I made 2 Dresden quilt tops and only did machine applique. They turned out beautifully and I got them done.... I do love to hand applique but had I saved these two quilt tops to do by hand I would never have started them. One quilt is in many, many shades of purple. Saved for a long time to get it together. I covered the center with heavy white lace from fabric and did the applique stitch in varigated purple embroidery thread. The border on 4 sides is twisted vines with pretty purple flowers.
The second one is a bright all color quilt, just as pretty only different. I enjoyed making these tops so much. Got the pattern out of some magazine with a plainer looking Dresden plate quilt on the cover. Mine looks better, especially the purple one. These were so enjoyable I am thinking of getting pinks and burgundys together along with lots of greens for the borders.