Super-sized Lone Star and Dresden Quilting Designs

LoneStar NancyZieman 2 2

Super-sized Lone Star and Dresden Quilting Designs

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LoneStar NancyZieman 2 2

Super-size it! That’s something I rarely say at a restaurant, but often do when quilting. I start with a traditional quilt pattern and expand the size. This no-fat super technique adds drama to a quilt project, but also saves time on piecing. Over the past Sewing With Nancy seasons, I’ve recorded several episodes featuring super-sized quilts. I decided to include my favorite dramatic quilts in the The Best of Sewing With Nancy’s Super-Sized Quilts series, bringing back the recorded segments from past shows. Find the complete two-part series, book, DVD and template collection at Nancy’s Notions.

Lone Star Quilts

Early in my quilting career, I made a Lone Star Wall Quilt as a wedding gift. I almost didn’t give the gift away, as I was somewhat embarrassed that not all the seams met in the center. After all, I was Sewing With Nancy, what would people think! Fast forward, and now I’m eager to show you the same quilt block, this time with a technique that’s practically guaranteed to cause pride, not embarrassment. Why my change of heart? I broke the rules and I’d like to share my tips with you  in the The Best of Sewing With Nancy’s Super-Sized Quilts.

Whether you choose a traditional arrangement or mix it up a bit with a contemporary design, these quilts can be easily created without Y-seams. Both quilts are variations of the Lone Star block, which is based on eight pointed diamond shapes. All of these quilts are made with a template tri0, Trace ‘n Create Lone Star Template.

LoneStar NancyZieman 1Dresden Quilt

The title of this quilt design is Sew Grand Dresden. I looked back over past Sewing With Nancy titles and realized that I never used the word grand before! With meanings such as majestic and impressive, it sounds a bit boastful. Yet grand appropriately describes the large, 38” Dresden plate appliquéd in the center and four 16” Dresden plates, that frame the center motif. The larger Dresden appliqués can be stitched in approximately the same amount of time as smaller blocks, one of the bonuses to super-sizing your quilt blocks. Dresden wedges can easily be created in any size with the help of Sew Grand Dresden Templates.

Sew Super Size Quilts Easily with Tips and Techniques on Sewing With Nancy hosted by Nancy ZiemanAlthough one of the most recognizable traditional quilt patterns, Dresden designs can also shine in a contemporary setting. In this next quilt, Twirling Parasols, I used only solid fabrics to create a color-blocked background and Dresden wheels. Notice how the same colors were used in the background and foreground; this creates the illusion that the foreground shapes are floating.

Dresden Quilt NancyZieman 1aWhile fantastic for appliqué and larger quilts, Dresden designs look great in any circle or round project including table toppers and Christmas tree skirt designs.

Sew Super Size Quilts Easily with Tips and Techniques on Sewing With Nancy hosted by Nancy ZiemanSew Super Size Quilts Easily with Tips and Techniques on Sewing With Nancy hosted by Nancy Zieman.

Sew Super Size Quilts Easily with Tips and Techniques on Sewing With Nancy hosted by Nancy Zieman

To create the quilts from this two-part series, try Sewing With Nancy’s Super-Sized Quilts Template, Book, and DVD collection.

Sew Super Size Quilts Easily with Tips and Techniques on Sewing With Nancy hosted by Nancy Zieman

Set includes:

  • Super-Sized Quilts Trace ‘n Create Template Collections:
    • Carefree Curves Template Collection
    • Dresden Plate and Fan Template Collection
    • Lone Star Template Collection
    • Grandmother’s One Patch Collection
  • Super-Sized Quilts DVD Set
  • Free Sewing With Nancy’s Super-Sized Quilts book with purchase

Watch The Best of Sewing With Nancy’s Super-Sized Quilts on Sewing With Nancy online.

For a chance to win a copy of the book, The Best of Sewing With Nancy’s Super-Sized Quilts, from Nancy’s Notions, leave a comment below sharing what quilting project you’ll get started on this fall.

Bye for now,

Nancy Zieman The Blog

Content in this feed is © copyright 2016 by Nancy Zieman and may not be republished without written permission. You’re welcome to forward the email to a friend or colleague but it’s not okay to add the RSS feed automatically as content on a blog or other website.
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67 Comments

  • Kitty B
    September 8, 2016

    I think I would start with the Christmas tree skirt. The Dresden design is one of my favorites!

