Sycamore Shoals
Sycamore Shoals
Sycamore Shoals is a historic state park in Elizabethton, TN. It is considered the “first free and independent community to the continent.” The fort was built in 1776 and in 1780 it became the muster site for the Overmountain Men who defeated British major Patrick Ferguson in the battle of King’s Mountain. Many historians believe this was a major turning point in the American Revolution.
Dresden Plate
The Dresden Plate is a traditional quilt block that dates back to the 1920’s, however, a partial fan has been used in quilts dating back to the late 1800’s. So where did the idea actually come from? In the city of Dresden, Germany, painted porcelain plates became very popular during the Victorian Era. It became very hard to determine one artist’s work from another. A group of four painter’s developed a symbol or logo that was painted on the bottom of their plates, or other pieces, to distinguish their work from others. This logo is what led to the Dresden Plate that we quilters all know and love today.
My First Dresden Plate
Does anyone remember when Moda had the Frivols? Frivols consisted of the fabric and step-by-step instructions to make a small quilt top. They came in a pretty collector tin with a viewing panel on top and usually another special token. I guess you could consider them the first subscription boxes! I had just started quilting and my momma and I had gone to our local quilt shop and being the Moda lovers that they are, they had a couple different Frivols tins. I absolutely fell in love with the Dresden Plate project. I will admit, I was a little intimidated, but so excited. So, I got one. And of my goodness…….I was pleasantly surprised. Dresden Plates were not that difficult!!! I have made many since then and will probably still make many in the future.
Beginner Friendly Pattern
I love traditional style quilts with and slightly updated feel. I guess you can say I am somewhere in the middle of traditional and modern. I love the look and blocks of traditional quilts, but I tend to prefer a solid background, or at least some solids mixed in with my prints. If the quilt is too busy, it does sometimes make me feel a little anxious.
I also love block based quilts featuring big blocks. I love the look and how quickly they come together. Also, if you are a test block person, you can always turn an extra block into a pillow!
Something I strive for when writing a pattern is to have it written in a way that anyone can follow the directions and feel as though they can be successful, even if it seems to be a more difficult skill. Everyone has to start somewhere! So, don’t be fooled by the Dresden Plate!! Anyone can make this quilt! I had three testers that this quilt was their first Dresden! And let me tell you, they all knocked it out of the park! (Another blog post on that in a couple days!)
All About The Quilt
The pattern comes in 2 sizes: a 36” square baby quilt and a 54” x 72” throw quilt. The throw features large 18” blocks, while the baby features 9” blocks. Sadly, I haven’t found a Dresden ruler on the market that is the correct size, but there is a template provided for both the baby and the throw. For those of you that have made a Dresden Plate before, this is a fun 12 blade Dresden. I really enjoyed mixing it up a bit!
The second big feature of the quilt is my take on an Irish Chain. I LOVE Irish Chains! They are so simple and add such a classic element!
As with all my patterns, you will find detailed images to go along with each step for the visual learners. Also, tip bubbles throughout the pattern where I share some extra insight into my process and what helps me. Fabric labels are provided to label all your cuts and keep everything organized. And a printable quilt label. Check out this blog post for step by step instructions on printing your own quilt labels.
Thank You & Happy Sewing
I also just want to say THANK YOU! If you are reading this blog post, it means you have some interest in my little quilting journey and my creations and that means the absolute world to me. I am so thankful you are here. I hope you enjoy this pattern, or one of the others in my shop! Happy sewing friends!!