I finished two quilts for a friend whose mother and grandmother pieced some Dresden Plates before he was born (1930s). He had completed blocks: the pointed 'plates' had their edges turned and basted and appliqued with blanket stitch to white cotton squares. There were also 'plates' with basted, turned edges not yet appliqued and a pile of unused pieces. I pieced, turned, basted and appliqued, --duplicating the original blanket stitch as closely as possible using black perle cotton. I joined the blocks with simple sashing in a warm, but subdued, yellow and a border the same size. I feel it retained the 1930 feel even with the yellow. The second quilt was a small daisy or dahlia with a yellow center. It had also been left unfinished similar to the Dresden Plate quilt and was appliqued using black perle cotton. After completing these smaller blocks they were assembled on point with the most 1930's- looking green cotton sashing I could find.
When quilted they looked, I hope, as if the original ladies had completed them. The green sashing did look more authentic. I think the blanket stitch was the most important element in keeping the old-time look. It also unified and contained the many, many prints. The blanket stitch is easy and quick to do. I hope you will give it a try.