Block of the Month -- October/November, 2006
Aunt Tilly's Block Party: “Fancy Dresden Plate”

Welcome to Aunt Tilly’s Quilt Block Party! For every other Block of the Month, Aunt Tilly’s BVQ friends will receive an authentic Depression Era pattern. This month we are featuring the “Fancy Dresden Plate” design on a twelve inch block. Dresden Plate designs were a favorite during the Depression Era because small snippets of fabrics could be used to complete the blocks. I suggest using 5 to 17 different fabrics on a muslin background using purple and lavender fabric scraps. This also makes a lovely “charm quilt”.

Happy Quilting,
- Aunt Tilly

Prepare templates for A, B, and C. You will be also using the B shape reversed. The templates are finished size so be sure to add a ¼" seam allowances. Use a 2¾" to 3" diameter cup or glass to make the center circle and cut a 12½" background square from muslin. Cut out fabrics (don’t forget to include your seam allowance!). Cut 4 A shapes, 4 B shapes, 4 B reversed shapes, 4 C shapes, and one center circle. Sew the side seams together to form the plate. Line up the center of the A shapes with the midpoints of the 4 sides of the muslin square. Use your favorite appliqué technique to turn over the outside edges and hand or machine appliqué the plate to the center of the 12½" square. You do not have to turn under the seam allowance of the inner circle that is formed since it will be covered by your fabric circle.

Keep in mind:
Use 100% cotton fabrics for the block.
Wash the fabrics before cutting the quilt pattern. Do not use fabrics that bleed or run.
Stitch all seams ¼".
Press seams toward the dark fabric unless the pattern dictates otherwise.

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