Can you believe it’s been a week already? Yep! We’re on week two of our nine-week journey. With all that gets packed into the summer, this sew-along is going to fly by. That’s why I’ve broken it down into a series of doable steps. In just a session or two each week, you can totally keep up!

So, how did it go? Did you complete 25 dresden fans? Or did you make even more, haha. I think I completed about 30 last week. Yay! Now it’s time to switch gears.

This post is part of the Drummer Boy Dresdens Sew-Along! See all posts.

Week 2 Goal

Backgrounds + Quarter Circles

This week is all about cutting. I know it’ll be hard, but try to step away from those addictive dresden blades for a beat. We’re going to think smart and cut all of the repetitive bits now while the project is is fresh and enthusiasm is high. After completing this week’s goal, you’ll be able to whip up completed blocks in no time!

Step 1: Cut Background Squares

Refer to the Drummer Boy Dresden quilt pattern to cut a total of 100 background squares. Yep, the throw sized quilt takes 100 blocks. It’s a good number!

Don’t forget to layer your fabrics to speed things along. Also, feel free to use even more fabrics than the pattern calls for. Extra variety equals more background sparkle! Just watch out for significant variations in value (lightness or darkness of the fabric). Big value differences can push variety from sparkle to distracting.

Step 2: Cut Quarter Circles

Use your pattern template to cut 100 quarter circle shapes. Again, stack your fabrics to cut in multiples. It saves a ton of time! I like to cut this shape from a squared off corner. This way I can align the template with the perpendicular straight edges and simply cut the curve.

And that’s all! This week’s goal is a pretty easy one. Maybe you’ll use the chance to get ahead. Next week, it’s back to the dresden fans! But really, this sew-along is no pressure. Whatever order or pace suits is yours for the taking. Don’t be shy about sharing your progress wherever you are in the process!

Come Sew-Along!

Join the community by sharing your progress photos on Instagram with hashtag #DrummerBoyDresdens. Every image equals a chance to win a prize. This week you’ll be in the running for a $35 gift certificate to Gotham Quilts!

Make sure you follow @GothamQuilts for your chance to win, plus @StitchedinColor and my cohost @TheMakingsofJoy. Good luck!