"I will sustain thee,
even though you've walked
through the valley.
Just ask of Me,
and I will set you free.
Just let it be,
and you'll taste of my victory!
So now, you shall see
that you are abiding in my peace!"
Embrace
© 2002 by Claudette Embry
Monday, November 14, 2011
Monday, August 22, 2011
Speak to It!
"Prophesy to the River", thus saith the Lord!
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| "River Rouge"-runs through Detroit-Sfld, etc. |
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| "River Rouge"-Runs thru Mich. Counties |
"Prophesy to the River", thus saith the Lord!
On Friday, July 29, 2011 I had an unction, to pray concerning the River Rouge. The Spirit of the Lord had been dealing with me concerning this river that runs throughout Detroit Southfield Dearborn Livonia Detroit Southfield Jamaica; another friend is getting married next month, Atl, GA and I was assigned to make her wedding dress, veil, bouquet, and decorate the church fellowship hall. "Atlanta, here I come!" (Pictures coming soon). Also my resources are starting to pour in!
Embrace
Thursday, July 14, 2011
Fashions, Styles, Creativity-My Business!
Embrace My Passion, My Vision,
The Styles, & Fashions
My passion: to create and design beautiful & elegant pieces; use vibrant colors; make clothing & jewelry for women & children. To bring out the best in you! Love those “make-overs!”
My Vision: to enhance the ordinary to become extraordinary-the inner “Wo-man” and the outer “Wo-man”; spiritually, mentally, and fashionably!
The Styles & Fashions: Showing the ladies what’s in, what’s appropriate, what’s hot, & what’s not! This will be accomplished by way of Fashion Shows, one-on-one sittings & fittings, and just plain ole’ conversating!
I truly enjoy what I do; and seeing the smile on her face, the “kick” in her step and the excitement that I feel knowing that this gift that God has given me—I really, really appreciate! And oh, the many conversations and revelations, with the Lord and I, that He shares with me while working my craft; I would not trade that for anything.
Well, let me show you what I’m talking about. Some of the pictures that I’ve posted are from my nieces wedding. I made her dress as well as the flower girl & Jr. Usher (not pictured), and 2 of the bridesmaids dresses—by DaKota DeZign®. Seamstress by Nature, Fashionable by Design! Also take notice of the jewelry pieces I designed—Sky Jewelry Collection®. “Love those beads and Swarovski Crystals!” And oh, yes! Let’s not forget the bridal bouquet and a small center-piece that was designed specifically for my friend Sheila on her special day. A couple bouquet’s for your viewing! Last but not least, setting up the cake table was no small “feast”! The bride loved her “Tasty Treat!”
Coming soon, for your viewing—children’s fashions and another bridal selection-This one takes place in ATL , GA
Got that special event coming up and you want a new dress, an outfit, a pair of earrings or necklace? Well! Look me up on Face Book and Inbox me!
This is Claudette Embry, saying—Embrace! ◘
Saturday, June 18, 2011
So! You Want To Sew! Writer's Wkshp Assgnmt. Day 4
Before you begin operating a sewing machine or cutting fabric, there are some basic things you need to consider! For instance: before signing up for a sewing class, you must be focused and ready for the task that you have committed to; take into account that you’ve signed up for a beginners class-basic instructions will be applied, having patience will be your best friend!
Sometimes beginner students enter into the classroom with a “High Fashion/Project Runway” designs-trying to put the cart before the horse, and do not know how to thread a sewing machine or how to lay out fabric or what type of fabric they have that would compliment their drawings. I remember a time that I was teaching a sewing class for teens/adults. I had a young adult student that was very “gung ho!” She always wanted to learn how to sew and had grand ideas for the type of clothes that she wanted to make and wear. Whenever we were in class, she would say to me, “That’s not how my mom’s friend does it!” Well, that became very irritating to me, as I was instructing her as well as the other students. Teaching them the basics!
