Friday, January 25, 2013

DARE TO DRESDEN

DARE TO DRESDEN

What fun it has been to play with Dresdens again. I have always loved this block but it has been a long time since I stitched one. Thank you to Christine and Madame Samm for all the work they do to allow us to create.

This is a Dresden I made in the 1970's. It is showing its age but is still warm and well used. These blocks are all hand embroidered and while the fabric has aged well  the embroidery thread securing the Dresdens  had literally rotted away and must be replaced. This quilt is special because I was teaching school at the time and a group of senior students were making baby blankets. I brought in the top to demonstrate how a quilt goes together and one student wanted to quilt it. I relented and she took it home. We pinned, basted and marked. I expected she would stitch around one of the plates but she kept working and returned it finished. When I spoke to her mother she said that she stitched on it hours every evening and on weekends until her fingers hurt. This led to many quilts when she graduated.

New methods of stitching and strip piecing mean these blocks become very quick to assemble.

A dear friend passed away many years ago. Her husband gave me some quilt blocks she was working on and they sat on a shelf for almost 20 years. When I looked at them last week I found hand-stitched dresden plates, some attached to backing and other part sections.  It was interesting to work on these because while the dresdens were cotton they were sewn to polycotton blocks. I had to match 20 year old prints to get enough fabric to complete the top.  There was enough fabric for some sashing and a small piece of matching blue to create centers and corner blocks.  Did I say these were hand stitched ? And the stitches are so tiny.

I think I might hand quilt this winter. It sat on a shelf too long to be put away again. And what wonderful memories of Joyce I have had all week. A found treasure indeed.

Dresdens may become baskets, butterflies or flowers. I wanted something cheerful to make me think of spring as we strive to keep warm on these cold days.

Frances

Sew grab a nice  hot cuppa tea and peruse all the other stitchers who "Dare To Dresden".

Gingersnap Quilts
Busy Bee Quilts
She Sews the Blues
Traveling Quilter
Grand Mama's Stories
Cherry Blossoms Quilting Studio
Sew at Home Mummy
The Slow Quilter
Pig Tales and Quilts
Annie Oak Design
Jane's Fabrics & Quilts
Tea Time Creations 
Mo Broker My Creative Side
Just Let Me Quilt
Words and Stitches
Just Keep Swimming
Sew Many Yarns
Sowing Stitches
Jane's Quilting
My Patchwork Life
2muchfun
Pumpkin Patch Quilter
Quilt Monster in my Closet



 
Posted by at

92 comments:

  1. ThearicaJanuary 25, 2013 at 1:35 AM

    Loving all those dresdens!!

    ReplyDelete
  2. Judy BJanuary 25, 2013 at 2:21 AM

    Your wall hanging is to die for! And to think it is made with Dresdens, lovely. Thank you for sharing your stories and your creation.

    ReplyDelete
  3. ScrapatchesJanuary 25, 2013 at 2:25 AM

    Love the flower basket! Sew creative! Thanks for sharing all your pretty dresdens ... :) Pat

    ReplyDelete
  4. Kim WestJanuary 25, 2013 at 2:29 AM

    all of your dresdens are very pretty! Thank you for sharing them!

    ReplyDelete
  5. Farm QuilterJanuary 25, 2013 at 3:23 AM

    Love your Dresdens! How cool that you started a student on a quilting journey - very special!

    ReplyDelete
  6. KristyJanuary 25, 2013 at 3:48 AM

    Love the wall hangings at the end. So cute! Very precious stories you shared. K-

    ReplyDelete
  7. Sunshine GirlJanuary 25, 2013 at 3:54 AM

    They are all lovely - what two lovely stories about your friend and your first quilt too - sounds like you have had a lovely week reminiscing! Thanks for sharing.

    ReplyDelete
  8. Catskill QuilterJanuary 25, 2013 at 3:57 AM

    I love your basket of Dresden flowers! Super!

    ReplyDelete
  9. Die Butjenterin AbschnittJanuary 25, 2013 at 4:14 AM

    Beautiful works, and your grey background interesting.

