The Quilt Block Remix is a monthly challenge between quilt pattern designers. Each month we challenge each other to reimagine (or remix) a traditional quilt block. January's challenge block was the classic Dresden Plate block.
There are many different versions of Dresden Plate. The biggest differences are:
- the number of "plates" or wedges
- the edge finishing of each wedge
- pointed plate (above)
- curved plate
- straight plate
- centers
- size of center
- center or no center
Let's look at some simple examples of different styles to help make things clear!
The plates, petals, blades - however you want to think about the wedge units - can be curved or pointed. Here's an example of a 12 plate curved dresden plate block. Note the center - it is a small circle. To me, the curved plates look like flower petals. And this particular coloration with two white plates together looks like small white hearts!
So what happens if you add more plates, or you make the center larger? Sure - you can absolutely do that! Here is an example of a 16 plate block with a much larger center. Changing up the proportions - number of plates, size of the plate, size of the center - really changes how the block looks, doesn't it?!
So do you HAVE to have a center? Nope! Be aware that most of the rotary templates you purchase will have centers. But you absolutely can create blades without a center. As with any block that has a lot of seams coming together at a set point (in this case the center of the block), you are going to have bulk, which is why many folks will opt for the circle center. But you don't have to.
We looked at some curved blocks. So let's take a look at similar blocks that have pointed plates instead. As with the curved plates, you can have different numbers of plates, as well as different sizes of centers - or no center at all.
Here's an example of a pointed plate block with a large center. This one always reminds me of sunflowers. Imagine it colored in yellows and golds, with a warm brown center - yup, sunflower!
Just as with the curved plates, you can stitch up pointed plates with no center. But keep in mind the bulk you'll be dealing with at the center of the block!
So how do you MAKE a Dresden Plate block? Well, I could show you - I could! But...Leah Day has a terrific little tutorial that walks you through making this basic block. You can see her YouTube tutorial by clicking here.
Want to know more about this lovely block? You can read a fascinating history of the Dresden Plate blocks by quilter Rona, who writes under Rona the Ribbiter. Visit her blog and read the history by clicking here. Spoiler - they are traditionally appliquéd blocks!
Now, on to the fun stuff - the block challenge! You've seen what we started with - a traditional Dresden Plate block.
What are the rules of the challenge? They are simple - post your fabric pull, post two sneak peeks and post your block reveal. That's it! The blocks can be any size. You can make a full quilt or just a block.
I love to challenge myself to use my scraps for these block challenges. I have just a few (ha!) scraps, and it feels good to give them new life! That was my first step - pulling scraps to see what fabrics and colors I can put to use! As you can see, I had a LOT to go through and plenty of options!
To keep things simple, I decided to use a rotary template - and I had a few to choose from! As you can see, the biggest differences were the length and angle of the templates. Each would create a slightly different block. I ended up using the Easy Dresden template, which is an oldie but a goodie!
I settled on pinks and reds for my blades, accented by some lovely greens (yup - I was thinking flowers!). I set them up in a gradation - because I LOVE this technique! More on creating gradations below!
And - tada - here is the final block! I had so much fun making it! I approached it a bit different than the traditional methods - and it was totally easy! I even quilted it myself (I know - shock!). It was easy straight line quilting, but I think it accents the flower effect!
Wasn't this fun? Head over to Instagram and check out the post there. Be sure to click on all the quilters I tagged in my post. You'll see their amazing blocks and their creative takes on this classic block. You are sure to get great ideas for your own interpretation of this quilt classic!
Head over to Kate Colleran's blog to check out her insights on the bow tie block too! Click here: Kate's Blog Post
Remember that gradation technique I mentioned? Well, how would you like to take a class on how to create gradations for YOUR quilt projects? Well I have an on-demand class coming up in March! Get on the waitlist now so you'll be sure to get all of the details! Click the image below to get on the waitlist.
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