The Dresden Plate quilt pattern was one of the most popular quilts made during the 1920s and 30s. It was first published in the 20s and showed up through the years with other names such as Grandmother’s Sunburst, Friendship Ring, Aster, Dahlia and Sunflower.
The 1930s version is usually easy to date because of the typical floral prints of the period. Some were made with flour sacks, old aprons, shirts and dresses.
This quilt is made of blocks with fabric appliquéd in a series of radiating “petals” with flat sides. Usually they radiate from a central circle which is more representative of a flower than a plate, thus the flower names seen for this pattern.
A few Dresden Plate quilt blocks are made with a smooth outer circle. More often the ends of the “petals” are rounded or pointed. Occasionally the pointed and curved forms are combined.
If you love the look of the classic 1930’s blocks, but can’t bear the hand appliqué often associated with this style, then you will love how the 21st century Dresden Plate block has been reinvented!
The key to machine sewing this block is using a 22.5 degree wedge ruler. Designed by Kaye England, Nifty Notions “Cut for the Cure” Rulers are accurate, easy to read and versatile. They are very proud to be involved with The Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation and continue their support with a donation for each Nifty Notions® ruler sold.
Dresden Plate Raffle Quilt for Project Linus
We are requesting the help of our local quilters to help sew blue and white Dresden plate quilt blocks. Two of our customers have volunteered to help complete the quilt and have it ready to raffle at the Quilts & Vines outdoor quilt show for Project Linus. Heirloom Creations is also offering a hands-on Dresden Plate class on Wednesday, May 28th.
Here is how you can help make a block for this special quilt:
- Purchase one Kaye England 22.5 Degree Wedge Ruler at Heirloom Creations.
- Select any combination of pre-washed quilt shop quality blue fabric.
- Create one (or more!) Dresden plate blocks using the 4” line on the ruler. Follow directions included with the ruler.
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Press all seams open.
- Be sure the Dresden plate block lays completely flat!
- Stitch segments together from the outside edge toward the center. This will insure that the slightly bias edges do not stretch out.
- VERY IMPORTANT: Position the Dresden plate blocks with the points at the north, east, south and west positions, on an 18” square white or white on white background cotton fabric.
- Stitch each blue Dresden plate to the background block using invisible thread. Leave the center exposed – Amy Johnson & Jan Martin will complete the centers as they complete the quilt.
- We also need extra 4” Dresden plate blocks NOT stitched to a background, and again without finished centers.
- Bring all finished blocks to Heirloom Creations by Tuesday, June 10, 2008.
- Come out to the Quilts & Vines outdoor quilt show and wine tasting event on Saturday, August 9, 2008 to see the finished quilt, participate in the raffle, and enjoy all the quilts and wines.
If you have other questions regarding sewing blocks for this special raffle quilt, please call Heirloom Creations at 605-332-4435 or e-mail us at info@heirloomcreations.net.