    ReplyDelete
  10. TheresaJanuary 25, 2013 at 4:45 AM

    Beautiful Dresdens, especially your basket - so cheerful and bright, just lovely :D

    ReplyDelete
  11. NatiJanuary 25, 2013 at 5:38 AM

    Very cute projects and so colourful, thanks for sharing

    ReplyDelete
  12. GillJanuary 25, 2013 at 6:09 AM

    What a lot of dresdens - I like all the different versions, I especially like the tiny ones used as flowers!
    Thank you for sharing!

    ReplyDelete
  13. charlotteJanuary 25, 2013 at 6:21 AM

    Very pretty Dresdens. They do stand the test of time, don't they?

    ReplyDelete
  14. JeanieJanuary 25, 2013 at 7:08 AM

    I just love your basket of dresdens hanging....so bright and cute! Also glad you rescued the green dresdens and have made them into such a beautiful quilt. Wonderful job!

    ReplyDelete
  15. SparkyJanuary 25, 2013 at 8:49 AM

    Hi Frances from old to new...your dresdens have taken a life of their own...very spring...

    ReplyDelete
  16. Sowing StitchesJanuary 25, 2013 at 8:51 AM

    A tisket a tasket...a beautiful dresden basket... :)

    ReplyDelete
  17. Britt-IngerJanuary 25, 2013 at 8:58 AM

    Your spring Dresden is so cute and so much spring. Thanks for sharing your creativity

    ReplyDelete
  18. Valerie the Pumpkin Patch QuilterJanuary 25, 2013 at 8:58 AM

    Beautiful!!

    ReplyDelete
  19. The4RsJanuary 25, 2013 at 9:17 AM

    Thanks for sharing, Dresdens are so fun! I have a few quilt tops from the 40s that incorporated this design. I have since made a few baby blankets from them, salvaging the best parts. Come visit me in the Valentine hop!

    ReplyDelete
  20. StitchinByTheLakeJanuary 25, 2013 at 9:31 AM

    What wonderful stories - I loved reading them and seeing your vintage quilts. And your bright colorful dresdens are wonderful! blessings, marlene

    ReplyDelete
  21. LindaJanuary 25, 2013 at 9:38 AM

    What a great teacher you were to let a student have the experience of quilting your quilt! Your Dresdens are all beautiful!

    ReplyDelete
  22. Marjorie's Busy CornerJanuary 25, 2013 at 9:43 AM

    Great job on your Dresdens..I love all of them; but the last one with the flowers is stunning...

    ReplyDelete
  23. Barb NeiwertJanuary 25, 2013 at 9:49 AM

    That's fun to see your history of Dresdens, a timeless classic.

    ReplyDelete
  24. GwenJanuary 25, 2013 at 10:03 AM

    Love all your Dresdens, but the blocks that came from your friend are so touching.

    ReplyDelete
  25. Rosemary B❤️January 25, 2013 at 10:10 AM

    Rosemary B here: I enjoyed reading your blog today. Lovely story. Love the "old" quilt from the 70's I hope that girl still sews.
    I adore your friends green dresdens. They are beautiful
    LOVE the basket and flowers.
    Thank you for sharing all of this today

    ReplyDelete
  26. Daryl @ Patchouli Moon StudioJanuary 25, 2013 at 10:24 AM

    Your quilts are all so great. I like how you showed how versatile the dresden can be.

    ReplyDelete
  27. VivianJanuary 25, 2013 at 10:41 AM

    Drinking my tea and loving the wonderful memories you shared of your friend through finishing her quilt. I also like the last piece, it's so fun and showcases how versatile Dresdens can be. Really cute!

    ReplyDelete
  28. Kathy @ Kwilty PleasuresJanuary 25, 2013 at 10:57 AM

    Lovin the Dresden flowers!

    ReplyDelete
  29. ✄ Erin @ Sew at Home Mummy ✄January 25, 2013 at 10:59 AM

    I admire anyone who hand quilts. There's such an art to it - and a level of patience I unfortunately don't possess :(
    Thank you so much for sharing your Dresdens - they are beautiful :)

    ReplyDelete
  30. sew.darn.quiltJanuary 25, 2013 at 11:05 AM

    Love all the eye candy you've offered up. The flowers are especially fun :)

    ReplyDelete
  31. PattyJanuary 25, 2013 at 11:19 AM

    I am really likin' all the flowers and butterflies. Thanks for giving us a different view.

