Drummer Boy Dresden Sew-Along
Here we go!
Dive into your scraps this summer. Sewing with friends or on the go? This scrap quilt is fun, forgiving and portable. It's the Drummer Boy Dresdens Sew-Along, co-hosted by The Makings of Joy and Stitched in Color.
Over 9 weeks of stitching, June through July, we'll create the Drummer Boy Dresden quilt. It combines scrap sewing, appliqué and traditional piecing.
New to curve sewing or appliqué? Never fear. This quilt is beginner-friendly. Jump in to learn and win prizes along the way! You can sew-along, whatever your pace!
the Quilt
Joy’s Drummer Boy Dresden quilt was inspired by a Dresden fan quilt made by Mrs. Lovie McGlothin, one of Joy’s “small town’s matriarchs.” Three generations of Mrs. Lovie’s family helped assemble and hand-quilt her dresden fan quilt. That kind of group endeavor is what Joy had in mind when she planned her project. Joy’s community used the quilt-making process to mourn and honor a loved one recently lost to them. It is a beautiful tribute to Aaron’s precious life.
Joy’s Drummer Boy Dresden quilt is a large bed quilt made with 5” blocks - an undertaking worthy of her community. For our sew-along purposes, I’ve scaled the block up slightly, to 6” finished. I believe my version combines the charm of the original quilt and its scrappy potential with a few time-saving tweaks to help us make a timely finish.
the Supplies
The Drummer Boy Dresden quilt pattern includes 5 quilt sizes from baby to king. This sew-along will be based on the throw size quilt, which finishes 60” square. But don’t worry, you can sew whichever size you prefer and still join in the fun! Please consult your copy of the pattern for alternative size supplies notes.
for the Throw Sized quilt
Dresden Blades: variety of scraps or jelly rolls
Quarter Circles: 1 yard
Background: 9 different fabrics, 1/2 yard each OR 17 different fabrics, 1/4 yard each
Backing: 3 3/4 yards, 44” wide fabric
Binding: 1/2 yard
Other Supplies
Point Turner - to poke out the points on your dresden blades
45mm rotary blade - optional, a nice, small size for cutting the quarter circle curves
Also, completely optional - the EZ Quilting Easy Dresden ruler. This matches the template provided in the pattern. Note, that is an Amazon affiliate link.
the Schedule
Prelude
May 14 - Community Sewing
May 20 - Sew-Along Master Post (that’s this post!)
May 27 - Prizes
June
July
Week 5 - Make 25 Dresden Fans
Week 6 - Appliqué 33 Blocks
Week 7 - Make 25 Dresden Fans
Week 8 - Appliqué 34 Blocks
Week 9 - Join Quilt Top
the Prizes
Stitching with friends is great fun; stitching with prizes is even better! Share your Drummer Boy Dresden progress on Instagram throughout the stitch-along for a chance to win weekly prizes. You don't have to keep up with our schedule to win. Stitch at your happy pace and enjoy!
Prizes are provided mainly by my lovely sponsors! More details coming soon.
Come Sew-Along!
So gather up your supplies and start dreaming of colors and fabrics! If you’re on the hunt for low volume background fabrics, check out the custom bundles at my sponsor shops here and here.
Will you be stitching with us? Use #DrummerBoyDresdens to start sharing the excitement!