One of the more challenging quilt patterns is the Dresden plate. Generally, one would make the plate and then applique it onto a square block for including in a larger quilt. In my case, I wanted the plate to be a free standing table mat. As carefully as I could I made a template at 22.5 degrees plus a 1/4" seam allowance and cur the sections from the fabric. I the formed the points and sewed the plate together. Sadly, the whole plate would not lie flat as there was too much fabric that bunched at the edged and in the middle of the points. I double checked everything and all seemed well, template angle, 1/4" seams, etc. I tried and tried again and again with similar results. Searching the internet for help I found one person with a similar issue and a kind and experienced quilter suggested that the issue may be in the pressing of the seams and the points. The points are cut on the bias and stretch easily under an iron unless one is extremely careful to press seams and not iron the joined points. I will be trying to take this to heart in my next effort and will write more later.