Dresden Plate Spring challenge 2021
 

I'm not sure if there are any rules about who can start a challenge or a sew along but if I am allowed I would like to start one! I figured it could be a "spring 2021 challenge" so we can make a timeline of June 20th since that's the end of Spring. The challenge is to make a quilt of any size using Dresden Plates. We all are at different levels so you can make it as complicated or as simple as you would like...or maybe dig into your UFO for your old dresden plate quilt that is longing to be finished...

I bought a bunch of yellows and am going to make them into sunflowers, I am thinking 9 blocks? I like throw size quilts so it will be a maximum of 60x60. I'm not keen on having to do applique centres as I don't have much experience with applique but quilting is all about learning/practising new skills right?

I've already cut out each plate and wow did I overestimate how much fabric I would need, lol. I am about to log off and go sew the ends of each plate into a point.

Anyone interested in joining me?
Lizzie

I made a beeeyyoouuuttffuull fan design a few years ago. I'm in. It will be a good way.to use up the oddballs from the Mystery fat quarter bundles....

Don't fear the applique center. Of all the applique I think it's the easiest.

I've looked at a few youtube videos and I like that it's just one piece of applique. I figured I'd take my time and reach out if I needed to.

One of the first quilts that inspired me was a purple fan quilt, it's always been on my list to quilt.

I have a pink one I should finish. It's 3/4's of the way done. I will join along.

I'll play along - I have an antique Dresden plate top that's been waiting for years - all pinned and ready to quilt.

I got it out last month and tried to quilt it on my industrial, but there was something in the fabric/needle/thread combination that was causing skipped stitches - I'll try again with a bigger needle and heavier thread.

I have a pile of 1930's reproductions that I've been thinking would make a good Dresden! I might join too!

I have to think a bit more on this one I have one sitting in my UFO's that is close to finished. It is using my 1930 repos on a velveteen background fabric. I have to think more about pulling it out I have other commitments that can be worked through. It would be a great way to finish this one off.

I changed up my fabric and decided to do some yellows to go with a sunflower novelty print that's been hanging around my stash. I'm off to try it out!

Hmm..I'm going to consider this, as I have a block that my friend gave me years ago of a fan and she told me to make my own pattern from it....I should.

I made one sunflower! And I'll pair it with this sunflower fabric remnant!

Very pretty! https://cdn.quiltingboard.com/images...es/thumbup.png Are you going to use the blue for the border? Are you going to make a table runner or a throw or something else?

Thanks! I'm thinking right now a small quilt (for a summer table topper) with 9 blocks. Four of the Dresdens and 5 of the sunflower print. Then that blue for the border with a corner square. I hadn't used my applique stitch on my new machine yet. It was a fun discovery!

I started one of Edyta Sitar's Dresden patterns, but still have to finish it....
Since it is autumn here, I will change gears and focus on this quilt for an autumn finish.🧵💟🧵
Thank you for the inspiration!🌷

Missouri Star Quilt Company has the large template for $1.99 today!!

GMTA! :) I just bought that with a couple of other things I needed and I thought I'd post about their Daily Deal.

A "Triple Play" from MSQC in February was all about Dresdens, and includes a simple way to make that center circle easy. https://youtu.be/oQMq1RhpCNU

I am sewing on the Checkered Dresden patterns from MSQC now for my grandson. He is seven and loves the 'spokes'. I'll have it finished by June for the challenge.

I had to go look that up, it sounded so cool. What a pretty effect! https://cdn.quiltingboard.com/images...es/thumbup.png Is your grandson checking your progress when he visits?

Isn't it wonderful when the grands enjoy the things we make for them? To me, that's one of the best parts of quilting - sharing the interest with the younguns. :)

That's going to be really pretty! Blue just goes with sunflowers, doesn't it? :)

Most of my machines have only the blind hem stitch, which I really don't like very much. I just got a machine with a blanket stitch and I think it's better than the blind hem stitch.

With the MonoPoly, the stitches really are nearly invisible.

This sounds wonderful! Can't wait to see pictures! https://cdn.quiltingboard.com/images...es/thumbup.png

I've got 2 I've been working on for a while. This will be an incentive to get them done. One is Kaffe Fassett (leftovers from another quilt) and one is chevrons. Both are "just because" quilts without a purpose or recipient in mind so they've been in the UFO stage for too long.

