Let’s travel back in time! What happens when you have a surplus of red curtains, red fabrics, and a plague-delayed holiday? Why one makes a festive ye olde skirt of course! This impromptu project only took about four days, coming together smoothly with a fun silhouette that fits a variety of seasons and stylings. Please enjoy this completely backward construction video of a December holiday made in January, edited in February, and now seeing the light of day in March. And no, I haven’t finished the matching vest – Yet! – but the skirt’s actually reversible in a pleasant two-for-one surprise!
Thank you for Watching!
For more project photos, visit Kbatz Krafts on Instagram or Facebook!
It’s time to put on the curtains – yes curtains! – beads, tulle, draping, tassels, and bells together to accessorize the Halloween Mystery project! Find out why Kristin Battestella aka Kbatz has been calling this a mystery as the final product is revealed! Not that there isn’t some doubt, mistakes, and craft regrets. Only $7.50 for new ribbon and trim went into this project, which still comes in under $55 in legacy stash and prior thrift finds. When forced to think outside the box and dig deep in your craft closet for patchwork surprises on Halloween, something magical is possible! Roller skates are also involved in full disclosure. Thank you for Watching!
Dark Hallway by Kevin MacLeod is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 license. https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ Source: http://incompetech.com/music/royalty-free/?keywords=Hallway&Search=Search Artist: http://incompetech.com/
Hot Swing by Kevin MacLeod is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 license. https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ Source: http://incompetech.com/music/royalty-free/index.html?isrc=USUAN1100202 Artist: http://incompetech.com/
Spooky Ride by Twin Musicom is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 license. https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ Source: http://www.twinmusicom.org/song/250/spooky-ride Artist: http://www.twinmusicom.org
Kristin Battestella aka Kbatz peruses a thrifted Halloween Costume Pattern Book for ideas on the extra bells and whistles for the Halloween mystery sewing project! Unfortunately, both welcomed four-legged guests and another unwelcome guest interfere with the construction, accessories, ribbons, and bat trim. Are there too many embellishments? Experimenting with hot glue and lighting surprises may or may not work, too. I’m getting a little sick of sewing, but the mystery’s all coming together wonderfully! Did you guess what it was?
Thank You for Watching! Visit Kbatz Krafts on Instagram and Facebook for more in-progress photos!
Der Kleber Sting by Kevin MacLeod is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 license. https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ Source: http://incompetech.com/music/royalty-free/index.html?isrc=USUAN1100612 Artist: http://incompetech.com/
Hot Swing by Kevin MacLeod is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 license. https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ Source: http://incompetech.com/music/royalty-free/index.html?isrc=USUAN1100202 Artist: http://incompetech.com/
I Like Peanuts by Audionautix is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 license. https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ Artist: http://audionautix.com/
It’s seams, more seams, and seam some more before ruffles, ruffles, and more ruffles as the tulle hem comes together on the striped orange panels! It’s almost time to find out what this mystery sewing project is thanks to heaps of gathering, questions about making do with short trim or spending for embellishments, and draped Halloween scarves! There are cats involved, too.
For more project photos, follow Kbatz Krafts on Instagram and Facebook!
Cinematic (Sting) by Twin Musicom is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 license. https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ Artist: http://www.twinmusicom.org/
Danse Macabre – Busy Strings by Kevin MacLeod is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 license. https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ Source: http://incompetech.com/music/royalty-free/index.html?isrc=USUAN1100556 Artist: http://incompetech.com/
Bad Ideas Distressed by Kevin MacLeod is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 license. https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ Source: http://incompetech.com/music/royalty-free/index.html?isrc=USUAN1100488 Artist: http://incompetech.com/
Kristin Battestella aka Kbatz is ringing in “Haulloween 2021” with a collection of dollar store raids, Goodwill shopping, and thrift hauls! Costumes? Check! Skeletons? Check! French maid accessories and potential for a laurel wreath tiara? Why the heck not?! Put on your spiderweb hats for everyday wear and dive in to these seasonal finds!
For those interested in more Dollar Store Craft Finds and Thrift Sewing Hacks:
Don’t be shy about shopping cheap or letting people know your wish list wants and gift card needs! Kristin Battestella aka Kbatz shares some discount craft supplies and Dollar Store finds alongside sewing-related gifts and making good use of a hobby store gift card. What a haul!
Follow Kbatz Krafts on Instagram and Facebook for more Halloween Sewing, Crafts, and DIY or share your holiday escapades by joining Our Horror Addicts.net Facebook Group!
‘Tis the Autumn Season! Kristin Battestella aka Kbatz shares a recent Halloween Thrift Haul aka a “Haulloween” because that’s what I get for filming on October 1 Harvest Moon 2020 at 2 a.m. when the pumpkin brain turns to mush. This show and tell includes Halloween clothing, pajama bargains, and affordable name brand baby costumes that can be re-purposed when the child grows as well as supplemental gothic shoes and accessories.
