What happens when your long black dress gets caught and ripped on the wheels of the grocery store shopping cart? Yes, that actually happened to me!
Kristin Battestella aka Kbatz fixes a damaged dress and repairs more unsightly alterations with black on black lace appliques for sustainable, affordable, gothic sophistication anyone can do!
Read More of Our Kbatz Krafts in the Horror Addicts Guide to Life Book 2 Workbook ON SALE NOW!
For More Photos, follow Kbatz Krafts on Facebook and Instagram. Thank you for watching!
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!
Yes, it’s November, Thanksgiving, Christmas! 🎃🦃🎄 However after my Halloween Mystery Project turned out to be such a delicious costume, I decided to repeat the process and make a more streamlined seasonal dress. Using leftover black materials from my stash and a thrifted $4 Halloween panel, materials that were once curtains and slipcovers can become an ensemble with sophistication and whimsy! Despite a few late hiccups, adjustments, and design changes on the fly – I won’t call them mistakes! – this unique ensemble came together quickly, is basically free, and feels good!
For more in progress project photos, visit Kbatz Krafts on Instagram or Facebook
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/
Are you understandably unmotivated with your hobbies and style these days?
Kristin Battestella aka Kbatz discusses the pros and cons of commercial and altered patterns in tackling this purple Regency meets seventies styled empire dress in progress alongside sewing for yourself versus sewing for others, sewing properly instead of just winging it, adding choice color to a black wardrobe, the lack of motivation to complete seasonal goals during the pandemic, unfinished projects placed on the back burner, and future ideas for accessories to match.
Last year I picked up an old cane umbrella at the Salvation Army Thrift Store for half the $1 sticker price. Yes, fifty cents! Though functioning, this decades-old umbrella feels delicate. Areas on the black canvas are faded and there are a few pinprick holes in the fabric. However, with the right details, this for pennies find can become the perfect goth parasol!
While the honey-colored wood handle and point are superior to modern plastic, the color doesn’t match any of my summer straw hats and bags. Fortunately, a day’s work with 80 grit sandpaper, a generous coat of Jacobean stain, and a semi-gloss topcoat create a fresh, dark finish. Rather than a recognizable bamboo or cherry, this wood smelled sweet when sanded – perhaps a good old hickory. For walking, this all-black exterior cane is sophisticated, but I left the interior stem its original warm wood color. When opened, the vintage shaft advertises old fashioned craftsmanship compared to cold contemporary metal, and inside the canopy where the notch locks there’s a piece of tape with the previous owner’s name. Instead of destroying such unexpected history, I stuck the price tag next to it, embracing a fifty-cent, fifty-year conversation piece with a story to tell. Thanks, Joseph!
After the rough stuff comes the expected parasol lace. Gathered straight lace from that three dollar cumbersome clearance roll last seen on my Victorian Bonnet became a delicious flounce sewn around the end point easily enough, but this was not going to become multiple tiers of bridal shower ruffles or baby bows and cutesy swag. More time-consuming lace both hand-gathered and machine sewed on a black ribbon was glued down to cover the faded canvas edge – just enough romanticism without being twee or too heavy. Although I couldn’t do much about the overall faded fabric, those pinprick holes could be disguised with sequin ribbon from my stash. Trails of sequins were glued over the imperfections, which when open, reflect some sunshine for a final ooh la la. Did I forget to mention this has a cute little button closure instead of lame modern Velcro? Oh yes!
With on hand craft supplies, $4 stain, and sandpaper found in the garage, for under $12 I have a priceless looking parasol with history and craftsmanship that can’t be found in those tiny yet expensive and not made to last Halloween knockoffs. Certainly, there are much more involved ways to do a complete parasol retrofit, but with the right affordable materials and glam vision, anyone can ritz up an umbrella for a sunny day in dark times. The most difficult thing here was waiting on fair weather to work outdoors. I’m too superstitious!
Revisit more Kbatz Krafts or Frightening Flix including:
For those looking to build a vintage wardrobe or add sophisticated pieces to your closet, second-hand shopping such as Goodwill or thrift stores is a great way to find unique styles at affordable prices. Occasionally, however, a great outfit may have one or two problems – a missing button, hemming, or other size adjustments. Even if you are new to sewing or fearful of minor tailoring, this kind of customized alteration can really make a thrift find zing.
In this video, Kristin Battestella aka Kbatz shows you easy fixes, quick stitches and taking in tricks as well as what to look for such as detailed handwork or designer extras. For a few dollars and some sewing practice, altering thrift finds can lead to unique trendsetting and fashion that makes you feel good.
