Charming Dresden

Did you know that the Dresden plate quilt was a very popular pattern from the 20s and 30s? It's also sometimes called Grandmother's Sunburst, Sunflower, Dalia and that's just to name a few. The quilt pattern was first published in the 20s and is easy to identify because most of the fabrics used were from feed sacks which dated that period of time. Isn't it funny how we now desire those same feed sack prints and even buy the reproductions? Even though the Dresden plate gained popularity in quilting during the 20s and 30s, it actually first appeared during the Victorian Era (most of the 1800s during Queen Victorian's reign). The name Dresden originates from beautifully ornate plates and tableware in Dresden, Germany.*



I also read that the "Dresden" symbol was and still can be found in many churches and cathedrals. In fact, I recently watched Snow White and the Huntsman and in the final scene when Snow White (Kristen Stewart) is crowned the queen there is a 20 petal Dresden plate window located on the wall of the cathedral directly above her. I made Mr. Relish rewind and pause just so I could count the petals....he probably thinks I'm batty.


Ok, the mini history lesson is over. Sorry to bore you to sleep. The reason I am writing about Dresden plates is because I made a few this past week and wanted to share them with you. They are seriously fun, easy, and addicting to whip up. I was only planning on making one and then one turned into 4. Funny how that happens!

(Fabrics PB&J by Basic Grey for Moda)
(Fabrics are Curio also by Basic Grey for Moda)

It only took one charm pack to make two Dresden pillows. You could actually make two more plates if you wished! I used my handy-dandy Dresden template to cut two petals from 20 different charm squares (so 40 total petals per charm pack). I used the rest of the charm squares for the center or to add the border and triangles to corners.

The smaller, Curio, pillows might look familiar since I made a wedding quilt for my dear friend, Beth. She has been waiting patiently all week knowing that I was working on a surprise and it would be ready this week. She has even admitted to stalking my blog in hopes of seeing what her surprise might be....Well, SURPRISE! I hope you enjoy it as much as I enjoyed making it for you.


I also came across some vintage unfinished Dresden fans that I would like to finish. I plan on hand stitching the four squares together and maybe adding some muslin to the back before I baste it to my batting since the original muslin is very sheer. I also hope to hand quilt the top and finish it as a pillow. So stay tuned...


(picture of the back to see all those details)

Here is a the best video I found for making Dresden plates - Missouri Quilt Co Dresden Plate Tutorial. I pretty much did mine exactly like she did.

Thanks for reading about my Dresden pillows!

Melissa


*source for some of the fantastic history - http://www.patternsfromhistory.com/colonial_revival/dresden-plate.htm

Linking up with all the lovely blogs found on the side bar and Crazy Mom Quilts.

Comments

  1. Melissa, I love your Dresdens! And thank you for pointing out the Dresden window in Snow White and the Huntsman -- I will look for it.

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    1. Glad you love them! I'm enjoying the pb&j's on my couch. Thanks for stopping by and leaving a sweet comment. Hope you enjoy the movie if you haven't seen it yet. I did and looking forward to a sequel. :)

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  2. So, so pretty! I haven't made any Dresdens yet, but I think I soon need to take the plunge.

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    1. Thanks Leanne! They are so much fun and easy especially if you have a template ruler! Have fun!

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  3. I loved the bit of history lesson. Who knew?! I love the pillows!

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    1. Thanks and glad you enjoyed the history part too. I like having that extra connection to things I make. :)

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  4. love the Dresden's. I have the Dresden die for my Accuquilt..... Maybe it's time to actually use it! :)

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    1. Yes...you definitely need to try out the Dresden die! How do you like your accuquilt? I've looked into a few times but haven't made the plunge. :)

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  5. Thanks for the background on the Dresden plate design -- I love learning new stuff! I also didn't realize that charm packs were big enough for the fan -- cool! Your pillows are beautiful, Melissa! Thanks for linkingup to TGIFF!

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    1. Thank you and thanks for stopping by! I hope to link up again this week!

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  6. I love those! I love quilting & pillows. These are so cute & I love the fabrics!!!

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    1. Thank you! I am going to hop over to your blog and check you out now! Thanks for stopping by and leaving a comment!

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  7. Sweet pillows! Pinned:) Swing by http://www.sewsweetvintage.com/2013/06/summer-chalk-boards.html

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  8. Beautiful pillows! I'm pinning these to my pillows board! You do really good work! Thanks for sharing @ Submarine Sunday!

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  9. these dresdens are just gorgeous! I've never tried one, but need to soon, once I finish the zillion baby quilts I need to do! I have the perfect fq bundle for it too....one of these days!

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    1. They are so fun...maybe sneak one in between the quilts? ;) hehe

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