Cosplay FAQ

Q: What pattern did you use to make your costume?
A: Some of the costumes were made using things from secondhand stores, others were made from original patterns (usually based on real clothing), and the rest were made by modifying existing patterns. In short, you're not going to find exact patterns out there for any of the costumes on this site. Here is a short rundown of some patterns used on this site's costumes.

Princess Peach
- McCalls Bridal Elegance M4777 (size AA for bodice, size EE for sleeves) - Bodice very heavily modified from pattern - This pattern is out of print, but you can purchase it here (for now), or you might find it on Ebay. If you can't find this pattern, you can use any fitted bodice pattern with puffed sleeves. You may need to combine two different patterns though (one for the bodice, one for the sleeves).
- McCalls Costumes 4090 (size AA) - skirt pattern pieces cut in half for two-color skirt
- Neckline created using a scalloped pattern I made

Entei
- skinsuit (scuba diving suit) pattern used for basic body shape, heavily modified and made in fur with fabric lining

Luigi
- Simplicity 4760 (Boys (S to L) & Men (S to XL) Boys' and Men's Trousers and Shirt) for work shirt

Princess Leia
- McCall's 4258 (2-Hour Bias Skirts) for skirt - Note: do not use pattern with stretch knits, it doesn't work well.
- Top made from modified turtleneck

Link
- Tunic based on an oversized T-shirt

Count Dooku
- Cape based on graduation robe

Belle
- Blue dress made from multiple patterns that were heavily modified (see below)
- I started with Peach's bodice pattern (which was originally McCall's M4777), but modified it even further to remove the top of the bodice and added straps to the shoulders
- I made Leia's skirt pattern (McCall's 4258), but added 2 extra half-panels of fabric to the skirt for fullness, and gathered the waist
- These two parts were sewn together with a 22" zipper added in the back
- Apron based on part of the skirt pattern
- Shirt was based somewhat on McCall's M4863 (Misses' Colonial Costume), but with modifications to the collar, sleeves, and shoulders

Queen of All Cosmos
- I remodified Peach's bodice pattern again to make it more fitted and used the original longer sleeves from the McCalls Bridal Elegance M4777. I made the overlapping pink part (over the skirt) from scratch
- The skirt was made from McCalls Costumes 4090 (size AA)

King of All Cosmos
- Jacket (final version) was based on a men's dress shirt.

Jiraiya
- Pants made from medical scrubs pants pattern - Simplicity 5443
- Vest made from lab coat pattern - Simplicity 5443
- Shirt made from Jedi pattern - Simplicity 4450 (discontinued)

Belle - Winter
- Cape made from modified Simplicity 9887 cape pattern

Q: How long does it take to make a costume?
A: It depends on the complexity of the character. You can make a Radical Ed costume in a day. A basic Link costume takes about a week. Something like Ganondorf or Princess Peach will take several months. I made Belle's blue dress in a few days, but that was only because I already had experience working with the patterns I used.

The time required also depends on your sewing skills and knowledge, the complexity of the patterns you choose, how many mistakes you need to fix, how much free time you have, and how detailed the final product will be. The more you sew and practice new techniques, the quicker you will be able to make costumes - you will get faster over time. Words of wisdom: always start your costume projects long before they need to be ready. You never know when you'll run into a snag that will delay your project.

I've found that doing a photoshoot (even if it's having a friend take a few full-body photos of you in your costume) before the convention is a good way to catch mistakes before you wear the costume in public. Get photographs from all different angles - your wig may look great in the front, but what if there's a bald patch in the back? What if the hem of your skirt is crooked on the left side? What if a camera flash makes your top transparent? You won't be able to see these things just by looking in a mirror, but the photographs will reveal any problems you need to fix. I'd rather know about any issues ahead of time than learn about them while viewing con photos, wouldn't you? If your costume is done well in advance, you'll have time to fix any problems before the convention.

Q: I want to borrow one of your costumes for a movie/play/event - I'll even pay shipping costs! Will you send it to me?
A: There are several reasons why I won't lend out costumes. First, these costumes require a lot of time, effort, and money to put together. I have no way to guarantee that they will make it through the mail in one piece (many items are lost in shipping every day). Second, the costumes are specifically designed to fit the wearer. Unless you are built exactly like TR Rose or Concolor (which is highly unlikely), the costume will not fit you. Finally, I have no way to guarantee that the costumes will be returned in the same condition they were sent out in. Once something is damaged, it can't easily be fixed. I really have no way to make sure that the costumes will be returned to me at all.

Q: I want to buy one of your costumes. Is $100 enough?
A: As I said above, the costumes are specifically designed to fit one person, so it's likely they wouldn't fit you. Additionally, if you consider the time, fabric, patterns, and work put into each costume (particularly the elaborate ones) not to mention the wigs, accessories, and shoes, they are each worth more than $100. Professionally-made custom costumes usually run about $300 to $500 each - sometimes quite a bit more than that. Quite simply, nothing on this site is for sale.