Fashionable gloves don’t have to be expensive, and fun items like tiaras and veils add to the craft stash mayhem! Second Hand shopping is an affordable necessity for alternative year round finds to be altered or to suit retro, vintage, or sophisticated needs. It takes a little luck and getting to know your local shops, but the second half of this video features bargain corset analysis, weighing the pros and cons of cheap costume quality, taking in larger lingerie styles, problematic zippers versus proper closures, and taking apart $5 corsets for the learning what not to do examination guilt free. The cat gets involved in the shenanigans, too.
Thank you for being part of Horror Addicts.net and enjoying our video, podcast, and media coverage. Share your Halloween adventures with us on our HorrorAddicts.net Facebook Group!
Members of our Horror Addicts.net Facebook Community may recall my October post asking how to glam up a plain white three dollar Halloween bonnet from Goodwill – and I went back to the store to pick up a second hat after our old fashioned fashionistas suggested so many great ideas! Fortunately, this festive season is the perfect time of year for a red and black design dark for Dickensian mood or delicious for a Victorian Christmas.
Viewers of the on-location author interviews featured at the Horror Addicts.net Online Writers Conference may also recognize the red pintuck taffeta fabric used here – once my backdrop material now re-purposed in a variety of home projects. This was the last piece of what is a very forgiving material that could be folded over and glued along the edge of the hat and tucked under in the back without worrying about taut perfection. While there are great Youtubers paying attention to period detail and historically accuracy who would cringe at glue, this project is more about aesthetics than proper Victorian recreation. Initially, I didn’t expect to sew, but the flimsy, clearance, black lace from my stash needed to be gathered around the bonnet brim. Stitching it in place on to Dollar Store black ribbon became a time-consuming step that took twice as long as it should have. Once done, however, the bonnet came together quickly until I caught a raccoon with his nose pressed up against the glass door looking inside watching me. That was creepy!
Of course, this project reminds me of how they say to re-enact within your means. To dress in fine fabrics and glam trims like Queen Victoria would be very expensive! By sewing this lace carefully, however, it became a proud, handcrafted detail that a lot of regular ye olde folk probably did on their clothing. Cheaper materials may be cumbersome but using what you have is affordable. So one has to decide whether more time for detail or budgeting for materials is best for your crafting means. Outside of the initial inspiring bonnet itself, the black lace, black ribbon, artificial flowers, feathers, and fabric were items from my craft closet. Once you have such stock, it’s easier to customize mainstream designs or make anew. A wide black ribbon for the bonnet tie meant I could press the lace gathers faster along a hot glue line at the crown plus the width makes for a big, dapper bow under the chin. Was it too much ribbon and lace? Victorians were known to have some pretty outlandish things on their hats – like nests or taxidermy, so decorating the bonnet is the fun part! Red Dollar Store mums and a marked down giant black feather plume make for some holiday style. Since the green leaves showed beneath the flowers; black, brown, and cream feathers from an assortment added to the natural scheme – accenting a Mrs. Cratchit tone were the feathers were acquired via from the bird modest alongside festive accessories accumulated over time. While yellow and orange feathers from the assortment were tempting as a festive pop, I think they’ll do better contrasting a future more Halloween-ish purple bonnet.
Hot glue again came to the rescue attaching the accents to the sides of the bonnet, a few hours work done except there was just enough fabric left to make a jaunty little cape to match! The construction here would seem straightforward with sewing all the sides with black lace trim and a ribbon tie at the neck. Unfortunately, I only made more work for myself in again gathering lace. I don’t think ladies had anything to do back them but gather all their fluffs, lace, and ruffles! Not only did I neglect taking pictures of this bonus, but guess who made a really dumb mistake on the front corners and had to undo two days worth of work and start over again? Me. But at least I was also able to make a matching muff out of the mistake fabric. When inspiration strikes, sometimes you just have to roll with it, and after all that, I wanted to include a few holly jolly bells somewhere on the ensemble. Rather than permanently attach it, stray leaves and bells in a festive, grape style dangle became a separate little pin. The bell cluster was simply tied onto the leaf stem and then both a pin back and barrette clip were hot glued on the back to wear as a brooch or in my hair as you do. It’s a little delicate but for some free jingle, why the heck not?
This ensemble was both easy yet complicated – one project that turned into four. To buy the materials would probably be a reasonable thirty dollars perhaps, but sewing know-how can be priceless. In addition to the fun and festive wear, the point of the project became perhaps to not be discouraged. None of the sewing here has to be perfect, for a hidden ugly or seam basics on something small and inexpensive is great for those new to sewing or intimated by a needle and thread. Don’t let any money, mistakes, or material hurdles take the wind out of your crafting sails!
