I have been playing with Dresden plates this week. Never have done this because I thought it would require a patience level that I usually don’t have. I was happy to learn that this isn’t so. Dresden’s look so precise but they are actually quite easy, time-consuming, but still easy. There is a pattern in the most recent Love of Quilting magazine for a table runner with three dresdens placed on it. I made it exactly as the pattern instructs.
Cutting the petals takes a bit of time. I am wondering if I need to purchase a smaller rotary cutter. I have just the one (45mm) but maybe I need the smaller one for finer piece work. Does this ring true to any of you? Let me know how many rotary cutters you use and the best size – or is there little difference??
Learning something new is the greatest. With this project I learned the dresden block as well as tried chain piecing for the first time. What a timesaver. Plus it saves on thread. I don’t usually think about that part of it, but really, I am always buying thread.
It all came together really quickly. So cute!!
The pattern calls for borders that are 3 1/2 inches in width. After attaching them, I think they are too wide. The runner will finish out at 45 x 20 inches. That is much bigger than I usually make for a table runner. I haven’t decided if I will leave it this large and hang it on the wall. Or I will trim the borders and make it fit my table better. Thoughts on this??
The green polka dot print will be used as the backing as well. That was a great thrift store find at only $4.00 for two yards. Not sure what I will bind it with. I have been trying to decide how best to quilt this project. I want to enhance the dresdens and do a light meandering on the white backing. Looking through Flickr is always inspiring and I found this idea.
It is perfect for the dresdens though it looks a bit intense for my skill level. I may have to tone it down a bit. It’s a good place to start though.
Hope you are all working on something fun!
Linking up with TGIFF, CrazyMomQuilts, and RichardandTanyaQuilt! Happy Friday!
Love your Dresdens! Very happy-looking. I would bind it in either yellow or orange. That yellow fabric you used in the centers would be perfect. Just my opinion! And since you asked, the rotary cutter I use most is 60mm. I use a 45mm often as well. I have a 28mm but it is just too small and I almost never use it. The big one is my favorite. Hope that helps!
Hello Mari — So for cutting smaller pieces it doesn’t seem to matter if you are using a larger rotary cutter?
I like the idea of binding it in yellow. I will lay some strips against it to see how it looks. Thanks for your comments.
Very nice! I love dresdens but, like you, always thought they were really difficult. Thank you for sharing at TGIFF,
Izzy, if you haven’t tried a dresden yet, go for it. I was pleasantly surprised that these came together as easily as they did!
so happy! I love your choices. I really enjoy circles in general.
LeeAnna Paylor
lapaylor.blogspot.com
Thank you LeAnna. I appreciate your sweet comment!
Thank you for linking up to LAFF
Richard and Tanya Quilts
Quilt Blog by Richard and Tanya Quilts
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Richard,
Thank you for hosting the link up. It is great fun to see what everyone is working on.
Take care,
Bernie