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Dresden Flowers - by Lorrie Ryther-Hall

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  DRESDEN FLOWERS We have discussed different Dresden Plates and how to make them. I love to look at all the Dresden variations. What we have not looked at is Dresden Flowers. When making these flowers, do not heavily starch fabric as it makes bulky seams so if you use starch, LIGHTLY starch. First, you will need templates. These can be made from cardstock, plastic, or layers of freezer paper. In the February Beeline, you will find some templates. Here are ones to use for flowers: Sunflower (12 ½”) Four Jelly Roll Strips (2.5 inches) in Yellow to Orange Shades A 5 inch square 10 degree Dresden template   Using a 10 degree template, measure from the top (widest top) down to the 3” line. From that, cut 36 plates from the strips, or fabric Chain stitch all plates along the tops. Trim top corner to reduce bulk. Turn and press Sew in pairs, from top to bottom with ¼ seam, press. Then in groups of four, press to side. Then in groups eight, then add one more for nine ...
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Great iron from Nifty Notions and it is battery operated perfect for quilt fest

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  Tired of not having enough available irons during quilt retreats and classes?  This has just become available.  It is from Nifty Notions.  It is perfect for Quilt Fest!  Just go to your local quilt shop and purchase.  Also, Fat Quarter Shop has these with free delivery until May 4.  It is battery operated so no need to plug in!   The Steam Charge Rechargeable Iron Introducing the Nifty Notions Steam Charge Rechargable Iron – your new best friend for effortless, on-the-go ironing and steaming! Designed for ultimate convenience and portability, this sleek, powerful iron is perfect for quilting, applique, and other fabric projects. With 130 watts of power and 3 adjustable heat settings (212°F, 284°F, and 356°F), it handles everything from delicate fabrics to heavier materials with ease. Say goodbye to cords and hello to freedom! Whether you're at home, traveling, or attending a retreat or workshop, this mini iron gives you the flexibility to i...
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Quilting America Red, White and Blue 2026 quilt challenge

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 Have you started your quilt for the quilt challenge at quilt fest yet?  If not, it is not too late.  Here are some frequently asked questions that may answer any questions you have.  So, read through the questions, get them answered and start on your quilt.  If we had 50% of our state quilt guild members enter a quilt in the challenge, we would have over 350 quilts.  Wouldn't that be fun?  Let's make it happen. Quilting America Red, White and Blue 2026 Quilt Challenge     Lots of questions about the Quilting America Red, White and Blue quilt challenge.   Can I use other colors ?               Yes, you can add a bit of gold non-metallic fabric to mimic the golden eagle that you may see on top of the flag poles or the round brass ball.    Also, fabric may be embellished with metallic silver or gold or blue or red.   Metallic is always a nice touch. ...
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VARIATIONS OF DRESDEN PLATE - April 2026 - Lorrie Ryther-Hall

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 This month, Lorrie shares with us more variations of the dresden plates.  Make some and share on our facebook page. VARIATIONS OF DRESDEN PLATE The Dresden Plate has sew many different variations. Last month we explored how to make pointed and round Dresden blades and plates. Now we will take those blades and put them into different configurations. The above “Fancy” Dresden is vintage, and totally handmade. Below are other “Fancy” type blocks (from Leah Day) using round, pointed, and straight tops in different layouts. There are several ways to make these blocks. First, the pointed blades have a natural edge at the top that can be machine or hand finished. The round blades, and also the straight blades, can be finished in several different ways. If you like a raw edge, a fusible bond can be used on the tips of the edge, covering about an inch from the top (the entire edge of the round blade).   Another way is to make templates from freezer paper and put the freezer p...
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The Dresden Block - March 2026- Lorrie Ryther-Hall

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  This is the block for the month of March in Lorrie's newsletter articles about different quilt blocks.  I enjoy reading about the blocks and how they are made.  I hope you enjoy this article. Last month we discussed the Fan Block which basically is a fourth of a Dresden Plate block. The Dresden Plate name is based on a popular china made in Dresden, Germany between the early 1700’s and the late 1800’s. The Dresden Plate block was one of the most popular quilts made during the 1920s and 1930s . The inclusion of the block was very popular too. The Dresden Plate is a combination of piecing and applique. It usually had a round center with a solid color. Surrounding the center are petals/blades/wedges from scrapes, mixed colors, shades of a color, etc.    The original plate had a curved outer edge. As time passed, the blades were sometimes pointed instead of curved. There are many different sizes of blades, and you can purchase a template or make one yourself. Pers...
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Grandmother's Fan Block - Lorrie Ryther Hall

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 This month's quilt block focus is the Grandmother's Fan Block. Lorrie, thank you for sharing your expertise with us each month.   FAN BLOCKS (or GRANDMOTHER’S FAN) The Dresden Plate quilt pattern became popular during the 1920s and 30s . However, the mother of the Dresden Plate could easily be the Fan Block which began during the late 1800’s and is known as the Grandmother’s Fan Quilt. All colors, modern, different shades of one color, civil war, 1930’s, etc. are used to make these quilts. Traditionally fan quilt blocks were made with templates. Eventually specialty rulers were created to make the fan pieces . Fan Blocks have a quarter of the round plate.  This fan quilt block doesn't require any special tools, only regular rulers and a rotary cutter. To make this non-traditional Fan, you will need a 12 ½” background square, a 4” square fan base, 10 ½” square of fusible, and nine fabrics 2 ½” x 7 ½” an assortment of colors or one color (Thinking Jelly-Roll). To sta...
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SIlver Thimble Winners

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 At Quilt Fest in October 2025, we were able to get a picture of the Silver Thimble Winners. The names, beginning with those standing from Left to Right are: Sharon Wright (2014) Louise Mudd (2025) Ruth Davis (2024) Virginia Lee (2012) Pamela Morgan (2009) Charlotte Davis (2016) Barbara Walsh (2015) Nancy Henderson (2008) Kaye Evans (2019) This group photo of these wonderful quilters was taken during Quilt Fest 2025.   In 1997 the first Silver Thimble award was created to recognize outstanding service and commitment to the Utah Quilt Guild and its mission to encourage, promote and preserve the art of quilt making in Utah. If you know of someone special, who has contributed greatly to the promotion and enjoyment of quilting in the area served by the Utah Quilt Guild, please consider nominating them for this prestigious award. Is there someone who has inspired you to be a better quilter or who has been an impressive force in bringing quilters together?...
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