This weekend I was in need of a little project. Something that would go together fast and give me that unmistakable rush you get from playing with new fabrics and starting something fun. More importantly, something that was small and would be FINISHED and not become my latest addition to my UFO list. Mission accomplished on all accounts.
I found this little Dresden Plate sew-along over on Sew, Mama, Sew!'s blog and just loved it right off the bat. In fact, I went online and ordered most of the same prints so I could make a twinner one just like hers, which is something I rarely do. Duplicate pattern pictures, that is. I am not usually influenced by the fabrics and colors on a pattern cover. But I just loved the freshness of her black and white combo, with a touch of gray, and that delicious spring green! Yum! And what is it they say about imitation being the best form of flattery...? Go on and have a look. Make one yourself this evening. It went together in just a couple hours.
I made mine out of Origins fabrics from Moda. We got the whole line in the quilt shop this past summer and I have been itching to play around with it. I just used a charm pack, which worked out great. You can cut two wedges from one charm with just a smidgen left over. Bonus! No wasted fabric!
Once I had my 20 wedges cut out, I arranged them how I liked, and then took a picture so I could remember how I had them as I started sewing. After I had my wedges sewn on to my background piece, I was getting ready to add my center circle. I was worried it would shift as I was sewing, so I affixed it to my block with a little fusible web first. I just cut a little 1/4" wide ring and ironed it along the outer inside edge of my center and then ironed it on my block. It made it so much easier to sew down, and since I just used a little ring, there isn't any stiffness from a full circle of fusible web. You can just barely see it in this picture. This is before I turned my center over and sewed it on.
Then I just quilted it up real quick and binded it while we were watching the Australian Open after dinner. Ta da!
I. Love. This. Block.
It's fast and fun and I would love to make a whole quilt out of these. Wouldn't it be a great in Fig Tree fabrics? Or any theme of fun novelty prints? I'm telling you, I'm looking at charm packs in a whole new light now.
I was trying to take pictures, and of course, someone had to test it out. Yes, yes, it's pretty. Now move along.
And because Valentine's Day is right around the corner, and I want to share the love, I'm having a "Be Mine" giveaway. Chock full of pink and red goodness! So leave a comment between now and Thursday and this could be on it's way to your home:
*Sandy Gervais Hearts Aflutter panel
*Five coordinating fat quarters
*Two wooden stenciled hanging hearts
PS. How about a Valentine Dresden Plate?
lovely give away count me in. I really like the Dresden plate that you did - love that color combo.
Karen
http://karensquilting.com/blog/
Posted by: Karen | 01/25/2011 at 04:17 AM
Before I even started reading, I fell in love with the Dresden Plate. It's on my "to do someday" list. And those colors and fabrics are divine.
Please enter me in the give-away. The fabrics are adorable. Sandy Gervais's fabrics are always cute.
Posted by: Christine Thomas | 01/25/2011 at 06:45 AM
I love your Dresden Plate...I'm late to the Moda precuts party (they don't seem to be as widely available here in the UK and they're quite expensive) but have a fondness for charm packs (but only if they're in the sale!) as you get a little taste of the range and they make great additions to a 'co-ordinated scrappy' quilt without overpowering the rest of the fabrics. Thanks for the giveaway - if overseas entries are permitted I'd love to enter but I understand if it's not possible! Thanks also for a lovely blog - not sure how I found you as it was quite a while ago, perhaps through Thelma at Cupcakes 'n' Daisies or Nicole at Sister's Choice Quilts...
Posted by: Helen | 01/25/2011 at 06:50 AM
Love your Dresden Plate. I have always wanted to make one, but thought they were too difficult. After seeing yours and looking at the sew along, I think it may be my next project. Thanks for the give-a-way. Red is my favorite color. Bonnie in Iowa
Posted by: Bonnie | 01/25/2011 at 07:47 AM
What a sweet looking cat and a sweet give give away.
Posted by: Anita | 01/25/2011 at 07:53 AM
I love your Dresden plate, especially with your fuzzy ball of goodness on it!
