Anonymous Halloween photographs from c.1875–1955—truly haunting Americana, with a foreword by David Lynch The photographs in Haunted Air provide an extraordinary glimpse into the traditions of this macabre festival from ages past, and form an important document of photographic history. These are the pictures of the dead: family portraits, mementos of the treasured, now unrecognizable, and others. The roots of Halloween lie in the ancient pre–Christian Celtic festival of Samhain, a feast to mark the death of the old year and the birth of the new. It was believed that on this night the veil separating the worlds of the living and the dead grew thin and ruptured, allowing spirits to pass through and walk unseen but not unheard amongst men. The advent of Christianity saw the pagan festival subsumed in All Souls' Day, when across Europe the dead were mourned and venerated. Children and the poor, often masked or in outlandish costume, wandered the night begging "soul cakes" in exchange for prayers, and fires burned to keep malevolent phantoms at bay. From Europe, the haunted tradition would quickly take root and flourish in the fertile soil of the New World. Feeding hungrily on ... [Read More]

Sew chic, dark-toned clothes with this stylish sewing book and add a touch of originality to your wardrobe. Basic Black is the English edition of a classic Japanese sewing book which provides sew-it-yourself Western-sized patterns for 26 basic garments, along with detailed, easy-to-follow diagrams and instructions. Author Sato Watanabe has published many books that are favorites among Japanese sewing fans. In this book, she shows you how to make genuinely professional-quality pieces quickly and inexpensively at home. DIY Sewing designs include: Lace Shirred Blouse Tiered Sleeveless Dress Zip-up Vest with High Neck Frilled Shirt in Charcoal Flannel Short Coat And much more…All of the styles and fashion are easily customized to create your personal style, and there is something for everyone and every occasion in this book—from a bright two-texture combo dress to a relaxed, bohemian tunic—and everything in-between. All the styles are thoroughly modern and practical, ranging from softly feminine or straight-line simple to smartly-tailored or loosely-deconstructed.Simple lines make these garments perfect for women of all ages and all sizes. This book includes a complete western-si... [Read More]

You're one glittery pompom away from having a better day! Inject some color and fun into your life with Rachel Burke's super-cute craft projects. Rachel, of Daphne and Daisy fame, is regularly asked how she makes her amazing bespoke fashions. Here she teaches you how to do it all: flowers, sequins, tinsel, glitter, pompoms and bedazzling galore! These projects are easy, too, with no sewing or knitting skills required. Teaching you how to achieve maximum cuteness for minimum effort, Be Dazzling brings a welcome splash of razzle-dazzle to daily life.Chapters are:* Gems (e.g. party socks, bedazzled collars)* Tinsel (e.g. the golden shrug, rainbow jacket)* Lovely legs (e.g. confetti tights, flower tights)* Pomspiration (e.g. tote bag, necklace, party earrings)* Flower power (e.g. headphones, flower crown, brooch)More than half of the projects are exclusive to the book (both brand new items and new designs).

Sew edgy, urban clothes with this stylish sewing book and add a touch of originality to your wardrobe.More and more women are opting to make their own clothes, but most of the books on the market emphasize girly, feminine designs. She Wears the Pants is the first Japanese sewing book (in English) to focus on the increasingly popular "borrowed–from–the–boys" look. Already one of the best–known and reviewed sewing books in Japan, this sporty addition to the sew–it–yourself craze is poised to take the American DIY sewing market by storm.Sometimes women are in the mood for clothes with strong, clean lines and casual sophistication—polish and simplicity without the frills. She Wears the Pants is the book for those times. A graduate of the Bunka Fashion Institute, Yuko Takada provides patterns and instructions for making twenty spare and streamlined wardrobe items, including:Versatile tops that can be either casual or dressyJackets that are timeless and uniqueDresses and skirts that are straight-line or drapedThree different pants lengths, from culottes to full-length trousersAnd much, much more!Patterns can be easily adjusted to suit any body size, and Takada shows readers... [Read More]

