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I Like your idea of "let it all show" with the stitches. In my humble opinion it adds an extra demension to the blocks.
Have you thought about an adhesive to hold your plates while sewing them to the background? I use a light weight fusible web on the edges where I will be sewing. Lots of cutting and waste of webbing (but you can use the seam binding type) , so worth it to keep those "plates" from moving.
These are all great ideas, ladies! Even though it's not my thread, I'm taking notes of all the great tips you smart ladies offer! On a side note, I am no longer fearful of the clear mono thread. It actually has worked out quite well when I've used it and (other than on a baby quilt) I think I'll consider it as part of my toolbox. Even though I already have several brands, I'm going to order some from Superior Threads since many of the instructors have said it's excellent. I think it's much better now than it used to be, holds up well and doesn't 'cut' cotton fabric. Unless it's a very expensive or heirloom quilt I would consider using it.
Donna----this is a huge undertaking......CA King sized....but it has been exciting thus far. I am trying to not think about the actual quilting phase...yet. That is scary to me.....but I concentrate on the phase I am in and keep moving. It has been a lot of decisions and not cheap, but it will grace our bed for years to come and I hope it will give us much enjoyment!
Judy---I have always liked the idea of the stitching showing when doing applique....well, in most cases. I just thought it would outline the plates well and show yet another step done to those that might not look close enough to see that those plates all had to be sewn down. I just thought it would make it pop....more to look at. (not worried about the stitching showing.....very comfortable on this part of the quilt) I had considered the fusible to adhere the plates....was considering using small pieces of fusible web tape, instead of cutting yardage. I had seen this on a Sewing with Nancy years ago and it works well for larger pieces of applique. The plates lie flat now, but I don't want to pin and get to the far side and need to adjust. I think the fusible might work best for me. Thanks for the idea, though.
A1angiem----thanks for the input on the clear monofilament thread. I will order some soon and play with it. I only have some older style on hand. I do think I want the stitching to show at this point. This will not be an heirloom quilt, probably, but was expensive to me. I have decided on a rust color thread that really pops the background and the inner circle fabrics. It will not blend with any of the background blade fabrics. Hubby was in agreement, so I will begin this afternoon.
I can't wait to see some pics of this quilt...it sounds awesome!
lilmouse----if you want a quick peek at the Dresden plates....both block A and block B......go to forum, then quilting questions, back to page 3 or 4 or so....look for the Dresden Question thread. I posted pics of the blocks there. I will take some new pics once I get some actually appliqued onto the background fabric. Today was beyond CRAZY!! No sewing, no quilting, no me time at all! I don't know if it will turn out awesome or not, but I am really loving it....so far! Now to get back to the studio tomorrow!