Topic: Halloween

Renaissance to fantasy, creating costumes creates bonds, keeps family connected

By Christine Anne Piesyk | October 31, 2007 |

I was ten when I first picked up a needle and thread; 10 and 1/4 when my first teacher clarified the difference between cutting and stitching lines on a pattern, helped me thread a vintage portable sewing machine, helped me make those first forays in the realms of sewing and design.

Forty-seven years later I am still at it, but as a grandma with a mission. That mission has become costuming.

My family, first and foremost, are die-hard sci-fi buffs who regularly attend sci-fi “cons” (conventions) such as Mid South Con in Memphis every spring. Rochelle (top right) and Brandi (below left) haven’t missed a convention - with costumes - in years.

I’d done costumes and clothing for years — even did a man’s suit once. Beaded a bridal gown and created a head piece and veil. I made my own wedding gown and those of my attendants, Christening dresses from antique linen and lace, and most of the gowns for my daughter’s wedding too. I made a life-sized Hobby Holly rag doll and a matching outfit for my daughter when she was four.

But when my family discovered sci-fi and fantasy, my first quick, down and dirty job was a fast stitching of a floor-length hooded cape, soon to be followed by assorted medieval gowns, more capes, and all the costumes for my daughter’s Renaissance-style 15th wedding anniversary. But the grandchildren are ever more creative, and this year’s projects tops the list of challenges in my life.

Have you ever made a Care Bear costume for a 5′10″ granddaughter? Or a petite Mermaid dress with a long wiggly tail? «Read the rest of this article»

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MKKL sponsors ‘Happily Never After’ Halloween bash in Hopkinsville

By Christine Anne Piesyk | October 16, 2007 |

Tickets are now available for the 1st Annual Happily Never After Halloween Bash to be held at the Unitarian Universalist Church Activity Center on S. Main Street in Hopkinsville. the event begins at 8 p.m. and light refreshments including coffee, tea and punch will be provided.

Activities include a costume contest, music for dancing, dance contest, and fun and games for all. A photo booth will offer souvenir photos. Proceeds from this event benefit the Mystic Krewe of the Kingdom of Lamuria Mardi Gras Association.

This is an adult event, and anyone over the age of 18 is welcome, but those who are 18-21 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian and must carry a photo ID. Those helping with the ball will need to attend a special organizational meeting on Sat. Oct 20th at 4pm. at Gaelic Dreams.

Tickets are $12.50 per person in advance, $15.00 at the door. Happily Never After tickets are available by calling 270-886-0010 or can be picked up at at Gaelic Dreams Floral & Imports, 2711 Ft Campbell Blvd, Hopkinsville, KY. Seating is limited to 100 people.

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Pumpkins and Art

By Brandt | October 26, 2006 |

The Icehouse Cafe and Art X-Po will host The UPtown Artists’ Swap this Saturday night at 7PM.  This will be the Halloween edition of the ‘Swap’ including a pumpkin carving contest.  Anyone and everyone is invited to bring arts and crafts to sell and trade at this FREE event.  And yes, anyone can bring a pumpkin and carving  equipment to get in on the contest!  The winner will receive an original work of art from Brandt Hardin at the event.

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