues like fit, including one on fitting a man’s shirt, pressing, sewing details on thick denims, and more. And we have the usual columns with sewing tips and new products. There are reviews of the new patterns and a section on spring colors and patterns as well. As I am looking out at a snow-covered yard, the idea of spring is very appealing.

New cosplay project: Elizabeth Comstock from Bioshock Infinite (1st outfit). Dependent on a few variables, I may get her done in time for Oz Comic-Con Melbourne.

I usually modify sewing patterns where I can to create my costumes - I have draped patterns before, but I usually stick to patterns for things with sleeves. Also, this blouse has pintucks.

Vogue 8857 (out of print) to the rescue! I will have to draft my own collar and sleeve cuffs, but the rest of the blouse is pretty accurate, and even has the correct number of pin tucks.

Robe of the Archmagi: Part 2

As I mentioned yesterday, I’ve been inspired to get working on the Robe of the Archmagi for Pirogoeth. I went shopping and bought the silver accents and trims I’ll need earlier this week. But more importantly, I decided to go into work early the other day to do some mock-up work. We can elevate tables so they’re around waist height for me, which makes it easier on my back to cut out fabric. So I…

Adjusting pattern for a small bust.

Here is a blog post on how I recently adjusted a dress pattern to fit flat chest/ small bust. I have been going on my blog on how value for money dress patterns are from burda magazine. In fact all commercial pattern you buy with exception some Japanese patterns. These are pattern blocks are custom made to fit a certain type of person. For all that been sewing awhile we all come in different…