Sew stylish DIY dresses with an elegant flair using this easy-to-follow sewing book. For parties, weddings, banquets—any occasion that calls for that special dress—this is the book that lets you DIY sew something stylish and elegant, for a lot less than you'd pay for ready-made. These 26 dresses and separates range from short to long, from sweet to sophisticated, and from simple to dramatic to suit your mood, your style and the event. Beautiful photos feature garments sewn in a variety of elegant fabrics to inspire you to choose colors, prints and textures for a dress that is just right for you and for the moment. Sewing patterns include: Gathered-skirt dresses with lacy overlays Simple, elegant shifts and empire-waist styles An easy, flattering shirtwaist dress A pintucked smock style dress Shirt and blouse combos that allow you to mix and match Dresses sporting a few well-placed frills for a look that's both girly and subtle Little bolero jackets for when you want a little more coverage And more… Full-size sewing patterns are offered in six sizes and can be altered to suit most body shapes and personal measurements. The instructions and diagrams are easy to follow. Pick up... [Read More]

Rosi Robinson shows how to create beautiful batik designs and pictures, teaching all the techniques required through 9 step-by-step projects. From making simple marks and drawing with wax to dipping and painting with dyes, etching, cracking, discharging and more, this book contains all you need to create beautiful batik. A history of batik sets the scene and then there is detailed advice on all the materials and preparations required. There is artistic advice on using colour and on how to use hard wax, stamps, brushes and cantings (tjantings) through a series of appealing projects. Skills are built with each project and all templates are provided. A gallery of beautiful batik artworks provides inspiration for beginners and experienced artists alike.

Mandy Southan takes the art of Shibori, in which fabric is bound, clamped or stitched before dyeing, and goes beyond the traditional blue and white to create fabrics in a fabulous array of colours, patterns and textures. Clear step by step photographs and instructions demonstrate how to use acid dyes and cold water reactive dyes in a variety of creative ways. Mandy then demonstrates shibori techniques such as binding, hand painting, capping, stitching, folding and clamping, pole winding and pole wrapping can be used to create truly wonderful dyed fabrics.

Sew your own chic and original dresses with this stylish sewing book.Japanese style has long been admired for its grace and artistry. Add to that a sense of fun, and you have the sew-it-yourself Stylish Dress Book. Complete with stunning full-color photos, this Japanese sewing book (in English) gives you instructions and pull-out patterns for unique Japanese fashion—26 relaxed and comfortable yet elegant dresses and tops—pretty, timeless pieces that can be worn year after year, by women of all ages and sizes. The detailed diagrams and easy-to-follow instructions take you step-by-step from layout to finished garment. The no-rules looks pictured in this book are perfect for today's carefree fashion sensibility and will inspire you to have fun with fabric and style. Simple lines make these garments perfect for women of all ages and all sizes. This book includes a complete western-sized sewing pattern for each design that is easily adjusted to fit your body form. The concise diagrams and simple instructions allow you to develop your unique style with ease and confidence.

Fifty years ago, Batgirl made her Million Dollar Debut taking down the nefarious Killer Moth. And ever since, the butt-kicking hero has been a vital part of Batman’s team and a role model for girls everywhere, squaring off against mobsters, assassins, super-villains and more.  Though many young women have worn the cowl—from unassuming librarian Barbara Gordon to deadly mute assassin Cassandra Cain to teen vigilante Stephanie Brown—all have made their distinct mark on the DC Universe. Now BATGIRL: A CELEBRATION OF 50 YEARS collects all the greatest triumphs and most tragic moments of the many Batgirls in one volume, offering a crash course in the character, from Babs’ first appearance by Gardner Fox and Carmine Infantino to her modern-day adventures by Cameron Stewart, Brenden Fletcher, Babs Tarr, Gail Simone and more.

A Diamond Select Toys release! it's almost time for homecoming! the first Spider-Man film to be part of the Marvel Cinematic universe is almost here, and DST is commemorating the occasion with to resin busts based on the film! one depicts Spidey in his high-tech suit, with web wings, while the other shows him in his homemade suit. Each measures approximately 6 inches tall and sits atop a pedestal inspired by new York architecture. Each comes packaged in a hand-numbered, full-color box with a Certificate of authenticity. Sculpted by gentle giant!

I saw her first. Gotta fly! Wreck havoc on Gotham City in style dressed as a gentleman of crime this Halloween! This costume includes a tailcoat with an attached vest, a shirt front with an attached tie, pants with attached spats, a character mask with an attached monocle and a top hat. This is an officially licensed DC Comics

Dress with removable collarGlovesThigh highs not included

Dress with removable collarGlovesThigh highs not included