You never know. It could happen! Just suit up and show up ready to play. These words filter through my mind on a daily basis.
2 years ago, I began the conversion from full-time employee to self-employed master of my own fate. Yes, a few times I’ve clenched my teeth and silently screamed EEEEEKKKK! But mostly I’ve been at peace with this life transition. I’ve told myself…You never know. It Could happen to me. Just suit up and show up ready to play.
To me, “suiting up and showing up ready to play” means practicing, learning, exploring and just plain old trying. I’ve tossed a few quilting projects into “I do not know what to do with this mess” baggies. The extra-large baggies are piling up. I remind myself…You never know.
When I heard about the Quilt Design a Day (QDAD) group on Facebook, I joined. I told myself, I don’t follow quilting patterns…I make them up so this might be a good fit. It required no commitment. I could lurk and watch the “famous” women post their daily designs. And, WOW…can they design! I purchased a quilt design software and committed to myself to learn the software by designing a quilt everyday. I was intimidated to submit my designs and I finally ratched up my courage because you just never know. I’ve been at it daily for 6 months. I’m suited up and ready to play…. and playing is so much fun!
Then, someone mentioned the Cloud 9 Block of the Month Challenge. The rules were straightforward. Create a 12 ½ inch block using 4-6 of the Cirrus Solids. Cirrus Solids are a new line of fabrics arriving in September.
Well, you never know, I told myself. It could happen. So, I thought about it for weeks. I kept looking for a block inspiration, an idea to use. I kept on designing daily. I kept making things. I just pondered the block. I’m good with ambiguity so I just let it simmer on the stove of my creativity.
Driving home from a Valentine babysitting party in Dallas on Sunday afternoon, I glanced out across a cow pasture and saw a barn… with, of all things, a door! The door was not in the middle of the barn but off to one side. Can you believe that? A.M.A.Z.I.N.G. At that moment I KNEW. That’s my block inspiration. I could make a block using that barn door idea. So, I did.
When I sat down at my computer it came. It didn’t take long, maybe an hour. On Monday, I suited up –ready to play. I made the block. Then, I spent 6-7 hours writing the instructions for the two color choices as required. One block takes about a day’s worth of work to make and then explain how to make. Yep, it’s part of the job.
I kept thinking, it could happen to me. So I tiled the blocks…here are some examples. Same block, different layouts…different colors.
Then, I submitted it because you just never know.
When I saw the email and I thought, oh, a confirmation message. I was wrong! It was a celebratory message saying I was chosen as the winner for April Cloud 9 Block of the Month Challenge!
I was beyond thrilled. I was ecstatic. I still am. And, just a few days ago, the blog post was put up on their site. Hop on over to see it! Because, you never know. It could happen to you!
And, a HUGE thank you to Cloud 9 Fabrics. They are beyond fabulous!!!!
Click here for the link to the instructions.
From Texas, Happy Wednesday!
Annie