    ReplyDelete
  32. CeciliaJanuary 25, 2013 at 11:34 AM

    Very pretty! Thanks for sharing.

    ReplyDelete
  33. CalicojoanJanuary 25, 2013 at 11:56 AM

    Whew, your the dresden queen! Love all your projects, but I do have to admit, the flowers in a dresden pot are my fav's. I am really going to have to make some for myself!

    ReplyDelete
  34. EileenJanuary 25, 2013 at 12:14 PM

    Thank you for sharing your stories and all the Dresdens.

    ReplyDelete
  35. VickieJanuary 25, 2013 at 12:29 PM

    That was a nice story, thank you for sharing it.

    ReplyDelete
  36. LanaJanuary 25, 2013 at 12:34 PM

    Everything is beautiful...(everybody sing!) I think you honored your friend's work beautifully. She is smiling I am sure!
    The garden dresdens are so pretty!

    ReplyDelete
  37. DeAnna January 25, 2013 at 12:40 PM

    Thanks for sharing your story. I love your Dresden design. Great job!

    ReplyDelete
  38. carlaJanuary 25, 2013 at 12:43 PM

    Hi!!! Love the green blocks!!! Very sweet to have so many memories in a quilt!!! Love them as baskets and flowers!!! Very pretty!!! WOW!!A

    ReplyDelete
  39. Agnes B. BullockJanuary 25, 2013 at 1:01 PM

    WOW! Simply awe inspiring- will have to try the flowers myself now!

    ReplyDelete
  40. Linda CJanuary 25, 2013 at 1:07 PM

    sweet story about your friend---the memories you will think about as you finish up her quilt.

    All the projects are lovely!

    ReplyDelete
  41. SheilaJanuary 25, 2013 at 1:09 PM

    Wonderful display of Dresdans Frances , nice story about your friends quilt and will be lovely hand quilted .Really love the last one , so full of fun and pretty colors!

    ReplyDelete
  42. TammyJanuary 25, 2013 at 1:23 PM

    Your dresdans are all beautiful. But the story of your deceased friends block is very touching. Isn;t it wonderful that even after all this time she is still touching your life in such a wonderful giveing way.
    conn_and_vans_mom(at)yahoo(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
  43. AnonymousJanuary 25, 2013 at 1:32 PM

    What a blessing to have those cherished memories. Lovely Dresdens and I love your wallhanging!

    ReplyDelete
  44. SpartanBabeJanuary 25, 2013 at 1:49 PM

    All those Dresdens are gorgeous - the possibilities! Thanks for sharing them with us :o)

    ReplyDelete
  45. Christine LJanuary 25, 2013 at 2:10 PM

    What Beautiful Projects! I love them ALL! Thanks for participating in the Hop... Hugs and Happy Hopping :)

    ReplyDelete
  46. KathyJanuary 25, 2013 at 3:18 PM

    Awesome projects and very creative! Thank you for sharing!

    ReplyDelete
  47. Sandra KayeJanuary 25, 2013 at 3:39 PM

    Love the flower quilt!!!

    ReplyDelete
  48. LoralynnJanuary 25, 2013 at 3:43 PM

    Thank you for sharing the different projects. How lovely that you inspired your student, too.

    ReplyDelete
  49. Joyce CarterJanuary 25, 2013 at 3:55 PM

    I am amazied at all the beautiful Dresdens you have made. I LOVE the green quilt(my favorite color). And I really like the Dresden flowers and the butterfly. That is so cute! I like to put butterflies on my projects so I would like to make some of these. Thank you so much for sharing.

    ReplyDelete
  50. Day before MichelleJanuary 25, 2013 at 4:09 PM

    Amazing collection of Dresdens in one Blog post :)

    Great work one matching the older fabrics!

    ReplyDelete
  51. JudyCinNCJanuary 25, 2013 at 4:21 PM

    I loved your collection of Dresdens on this post - and truly you do have a treasure from your dear friend and she would be so happy to know that you are the keeper now. Thanks for your story and sharing from Judy C in NC

    ReplyDelete
  52. tubilinha tiacarminhaJanuary 25, 2013 at 4:29 PM

    Gostei muito do trabalho e estória por trás ,quando temos amigos não é só para a vida inteira...Obrigada por compartilhar rapidamente.

    tiacarminhapezzuto@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  53. SherryJanuary 25, 2013 at 4:41 PM

    Thanks for sharing your wonderful dresden projects. I am inspired to get back tho my quilt that I had set aside. I also have several old dresden's started by my grandmother that need to be used.