For More Kbatz Krafts, Check out Our Halloween Mayhem:
Little Tokyo Unleashes a Full Month of Ghoulish Events for Haunted Little Tokyo
Dare to be part of the frightful festivities in Downtown Los Angeles beginning September 27 and culminating with a haunted block party, trick-or-treating and costume contest on October 26
Photo courtesy of Sunshine Pictures LLC/ Haunted Little Tokyo.
WHAT:
Dare to join Little Tokyo in the heart of Downtown Los Angeles as the neighborhood transforms into the 3rd Annual Haunted Little Tokyo unraveling on select nights throughout the month of October beginning with the opening night of the Haunted Little Tokyo Film Festival on Friday, September 27. Critters of all ages are welcome to experience the festivities including a family-friendly pumpkin patch, ghostly walking tours, free scary movie screenings, interactive ghoulish games and all culminating with Downtown Los Angeles’ largest annual haunted Halloween block party, trick-or-treating and costume contest on Saturday, October 26. Go Little Tokyo presented by the Little Tokyo Community Council invites all thrill seekers to explore the fun as the community brews up eerie activities, unforgettable family-friendly entertainment and spooky events throughout the Halloween season.
DETAILS:
Haunted Little Tokyo Film Festival – Brew up some sweet treats and enjoy the Haunted Little Tokyo Film Festival with family-friendly films and classic Japanese hair-raising horror cinemas at various outdoor screening locations. All screenings are free, RSVP encouraged as space is available on a first-come first-serve basis.
Friday, October 4, 7 – 10 PM: Hausu at Union Center for the Arts (free)
Friday, October 11, 6 – 9 PM: Okko’s Inn at Japanese Village Plaza (free)
Thursday, October 17, 8 – 10 PM: Crimson Kimono (1959) at Japanese American National Museum (free)
Haunted Little Tokyo Pumpkin Patch– Halloween enthusiasts of all ages are invited to the Haunted Little Tokyo Pumpkin Patch, an outdoor marketplace grown by local Asian Pacific Islander farmers at the Japanese Village Plaza. Purchase and decorate one-of-a-kind jack-o’-lanterns with neighbors, friends, and volunteer artists using pumpkins provided by Tanaka Farms. Friday, October 18 – Sunday, October 20 from 12 – 6 PM
Haunted Ghosts of Little Tokyo Walking Tour – Hear the stories of the resident Little Tokyo ghosts told by those who have seen the undead walk the halls at night on the Haunted Ghosts of Little Tokyo Walking Tour led by the Little Tokyo Historical Society (LTHS). Re-discover the neighborhood in an all-new way with this haunted tour around the neighborhood and through haunted historical buildings. Saturday, October 19, from 5 – 6:30 PM beginning at East West Players Theater Courtyard at Union Center for the Arts. $20 admission.
Trick-or-Treat in Little Tokyo – Trick-or-Treat in Little Tokyo is a return to traditional trick-or-treating for costumed critters of all ages to receive terrifying treats from local businesses in the Japanese Village Plaza. Treats generously donated by Meiji and Hi-Chew. Kid-friendly activities organized by KidZGen. Saturday, October 26, from 5 – 8 PM. Free.
Haunted Night in Little Tokyo: The Block Party – Indulge in bone-chilling drinks and devilish desserts as the month-long celebration wraps up with a frightfully-fun block party and costume contest during Haunted Night in Little Tokyo: The Block Party on 2nd Street between Central & San Pedro Street. Enjoy bone-chilling spooky sips in the beer garden, live music and entertainment, a costume contest with prizes, family-friendly game booths, local food and retail vendors, exclusive discounts, and more. Details coming soon about 21+ after party starting from midnight after the block party. The grown and mischievous can keep the party going until sunrise. Saturday, October 26, from 6 PM – 12 AM at 2nd Street in between Central Ave. and San Pedro St. Free admission. 21+ after party starting from 11 PM.
WHERE:
Little Tokyo – Downtown Los Angeles
TICKETS AND REGISTRATION:
Free – $25 depending on the activity. For pricing and to register for activities, please visit www.hauntedlittletokyo.com.
