Is this idea just too crazy?
 

I have been working on blocks that were originally made by my aunt. She went into the nursing home in 1968, so they are at least that old. After some work, I have the blocks laying flat. And thr background squares cut. Here's what they look like now:

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There doesn't seem to be enough contrast between the background and the blades. Also, the edges are so fragile and frayed that I don't think I can turn them under. Could do raw edge, or could try a offbeat idea. What trim did people use a lot of in the 50's and 60's? Rick rack. Is it insane to cover the outer edges with rainbow rick rack?

I'll be interested to hear other people's opinions. I don't think I'd do rainbow rick rack but a dark red trim maybe with a gold accent might look really sharp. You'd have to test for color fastness, 'though.

I think I would do a buttonhole stitch in a contrasting color to define them. I think many dresdens were finished like that anyway

I have to agree with lots2do. The bold and brightness are there for rainbow. Do you have any other colors for the background blocks. A darker color that would make the plates/blades pop and you wouldn't have to worry about ric rac. Otherwise the red and gold would be ok. Imho.

Can you fuse them to a stabilizer and them trim that up even with the edges of the blades and then turn them under ?

I like the idea of a buttonhole stitch to define them. Pretty blocks. Good luck!

Buttonhole stitch gets my vote too.

I also think buttonhole stitch would look good.

You could also use a very small satin stitch around the edges.

I have been toying with the idea of using one of the fancy machine designs on my machine to do edging instead of buttonhole. I would make the quilt (or quilt in strips) and use the design as the quilting and finishing of edges. Haven't had time to try it as yet. Has anyone else done it? Is it possible? It would be pretty on the plates. It would have to be a design that goes into the "leaves" to hold them, but close enough so that there are not too many frayed edges. (or use fray block first) Lot of things to think about before just jumping into it. That is why I haven't done it yet.