After finding these Dresden Plate quilt blocks - I needed to learn a bit more about this familiar pattern with the funny name. Why isn't it called Daisy or Sunflower or some other flower since the pattern so obviously has petals ? The following text from http://www.patternsfromhistory.com/colonial_revival/dresden-plate.htm answered my questions so I share here:
The popular name for this quilt, Dresden Plate, reflects the romance of the Victorian Era with its love of elaborate decoration on household items and décor. Dresden, Germany was a center of 19th century romanticism movement in art, one that included the fine decoration of porcelain. The plates were embellished with elaborate design using flowers, fruits and foliage. It was first published in the 20s but not always under the name Dresden Plate. Grandmother's Sunburst, Friendship Ring, Aster, Dahlia and Sunflower are other names for this pattern.
Inspecting the 1920 and 1930s household and feedsack cotton prints that form the petals of Dresden Plate blocks is the real treasure for me and the two I have for sale do not disappoint:
The Dresden Plate quilt pattern was one of the most popular quilts made during the 1920s and 30s. The 1930s version is usually easy to date because of the typical floral prints of the period. Some were made with prettily patterned feedsacks while a few were done with solid prints.
The two blocks I have listed do not disappoint. And the circular center dots ad a bit of whimsy -- plus the black blanket stitch gives these an artsy "look at me" vibe -- almost like the maker took a black Sharpie to underscore her handiwork as if to say "look what I made!" Enjoy !!