Skyline for Gotham Quilts

Sometimes I make time in my schedule to make shop samples.  When I saw this on the desk at work I squealed and begged to be allowed to make it.  I’m a big fan of sewing with other people’s fabric, especially when it is chosen by someone with such an eye for color.

Andrea and Ivete at Gotham Quilts put together amazing quilts.  I am constantly amazed at how my decision to take a class last year has turned into such a great relationship.
Anyway, back to the quilt.  Skyline is a pattern by Coach House Designs, and can be ordered from Gotham here.*  It is a fairly involved quilt, but I love the way it has come together.

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I did spend some time tinkering with the pattern for my own use – I prefer making flying geese using the 4 at a time no waste technique spelled out in my Quilter’s Planner.*  I find myself using the page again and again lately.  Flying geese are everywhere for me this year.

I came down with a head cold in February, followed by bronchitis in March, so this one took a bit longer than I anticipated.  Also, it is a big quilt.
The first step was to sort out the fabrics, then remove selvages and fill in the fabric guide with the colors.  I usually skip this step, but with so many colors and such an elaborate layout, it was essential.

I worked on the star units for a long time.  Since I deviated from the instructions, I only cut out one set of matching blocks at a time.  As they came together, I put them up on my design wall.  It was fun watching it come together.
I didn’t take photos of the piecing of the bottom section.  I was healthy again, and moving fast that day.  (It was probably Wednesday, and I wanted to deliver it to Gotham on Friday, along with a customer quilt I had yet to finish. )
The skyline section is supposed to be done using freezer paper and needle turn appliqué.  I opted for raw edge appliqué, and I did it right on my longarm.  The entire top was quilted, using the Breath of the Gods pantograph from Urban Elementz.  I love how it turned out, with a variegated thread by Fantastico on top and orange in the bobbin.  Once I had quilted the whole piece, I fused the buildings onto the background, right on the longarm.  Then I quilted them with diagonal lines.
The Skyline quilt was delivered only two months after I had promised it.  Andrea opted for a binding in a dark purple Moda Grunge.  I have to say, one of the best parts of working at a quilt shop is getting to cut fabric right off of the bolt.  What a thrill.

Finished!

You can see the quilt in person, hanging up at Gotham Quilts in New York City.  You can order a kit in matching fabrics here*.  And if you are ever at the shop on a Friday and see me, come and say hello.  I’m usually in the back, playing with Lenni.