Monday’s mail brought something wonderful…Heather Mulder Peterson’s new book, Stop, Drop and Roll–thank you Heather!!! This is a terrific book; not only do I want to make every single quilt, but I also love the fact that Heather gives measurements for using either jelly rolls or fat quarters for every project. There are some great applique’ patterns inside as well that go wonderfully with her designs. You can see the quilts on Heather’s blog post here (she also has another new book coming out that you can see here).
I’ve been sewing, sewing, sewing the last few days…18 yards of beautiful sky blue satin and organza into a prom dress that is coming along well (last night younger daughter said she liked it)! I’ve sewn nearly every seam with french seams, the bodice is lined and underlined, and I’ve even used my rolled-hem foot that worked beautifully. The bodice and skirt are done; once I sew them together and put the zipper in I will be breathing a lot easier. Thankfully, my friend Dawn was at a quilt shop Monday and picked up the latest issue of Quilt Sampler for me–I love this magazines and can’t wait to read it (thanks Dawn)!
I just had to share a picture of my lovely honeysuckle…I have several honeysuckle plants in the back yard around the patio…and this time of year the aroma is wonderful! I wish I could just sit outside all day and sew.
I’ve had a lot of requests for more information on the Dresden blocks. First, there is a wonderful tutorial for making the blocks on Stephanie’s blog here (her post today has some WONDERFUL Dresden blocks, too). The template manufacturer also has a great web-site here with free tutorials, information and patterns for their templates. It takes 20 dresdens to make a complete circle, and then you also need fabric for the center circles. Since all charm packs have different numbers of squares in them, there will still be a little math left for you to do, but here are the numbers I put in my notebook to have when shopping. First, you’ll need to decide how many blocks you want to make and then multiply that number by 20 (that will give you the number of templates you’ll need to cut ). Dresden templates from one inch up to and including the five inch size can be cut from charm squares (these sizes can also be cut from jelly roll strips). The first number in the following list will be the template size, and the number following it in parenthesis is the number of templates you can cut from one charm square. 1 (16), 1.5 (9), 2 (6), 2.5 (6), 3 (3), 3.5 (2), 4 (2), 4.5 (2), 5 (2). So to make 6 blocks using the 5″ template I first multiply 6 by 20 to make 120 templates; then I divide 120 by 2 (the number of templates that I can cut from each charm square). That gives me 60…so I need 60 charm squares plus an additional 6 charms for the 6 circle centers (or other fabric for the circle centers). I hope that made sense. I really think using a charm pack (or several) is a great way to make these Dresden blocks and get a great variety of fabrics. Using charm packs from different fabric lines is also a great idea!
Have a wonderful day…oh, and this morning my husband asked what I wanted for Mother’s Day–of course I told him fabric!!!
Nedra says
It seems like everyone is making those wonderful dresden plates. Fun to see them in all the different fabrics.
Are we going to see pictures of the prom dress?
Happy sewing!
Sinta Renee says
Lucky you- for the Stop Drop & Roll book. Both of Heather's new books look like fun. Thank you for the follow up on the Dresden. I am definately hooked on making one now.
Stephanie says
Will we get to see this gorgeous prom dress? Somehow I think you’ll be having fun with your new book. That’s terrific your did the “math” for the dresdens. :o) No one has an excuse now for NOT making them.
Stina says
Ohhh.. that is what you have been up to… :o)
Sewing..*s*
Loe to see what you make from the book… and the magazine.. I agree.. I love that one… can dream myself away and wish I was there to shop..:o)
Gwendie says
Thanks so much for posting the numbers! I’m going fabric shopping Friday and will take them with me.
I made my DD’s wedding gown two years ago, my first dress of this type, so I understand all the work that went into the prom dress. I hope you post a picture when you finish. I’m sure it will be just gorgeous!!!
