Dresdens for Friends

I recently committed myself to this project wondering afterwards what was I thinking? Hesitating, because I have so many other projects in the works (see goal list), but it was when someone said, "It will remind you of the friends we have here in our group" that got me. How can you say no to that? So here is to my Material Girl friends!

I chose the Dresden Plate block. It reminds me of the Rose Windows at the Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris. After the tragic fire this past spring I thought this would be a fitting tribute.

I will make them according to the colors each participant requests. The colors I chose are navy blue and gray. I am anxious to see what beauties I get back and will then have the opportunity to ponder a setting.

Assembling the dresden plate block is not too complicated if you are careful to sew true 1/4" seam allowances. Otherwise, you may have a wonky block that will not lay flat. Here are some tips I found along the way.

I used my Electric Quilt software program to make my templates. There are rulers you can also buy that will give you the perfect angles you need.

I chain piece each "spoke" and then clip the corner on the fold side, carefully not to cut into the seam allowance.

I then finger press this fold-line before I turn inside out so that my center is marked. (see above) Then I open the seams (below) and turn.

Can you see the fold-line marking the center? Now I can press with the seam centered on this fold mark.

This will give you perfect centered spokes that will be ready to sew together. 

Lay two spokes, right sides together, and stitch a 1/4" seam along long edge. I begin this seam about 1/4" down and backstitch to beginning before sewing on to the end of the seam.

This is so your thread tails will be completely tucked inside when you applique the dresden plate to the background fabric. 

Continue sewing pairs, then 2 pairs together, etc., until you plate is full circle. 

One final press and she is ready to be basted to the background.

The back of my work shows how the thread tails are below the joining seams.

Now she is ready for applique. I baste onto the background fabric to ensure it will lay flat, basting along the outside edge and the inner circle edge. My background square is cut 1/2" larger than I need to compensate for any distortion that may arise from the applique process. It will later be trimmed to correct size once all hand sewing is complete.

Once it is appliqued I can add the center piece. 

I want to trim the background fabric away on the back side so I am careful not to sew this center through all layers. 

My finished dresden plate lays flat and is ready to be trimmed to the correct