My grands love having quilts and pillows made for them. From dinos, trucks, action figures to camo. Each has a big bed quilt for their room and lot of utility quilts to drag the dog, make forts, etc. I see them several times a week and they usually spend Friday nights with us since toddlers. They have gone camping this weekend and yes they each have a quilt for their camper bunk beds. LOL

I'm adding the sashing to the blocks now.
Attachment 632752

That's is turning out really cool!

I Love your sunflower! It's so stinkn cute

Count me in! I love dresdens. I have one in progress that I’ve been slowly working on this winter. Very slowly since I don’t have anyone in mind to give it to. This is incentive to get it done. I need 30 blocks and have 14 done. I finished 4 today so it’s obviously doable.

Louise Block
 

As I mentioned previously my first quilting buddy who has been gone maybe 20 years gave me this blue block as a gift, saying her sis-in-law had made one and taught her. I always thought to make a pattern from it, or search out an original pattern, but never found quite the same one. Today is the day.
Hope this posts the correct pictures...such a struggle on this site!

I love the fans! I like that it goes all the way to the edges of the block. That would make a very beautiful quilt.

Changed my mind, and decided to make my fan into a place mat! I put the gifted one on the back... no UFO created! https://cdn.quiltingboard.com/images/smilies/smile.png

I love the blues, will you make other mats for a set?

I decided to take today and tomorrow off and figured if I'm going to use vacation days I might as well do something I love. I sewed together all 9 of my dresden blades and am feeling good about them. I made and pressed 1/3 of them but they didn't seem as straight/good as they could be. I had referenced Jenny Doans video and so googled another video to compare. The second video stated I should use a smaller stitch size and clip the corner of the seam before I press the point and this made a big difference. I should have taken more care pressing straight points on many of them in general but that's okay! The person I'm giving it to will be thrilled either way.

There was something really satisfying sewing the blades together, you could see how lovely they would be as I went. I've attached a picture with the fabric I intend to use for sashing and border. I'm going to do different a colour in the corners which I've never done before. The last quilt top I did sashing for the first time so I figure this is the next logical step in learning.

I have a question: I have watched a couple of videos on how to applique the centre to the dresden plate and I think I get it.

I cut a fabric circle and then handstitch around the circle to scrunch/encase it in a circle piece of circular cardboard (or whatever) and press it to make the shape. Then I take out the cardboard and stitch the fabric circle to the flower. Then I stitch the flower to the square piece of fabric for the back.

BUT once I have pressed a good circle and am about to sew it to the flower do I first remove the thread I used to scrunch it around the cardboard? Or do I just leave it?

Pretty blocks and placemat, thimblebug6000! https://cdn.quiltingboard.com/images...es/thumbup.png

Lizzie3, your plate is so nice and flat - good job! It's going to be really pretty with those sashing and cornerstone fabrics. :)

Your choice - you can take out the cinching thread or leave it in - as long as it's not showing through to the right side. (black thread visible through the circle fabric, for instance.)

Just the one, it will be donated to Meals on Wheels when the time is right.

I decided to join in. I dug through my ruilers and have the tranditional dresden (18 deg) along with a 15deg, 10 deg and 9 deg wedge rulers.

I bought the book "Dresden Plate Re-imagined" so now I feel like I can figure this out. The plan is to make an assortment of plates in different sizes and types, and then layer randomly arrange them on top. One of the ideas in the book is to make a basic top, and then finished plates and attach then during the quilting process. Hmm- I've got a large selection of crochet doilies too, maybe I can mix them together. . . it's fun to get ideas.

Great ideas! https://cdn.quiltingboard.com/images...es/thumbup.png I'll be interested in seeing what you come up with and I'm going to buy that book, too! (You guys sell me so many books! :D )

Table topper
 

4 Dresdens and I used up the sunflower fabric too!

Love seeing everyone's progress! I am trying to finish some others before I start this but it's in my mind!

I find I often buy books and don't use them, I always feel good when I follow through with my intentions and use one of the patterns. I'm excited to see your design!

I love it, i's so cute!!!! Will you quilt it yourself?

So I appliqued all of the middles to each plate. I struggled with the hand sewing part but after a couple of them my fingers just kind of knew the motion and they came together quite quickly. They aren't super round though, do you think I should have done a tighter stitch? I didnt take a picture....

I also appliqued one onto a block and it looks...not very flat. I should have bought some sort of stabilizer but i didn't have any and I really really don't want to spend money on some. I just sort of squished the blades when I needed to and made it work. I plan to applique the rest on Monday