Thank you for being part of Horror Addicts.net and enjoying our video, podcast, and media coverage!
This blog post plays well with my spot in podcast #127 so be sure to tune in for more ideas and chatter and as always, please feel free to mail any of us questions or comments via horroraddicts@gmail.com. If you want me to answer specifically, please use “Mimielle” somewhere in the subject line. We always LOVE to hear from you and can often provide several viewpoints and have a good discussion with other listeners, guests and just have fun!
So…on to the fashion talk session this time. A lookbook and DIY section are below, so hang tight after this intro!
Firstly, I mention in the podcast that for Pastel Goths and people who like to mix in lighter colors, this and next year will be your year to find great pieces and accessories in the Pantone colors of the year, Rose Quartz and Serenity, a light pink and pale baby blue.
Pastel Goth Boots via Buzzfeed
Even for us black-lovers, these colors in crystals or gemstone accents can be beautiful so don’t write them off completely! You can read something about the beliefs in the healing and magical properties of simple beautiful rose quartz stones here.
BUT…being the filthy enterprising opportunist that I am I thought, “What if WE alternative wardrobe wearers, seekers and even beginners could use this Normie technique to just sneakily change the way we dress to fit our own style. So between these concepts
Minimalism (reason getting rid of things you do not want to wear)
DIY (making some things feel more like things you DO want to wear)
‘Tidying’ (another reason for getting rid of things you do not want to wear)
your new capsule wardrobe can be born.
Study up, then get to work, Addicts!
You’ll be fabulous on no time, I am certain of it!
The Lookbook Section
Basic Capsule Wardrobe
Romantic Summer Goth
Strega
Summer Nu-Goth
Vintage Inspired
The DIY Section
This time we tackle the Jean Problem…fading blacks:
Black Avalanche for overdying your black jeans black again:
I know, I know that music is….well, have some crackers with that cheese bby. But…the technique is sound.
More in-depth tutorial from Rit Studio using the liquid version.
I also found a video for dying a leather purse…I’ll take on the challenge myself on an ugly-colored one from a thrift shop this summer and let you know how THAT it goes!
When using dye, paint or doing any DIY, ALWAYS be sure you read the CLEAN UP instructions for sinks, your tools and the area, do not re-use the dying pots, utensils, tools or tubs for edibles and wear old clothes or…oops, clothes that you might not mind getting some black on, thereby re-creating the ‘dye and smile’ scenario over and over. It has been known to happen…
I am on the hunt for a dress I can DIY pastel, then use color remover then dye to black as well, that’s a neat trick I have been reading up on so hopefully I will have a lot to report on fashion-wise in our future!
RIT has a new formulation also released to DYE POLYESTER too!! Who knew?!?
More on that later too *makes a note*
You can pick up a copy of Horror Addict’s Guide to Life with many more of my tips, tricks and DIYs in addition to these as well as get a used copy of Ms Kondo’s book on Amazon while you are shopping (for about USD$6 these days by the way) or probably find it in a nearby library now that the demand for perfectly organized wardrobes is a little passé and we have moved back into our comfortable consumerism, already making our decorating haul lists for Halloween and gift lists for winter holidays.
chantal noordeloos, babymetal, gimme chocolate, wes craven, a.d. vick, nightmare on elm street, horror news, vampire squirrel, vampire ride, 16 slices, ghost golf, daryn coleman, stephen king, carrie, christine, the stand, phantom of the opera, don post, mask maker, dead babies, alex s. johnson, books, david watson, crystal connor, the darkness, the end is now, IMDB, chris jackson, kbatz, dress your dreams, fashion, d.j. pitsiladis, nightmare fuel, elisa lam, elevators, castle, american horror story, morbid meals, dan shaurette, queen of hearts tarts!, alice in wonderland, lewis carroll, best band season 9, murder weapons, madalice, dawn wood, bless the bitch, midnight syndicate, christmas album, yuletide, jesse orr, grant me serenity, missy, black jack, movies, the taking of deborah logan, found footage, the quiet ones, blair witch, shaky camera, ghost scent tour, scent kit, los angeles, marc vale, advice, stephanie, santa fe, new mexico, self-surgery, dr.frankenstein, chantal noordeloos, angel manor, deeply twisted
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
100th Episode! HorrorAddicts.net Top 100 of Horror grasp logic, phantoms, twilight zone the movie, the annotated dracula
joshua heinrich, spekr freks, office angst, night’s knights, ed pope, band poll, phantoms, dean koontz, twilight zone movie, bram stoker’s menu, the annotated dracula, flash fiction friday, tim reynolds, horrible disasters, end of the world radio, grasp logic, black bird manga, fashion, sun protection, someone wicked, zippered flesh, broken, crime seen, michael brentcollings, mass hysteria, laurel anne hill, baycon, horroraddicts.net meetup, philip carroll, artistic logic, events, dead mail, top 100 of horror