Gwendie
Carrie P. says
Heather makes some beautiful quilts. I have one of her books but have yet to make anything. I need to find the sampler magazine. I love looking at all the different shops in the magazine.
blushing rose says
Love the colors in this quilt … beautiful job. TTFN ~ Marydon
Calamity Jane's Cottage, Bonnie says
Hi Sherri,
Can’t wait to see the prom dress.
All the information you gave is very helpful and what a great project to add to the list. Between yours and Stephanie’s blog I know there are a lot of dresden and hexies going on.
Keep Stitchen’
Bonnie
Candace says
Sherri, I think that book has to go on my must-have list! I sure hope we get to see the prom dress – it sounds gorgeous!
Cheers!
rachel griffith says
i really, really need to make some dresden plates blocks!!!
especially after seeing the ones on stephanie’s blog today.
i can’t wait to see the new quilt sampler mag.
Quilt Hollow says
I’ve been searching here in town for that Quilt Sampler Magazine and it isn’ here yet. I’m anxious to get my hands on it with a cuppa something!
Looks like more show and sharing coming from your way with Heather’s new book. 🙂 Fun stuff for us to see for sure!!!
Joy says
I’m rather envious of your dress-making skills. Alas, I’ve steered away from making any sort of clothing as it never seems to fit/sit right ;o). I’ll stick to quilts ;o). Thanks for all the dresden info … I love making that block.
Hugs,
Joy :o)
Chocolate Cat says
Hope we get to see a photo of the finished prom dress!
Nanette Merrill and daughters says
Ugh math. What would I do without Mr. Hive to do all that for me. I’m glad he rubbed off on my kids and they don’t have my lazy brain. Honeysuckle! I have some behind my house too. I have a run off ditch that borders the back portion of my lot and it is dense back there. It smells so good, like grapes and somethign else. I’ve got to cut some. Thanks for reminding me. Love the book. What a cute name for a book. The prom dress sounds fabulous. I want to see pictures.
Sheri Howard says
I love that quilt shop magazine, it is my favorite too! I will have to look for the Stop, drop and Roll! Thanks for sharing!
Nancy Anne says
Thanks for the great info on figuring out how many charm squares needed for a dresden plate block. Great stuff! It’s a someday project of mine…Also wanted to thank you for the charm square table topper tutorial. I made one and love it. I plan to make a few more with different styles of fabric. Gotta love those charm squares!!!
passingdowncrazy says
I started a quilt the other night out of Heather’s book. So fun! And, strangely enough, I got the EZ dresden plate template in a package today! Must go sew!
dotti white says
Sherri…I would absolutely love to see the prom dress when it is done! When they really like it, that is success! And I totally want that book–I saw it featured on another blog today, too! I have been watching for the quilt sampler magazine, too…hopefully it will magically appear tomorrow!
Terriaw says
That looks like a great book!
I can’t believe you are dealing with 18 YARDS of fabric! OMG! That sounds like a crazy project. I hope you show us pictures of the finished dress.
I can almost smell that honeysuckle through your blog. So beautiful.
w&v says
V. here…
I love to see jelly rolls on a cake plate…DELICIOUS! And Heather’s book too. How fun to get such a surprise in the mail. My mother just finished a jelly roll quilt top. I ll have to get her Heather’s book. My mother is a hand quilter so jelly rolls are nice so she can get to the quilting!
You are such a great mother to sew for Prom. Happy Mother’s Day to you- 18 yds of FABRIC!!! (hope you get more fabric for M Day) Please tell sometime what kind of sewing machine you use.
Thanks for all the specifics for the charm packs for making the Dredsen P. It made excellent sense. Very useful!
I looked at Magazines today at WM for Quilt Sampler and did not see any. i sure hope I haven’t missed them. I couldn’t stand that!!!
Dawn says
You’re welcome!! I love Heather’s books!! Lucky you to get one! Can’t wait to see R2D2’s dress!!
QuiltedSimple says
I cannot wait to see your dresden plate blocks…..happy sewing!
Kris