I'd love to win your giveaway. I have hardly a Valentine decoration in site- as a matter of fact- NONE!
Posted by: LoriD | 01/25/2011 at 07:57 AM
Love Dresden plate quilts. I've already been collecting fog tree fabric to make a scrappy Dresden plate quilt. I guess great minds think a like! Thanks for the giveaway!
Posted by: Amber | 01/25/2011 at 08:08 AM
I think a Valentine's dresden would be sooooo sweet!
Posted by: Amy | 01/25/2011 at 08:28 AM
I love Dresden Plates and hope to make one some day.
Lotta in Sweden
Posted by: Lotta | 01/25/2011 at 09:03 AM
I have an antique Dresden Plate but I'm thinking it's time to make a new one. You got me inspired. Plus those valentine's fabrics look inviting. Can you believe I have no valentine's quilts to put out?
Posted by: Chris | 01/25/2011 at 09:42 AM
LOVE your dresden plate! Good job! And I'd also love to be the lucky winner of those yummy Sandy Gervais fabrics. Her fabrics are always among my favorites.
Posted by: Laura | 01/25/2011 at 10:07 AM
If I win, you get to use the fat quarters when we do projects this fall! Ha!
Posted by: chamaine | 01/25/2011 at 10:24 AM
I really like the dresden plate. Have been wanting some Origins for a long time, but have managed to stay strong! I love Valentine fabrics and the cute wooden hearts.
Posted by: Carmen | 01/25/2011 at 11:45 AM
Allison, this dresen is so beautiful. I have a few made that I need to put together. Thank you for the chance to win. A valentine dresen would be adorable
Posted by: betsy | 01/25/2011 at 12:50 PM
I love your Dresden out of Origins! It's a great way to use a charm pack! Nice little heart-day-giveaway!
Posted by: Sinta Renee | 01/25/2011 at 03:25 PM
Your Dresden plate is wonderful! And what a fun giveaway! Thank you for the chance! :-)
Posted by: Sandie ~call me crazy | 01/25/2011 at 03:45 PM
Your Dresden plate is gorgeous! I have never tried one, and I'm very impressed by them! It looks like a lot of work, and I'm thinking it would certainly be a UFO around here!
Posted by: Manybooks | 01/25/2011 at 04:44 PM
Oh, darn. Then I'd have to make a Valentine something. Oh, the pressure!! :o) Love, love love the Dresden Plate. Always love to see others make these blocks because I know I never will!
Posted by: Nancy Anne | 01/25/2011 at 05:24 PM
The Dresden Plate is beautiful. I love how the black fabric motif is centered in the circle. Wonderful work.
Posted by: Patty | 01/25/2011 at 05:58 PM
I like your Dresden Plate. I've never made that block, but I'd like to. I love Sandy Gervais fabric and woul put your giveaway fabric to good use!
Posted by: Kim Juilfs | 01/25/2011 at 06:38 PM
I love your Dresden Plate mini quilt Allyson. I agree a Valentine Dresden would be a great idea and so cute. Thanks for the Valentine giveaway.
Posted by: Carol | 01/25/2011 at 07:44 PM
Allyson, what a super giveaway.
My hubby's birthday is Valentine's Day. I haven't made a Valentine quilt and your fabric could make a great one.
Posted by: Sandy E | 01/25/2011 at 08:15 PM
What a lovely Dresden Plate Allyson.
It is the first template design that I ever made.
The Valentine fabrics are very pretty- Thanks for the chance to win them.
Regards,
Anna
Posted by: quiltmom | 01/25/2011 at 08:35 PM
My stash seriously lacks pinks & reds. Would love to win - thanks for the chance!
Posted by: Laurie in Maine | 01/25/2011 at 11:46 PM
How lovely, and what a wonderful giveaway. Please count me in if an Australian entry is O.K. My husband and I will be celebrating our 30th Wedding Anniversary this Valentine's Day. Wow, the years are flying by now!
Posted by: Penny | 01/26/2011 at 02:45 AM