Top 100 of Horror
Top 10 Horror Movies – As voted on by HorrorAddicts.net listeners
1. The Exorcist
2. Suspiria
3. The Shining
4. Phantasm
5. Hellraiser
6. Bram Stoker’s Dracula
7. Prince of Darkness
8. Inside
9. Night of the Living Dead (org)
10. Dracula, (Bela’s)
Top 10 Horror TV Series – presented by Kbatz
1. Buffy the Vampire Slayer
2. Dark Shadows
3. The Twilight Zone
4. Tales from the Darkside
5. The X-Files
6. Friday the 13th the Series
7. Tales from the Crypt
8. Night Gallery
9. Forever Knight
10. Elvira’s Movie Macabre (I’m cheating I don’t care!)
Humorous Honorable Mentions:
The Addams Family
The Munsters
Top 10 Horror Manga- presented by Emz
1. Death Note
2. Black Butler
3. Godchild
4. Rozen Maiden
5. Tarot Cafe’
6. Black Bird
7. Vampire Knight
8. Rosario + Vampire
9. Haunted House
10. Murder Princess
Top 10 Horror Books reviewed by HorrorAddicts.net – presented by David
10. Childhood Nightmares Under The Bed from Sirens Call publications. It’s rare that I read an anthology where I liked every story in it but I did for this one.
9.The Nightmare Project by Jo-Anne Russell. This one takes place mostly in an insane asylum which to me makes it terrifying and the main character is excellent the way she goes back and forth from crazy to being a sweet mother who wants to see her kids again.
8. NightWhere by John Everson. This is one bizarre romance that will leave you feeling sick to your stomach.
7. My Fearful Symmetry by Denise Verrico This is a different take on vampires that I really enjoyed.
6. The Weeping Woman by Patricia Santos Marcantonio Good Mexican ghost legend combined with a modern day police thriller.
5. The Last Adventure of Dr. Yngve Hogalum by D L Mackenzie. First steampunk tale I’ve read with a lot of humor. Fun read.
4. Vaudeville by Greg Chapman. I like the concept of traveling side shows so I loved this one.
3.Underwood and Flinch Chronicles volume 1 and 2 by Mike Bennett. Excellent vampire story that I couldn’t put down. Its books like this that make me love reading.
2. Ivory by Steve Merrifield. I loved this one I wasn’t sure where it was going until the end, Really good original idea for a book.
1. Charla by Alex Beresford Its been seven months since I’ve read this book, even if you take the Demon out of the story it still works as a great horror novel.
Top 10 HorrorAddicts.net Interviews – presented by Sapphire (see full blog post)
10. Kimberly Steele
9. Shaunessy Ashdown
8. Patricia Santos
7. Crystal Connor
6. Rick Kitagawa
5. Jennifer Rahn
4. Joshua Heinrich
3. Shana Abé
2. Wicked Women Writers/Masters of Macabre
1. Emerian Rich
Top 10 Horror Stories on HorrorAddicts.net – presented by David
This list proves that Emerian doesn’t like me. It’s almost impossible to go through all of the episodes of horror addicts and pick out a top 10. I’m sure I left out plenty that I liked but this is what I came up with:
10.Season 1 episode 3. The Show by Kirk Warrington. I like werewolves and I liked the concept behind this story.
9.Season 2 episode 13. Santa Claws by Michele Rogers Good Christmas tale, lots of fun
8. Season 4 episode 33. Wings of Revenge by Laurel Anne Hill. Well told story and I like the bats in it.
7. Season 3 episode 28 The Butterfly Collector by Kimberly Steele. I liked this one and that’s all I’m saying. This one got me in trouble because I was listening to it at work. Listen to it you’ll see what I mean.
6. Season 2 episode 15 Night Crossing by Mike Bennett. I liked the book this is from so much I just can’t keep it off the list.
5. Season 5 episode episode 54 Hammersmith House I like the premise, I like the use of a historic event and I like stories told in diary entries.
4.Season 7 episode 72 Mark Vale Inkubus. Great voice and great production values
3.Season 7 episode 83 Shaunessy Ashdown Commencing Slaughter. Great audio production, good story that may keep you from ever eating meat again.
2.Ronda Carpenter WWW entry season 5 Lust: Barring Lilith. Great story with lots of sex and violence what more can you ask for.