    ReplyDelete
  54. Farm Gate Creations Incorporating Hummingbird QuiltingJanuary 25, 2013 at 5:00 PM

    I just loved your teachers story it is fantastic that you were so inspiring to a student. I love your dresden flowers they look amazing.

    ReplyDelete
  55. LJJanuary 25, 2013 at 5:27 PM

    What wonderful dresdens you shared with us today; thank you. Your flower basket of dresden flowers is outstanding. It appeals to me in so many ways - just WOW!

    ReplyDelete
  56. gpcJanuary 25, 2013 at 6:00 PM

    They are all beautiful, and I love the way they link to memories of your life! Love the basket and flowers!

    ReplyDelete
  57. Jane's Fabrics and QuiltsJanuary 25, 2013 at 7:39 PM

    What a beautiful story and such a treasure for sure. I love your basket of flowers that is a great idea!

    ReplyDelete
  58. BetsyJanuary 25, 2013 at 7:42 PM

    I just love all your quilts! Especially the way you made a basket of flowers from the dresdens! so darling!
    Beth

    ReplyDelete
  59. LyndseyJanuary 25, 2013 at 8:19 PM

    I love all your quilts. The basket of flowers is a really neat idea. Thanks for sharing your beautiful work.

    ReplyDelete
  60. VesuviusmamaJanuary 25, 2013 at 9:47 PM

    Love the basket with flowers. And how nice to work on something and remember a friend.

    ReplyDelete
  61. Kathy HJanuary 25, 2013 at 11:09 PM

    Beautiful bright colors.

    ReplyDelete
  62. DiannJanuary 25, 2013 at 11:43 PM

    I enjoyed seeing all your Dresdens. You are honoring your friend in a wonderful way by finishing her quilt.

    ReplyDelete
  63. Just Quilt ItJanuary 26, 2013 at 12:23 AM

    I certainly enjoyed your lovely old blocks. It is so much fun to gather those old blocks and wonder about the people who made them and what their lives were like at that time. Also, your flowers and butterflies are great--so colorful and whimsical.

    ReplyDelete
  64. The Slow QuilterJanuary 26, 2013 at 12:37 AM

    All your Dresdens were a joy to see. They are a joy to see with the colors.

    ReplyDelete
  65. Deb CJanuary 26, 2013 at 12:59 AM

    Your Dresdens are all so nice and the story about your friend's blocks was very sweet,

    ReplyDelete
  66. lefuntzJanuary 26, 2013 at 1:25 AM

    What a wonderful way to remember your friend!

    ReplyDelete
  67. auntdebbiequiltsJanuary 26, 2013 at 3:35 AM

    Wow, so many variations. Great job!

    ReplyDelete
  68. BernJanuary 26, 2013 at 4:42 AM

    I do so love your Dresden plate quilts!

    ReplyDelete
  69. Patty C.January 26, 2013 at 6:24 AM

    Inspiring - Love the bright colors !!!

    ReplyDelete
  70. Carol SwiftJanuary 26, 2013 at 12:01 PM

    Wonderful Dresden designs! I love the flowers and the colors you chose. Thanks for sharing!

    ReplyDelete
  71. Cathy's ChatterJanuary 26, 2013 at 12:15 PM

    Love the colors and flower, butterfly ideas!! Thanks for sharing.

    ReplyDelete
  72. Jane's QuiltingJanuary 26, 2013 at 12:28 PM

    Wow. you got some really pretty Dresden's. I think the flowers are the prettiest things. I just adore all the bright colors that you used. Thank you for sharing.

    ReplyDelete
  73. Kristen KingJanuary 26, 2013 at 4:02 PM

    What beautiful quilts and a beautiful story.

    ReplyDelete
  74. PamelaJanuary 26, 2013 at 6:22 PM

    Oh the Basket Dresden is so wonderful. I love that idea. Thank you for sharing!