sponsor: after dark films, 8filmstodiefor.com, bead craft, mae martin, zombie apocalypse, showers, costumes, nightmare before christmas, steampunk wedding, glue some gears, glue some skulls on it, halloween, david watson, books, neeta lyffe, karina fabian, zombie exterminator, umbilicus, best in blood, tea parties, mimielle, a.d. vick, spiders, writer’s workshop, gothic, metal, gothicembrace.blogspot.com, morbid meals, dan shaurette, the hanged man, tarot card, pizza, horrorotober, the dungeon, zombie, wicked wednesday, san francisco, wicked lit, los angeles, d.j. pitsiladis, nightmare fuel, westfield house, stalking, someone in the walls, once upon a scream, submission call, destini beard, phantom of the opera, the hidden key, lord of the rings, magic the gathering, dark masquerade, infinitus mortus, singer advice, midnight syndicate, christmas album, grant me serenity, jessie orr, byzanthium, containment, crystal connor, after dark films, stephanie caleb, courtney solomon, rekill, zombie, murder in the dark, lumberjack man, suspension, unnatural, bastard, windwalkers, the wicked within, dead mail, jeff, valentine wolfe, broken pieces, barbarellatones, it came from beyond, marc advice, zombie practice, alex s. johnson, lisa vasquez, mimi williams, ornament complete, alexandra christian
David Watson, Dan Shaurette, Marc Vale, KBatz (Kristin Battestella), Mimielle, Dawn Wood, Lillian Csernica, Killion Slade, D.J. Pitsiladis, Jesse Orr, A.D. Vick, Mimi Williams, Lisa Vasquez, Alex S. Johnson
sponsor: after dark films, 8filmstodiefor.com, rocky horror picture show, horror addicts, halloween, convolution, addict on the street: al, only things, brad carter, post mortem press, bikers, dungeon, claudia, bones, interview with a vampire, goth, ozzy, animated dolls, gothicembrace.blogspot.com, iceland, john carpenter, tcm, horror movies, haunting, house on haunted hill, mad love, the brain that wouldn’t die, bad seed, village of the damned, dr. jekyll and mr. hyde, netflix, mike bennett, underwood and flinch, disturbing the devil, blood and smoke, wicked lit, dj tryer, blood and mould, lisa vasquez, a head full of ghosts, paul tremblay, david watson, the cliff house haunting, tamara thorne, alistair cross, blue lady, serial killer, ghosts, killer, morbid meal, the magician, dan shaurette, unicorn poop cookies, conjurer’s cookies, d.j. pitsiladis, nightmare fuel, cannibals, sawney bean, walking dead, glass android, dawn wood, once upon a scream, anthology submission call, horror addicts writer’s workshop, grant me serenity, jesse orr, serial killers, black jack, mattblackbooks.com, flinthorrorcon.podomatic.com, the ghoul cast, chris ringler, kbatz, mario bava, black sabbath, black sunday, 8fillmstodiefor, unnatural, crystal connor, abandoned in the dark, dead mail, racheal, costumes, sally, nightmare before christmas, al, season 5, the walking dead, marc vale, advice, costume, nun, monk, dario ciriello, black easter
David Watson, Dan Shaurette, Marc Vale, KBatz (Kristin Battestella), Mimielle, Dawn Wood, Lillian Csernica, Killion Slade, D.J. Pitsiladis, Jesse Orr, A.D. Vick, Mimi Williams, Lisa Vasquez
We hope you are enjoying the season.
Here’s a refresh for all of you who want to play the Finale at your parties!
Halloween Special! #110
And from all of us at HorrorAddicts.net, have a happy, safe, and scary Halloween!
~Emz, Horror Hostess
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Happy Halloween Darlings! Thank you for your loyalty to HorrorAddicts.net. ~Dawn Wood
~~~
Horror on TV, pumpkins glowing on doorsteps, people dressing up to scare their friends. Halloween comes only once a year, but don’t let the spirit die. Keep watching horror movies, reading horror novels, and most important keep checking HorrorAddicts.net where it’s Halloween all year long. Have a great one and stay spooky. ~ David Watson
~~~
Festive Fall Flights of Fancies to you my Precious Addicts. Stay Beautiful throughout the season! Remember the motto: Too Spoopy to Live, Too Creppy to Die! ~ Mimielle
~~~
Thank you for all your comments and stay spooky but safe this Halloween! Macabre tidings, Kbatz
~~~
Happly Halloween, everyone! Here’s hoping your holiday is full of morbid meals and not-so-tricky treats! Stay safe and stay spooky! ~ Dan Shaurette
~~~
Have a Happy Halloween, and let the bed bugs bite addicts! ~ Marc Vale
sumiko saulson, poe, strap on halo, house of usher
dream within a dream, edgar allan poe, the bells, phil ochs, costumes, edgar allan pie, master of macabre 2014 announced, writer’s workshop, band theme song contest, best band poll season 9, events, the black cat, poe, look back in horror, j. malcolm stewart, axes of evil, heavy metal anthology, eulogies 2, tales from the cellar, electric funeral, mark slade, darker edge of desire, gothic tales of romance, mitzi szereto, happiness and other diseases, devil-m, the antichrist, strap on halo, repentance, crystal connor, the sade cafe, c.a. milson, house of usher, poe, horror documentaries, anne rice, tell-tale heart, poe, dead mail, jack-o-lantern pizza, flesh burger, the walking dead, buried alive, the premature burial, end of the world radio, sumiko saulson.
h o s t e s s 
HorrorAddicts.net 