Crafty Book Review: Steampunk & Cosplay by Samantha Crossland
I have to give it to
Samantha Crossland with this book. It is
amazing! She has taken a trending topic
that may not be everyone’s favorite and turned it into an outstanding book! Even if you don’t particularly love
Steampunk, this book teaches and has inspiration for many creative costumes and
even clothing.
Images
![]() |
One of my favorite model shots in "Tribal Fusion" costume. |
So what makes this book so amazing? To start, you know I am a sucker for good pictures right? Well, this book does a perfect job at taking pictures of models wearing the neo-victorian costumes. You really get the feel of the era.
![]() |
One of the many Inspiration Boards in the Steampunk & Cosplay book. |
Crossland also includes inspiration galleries/boards that include pictures of fabric swatches, color palette and different fashion garments that would be used to inspire the final product. You get to see how the costumes came together. This gives the reader an idea of how to create an inspiration board to make their own garments.
![]() |
This and many more figure drawings are included in Steampunk & Cosplay. |
Crossland truly gives you the process, from sketch to final costume, through her many pictures and diagrams. Just looking at them you get the feel, hey I can do this, I got all the steps right here!
Content
This book is not
lacking in the content department either.
Crossland goes to great lengths explaining clothing design to commoners. You get the feel you are taking a design
class while you peruse this book.
Crossland discusses tools and materials for both sewing and designing. She also covers drawing techniques & color basics which feel like a mini art class.
![]() |
Part of Crossland's mini art class :) |
For sewing, she covers important fashion terms and fabric types.
For sketching your ideas she covers figure proportions, how
to draw fabric and details, skirt types, necklines, collars, sleeves, etc. Her sketches come laden with information boxes
that explain why or how she did certain line or step.
Negatives
My only negative review would be that this fad may not be
everyone’s favorite, so you may not appreciate all costumes.
I happen to like steampunk and I was not
thrilled with some of the costumes.
However, I can appreciate the work that went into creating the
book.
![]() |
One of my favorite costumes by Crossland, "Clockpunk". |
Conclusion
At the end of the book you realize, this could have been a
college credit on costume design, all in one small book. Seriously,
even if you don’t like steampunk, this book can teach you so much!
Who should use this product?
Expert Crafters
(While the instructions are plain and simple, if you have
never sewn, making a costume may be too overwhelming a first or intermediate crafter task!)
Should I buy this book?
Buy Now!
Comments
Post a Comment
I love when you give me your opinion, but please remember to stay on topic. Comments which are hateful in nature or attack other visitors will be deleted. All comments considered spam will also be removed.
Ever Crafty reserves the right to edit or delete all comments that are off-topic, offensive or detract from topic of discussion. Comments that include profanity or offensive language will be edited for all ages to enjoy. You may include up to three links, any more links will be considered spam. Thank you for helping make this site an awesome one!