Another Venue

Ok - now that has nothing to do with the Revolution Series.... nope, it's the swing dance skirt and draping of the vest I am creating for my daughter, Katie.  The skirt is a drop yoke with both pleats and gathers set into the yoke with a back zipper. Found the fabric at Joann's - it's very shear and reminds me of India silk.  I have lined it with a black - swoo-ish!  
Waiting on cutting out the black vest of cotton velvet ~ trying to decide if we'll do embroidery on it ~ thinking cutout with maybe the same skirt fabric underneath or a matching solid.  I must consult the wearer!   

Other than this, I am extremely anxious to design the rest of the revolutionary series... I have enlisted 2 more friends to model... co-designer Erin and her husband, Andrew.... poor Andrew ~ what did we drag you into?!?   It's all good.  

That's it for tonight! Sleep well :) 

Progress on the Pre-Revolution/American Revolution Series

A bit of progress made today.  Finally! FINALLY, finished the embroidery around the outside edges of the jacket.  Now to figure out how to finish off the embroidery on the back slit and also, the back of the neck.  

As I contemplate the above situation.... it will need to perk-o-late in my brain for a bit, I have worked with the cuffs and sleeves a bit.  Slow progress, but it's getting there. As far as embroidery, this will most likely be the one jacket with so much of it.  Men. Such fashion plates!   So below is the mocked up sleeve with cuff.

I am anxious to get the button holes (mock) on the cuffs and finish the edging :)  I do need to find something elegant to line the cuffs, as they are exposed.  

Happy February! February, what?!? Already?

As I type this, my embroidery machine is continuing on it's journey around the hem of 1694 era mans jacket.  Think "Dangerous Liasons".  The pattern is drafted from the book "Men's 17th & 18th Century Cotume, Cut & Fashion" by R.I. Davis.  (This is an excellent resource)  I have sized it to fit my good-son, Chris, who is this awesome young man who puts up with my silliness. :) 

So below you can see the design work.  This is my first major embroidery project with this machine and it's been a fairly good (vs bad) learning experience!  I am using a Husqvarna Viking Ruby Deluxe machine, fabric that was designed for furniture, and Sulky 100% Viscose 04/3 thread (I love this thread - very little issue with fraying or breaking).  Note: Use a light interlining when working on a running project - it will keep your fabric from warping. 

 

End of 2014

IT has been awhile since I posted, and since I plan to take this to a whole new direction, it's time to end the old and start the new!

2014 was a year of travel - 2 mission trips to Moloka'i, Hawaii; Deadwood, SD; New Holland, PA; Scotland - my land and multiple places; London; and of course, Chesapeake, VA.

It was also a year of events: 
Katie, my daughter married a wonderful young man named Chris. :)
Mom was diagnosed with bladder cancer and complete renal blockage.  New stents every 3 months.
That guy - well.  Let's just say that it didn't end the way I hoped.
Costuming - was offered a job by the Guthrie Theater for Scrooge, but was already committed to doing Esmerelda at Friendship. Which just closed after a glorious 7 show run.  But costuming..... this is where we're headed with the blog.  I will post pictures of the costumes I have done for a half dozen or so book covers.  And then we'll be on the new road.  I have placed a link to my website for more photos.

So 2014 is coming to a close. Here's to 2015! May the adventure continue!

Book covers I have created the costumes for.  Two more are in production.  Note the "A Bride for Noah" model is someone you might recognize :)

She stood in the storm, & when the wind did not blow her way, she adjusted her sails.

This is one of my favorite quotes and certainly applies to the last 20 days. 

I wound up not going to Honduras last week with the team.  God said "no", in a very loud, direct voice.  Since I didn't hear Him with the first bee sting, He provided a second one to get my attention and also send me to the ER (again).  Thank goodness for epi-pens, steroids and Benadryl.  Yes, I heard Him the second time - stay home dummy.  His grand plan allowed another board member of the Isaiah Connection to step into leadership and also opened the door for me to continue at camp as their nurse. A win-win situation all the way around.... a good lesson in listening. 

It has been a grand summer so far. Mom and I spent 10 days back East. She in New Holland, PA & me off to Chesapeake, VA to assist with Max's graduation festivities.   Rain was the theme on the way out and hot on the way back.  It was a wonderful trip and great to spend time chatting with Mom as we drove along. 

I continue my fight against GERD (Gastro-esphogeal Reflux Disease).  It has worsened and remains a cause of great anxiety at times.  I thank God for my dear friend, Jennie - who talked me through a nasty anxiety attack on the trip back from camp.  Some days, I just can't get these to back down.  I have switched up the GERD OTC meds and am now finding some relief from the almost constant sour acid and choking feeling in the back of my throat.  It has been over a year in this battle and would really like it to go away.  

So, what's next?  Another trip to PA., a legal conference in MN., and a driving trip to ID to see a *friend* from many years ago.  I am very excited to be reconnecting with him. 

Hope that your summer is going well!

A New Direction: Two Businesses and Mission work as well

When God closes a door, he opens a window - jump!!  And I did.

"What in the world?" I can hear you thinking "...is she up to now?"  

I decided to take that final step in becoming a completely, independent business woman. And in that I have created my company so that both the left & right sides of the brain are happy.  

The creation of M.A. Harbeck & Associates was originally intended to be solely for the purpose of running my legal nurse consulting business.  God had other plans.   He has also blessed me with collaborating with Garborg Designs on Christian book cover designs.  Let me recommend this wonderful photography team!  In the past 5 months, we have created 3 new book covers (my costume creations, their photography & graphic productions).  Samples of this work can be found by Googling: "A Bride for Noah" and "Circle of Spies".  I am currently not at liberty to discuss the 3rd but will post that as well. 

M.A. Harbeck & Associates was recently premiered at the Reptile Convention in Brookfield, WI.   I was able to network with approximately 120 attorneys from the MidWest.  I will also be at Minnesota Justice Conference in August, 2013 - for all of you attorneys out there, please stop by my booth.  I look forward to meeting you.  

Mission work:  

As a board member for the Isaiah Connection (please see isaiahconnection.org),  I will be stepping up my responsibilities in the field.  I was  blessed to be able to participate as a team member this past February, 2013 on Moloka'i serving the community with demolition, building, yard work, painting, etc.  It had been 3 years since my last visit. Thank God for others who are able to go every year.  The good news I experienced during my stay, was a stronger feeling of hope in a community that has been trying to recover economically for the past 10 years.    

In July, I will lead my first team into Honduras. I have never been there before and ask for your prayers for guidance, strength and a blessed trip as we do medical & construction work in San Antonio de la Cuesta.

Other trips on the horizon: 

2013:  Australia (depending on Pastor Joe's deployment to Afghanistan)

2014: Nigeria, Moloka'i, Israel

As you note, Pastor Joe is currently set to deploy laster in 2013 to Afghanistan.  I ask that you pray for him and his family during this time of transition and disruption of  there day-to-day lives. 

That's it for today.  Happy Mother's Day!

Mary