Please hear me eager seamstresses! Be mindful that the instructor is sharing the wealth of knowledge that he/she gained from their mentor-bringing that same tenacity to you. Not every seamstress does every single thing alike. So sit still, be quiet, and pay attention! It doesn’t mean that the instructor is wrong it just means that they learned the process another way.
Well after that student continued comparing me with her mom’s friend, I had to eventually say to her, “if you want to take sewing lessons from your mother’s friend then you have the choice to drop the class and go to the friend’s house and sit at her table and learn from her: but when you’re in my class you’ll be learning from me!” I could not and would not tolerate her complaints and comparisons because it was very disruptive to me and the class. The enemy will use whoever he can to tear you down and try to make you feel less than—inferior! People! Be aware of Satan’s devices!
While in class there should be a first aide kit available because sewing can be a bit risky, i.e.: iron/steam burns; needle/pin get stuck in your finger; if you’re not paying attention you can get poked with the point of a seam ripper; or the sewing needle could break if you’re not using the right size for the weight of the fabric. I have experienced all of this. My purpose is not to cause you to be intimidated, but to make you aware that stuff happens. Keep your focus!
Getting started! Before you purchase your pattern, taking your body measurements will help you in determining the size pattern to purchase. Listed below are measuring instructions that all seamstresses utilize. Read the instructions, get a feel for what is being said, then go out and purchase a measuring tape. Get one of your friends involved in what you’re doing-then practice getting body measurements, from your friend, and write down the numbers! You’ll notice that you will begin to have FUN!
Body Measurements-Men & Women
(Basic measuring instructions for beginners)
*When taking measurements, stand completely straight—no slouching or slightly bending down to take a look—this causes the measurements to be slightly off!
Bust—Bring the tape measure across the widest part of the back, under the arms, and across the full bust line. For men-Chest line
Waist—Place the tape measure horizontally and flat in the natural indentation of your waist
Hip—Place the tape measure horizontally and flat across the fullest part of the hips. (Varies according to figure type)
Back Waist Length—Measure from the most prominent bone at the base of the neck along the middle of the lower back to the lower edge of the tape measure at the waist line.
Sleeve Length—Measure from the shoulder cap to the outer edge of the wrist of a slightly bent arm
Skirt Length—Measure from the desired length to the front middle of the lower edge of the fixed waistline tape
Pant side Length—Measure along the side seam from the lower edge of the waistline tape to the floor. The normal pant length is about 3 inches shorter than this measurement
Inseam (for Men)—Place the measuring tape at the crotch of the trousers and measure down to the bottom of the ankle
Sample Measurements
Bust/Chest
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38 ¾
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Waist
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30
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Hip
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40
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Back Waist Length
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17 ½
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Sleeve Length
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23 ½
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Skirt Length
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25
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Inseam
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33
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Pant Side Length
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42
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Collar
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17
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Fabric Stores—check your yellow pages for local listings
Michigan-Metropolitan area:
JoAnn Fabrics Super Store-Roseville , MI
Bloomfield Hills ,MI Madison Heights ,MI Novi ,MI Taylor ,MI
Haberman Fabrics-Royal Oak , MI
Wal-Mart Super Stores-Livonia , MI
Sewing Supplies-Things You Will Need for Your Sewing Experience
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| Seam Ripper & Snipper |
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| Scissors |
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| Pattern Packet-Front |
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| Pattern Packet-Back |
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| Safety Pins |
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| Straight Pins & Hand Sewing Needles |
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| Pin Cushion & Measuring Tape |
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| Sewing Machine Needles Sz. 14-16 |
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| Thimble |
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| Sewing Machine |
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| Serger Machine |
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| Spools of Thread |
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| Fabric |
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| Chalk |
Reading your “Blueprint” or your pattern is very crucial to the seamstress/designer because you’ll need to know how to construct your garment. Pattern reading, its symbols and illustrations along with familiarizing yourself with your Sewing Machine, and the accessories that comes along with the machine will be discussed, in detail in another session. But for now, getting started with your measurements is the first step you’ll take while entering into your sewing world!
