Threads of Creativity: Christy Heussner’s Life of Artistry and Family in Virginia

Photo Credit: Karen Presecan Photography

In a charming neighborhood in Chancellorsville, Christy Heussner and her husband, Bob, have built a life filled with creativity, family, and community. Their story began decades ago in the professional world.

"Bob and I met when he was working for Chrysler's ad agency in Washington DC, and I was a district sales manager for Chrysler," Christy explained. "We didn't start dating, though, until he left the agency and took a position with an agency in Manhattan."

Over the years, their partnership has flourished, supported by shared values and mutual admiration. 

Bob's impressive marketing career—specializing in Olympic sponsorships and corporate fundraising for nonprofits like the American Battlefield Trust—reflects his passion for history and giving back. Christy proudly speaks of him, noting the "meaningful impact he's had in both his professional and volunteer endeavors."

Motivated by family care needs, the couple moved to Fredericksburg from Michigan in April 2020. Christy's mother, Doris, now 95, and her brother, Michael, 64, had both been living with Christy and Bob. Michael, affectionately known as Rocky, has Down syndrome.

"We decided to move here so that my mother could live with my sister, Sherry Koontz, and Rocky could live with us, and we could share care," explained Christy,  whose family includes two other sisters, Kathy Koontz in Oregon, and Kelly Koontz in Delaware, who come to the rescue in times of need. "We live close, so Rocky can see Mom when he likes, and he can be spoiled by his other sister, Sherry. He calls his overnight stays at Sherry's house a 'mini vaycay,'" Christy laughed. This thoughtful setup allows Rocky to maintain close relationships with all his loved ones while enjoying a stable and loving home environment.

Despite the challenges of moving during a global pandemic, the Heussners have embraced their new community and formed strong bonds with their neighbors, though, understandably, it was not easy at the beginning. "Our neighbors have been wonderful to Rocky and really look out for him," Christy said. The warmth and kindness of those around them have made Fredericksburg feel like home, and they’ve enjoyed many get-togethers since those initial days of social distancing. 

Christy and Bob also appreciate the area's rich history, with its peaceful battlefields and scenic drives. Bob and their lively cockapoo, Ted, walk the battlefields at least weekly, and Christy enjoys exploring the Wilderness Battlefield and McLaw's Drive. "It's so beautiful and peaceful all year round," she says.

Christy's connection to her family is at the heart of everything she does. Her days are filled with caring for Rocky, spending time with her mother, and maintaining close ties with her sister. These relationships are a source of joy and inspiration, grounding Christy in a life of service and creativity. Their son, Alex, a graduate of Emory University and the University of Virginia's Darden School of Business, lives in Brooklyn but remains a central part of their lives. 

"He's an avid traveler and sports fan," Christy shared proudly. Family vacations often revolve around visiting loved ones in Brooklyn, Princeton, Oregon, Michigan, and Delaware. "We have many places to see and people we love to visit," she said, adding that one of their favorite destinations is the Outer Banks.

Christy's creativity is a defining aspect of her life, rooted in the skills she learned as a child.

"I began to sew when I was about 6," Christy explained. "My grandmother, Grace, sewed everything and taught me to sew when I spent summers with her." Her grandmother gifted Christy with her "old treadle machine," which she learned to sew on. Christy spent countless hours on that machine, sewing on it until she was well into her thirties.

"When I graduated from FIT, my mother-in-law gave me my first electric machine as a gift, and I still sew on it."

After earning degrees from the University of Maryland and the Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT), Christy pursued a career in costume design and construction. She worked in the theatre department at Oakland University in Michigan for a decade, during which time she taught costume construction and mentored students.

"That experience led me to create Civil War reenactment clothing for various individuals and organizations here in Virginia," Christy explained. Today, she also designs modern clothing for clients, blending historical techniques with contemporary fashion. She still uses that treadle machine along with hand stitching to make the authentic civil war garments for Crow Mercantile, a civil war sutler.

"My hobby is my work—lucky me," she added with a smile. Her sewing projects are often accompanied by the cheerful presence of Ted, their five-year-old cockapoo, whom Christy describes as very much a member of the family.

The Heussners have found joy in exploring Fredericksburg's many attractions, from its charming antique shops to its vibrant dining scene. They are frequent visitors to Riverby Books, R&R Antiques, and Sequels Resale Boutique, and they enjoy dining at Harry's in Harrison Crossing and Basilico. Christy and Bob also love spending summer evenings at FredNats baseball games. 

"Even my 95-year-old mother loves the FredNats games!" Christy laughed.

When not sewing or spending time with family, Christy enjoys quieter pursuits like reading, working on jigsaw puzzles, and gardening. "Meadows Farms is my happy place," she said. "But my real love is clothing design and construction."

Through it all, Christy and Bob have constructed a wonderful life here in Fredericksburg surrounded by family, friends, and the natural beauty of the area. Weekend outings often include trips to Montpelier and Castle Hill Cider, where they soak in the region's charm and enjoy scenic drives through the countryside. 

"We've found so much to love here—the history, the community, and the beauty of the area," she said. With her family by her side and her creative spirit leading the way, Christy continues to weave a life that's as vibrant and beautiful as the garments she creates.