May challenge Island Batik Ambassador part 1

The Challenge for May for the Island Batik Ambassadors is really a challenge for me. It is Modern May.

I am more of a traditional quilter, so this has been interesting for me. I started by researching the elements of modern quilts. One of those elements is negative space.

Once I researched the elements of modern quilting, I started looking for patterns. In all honesty, I am still confused.  But, I may be overthinking it. So, I turned to a magazine I had picked up called Modern Patchwork.  I figured if it said modern, it would be helpful.  I found a few patterns that I liked, but I choose this one called "Yellow on a Gray Day".

Instead of using yellows and grays, I have chosen to use some purples from the Drizzle collection, Daffodil from the basics, the gray is from the Merry and Bright collection and the white is from the neutrals collection.

Okay, now we can get started cutting. But, wait. I don't have the right size ruler. This pattern uses a ruler called the "recs tool". I have the right ruler, but not the right size. So, I figure it is just 2" smaller, I can make it work. This ruler makes 1/2 rectangles.

With my ruler being small I know I will have smaller blocks, but that is okay. I can make a smaller quilt or add more blocks. That is the best thing about quilting, you can change the size.

After I get the pieces all cut, then I chain piece. I love chain piecing as it goes really fast.

Then, when I  get quite a few done, I start laying them out. I try to make sure that I don't have 2 of the same fabrics touching.  So I take a picture to double check everything. Then I find that I may end up playing switcheroo with my blocks. Once they are all laid out, then I can start sewing the rows together.

I have a few of the colors touching where they don't need to be. 

This has been a very fun quilt to work on. I can't wait to get it all together and start the quilting.

I will be back with part 2 soon, and share the quilting I am doing with you all.

Thanks for reading.