Like God told Moses, “Make it according to the pattern!” ◘
Embrace
Thursday, June 2, 2011
Writer’s Workshop Homework Assignment-day 3
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Title—Chapter Titles—4 Points
TITLE: So! You Want To Sew!
Chapter Title: Getting Started
- Instruction Booklet (basic information about class, safety tips, & fabric stores,)
- Sewing Kit (included in pkg. scissors, measuring tape, straight pins, & needles)
- Sewing Machine (name brand-electric/manual or digital)
- Pattern & notions (blueprint of clothing, & fabric amt. to purchase, notions: thread, zippers, buttons, seam binding tape)
Chapter Title: Making Room for the “Big Stuff”!
- Den/Extra Bedroom/Rental Space (selecting your work space is key)
- Cutting Table (length x height x width: make sure it’s enough table space to lay out the fabric)
- Ironing Board-Steamer (area needed to press out the wrinkles)
- Clothes Rack/Closets (hang in a safe place, once garment is completed)
Chapter Title: Take a Sewing Break!
- Paintings and Pictures (beautify your space with pictures & collages of Fashions)
- Desk, Cabinets, Etc. (place to conduct business & store notions/fabric)
- Stereo/CD Player & aromas (set the atmosphere with soft music & light fragrance)
- Chase-TV- with books/magazines (a place to relax when taking a break)
Chapter Title: The Stage is Set-“Lights, Cameras, FASHION!”
- Count the Cost and the Clothes (make sure your inventory, accessories, music, photographer & budget is in place & set)
- The Venue (Selecting the place-is it a large or small facility)
- Promotion /Theme (TV/Radio, Newspaper, Flyers-Tickets, Word of Mouth etc.)
- Theme (Who or what is your target audience? Do your models reflect your theme and fashions? ◘
Embrace
Saturday, May 28, 2011
My Testimony-Cancer Free!
It was Friday, September 25, 1998 the day the earth had literally shook (an Earthquake was reported in the news), it stretched from Ohio to Michigan; and I was celebrating my 30th birthday, with some coworkers, at the Detroit Water & Sewerage Department-Main Office Building, 10th fl. Meter Read Audit. As we stood at the counter singing, “♫Happy Birthday to you♫”, the building had shaken and we all said, “What was that?” An Earthquake, on my birthday, and this big ole’ lump (the size of the palm of my hand), protruding underneath my skin on the left side of my knee: what a day to remember, one I’ll never forget! That was 12 ½ years ago.
The 1st biopsy had been done on a Friday, Sweetest Day-October 16, 1998 . “Ok Lord there’s beginning to be a pattern here, dates of remembrance.” The diagnosis had already been delivered: “Osteosarcoma (High Grade-Bone Cancer); and we’re only going to give you a 20% chance of living! Also, you’re going to have chest X-Ray’s done every week to make sure that the cancer didn’t spread to your lungs!” Ok! I was scared—for real! I cried, I was mad, and I was angry at God! I was confused, and I had questions! What did I do wrong? Lord, what will my mother and brothers & sister do? “Wait a minute! I haven’t been married yet nor do I have children!” I was afraid that I was going to die from this disease.
I had been a member at Word of Faith Int’l Christian Center-Southfield, MI; Bishop Keith Butler was my Pastor at that time. I remembered how embarrassed I was to tell the Bishop and ask for prayer, didn’t want anyone to know. I was so nervous walking down the aisle in church, (with my mother as a comfort by my side), to talk to Bishop Butler. I was trembling in my voice and my body while telling him that “I’ve been diagnosed with Bone Cancer”—and he immediately saying to me, “There’s nothing to be afraid of. I want you to go and see my secretary, Minister Herd—tell her I sent you!” And the Fight was on!
