What I Expected and What I Got

When I went into the sewing room with a tree block and a Challenge assignment, I did not expect to come up with this. I already have fabric and beads picked out for the assignment, at least the color part. The second part of the assignment is to incorporate a Chinese zodiac animal into the piece to commemorate Chinese New Year. I looked at the cherry tree block that a friend gave me and decided to put aside my other fabrics and quickly create something with sheep. Then I did an internet search and found that some sites use a goat rather than a sheep. “Self,” I said, “put in both a sheep and a goat, and use the colors assigned to you for those animals.” I sketched a goat and a sheep on a color catcher sheet that reminded me of parchment, then colored the animals with corals and turquoise.

Then the block got pushy. “Give me a border,” it said. I found a gold tree fabric that would go along with the theme of animals in the orchard, and a nice red that would pick up the cherries in the block as well as evoke the red-and-gold color scheme for new year celebrations.

“Give me embellishments,” the block said when I finished the border. I happened to be looking for something else and found a gold flower that someone had crocheted. I know I didn’t make the flower, but I can’t remember how it came into my possession The flower seemed like a good fit on the tree, even though it has nothing to do with cherries.

I’m a little concerned about what the block will demand next. At some point, I need to get back to my original plan with the fabric collection and beads sitting on the ironing board. They’re quiet now, but mark my words they’re going to start yelling at me soon.

Luck and wisdom!