COSPLAY BY McCALL’S Calista Knight I is an awesome pattern that will encourage more novices to work with Worbla and other similar materials. When I first saw this pattern, I thought it could be a nice base for Xena: Warrior Princess. It is a no-sew design that requires the use of a heat gun, scissors, a craft knife, and other things many experienced cosplayers will already have on hand. This pattern also doesn’t indicate a difficulty level, which is likely intentional because there’s no sewing involved. I like to think it means anyone can make this. If you’re new to cutting, molding, and painting – do not fret because Calista Knight I is a great introduction to the world of Worbla.
Here are the specs:
- Skill level: n/a
- Sizes: S – XXL
- Pattern number: M2214
This pattern is going to require the following tools: Pen/Marker, Scissors/Kraft Knife (I like to have both), Heat Gun, Plastic Wrap, Waxed Paper, OliveOil, Wooden Clay Sculpting tools, Bead Roller, Leather Hole Punch, Sandpaper, Mod Podge, Acrylic Paint Brushes, Flexible Spray Varnish. Although I’ve been cosplaying a long time, I don’t have a lot of the things on that list. So for me, like many of you, this pattern would be the first experience with Worbla.
Getting started is easy – it’s no different than preparing your fabric for cutting. There’s cutting layouts to show you how to get the most out of your Worbla sheets. The directions are incredibly helpful for anyone needing an introduction to Worbla. It covers how not to burn your Worbla, what surfaces you should work on, and how to shape and paint the armor. While it’s easy to say that everything here can be watched on YouTube, at least with the pattern half the work (drafting your own design) is done.
The bodice has 14 steps, many of which are very involved: requiring heating, shaping, and painting. Beginners should start with the circlet – that is my plan. It will give me some experience heating and shaping Worbla before I involve myself in a much longer process.
This pattern is a great introduction to Worbla and is an easy base for the more experienced. There are plenty of ways this pattern could be used for cosplay.
*This item was provided for review.
