Hello, friends and welcome to week two of the Labor of Love Sampler Quilt Block 2. From now on blocks will post on each Thursday, and hopefully the Balboa fabric will arrive and begin shipping soon. I know many of you are waiting to use them. This week we will be making the Dresden block. If you’ve never made a Dresden before, don’t worry–I have a couple of video tutorials to help you with this much-easier-than-it-looks block.
Labor of Love Sampler Quilt Block 2
Block 2 Links
- Introductory post on the Labor of Love Sampler Quilt
- Labor of Love Sampler Quilt Update
- Video sharing the Labor of Love Sampler
- Find the Labor of Love quilt book (needed for the sew along) here and here.
- Get Fabric Requirements for the Labor of Love Sampler here.
- See the solids that coordinate with Balboa here.
- Get the pattern for Block 1 here.
- And find the pattern for Block 2 here or click the button below. You’ll be making the Dresden exactly as in the book but will be placing it on a larger background piece as explained in this week’s PDF.
How to Make a Dresden Block
I’ve filmed a couple of videos that will help you with this week’s block. Dresden blocks are actually very simple to make and can be pieced completely by machine. I did hand applique’ my block to the background, but it’s also very easy to pin it in place and machine stitch about ⅛″ around the edge of the Dresden.
- Watch my Dresden Video Part 1 here.
- And watch the Dresden Video Part 2 for instructions on the Center Circle here.
- There is a Dresden template in the book, or you can use this one.
- And this simple tool is handy for carefully turning the blades right sides out.
A Few More Things
If you love making this week’s Dresden block, you might also be interested in my Pot Luck quilt pattern (go here to see a Christmas version of it). It’s a fast and fun Layer Cake quilt that has just three Dresden blocks in the mix!
Happy Quilting, and thanks so much for stopping by! I’ll see you next week for block 3.
Patti McConnell says
The Potluck Quilt is beautiful! I love your videos with short tutorials. Thank you!
Joanna McMurry says
I have made several Dresden blocks without the center circle. I always make them double pointed so I don’t have to do the circle. After I watched your video I decided to try your method. What a simple easy trick. Thanks Sherri!