Thanks Zipit for the episode.
I'll try to describe the relevant parts here.

First part was the master demonstrating how to do hearts. She used freezer paper, cut to shape, placed at the rounded edge (1/4 inch away from edge). Then she applied glue on the edge. She folded/pressed/nudged into shape.

Second part was doing modern Dresden. What the master did was to divide every plate into quadrants, each quadrant has 20/4=5 wedges. She does the pointy edge type using the sew across and fold down method. Then she placed the center wedge in the diagonal of the background fabric. Then another wedge and sewed like we do in foundation piecing, and so on ... until you complete the whole quadrant. What is interesting in this method is that you are free to use that quadrant (90 degree turn) in what every way you like, twisting and turning at will.
I know I am not very clear, I am not too well versed in quilting lingo!

Yes, you have a point there. Thanks for the tip:)

You'll cut down on the bulk and the points in your curve if you use something lighter than poplin for the facing. The quilt book from the library used interfacing, but I haven't tried it. I'd prefer a lightweight cotton.

The method that Eleanor Burns uses is with fusible lightweight interfacing. You attach that to the back of your plate and then iron it to your background fabric and then stitch around it either by hand or machine. Very quick way of doing it and looks really good.

Maybe this will help. Eleanor Burns did a show on Dresden plate, Here is the the infohttp://www.quiltinaday.com/
Look for quilting videos then choose the Egg Money quilts. then find the video called Dresden Plate quilts. Good luck


Caroline

Do NOT use poplin... it's too thick. (I realize this was an experiment).

Just use a lightweight interfacing sewn right sides together; carefully cut a slit on interfacing side and turn inside out. lightly iron and the interfacing should shrink up just a little so it won't show on the outside edges and then hand applique as usual - but with ease!!!!!!!! no needle turns, etc. This should not be bulky.

Good luck.

"The method that Eleanor Burns uses is with fusible lightweight interfacing. You attach that to the back of your plate and then iron it to your background fabric and then stitch around it either by hand or machine. Very quick way of doing it and looks really good"

I used this method on the table topper pictured - after fusing to the checker-board base I used the blanket stitch on my machine to finish the edges - very easy!
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I've used this method and been very well pleased. I did and SBS this way. Sew the fusible and fabric right sides together, cut a slit in the back of the fusible, turn inside out and press the fusible to the background.

I used this tool made by Darlene Zimmerman for a quilt block for lqs block of month. I found it very easy to use and it looks like the company also makes one with rounded top, you might want to check them out under "Sewing and Quilting" section.

I've used the fuseable interfacing sewn to wrong side of blades and then turned right side out and fused to background square. You could only use the fuseable at the top of the blade ,turn it right side out and then I either blanket stitch or zig-zag to background. Elenor Burns has a tute on it if I didn't make sense.Sorry if I confused the idea but she also make whole plate than sewed fuseable sticky side in and irond it to block after turning it rightside out.(split fusesble so it can be turned) No raw edges.

I am doing a machine embroidery Dresden Plate quilt; It is turning out just as I wanted and I love it. The design is digitized for my use in that I could not find a design to purchase. It does have rounded petals.