I was scheduled to have 8 treatments of Chemotherapy (which I was hospitalized for 5 days, during treatments). At that time, I battled with hair loss; slight loss of hearing; spots on the palms of my hands and bottom of my feet; extreme weight loss; body sensitive to the touch; low Potassium; and an allergic reaction to morphine. I even had the audacity to shout at the devil, “COME ON, YOU WANT A FIGHT! I’M READY TO FIGHT! YOU’RE NOT TAKING ME OUT LIKE THIS!” And if that was not enough, I had the nerve to say, “THAT’S ALL YOU GOT!” Whoa! What was I saying? I was out-of-my-mind! And yes, the fight got worse! At one point my body temperature had reached up to 104 degrees. I experienced “hot flashes”; boils on my body and sores in my mouth; numerous blood transfusions; Septic Arthritis; was on Antibiotics (according to my doctor-indefinitely); a ruptured esophagus; developed ulcers; and the ultimate-I loss my leg bone (left femur & knee-replaced with Titanium Metal). Talk about a Job experience!
The Prayer Warrior within me was just as amplified as the fight. I stood on scriptures like:
(Ps.118:8-9 kjv) For thou hast delivered my soul from death, mine eyes from tears, and my feet from falling. I will walk before the Lord In the land of the living.
(John 11:4 kjv) “…This sickness is not unto death, but for the glory of God, that the Son of God might be glorified thereby.”
(Is. 53:4-5 kjv) But He was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed.
I was confessing that the cancer was DEAD! I didn’t want remission because it was subject to come back. I used every arsenal of weapons I could: I had to “Put on the whole armor of God…” I was “fighting against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places” (Eph. -17). I prayed in my natural language and I prayed in the spirit with the evidence of speaking in tongues (Eph. ). I also laughed a lot! (Prov. 17:22) “A merry heart doeth good like a medicine: but a broken spirit drieth the bones.” I would plead “The Blood of Jesus”; pour anointing oil on my bald head; put oil on a red cloth and taped it onto my body and prayed! My family was actively involved in praying for me and even my doctors would say, “I’m praying for you!” The days when I was at home I would open the blinds and lay prostrate, on the floor, and allow the sunlight in-to soak in the sun. You see, I did this because I heard a story about an eagle: when it got sick and had poison in its body, it would fly to the highest part of the mountain and lay prostrate and spread its wings and allow the sun to penetrate its body-to draw out all the poison from it. Like the eagle, that’s what I did!
The Miracle was made known! The Cancer was dead and I only had 4 aggressive Chemo treatments along with the surgery, February 23rd, 1999 (just 3 days before my mother’s birthday), to remove the cancerous bone. I didn’t have the 8 treatments that they planned! I’m no longer on Antibiotics either. Praise God! Everything is functioning, in my body, the way it was designed from the beginning of time, except for the loss of my left femur & knee. They said that I cannot wear heels-well! I stride in 2 up to 5 in. high heels (only for a short period of time). My doctor called me his “Miracle Baby”, because he said that he never had a case like mine. There are times you’ll see me walking with a limp, or taking my shoes off, because my knee is swollen and I’m in pain or some discomfort due to the pressure from climbing the stairs and sitting/standing too long.
I could see the hand of God all in my struggles and him teaching me how to strategically fight in his Army…wait-a-minute, I just took a praise break—Hallelujah! Thank you Jesus! A war was waged and I WON! Did I want to go through this? Absolutely NOT! I may have come out with some battle scars and lost a bone but God has kept His promise: that I would not lose my life or my leg; that he would keep my feet on the ground; and that I would share my Testimony. My prayer is for those that has been or have been diagnosed with Cancer—for you to be empowered by my story. I am walking before the Lord In the land of the living. Amen! ◘
Embrace!
Monday, May 16, 2011
Writing Is Inviting!
