Friday, December 12, 2008

Holidaze

It has been a super busy week once more. I realized when I logged on today that the last post was my 4ooth! So I guess I better offer some sort of prize in honor of #401. So I will draw the 4 names of the next 40 comments & send 4 someones a prize made by me. So please start commenting!
I finally finished off those pesky classes that were causing me such angst, & have 2 more years to breathe before I have to do it again! Wednesday I spent all day in class, most of it on my feet doing CPR. My arms & abs are sore from that. After class I was on call for the Recovery Room, & ended up working until 1 in the morning. I pushed the last patient upstairs at midnight, & sat down to finish my charts. When I stood up after an hour on the computer, my new knee spasmed up on me & I could hardly walk. I got 4 hours of fitful sleep then gave up & went up & had my coffee. It was now Thursday, & I was limping worse than ever, & I had the Calendar Girls Christmas party at 10 a.m. I sat there in my stupor, fretting over it. I didn't want to miss it. I'd missed last Christmas. I finally realized I still had my crutches in the closet, so I donned my holiday sweater & jeans, & put everything I had to take in my backpack, & headed off to Betty's house for the party.
This is Betty & Lynnette.
We had a GREAT time.
Laughter really is the best medicine. We did a "White Elephant " exchange that was such a HOOT!
We also did our usual calendar exchange (after all we are the Calendar Girls).
Rena was trilled to get the one I brought. It was a pocket calendar, that I made a cover for. I used some of my hand dyed (from natural dyes), & wool & silk needle felted, then quilted.
I finally gave Mary Gerkin her "Bubbles" quilt that I made her from the baggie challenge we did.
She was pretty happy with how it turned out.
This is Ramona Chinn. She made this quilt for me, from my baggie. I was thrilled to have Ramona make my quilt. I first heard of her when I read an article in the Lady's Circle quilting magazine, back in about 1993 or 94. We were living in Michigan at the time, & there was an article about a group of quilters in Anchorage. Little did I know that I would end up knowing almost every one of them, & now count them among my friends.
Others brought small gifts for everyone. (A lot of over-achievers in this group). This is the stash I brought home. The 2 things in front are Velcro handle covers for your suitcase. They easily identify which case is yours. Also a needle case, & paper thread catcher, all made by Jan Wells, a pineapple hot pad made by Lynnette Motz. There's also a silk covered blue box & a small calendar with Inuit Art on it. I love the designs in it.
Here are some better pictures of my quilt from Ramona. The background is fabric & cheese cloth that I hand-painted. The leaves are made from Batting that I also painted. The flowers, she used some of the yarns that I'd included & crocheted the centers, then cut the Minke fabric that I had for the flowers.

I am thrilled with the results.
Lastly, here is the "white elephant" that I brought home. It's a vintage asparagus steamer. I think it's so ugly it's cute! It'll go nicely in my vintage kitchen!
Now I suppose I should get back to elevating this leg. I'm tired of laying on my backside!
Cheers! Don't forget to comment so I can draw 4 names!

28 comments:

Michelle Auer said...

OMG! I LOVE the vintage asparagus steamer! It is sooo cool!

Magpie Tracks said...

400...wow! Congrats...great site!

Stephanie said...

That vintage asparagus steamer is something else!

Wow can't belive you have 400 posts thats something to be proud of!

Guzzisue said...

I'll be thinking of you with you leg elevated while I sit here with my arm elevated :-)
I must have has a sheltered life as I have never seen an aspargus steamer before!

antique quilter said...

the calendar cover that you made is just beautiful.
The bubble quilt is amazing...and the quilt you received is beautiful. Love the 3d flowers...
just beautiful. what a lucky day for you!

Helen said...

sounds like you had a wonderful time Debs. That steamer! lol I know exactly what you mean about things that are so ugly that they're cute.

Françoise said...

Congrats on your 400th post!
I like your Bubbles quilt, and I agree with you, the steamer is rather cute...

Evy said...

Yust want to let you know I hope you will go for another 400 as I love to read all about your art!

Greets,
Evy

The WestCountryBuddha said...

I love the colours in Ramona's quilt - they're fabulous. Congratulations on your 400th post (I've only been tuning in for the last couple of months - can't remember if I discovered you or you discovered me - but I'm really pleased to read about your life in Alaska and see the odd photo of where you live, too) Best wishes and keep warm!

Delighted Hands said...

Oh, aren't you glad you got out the crutches and went! What talent and laughter is the best medicine! Love the beauty you shared! Congratulations on your 400th post-I thoroughly enjoy your blog!

Sandra said...

What a great group to belong to! Glad you were able to make it! Congratulations on post 400. I always enjoy seeing what's going on in the far north.

jackie said...

Good luck with the tests. Don't get too stressed, remember things can always get worse!!

Kristin said...

Hi, Michigander! The bubble quilt is fantastic!

Melodie said...

I see what gets people commenting! You overachiever! Love you and wish I was there!!
(Please, don't put me in the drawing.....not that I don't want more DH originals.....but let's give someone else a chance!)

allie aller said...

Well I would comment anyway because I so enjoyed this posting showing all your friends and fun. ;-)
Now take care of that knee!

Sheri said...

Love the bubble quilt!

quiltmom anna said...

Well Deb, I hope that your leg is beginning to feel better and that you are managing to keep it elevated!
Congratulations on having your 400th post. I do love seeing your art quilts- you make such beautiful things. Your calendar girls group looks like a real blast- I don't know what to say about the vintage asparagus steamer...
Keep on having a great time quilting and blogging- you bring much to both worlds.
Regards,
Anna

Michelle said...

I so love the 'Bubbles' quilt. Just lovely!

Jackie's Stitches said...

Sounds like such a fun time!

I've never heard of an asparagus steamer!

Hope you're feeling better soon!

Jane said...

Hi Deb... 400 posts is a big one. You're a busy lady and I'm so glad that you share it all with us! Glad you're on the mend...

Micki said...

Sorry you knee is bothering you, please take care. Sounds like you had a wonderful time with the Calendar Girls. Great loot!

Suzanne, Suz, Zanny, Zan... said...

Hello from an former Alaskan and aspiring quilter. I have enjoyed reading your blog and have been inspired by the art you create! Thank you for sharing!
~~~Suzanne

Anonymous said...

Thank you for writing your blog. It is fun to "experience" Alaska from a non-seafood processing perspective :) Your work is fnatastic and inspiring. What is the name of the Inuit calendar you received?
Cheers to another 400 posts.

Ellen

roxanestoner said...

Happy 400th blog entry day to you and many more...
One of your fan

Lei Lei said...

I'm not like my mom, you can put me in your drawing anytime you'd like. Most of my children have baby quilts from you, but I'd like something from the famous Deb Hardman. Pick me!! Pick me!! Love you!

Barbara C said...

Congratulations on your 400th post. I look forward to the next 400. I think some smart person should manufacture those asparagus steamers: s/he would make a fortune.

Take care of your knee. I'm sure the cold makes it feel worse.

Kathy -MIQuilter said...

The wallhanging you received (and made) is wonderful, you have such a creative group. I recognize Warren's pants in the wool cover. He's so stylish! Hope your knee is feeling better. (Put my name with Mel's, I'm very blessed with so many of your quilted gifts, and Mel will make me look bad if I don't drop out, that darn Mel).

Miss Misti said...

Deb,
You do such beautiful work. I've been following your blog and I just love to see what you've come up with. I also enjoy the great photos of our lovely state!
Misti Maisey (from Dr. Stratton's office)