Tuesday, October 23, 2012

First Dresden Plate

Here's my first Dresden Plate block completed! I chose a deep purple with flecks of gold for the centers. The background is an off white tone on tone. The block finishes at 14 1/2 inches square. I cute the background a little larger, 16 x 16 inches. I folded the backing both horizontally and vertically so I could center my dresden plate.

I pinned the plate onto the background but I don't like pins. I feel they distort the backing. Once I pinned it, I taped each blade onto the backing using good old Scotch Tape! I try not to leave the tape on for too long but I have never found a residue left behind. I had the tape on for about two days. You can see the tape in the above picture.

Once the plate was appliqued, I added the center. I also folded the center and lined it up with the background as best as I could. I prepared my center using freezer paper which I removed right before I was done sewing it into place. You can see my tape holding down the circle. I move the tape as I sew along. Once I get towards the end, I just start tossing the tape out. I've always had very smooth applique using this method. The pins just never seemed to work for me. It might sound crazy but it works and that's what I liked!

Once I was done, I ironed the block and cut it down to 14 1/2 inches square. Done! Only eleven more to go!!


16 comments:

  1. That's going to be a beauty! I like the purple centers.

    I have been using the Scotch tape method ever since you showed it to me (lo, those many years ago..) and I agree that it works best for holding the applique in place while you work on it.

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    1. It's fast and easy and so much smoother than pins. Glad you like using the tape method! So glad you like my block!

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  2. Pretty dresden block - I usually thread baste my applique pieces instead of using pins. Your Scotch Tape method looks so practical and less time consuming, will definitely try this the next time. Thanks for sharing!

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    1. I think basting is probably the best method by tape is so fast! Let me know if you like it!

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  3. it looks great xx

    what ever works for you x

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  4. Love the block! How many are you going to make? What works for others does not always work for me too, I have to find my own way. :)

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    1. Thanks, Astrid! I have to make 11 more for a total of 12. The tape just worked so nicely for me! So easy too!

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  5. Rosemary! your quilt is going to be so beautiful! I love the purple centers. I too don't like to pin baste; I don't like the little holes that the pins leave. I usually thread baste unless I'm in a hurry. I'll have to try your scotch tape method!

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    1. So happy you like my dresden plates! You've made so many. Let me know if you like my tape method! It does work!

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  6. Very pretty block; the center color is great--thanks for the scotch tape tip--I'll give it a whirl....Julierose

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    1. Thanks, Julierose! I've never gone wrong using tape. My applique actually got more flat than using pins.

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  7. Beatuful blocks can't wait to see the finished quilt. The tape is a great idea. I hate it when the machine needle hits a pin. Acid free glue sticks for paper work well to hold appliques in place also.

    Happy Quilting Pauline

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    1. Thanks, Pauline! I've never tried glue sticks only because I never had any handy. I'm sure that works well too.

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  8. very pretty dresden block. I made a dresden quilt last year. they are fun.

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    1. Thanks! They are fun! Just trying to find the time to applique!

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