Well, what can I say! Day one of the Life Lesson’s-Writer’s Workshop, at DWO was a success! Another level of praise; another level of prophecy fulfilled; another level of promises revealed; another level of people being empowered to share, write, express, and fellowship with those of like-minded-faith. There was a fresh wind of God in the room, as we came together to glean from our teacher, instructor, Author, worshipper, and friend, Ms. Darlene C. Dickson. Thank you for allowing me and others the opportunity to gain the insight and wisdom coupled with the creativity that God has afforded you, as a “Ready Writer”!
What I hope to glean from this class? I hope to reach the masses, in this field of communication, with another level of anointing and impartation. It was refreshing to see the people come and sign in, with an expectation awaiting there thoughts: and I, hearing the voices of some of those that said, (with excitement or surprise in the tone of their voices), “We have to create a blog! What’s a blog?” I truly commend our Season Saints for stepping up to the plate. I applaud everyone that made it to the session and I’m thankful for those that spoke of their interest to Darlene—I can tell you, she is Very Pleased!
With my heart-felt expression of love, I would like to say, “Thank you Darlene for allowing me the opportunity to be a Facilitator in this workshop; the impartation that you’ve given is well received and I’m rejoicing about it! Also, I cannot end this letter without thanking my Bishop, Ben Gibert for giving the church this opportunity that the world would grab in a heart-beat! Thank you Bishop for your openness of heart, love, care, and concern for your flock! As our catch phrase, in the class says, Writing is Inviting! ◘
Embrace
Tuesday, May 3, 2011
Laughter is Good!
A + ☺+ ♥=A Merry Heart! Ok everyone, I got a chance to see, Madea’s Big Happy Family. If I were Siskel & Ebert, giving you my commentary about this movie, this is what I would say: Aside from the ‘choice words’ that you may not want your children to hear, this movie was Hilarious! I love watching Tyler Perry’s plays and movies. Cora and Mr. Brown—they argued, they tried to help one another, and they were funny. I don’t know about you but I like to hear Mr. Brown try to pronounce big words and I love to look at the clothes that he wears. Who picks out his clothes? Too funny and colorful—I loved his multi-colored socks, check them out! Loretta Devine played her part very well, and so did “Bow Wow” as Byron, good job! Ok, Byron’s past and present girlfriend was a hot mess, LOUD, inconsiderate, and most of all—“Gold diggers”! Young men, ‘pleeze’ pay attention—just because she looks good on the outside doesn’t mean that she’s gold on the inside. Not a great catch! And Madea’s brother, Charles—a terrible hot mess!
“Any-hoo,” The female characters in this movie was angry, contentious, and disrespectful, however, the male characters were loving, yet passive, and not in control! What’s up with that? As we all know that Madea tends to fit the angry, contentious, aggressive, and disrespectful Matriarch of the bunch. However, she manages to bring the family together in an “involuntarily” manner, to get some things straighten out amongst themselves. And the Maury Polvich scene-DNA testing was, “Screaming-hilarious” to me! I couldn’t stop laughing, even when the movie was over, while on my way to the car. My stomach muscles were hurting from laughing so hard! I’m giggling now, just thinking about it.
Was there a moral to this movie, (aside from the broken-“proper-English” that Madea so eloquently tries to instill in her great-nephews) like, “Hellerrr” or “Good Mornting” or “Get the dishes ready for Dinterrr”! Now, that’s proper English, according to Madea. And don’t let her get mad at you, cause she just might, “Purrnch” you in the face—too funny! Yes, there was a moral to this story: unforgiveness breeds contention, strife, anger, resentment, and arguments, against your loved ones for something that was done to you by someone else-communication is key; taking responsibility for your actions instead of trying to make a quick buck by selling dope on the streets, and hoping that everything will be handed to you is another valuable lesson; also, take the leadership role in your family. You don’t have to be controlling to be a leader; and balance faith & prayer with discipline. When you spare the rod you spoil the child!
Do I think that this movie deserves 2 thumbs up? Absolutely! This movie is for mature-adult audiences only, PG-13 (due to language content). You might want to wear a pair of depends when you go and see this movie. Shall I say more—Laughter is good! ◘
Embrace
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