|
How to Quilt>Dresden Plate Quilts
Dresden Plate Quilt Block
Porcelain houseware items made in the 1700s in Germany inspired one of the world’s most favorite quilt patterns – the Dresden Plate. Dresden, Germany was home to a china manufacturer in the 1700s. Based on the popularity of the china company, a quilt block was named in honor of it. The Dresden Plate quilt pattern was born. By the end of World War II, Dresden was known for its porcelain industry. One china factory had turned Dresden into a town of more than 200 porcelain stores and factories. While most of the city of Dresden was destroyed in bombings during that war, the quilt pattern that paid homage to it is still very popular today. The Dresden Plate pattern has been known by other names as well. Perhaps you have heard it called the Friendship block. Sunflower, Grandmother’s Sunburst, or the Bride’s Quilt Pattern. The Dresden Plate quilt combines sewing and appliqué skills. The spokes on the plate are pieced, or stitched together, to form a circle. Once the circle is complete, it is appliquéd onto a quilt top. Typically, the plate is made of 16 to 20 “spokes.” There are several versions of the Dresden Plate floating around. In one, there is a large center with “spokes” that protrude out from it. Another version has a small center with the “spokes” protruding outward. Some versions have scalloped edges on the fabric spokes. Others have straightened edges that will simply form a circle when it is complete. Another variation has pointed “spokes.” The Dresden Plate quilt pattern became popular during the Victorian era, the 1800s. People of the era loved elaborate home décor, including the china influence that inspired this quilt pattern. The pattern became very popular in America in the 1920s and 1930s, but the pattern has actually been around the U.S. for some time. The first documented Dresden Plate quilt in America is now in the Smithsonian and dates back to 1785. The date was documented because the quilter inscribed a message on the quilt and dated it. This is a good reminder of just how important it is to sign and date your quilt creations! You might see the Dresden Plate design composed as fan blocks. Four blocks are then joined so that fans appear to form a circle. Whether you choose to create a Dresden Plate quilt with the fan method or by appliqué, it is still a popular quilt pattern today that is adaptable to many projects. In addition to full-size quilts, Dresden Plates are perfect for making matching accessories like pillow cases, throw pillows, or wall hangings. In a baby girl’s room, the pattern looks perfect in shades of pink and lavender. In a boy’s room, change the fabrics to vintage cowboys and bandana for an adorable look. Use the Dresden Plate design to make photo album or scrapbook covers for thoughtful gifts. In your kitchen, use kitchen or food-themed fabrics and coordinating prints to create one of a kind place mats and wall hangings. Dresden Plate patterns have also been used to make detachable collars. Make a Dresden Plate design and finish it by adding a snap or tie at a back opening. Simply slip the collar around your crew neck sweaters and sweatshirts for a dressier or festive look. Imagine how cute a collar would be for a holiday outfit! And why not deck out your Christmas tree in Dresden Plate stuffed ornaments and a matching tree skirt. Use green prints on a Dresden Plate wall hanging to make it look like a wreath. Stitch on a big red or gold fabric bow to give dimension for a wonderful door or wall decoration!
© 2010-, Penny Halgren. This article courtesy of http://www.How-To-Quilt.com. You may freely reprint this article on your website or in your newsletter provided this courtesy notice and the author name and URL remain intact. |
|