    ReplyDelete
  75. LoriJanuary 26, 2013 at 6:40 PM

    I love your blocks, especially your backet with flowers. Good for you for making Joyces blocks into a quilt. You will have fond memories every time you look at it.

    ReplyDelete
  76. Needled MomJanuary 26, 2013 at 8:03 PM

    What a nice example of different Dresdens. I can't wait to see Joyce's quilt finished.

    ReplyDelete
  77. quiltmom annaJanuary 26, 2013 at 8:56 PM

    I loved your story about Joyce and the Dresden's - what wonderful memories and a quilt that will be loved by others. You have made beautiful color choices that match the other fabrics in her quilt- I love the bits of blue you added.
    I also love the sewing machine teapot- what a great pot it would be on a table..
    Thanks for participating in the hop.
    Regards from Alberta,
    Anna

    ReplyDelete
  78. Bente-I like to QuiltBlogJanuary 26, 2013 at 9:17 PM

    wow your flower dresdens are very special, absolutely fantastic! Thanks for sharing ☺

    ReplyDelete
  79. VickiTJanuary 26, 2013 at 10:34 PM

    What a great post full of ideas. I never would have thought to make flowers or butterflies etc from Dresden's. That's so cool. Thank you for the wonderful information.

    ReplyDelete
  80. Nancy in INJanuary 27, 2013 at 12:31 AM

    Love the brights and the flowers. So clever.
    Thanks for sharing.

    ReplyDelete
  81. SimoneJanuary 27, 2013 at 1:08 PM

    Wow - great projects; great designs; many ideas! Very creative. Thanks so much for sharing.

    ReplyDelete
  82. evelynJanuary 27, 2013 at 9:07 PM

    You did a wonderful job with Joyce's blocks. Beautiful memory quilt. Your wallhanging is super cheerful. Thanks for sharing your memories.

    ReplyDelete
  83. LynJanuary 27, 2013 at 10:26 PM

    Love your Dresdens. Thanks for being part of the hop.

    ReplyDelete
  84. Quilt n QueenJanuary 27, 2013 at 11:46 PM

    Beautiful Dresden blocks....Joyce is smiling for sure...a keepsake quilt, memories to cherish, and a beautiful story to share. The garden basket is cheery and bright...great job! Thanks for sharing! Happy stitching, Pauline

    ReplyDelete
  85. Gina LoomisJanuary 28, 2013 at 12:05 AM

    Wow, so many different dresdens to look at, I love them! I enjoyed the stories about them too! Thanks for participating and inspiring us today!

    ReplyDelete
  86. SuzeJanuary 28, 2013 at 2:23 AM

    Just when you think you've seen it all - a Dresden basket - how clever! Thanks for sharing your story of your friend. That's a great part of quilt - memories. If only some of the recipients knew of some of the wonderful memories quilters have of making the quilts. I made my first table runner for my brother and SIL for Christmas. When they put it away for next Christmas, they found the label and that touched them as much as just receiving the present. It was the first label, I had made, too. Small things can mean lots. Thank you for taking your precious time to participate and inspire me.

    ReplyDelete
  87. Ellie QJanuary 28, 2013 at 10:18 AM

    Wow! Lots of dresdens! Thanks for sharing them all. Love your bright colors.

    ReplyDelete
  88. tink's momJanuary 28, 2013 at 11:11 PM

    What a wonderful tie to your old friend. So glad you are finishing it. Love, love,love your basket of flowers. Thanks so much for sharing

    ReplyDelete
  89. Scrapbook-ChickADoodleJanuary 29, 2013 at 5:46 AM

    Great colors.
    The dresden flowers are precious.

    ReplyDelete
  90. WendyJanuary 29, 2013 at 5:48 AM

    such a wonderful variation of Dresdens. The quilt blocks that belonged to your friend will make the most wonderful memory quilt.

    ReplyDelete
  91. LeahJanuary 29, 2013 at 10:54 AM

    Lots of beautiful dresdens. Thanks for sharing.

    ReplyDelete
  92. KatherineJanuary 31, 2013 at 5:14 PM

    Wonderful variety of dresdens to delight us, Frances. Thanks so much for sharing them!

    ReplyDelete

Subscribe to: Post Comments (Atom)