Q: Do you make costumes for sale?
A: At this point, no, we don't make any costumes for sale. If you are looking for someone to sell you a costume, try searching for "costume commissions", but be sure to check around before you commit to any purchase. Checking a seller's reputation (whether on Ebay or through a costume community like Cosplay.com) is always a good idea.

Q: I want a costume just like yours. How do I make one?
A: Your best bet is to read through the Cosplay Articles. There are step-by-step guides or costume journals available for most of the more elaborate costumes, as well as helpful tips and suggestions for some easier costumes.

Q: I want to make a Princess Peach costume, but I can't sew. What can I do?
A: You should check out any secondhand stores in your area and look through the formal dresses. With luck, you might be able to find a long, poofy pink dress (like an old prom or bridesmaid dress). It's not going to be exact, but you will be able to give the idea of the costume without custom-sewing it yourself. To make the darker shade of pink on the bottom, sash, and sleeves, you could purchase some darker pink fabric paint from a craft store. Thin the paint with water, and paint over the fabric that you'd like to make darker (you should always test on a hidden part of the dress first to make sure the paint looks right when it dries). It will not look as nice as a costume you sewed, but it's a non-sewing alternative. Be sure to read through the Cosplay Journal to find out how I made the accessories.

Q: My elementary school-aged daughter wants to be Princess Peach. Any suggestions?
A: It's much easier to find patterns for puff-sleeved princess dresses in kids' sizes. Try looking through the costume section of your fabric store's pattern books for something that you could change into Peach's dress. Probably a Snow White or Cinderella costume would work. You will need to change the colors to pink and divide the skirt panels in half (make the top half light pink, and the bottom part dark pink). You may also have to lengthen the skirt to make it floor-length.

Q: You should do a costume of (some anime character). It would be so cool!
A: Feel free to email any ideas or suggestions you have for future cosplay projects or characters you think we should try. We're always happy to receive suggestions or letters from fans!

Q: Why don't you do a pose (like this)?
A: You're welcome to email any pose or photoshoot suggestions for our costumes. You just might see your idea on the site!

Q: Who made these costumes? Who do I contact to ask questions?
A: Email TR Rose for these characters: Jessie (Team Rocket), Raichu, Radical Edward, Leia Organa, 80s-style Zelda, Link, Princess Peach, Belle, Queen of All Cosmos
Email Concolor for these characters: James (Team Rocket), Entei, Count Dooku, Ganondorf, Luigi, Lt. Surge, King of All Cosmos

Q: I want more help with making a certain costume or prop. I want cosplay suggestions for my body type. I want some ideas on sewing a certain kind of costume piece. Where can I go?
A: There are some great cosplay websites out there with helpful communities of fellow cosplayers. I'm a member at American Cosplay Paradise, and the larger site Cosplay.com. Many cosplayers are happy to share their costume-making experience with others. If you're cosplaying as a popular character, there are many costumers who've gone before you. Share their knowledge and learn from their mistakes.

Cosplay Fan Letters

As promised, here's your gift:

- Icy_Vaporeon

PS: I was really nervous writing this email. You see, I can't beleive I'm actually emailing you. *blushes a bright red*

My name is Zuo Ci, you are receiving my words for me because I respect you for who you are. First right of the point, I actually first heard and saw of you you when I was watching a clip of Akon 05 involving a walk on. You looked so beautiful dressing up as Raichu from Pokemon. The one dressing up as Entei was also surprising. When you replyed to one of my posts about video games, I never expected it was you, wow. So you said you cosplayed or made costumes since 2000, now thats a lot of experience! I honor you for what you done, I even heard of you dressing up as Princess Peach, looks like Mario needs to be helped after all. Because of your skills, I now officially consider you as one of my favorite cosplayers. I have never heard of cosplay until 2005, besides im just a beginner in the cosplay world. My first con attendance will be at AX06 this year, what about you? Are you going to AX06 this year? It would be fun if I meet you in person, but we got a long way to go. Until then, good luck in the world of cosplay!

Sincerelly,
Zuo Ci

moffit

Hi!
Thank you so much for providing an awesome and informative website about cosplay. I've been going to cons. for almost 5 years and I've seen a lot of what you have described on you website.

I agree to what you say about those whose costumes are not too accurate (respectively) and that critics should keep their comments to themselves.

I cosplayed as sailor moon for a convention this year. As I was standing on a elevation-a girl asked me, "who are you supposed to be?" I responded "Sailor moon." Then she noticed my tiara with a moon on it and said with disdain, "That's a cresent moon." Me and a friend looked at each other with a bit of surprise and remained silent.

All cosplayers, advanced or novice cosplay for the same reason: for the love of anime and games. I've seen some cosplayers whose costumes are not totally accurate-but I still get a kick out of them because they are in character or they are very kind and gracious. I think they are some of the best cosplayers.

Thank you for shedding some much needed light on the subject.
Dw

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