PATRON SPOTLIGHT: Leinths Gate Cosplay (Patreon)

Featured photo by Teahiro

NEW // I'm highlighting a Patron every month! Learn more and sign up here.

I'm excited to introduce Caitlin, aka Leinths Gate Cosplay, as our very first monthly Patron spotlight!

Five and a half years ago, Caitlin hadn't done any sewing — but these days she's carefully crafting detailed gowns and challenging designs, and getting ready to tackle historical costuming, too.

"I love adding my own personal touches to costumes like adding texture through fabric or making it more interesting by altering a silhouette," says Caitlin.

She added the ultimate personal touch to her most recent creation: An art nouveau inspired Sansa Stark look that she designed herself.

"Since I was making it for competition, I wanted to push myself to use new techniques," she explains. "I learned how to drape patterns for it as well as used dye for the first time! Each of the four bodice pieces took 4 or 5 hours to get fully covered."

Photo by Teahiro

A while back, Caitlin got burnt out on cosplay and took a break. "I decided to only focus on costumes that made me really happy," she says. "That winter, The Last Jedi came out and I loved the colors in Rey’s new look so much that I decided I needed to make it."

Re-energized, she made and shot her new Rey costume in a week flat.

"If anyone else is feeling burnt out or uninspired by cosplay, my advice is just don’t force it!" she says. "Even if it won’t get the most attention or likes, cosplay for yourself and do what you love."

Photo by ander_erika

Caitlin is eager to learn historical costuming techniques, so she's starting on some 1760s stays and undergarments in the coming weeks. To see the rest of her beautiful work and stay tuned for her future works, catch her on the Patron Discord, and make sure to follow her on Instagram!

Photos by ander_erika (renaissance gown), Teahiro (Sansa, Anastasia)