1. Season 1 Episode 6 Hunt Night by Mark Eller. Before I was on staff this was the episode that made me think of the horror addicts podcast as my favorite. Good story about demons.
Top 10 Fashion Must-Haves for Horror Addicts – presented by Mimielle
1. A GOOD Black Eyeliner for everyone! Yes Guyliner is bigger than ever! (Gel crayons double as lip liner, I’m a fan…)
2. SUNSCREEN. Even if you don’t maintain a gothic pallor, protecting your skin keeps it more beautiful.
3. A pair of staples are A) A good hair product to tame or fluff your hair and define your style and B) A BB or CC cream, with skin benefits and good coverage. For guys who don’t use makeup, a colorless but mattifying foundation primer is undetectable on the skin but has skin benefits and works some pore-vanishing magic!
4. A staple black bottom piece. Black skirt, jeans, leggings, bondage pants, cargo pants/shorts. It’s the most versatile thing in your wardrobe and the easiest to change as a seasonal trend piece!
5. Favorite fandom t-shirt(s). Whether it’s a band shirt, vintage horror movie tie-in or blackletter gym, club or coffee shop shirt, REPRESENT your alternative interests by displaying them once in a while. Extra points if it’s somehow distressed, laced or bleach-‘dyed’. Get creative!
6. A black or white button-down shirt. You can wear it so many ways! Over T’s and tanks, under vests and sweaters, tucked or untucked. I use a men’s pleated tuxedo shirt that I stole from my swain.
7. One or two unusual pieces or trademark ‘you’ looks. For example a couple of mine are ‘all white and pale with intense lips and eyes’ and ‘all black but frilly and with heavy makeup’ and I build most of my wardrobe around these kinds of looks.
8. A go-to ‘uniform’. A set of clothes and a practiced makeup look that you can throw together in very minimal time and always look fab. Mine is a black TrippNYC dress, blow drying my hair straight and a winged black liner/red lip look. Out the door in 20 (shh, don’t tell!)!
9. A great pair of boots or shoes. Docs, Demonia Buckle Boots, your trusty Converse Chucks. Keep them polished/neat even if your look is more deconstructed/grunge.
10. A fierce attitude! Confidence is ultimately the key to pulling off any look!
Top 10 Horror Music – presented by HorrorAddicts.net Staff
1. Type O Negative
2. Midnight Syndicate
3. Saints of Ruin
4. Nosferatu
5. Nine Inch Nails
6. My Life with the Thrill Kill Kult
7. The Damned
8. Tool
9. Mission UK
10. Xorcist
Top 10 Horror Soundtracks – presented by HorrorAddicts.net Staff
1. Suspiria
2. Lost Boys
3. Dracula
4. Interview with the Vampire
5. Sweeny Todd
6. Beetlejuice
7. Nightmare Before Christmas
8. The Crow
9. Scream
10. Queen of the Damned
Top 10 Episode Memories – presented by Emz (find out why by listening to the show!)
1. Season 1 Ep 8- Arlene’s Forever, we were trying to record in the Hell Hole Tavern cemetery in Second Life and Arlene kept getting her hair caught on the cemetery fence and walking around bald.
2. Season 2 Ep 15- Mike Bennett’s introduction on our show of Night Crossing, which was the intro to Underwood and Flinch.
3. Season 3 Ep 31- The first ever Wicked Women Writer’s Challenge
4. Season 4 Ep 37 – Rhonda’s Sea Serpent rising out of the water to kill us all!
5. Season 5 Ep 51 & 52 – Jez and Fang fight in GothHaus. Eyeliner Vs. Top Hat.
6. Season 6 Ep71 – Really a treat for me to interview Patterson Lundquist, the #1 Elvira Impersonator. Not only was it an honor, but we had a lot of fun chatting.
7. Season 7 Ep 84 – Interviewing one of my favorite authors, Andrew Neiderman. I wouldn’t say it was the fun-est because I was nervous as hell, but to be able to talk to an author that has changed your life is an experience I won’t forget.
8. Season 8 No Episode… I got to interview Mike Bennett live via Skype at BayCon and it was so awesome. The audio messed up and I was unable to share it with you, but those of us that were there was so thrilled. Def. something we’ll never forget. If you think Mike Bennett is cool on his podcasts, he is even more awesome live!
9. Season 1 -Horror Con in Second Life. Was so much fun. We had free reign because Mark Eller was the host and he let me do whatever I wanted. We had poetry readings in the cemetery, he killed me in the tavern and then we had a fashion show by hanging for Mimielle’s fashion label in SL where I walked the cat walk, got hung, and then dropped down to make my final lap. Was so much fun!