  • Sammie Carey
    September 8, 2016

    I have been thinking about making a Lone Star quilt for some time & I love the super sized one. The Dresden is beautiful, also.

  • Stephanie L.
    September 8, 2016

    I recently purchased the Dresden Plate template from Nancy. I have made two Christmas Tree Skirts. They are easy to make and are quite striking.

  • diane f
    September 8, 2016

    I would start with the lone star as I have always wanted to do one but backed off with “y” seams as I am not so good at getting them smooth and flat!

  • Sandy Trachsel
    September 8, 2016

    Hi Nancy. I feel as if I have gotten to know you over the years. And I have learned so much from you. Hopefully some day we’ll meet! I am a relatively new sewist/quilter with a new Babylock sewing machine and I have been sewing/quilting up a storm! I am finishing a flannel strip rag quilt, and next I will be starting Eleanor Burn’s Radiant Star. My husband picked out the pattern and kit as a Christmas gift for me! All my best to you!

  • Susan Spiers
    September 8, 2016

    Love the contempary look of the Lone Star quilt block!

  • Nancy S
    September 8, 2016

    I’ve been wanting to learn how to do the dresden quilt.

  • Helen Owen
    September 8, 2016

    Twirling parasols might be my next quilt project – love it!

  • diane c
    September 8, 2016

    I have to start a Christmas Tree Skirt. I have been planning that for several years

  • Bb
    September 8, 2016

    I like the lone star 3d look, dramatic when supersized.

  • Bb
    September 8, 2016

    I left a comment that it didn’t show and then I tried to leave it again the website said duplicate comment .

  • ginger rodriguez
    September 8, 2016

    I love the modernized Dresden plate. It’s a quilt I must have! Thanks for the pattern.

  • Judith Gustin
    September 8, 2016

    In 2012 I purchased the template set, DVD book set and made two twin bedspreads. They were beautiful. Within several months a house fire destroyed everything. I have repurchased the giant template set from you. But, have not been inspired until now. They are beautiful. Thank you.

  • Linda P.
    September 8, 2016

    Right now I want to make twirling parasols and grand Dresden plates but my ambition exceeds my reality. We are packing to move in 2 weeks and then I will have to set up my sewing room. I am looking forward to the winter months when I can catch up with all my ambitious dreams.

  • gail h.
    September 8, 2016

    I want to do a project that will use up some of my stash.

  • Sheila B
    September 8, 2016

    I love the idea of Super Sizing a quilt block. I’ have used a simple block, enlarged it, and made some great baby quilts. I’m ordering the template kits you have so I don’t have to do all the planning myself. Thank you Nancy for this great idea and program. It’s a Hit already with me.

  • Patricia B
    September 8, 2016

    I really like the idea of supersized quilts. I recently was fortunate to purchase a 12-foot longarm frame, nothing fancy, but does the job and have yet to setup a large project. Looking forward to the chance of entering to win the book. Which of course will lead me to buy the super sized template set and DVD.

  • Cindy K
    September 8, 2016

    I will be quilting several tops I made last year. Also want to make a pictorial quilt. The Dresden quilt looks like a project I could do to use up a lot of ties I have collected.

  • Brenda Ackerman
    September 8, 2016

    After the first of October, my daughter is getting married, I will begin making quilted gifts for Christmas. A friend and I have been done several projects already this year while making Project Linus Quilts together and have had so much fun. Thank you for the opportunity to win this fabulous prize! Have a fantastic creative day!

  • Kristen S.
    September 8, 2016

    I am going to quilt Americana placemats and coasters that I cut out in the fall of 2000! I’m looking forward to finishing them with my new walking foot. Nancy, you keep me inspired!

  • Brenda Heffner
    September 8, 2016

    My creative juices are flowing. I’m going to love working with these large designs. Already thinking of color combinations to use on my quilt! First I must order the templates collection. Thanks for your inspirations!

  • Susan Shrum
    September 8, 2016

    I have lots of my father’s ties from the past 60 years that I think I’ll use in the Sew Grand Dresden quilt. Thanks for the grand post!

  • Martha Morgan
    September 8, 2016

    I want to start a trip around the world quilt for our motor home.

