Tuesday, January 1, 2008

The Christmas That Never Was


Belated holiday greetings to you all! Unfortunately, I missed the festive season this year by spending the entire month of December in hospital/rehab. The closest I got to celebrating was seeing holiday lights out the rear window of an ambulance!

I had a debilitating reaction to an MS medication I’ve taken routinely for years. For some reason, it started giving me high fevers and muscle spasms so severe, they nearly did me in.

Christmas was long over by the time I got home, but we kept a few decorations out to make up for what I missed. With its cheerful colors and folk art charm, this Christmas Tree is always a favorite! It’s a Gwen Marston pattern from the Nov/1993 issue of Ladies Circle Patchwork Quilts Magazine.

William’s Christmas Tree
16” x 22”
 Diane Burdin, 1999

To make my quilt more personal, I swapped Gwen’s tree with one our son, William, doodled when he was six. I also changed the colors to match the funky Japanese fabric I used on the back.


Here’s Gwen’s version. It looks like I copied her quilting to a T.




*Incidentally, I’m on a new medication now and physical therapy is helping restore my strength and ability to walk. Nevertheless, prayers for my continued improvement are welcome. They may be the intangible factor that makes all the difference. Thanks!

10 comments:

  1. So glad you are back on your blog.I have missed hearing from you.I hope you have a speedy recovery. Happy Newyear to you and your family.I love the Christmas tree your son made and you put together.Wig.

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  2. All my best wishes for small steps soon. Hopefully 2008 will be a huge improvement over Dec '07.

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  3. Oh dear! I'm so very sorry you had to go through this - especially during the holidays. You certainly may have my daily thoughts and prayers for gaining strength, walking, and getting your life back to normal.

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  4. Oh you have my prayers Diane! And lets hope for a wonderful recovery in 2008!

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  5. Oh I am so glad to know that you are home again . . . a great way to begin the new year. Keep strong and stay determined. I'll keep you in my thoughts *s*

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  6. Sounds like you've been through your fair share over the last month. I'll keep you in my thoughts for a speedy recovery!

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  7. Fingers crossed for a healthy new year for you. I love your little quilt - I know right where the inspiration came from, only you were so much bolder at making the design your own (and William's) than I was. It's wonderful.

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  8. Get well soon! Love the hanging and your quilting is lovely!

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  9. I am so glad that you are "back-ish"...I have missed your blogging. Use that stubborness to get yourself back to where you want to be. You have my prayers.

    I just LOVE this little quilt, so sweet! Thanks for sharing!

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  10. What a great little quilt!
    I love the way it is quilted too.
    I hope your feeling better by now and 2008 is a good year for you.
    Kathie in NJ
    ps love your new header on your blog beautiful quilt

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