10. I will never forget my very first show. I was fresh off my first ever podcast called Office Angst, I wanted to do something to do with Horror and I had no idea if this show would fly or even if it would go past that first episode. Sad is I think I’ve lost it… It was deleted from the site and I can not find it in my archive… so it might be lost forever!
writers workshop winner: a.d. vick, desillusion, dracula 2000, the twilight zone
zombieland, t-bone burnnett, fashion, goth sunscreen, black eyeliner, dracula cookbook, poppy seed flat bread, end of the world radio, desillusion, 809 jacob street, marty young, suffer the children, craig dilouie suffer, the darkest touch, joeseph sale, still water, justin macumber, evil dead musical, zombie musical?, ed pope, the heard, movie making, melanie light, victoria broom, jon campling, charlotte hunter, master of macabre challenge, writing contest, dracula 2000, gerard butler, the twilight zone, dunsmuir house, phantasm, tall man, flash fiction friday, james hoch, events, the evil of frankenstein, universal, poltergeist, dead mail, horror manga, rozen maiden, murder princess, black butler, black bird, artistic license, emerian rich, switched at birth, dawn of the deaf, a.d. vick
mimi a. williams, endless sunder, jeremiah donaldson, sweeny todd, tales from the crypt
sweeny todd, tales from the crypt, best band poll, mrs. lovett’s pie, end of the world radio, dawn wood, endless sunder, fashion, cheap ebooks, night’s knights, lilith’s love, the vampire family, silhouette, the wickeds, horrible disasters, one hellacious halloween, cecil and bubba meet the thang, guy portman, edgar allan poe, erika henrike, bugs, jeremiah donaldson, events, dead mail, mimi a. williams
Summer is hot but that’s no reason to abandon a Haute Goth look and our beloved black. Better still, summer sales are in session so I’ve gone a-hunting for you…
The secret is to mix and match according to the temperature and occasion. Collect some new key pieces from my 31 handpicked ShopSense favorites, since I’m guessing you may already have some similar goodies in your closet. I’ve chosen things that will take you from the gym to a fancy date-night, key pieces that can be dressed up or down.
Go hunting locally and thrift some black jeans to distress (cheese grater and bleach spray, anyone?) and cut them to fraying bits! Grab your favorite Dr. Martens. I’m going to try and snag the Victorian Flowers for Moi-self, don’t you know!
Stay tuned to the next HorrorAddicts Podcast for tips to accessorize these time-tested basics.
February 25th, at 6pm “Captain” Robert Brown will be reading from his novel
The Wrath Of Fate
at
Ada’s Techincal Books
713 Broadway East, Seattle
This is a FREE EVENT
We’ve got a bunch of super cool vests added to the market for men and women. They come in three styles:
Airship Captain Tailcoat Vest: $95
Airship Captain Vest (no tails): $95
Cropped, Detachable Hooded Vest: $45
If you’ve shopped in boutique fashion stores lately, you’ll know these are amazingly low prices. Especially for something this cool.
These designs were all taken directly from the patterns made for my stage vest.
We’ve been hard in the studio working on a new album for over a year and a half. We hope to release it in the next few months!
We actually started writing this before we started recording Off The Grid!
Here is a partial song list for the new album:
Steampunk Revolution
Automaton
The Story That Never Starts
Waiting For You
Terrible Affliction
Ancient World
Things Could Be Worse
Fix The Boat Or Swim
Tricked The Machine
Can’t talk About It
Jealousy
…and more!
NYX (not to be confused with NYC) shadows and powders
Liquid black eyeliner art – don’t be afraid to paint outside the lines
Glitter plunger – to spray a favorite glitter onto wet eyeliner– instant glitter glue
Prosthetic glue – to glitter up your eyes without worrying about it coming off
Sparkle nail polish to add small dots on eyeliner dots – not directly on face and not too close to eye… that hurts!
Clothing Items:
Stripey knee socks (black and white are kinda out, choose another color or go with a non-striped pattern)
Wrist warmers or fingerless gloves
Scarves – all different textures… but must be soft to the skin
Awesome boots of all kinds
Layered, multi-textured skirts of all lengths
“Emz has her own unique style. I’ve known some very fashion conscious people, but they’re usually dressing to impress others. Emz dresses to express herself. I especially noticed the creativity of her eye make-up. The two siides were deliberately coordinated but not identical. They were unique– like Emz.” ~Heather Roulo
HorrorAddicts.net 