  • Jan Hintzpeter
    September 8, 2016

    I need to make 2 new quilts for our grandsons who are now teenagers. These super-sized patterns would be perfect!
    Thank you, Nancy for the suggestions!

  • Sue Ann
    September 8, 2016

    I have followed your programs on PBS for many years. You are my favorite teacher! I have sewn garments for many years. My beginning quilting is to sew lap robe-sized quilts that our quilting group donates to a local hospital auxiliary. Big Blocks would be a great way to use large prints out of our donated fabrics.

  • Starla
    September 8, 2016

    I’m going to make some tree skirts for gifts, using Nancy’s Dresden templete, which makes these projects easy and fun.

  • Pat
    September 8, 2016

    I’d love to make the Grand Dresden Plate as a fall fabric table topper. Thanks for the chance to win.

  • Phyllis Youngberg
    September 8, 2016

    I’ve been sewing string quilts to use up all those scraps that seem to accumulate. Now you’ve given me the idea to use the very large templates for the string piecing. Wouldn’t the local women’s shelter love a Lone Star, with a center star pieced with colorful strings! Thanks for the inspiration!

  • Kathy Hartwell
    September 8, 2016

    I want to start a Lone Star quilt and if I were to win this I would be able to SUPER SIZE it. Thank you for the opportunity to win this.

  • Lynn
    September 8, 2016

    My granddaughter and I are making sleeping bags for their Elves on the Shelf. This will be her first sewing project.

  • Jan F.
    September 8, 2016

    As a new quilter, I would start with a Dresden table topper using some bright Michael Miller prints from my stash. I love all the possibilities of the Dresden design.

  • Bonnye
    September 8, 2016

    My 11 year old granddaughter and I will make pillowcases for charity.

  • Shirley W
    September 8, 2016

    I have always wanted to try to make a Dresden Plate quilt. I have made some small ones but how many small quilts can you use? I would like to try a quilt that would fit my bed. Some small ones would be great for our charity quilting. HUMMMMMMMM

  • Janice King
    September 8, 2016

    For the past two months, I have envisioned making a Dresden Plate quilt, but have been intimidated by all those small blades! I would jump right on it with this book!! Thank you, Nancy!

  • Rhonda in KY
    September 8, 2016

    I have an oval quilt that needs to be quilted and a small quilt top that I need to sandwich and quilt. I have the Sew Grand Dresden Quilts book and DVD. Also have the Circles Sew Simple book and DVD. Would love to add The Best of Sewing With Nancy’s Super-Sized Quilts to my collection.

  • Jennifer Fried
    September 8, 2016

    Hi Nancy, I have a fun rag quilt cut out and need to sew it together. Jenny

  • Peggy
    September 8, 2016

    I would love to sew a Grand Dresden Quilt. I would love to add The Best of Sewing With Nancy’s Super-Sized Quilts so I could make some bed sized quilt.

  • Susan T
    September 8, 2016

    With a family of at least 3 generations of quilters, I will be finishing some beautiful quilt tops of my late Mother. Makes me feel her presence and love.

  • Kathleen Pagel
    September 8, 2016

    KATHLEEN PAGEL
    I plan to make a Dresden tree skirt as a wedding gift for a special couple.

  • Linda
    September 8, 2016

    Not sure I have a lot of orphan blocks and scraps that need to be used up

  • Diane S.
    September 8, 2016

    This is a collection I would love to have.

  • Diane S.
    September 8, 2016

    I am really going to explore quilting this Fall. I would like to make a table runner using the directions for a large hot pad that I found in Nancy’s Squares and Rectangles book.

  • Tina
    September 8, 2016

    I love the Dresden quilt. That is so modern looking I would start that right away.

  • AS
    September 8, 2016

    A Lone Star would be a good project because I have yet to make this pattern.

  • Jodi Bowlden
    September 8, 2016

    Twirling Parasols reminds me of a springtime fair. That will be a starting point for me. Hoping it is Not as difficult as it looks.

  • Judy
    September 8, 2016

    I am going to try and get started on some Christmas projects.

  • BevM
    September 8, 2016

    I have my grandmother’s Lone Star quilt hanging in my sewing room, and a super-sized lone star on our bed, which is wearing out. I would like to try the teal and yellow variation shown in Nancy’s Blog.

  • Coby McFayden
    September 8, 2016

    I have always wanted to do a Lonestar Quilt Block, let alone do a lovely quilt made from them. All the patterns are wonderful, just need to find the time to make them. Thanks Nancy!

  • Coby McFayden
    September 8, 2016

    Hi Nancy, you have been such an inspiration. Love to watch your shows.
    I have always wanted to do a Lone Star quilt block, ..a whole quilt would be even better. The Dresdan is lovely also.
    Thank you for being a great teacher.

  • beth daniels
    September 8, 2016

    I am a quilter and I would love to super size my quilts. I love using templates.

  • Jan R.
    September 8, 2016

    I think I would like to try to make the Lone Star for 2 reasons. I love stars, and being 3 years post stroke, I am ready to try another new challenge.

  • Judy
    September 8, 2016

    I would love to make the Grand Dresden quilt. Also love the Twirling Parasols.

  • Kathy calley
    September 8, 2016

    My sisters law gave me a box of fabric, some baby quilt tops ready to quilt, some cut, many strips. She was expecting her 1st granddaughter 5 yrs ago n had visions of making quilts n dresses n things for her but never completed. I have decided to complete them for charity. I have 2 infant quilts, 5 crib size done. I took apart a long table runner n am ready to quilt a 72 in sq quilt. My goal is 2 of each size for boy n girl n 1 full size for the parents, for the fire dept I’m my moms town to give to a family who suffers a loss this winter. I have a a Stacy of my own to complete what she gave me. We seam to have the same taste.

  • Theresa W
    September 9, 2016

    I’m going to get started sewing my Christmas gifts and sewing more for our second granddaughter due the first part of October.

  • Jennifer Kinney
    September 9, 2016

    I have a English paper piecing project I’m trying to get finished so I can help my 13 year old daughter with her newest quilt project. Some friends found a quilt top that his mom (who passed away a few years ago) had finished and I told them I would quilt it for them. Once I get that done then I will find my next sewing/quilting project for myself.

  • elaine
    September 9, 2016

    I would love to make a Dresden quilt for my grandson’s
    wedding. Thank you Nancy for all your information that
    you share with all of us.

  • Joanne Tillery
    September 9, 2016

    I was hoping to be working on putting together quilt squares my husbands great Aunts and Grandma had sewn, but I can’t find them. So I will be working on using old fabrics and Denim to make a picnic quilt for the kids.

  • jacki
    September 9, 2016

    Its time for a Christmas tree skirt. I am still using a white sheet. 🙁 🙁

  • Cheryl
    September 10, 2016

    I have been making quilts for all the grandchildren and I have two left to do.

  • madeline olson
    September 10, 2016

    I would make a Quilt of Valor with the Lone Star Pattern, adding borders to have it meet the size requirements.

  • Deb M
    September 11, 2016

    I have three birthday gifts left to make this year and would love to give Twirling Parasols a try for one of them. Had a great time at the WPT Quilt Expo yesterday!!!

  • Fran R
    September 11, 2016

    Thanks for all this inspiration Nancy, I can hardly walk past my sewing projects. Getting these Blog ideas has given me a new splurge of energy. Gosh, do you ever sleep?

  • Carrie S`
    September 12, 2016

    Nancy, you never seem to stop amazing me! I just love the Dresden plate pattern…

  • JJ
    September 16, 2016

    I am a beginning quilter who began binge watching the show online since it’s not available on PBS in my area. Nancy, you are truly my inspiration! I love stars and have been making simple half square triangle versions as charity quilts for children. Every one deserves to feel like a star! I would love to make this Lone Star, especially since I haven’t learned to conquer the Y seam. Thank you for the opportunity to win!

  • Susan Robbins
    September 24, 2016

    I have seen this show on PBS quite a while ago. Always wanted to make a tree skirt from the grand dresden design. I also love the modern style. I’ve been quilting a few years but still have a hard time getting g everything to line up perfectly. I feel modern can be more forgiving if there is nothing to compare it to? Anyways, I keep trying, just love to sew garments, quilts and now the first grandchild is on the way!

  • Joanne T.
    September 24, 2016

    I have some Christmas theme fabric, will be making the tree skirt, I love the Dresden pattern.

  • carol
    November 12, 2016

    I like the Dresden design for the Christmas wall quilt.

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