Since I saw the wonderful tute by dragonquilter about making the folded dahlias I thought I would try one. It is a wonderful tute that she did and easy to follow. I did one and then thought I would try another. Well I just finished my second folded dahlia but instead of using 6" squares for all of it I started out with the first 4 rows using a 4 x 3 rectangle, then rows 5 and 6 I used a 5 x 4 rectangle and only on the last row did I use the 6" square and I think I could have used a 6 x 5 without any problem. On all of the rectangles I started out by pressing the top over just 1 inch instead of in half and then I pressed the long direction in half. I saved alot of fabric doing it this way and the finished flower weighs less than half of what the other one did. I did cut a 2" diamond out of left over batting to put under the center fold, but it really wasn't necessary because you still get some puff. Here are the two different folded dahlias that I did. Can you tell which one uses more fabric?

Thanks,
Sherryl
Candlequilter

I can't tell.

I can't tell either, but they're both absolutely beautiful! :thumbup:

Can't tell either!

Both fabric selections and results are fabulous.

When they first appeared on the board, I was wondering how bulky and heavy those Dahlias were, and if that was why everyone was making pillows instead of quilts or a smaller piece for hanging.

ooc, would you use your second attempt in a quilt, or is it still too bulky to work well? Because I think a quilt of those Dahlias would be stunning.

Thanks.

BEAUTIFUL!!

Hi, I don't think I would make a quilt out of even the second dahlia because even tho it uses alot less fabric you still can feel the weight of all the folds just in the flower area so your quilt would have definitely heavier spots in it. It would be interesting to figure out a way to use it as one tho.

Thanks for looking,
Sherryl
Candlequilter

These dahlia's are just beautiful. I used to cover those bit Dak cookie tins with a folded top similar to this. The sides were also covered with fabric. It made a beautiful tin for storing things in....like thread, or small sewing notions.
A person could maybe put one in the center of a quilt and then use other blocks to put around it? Would that work?

I wanna know what color thread you used on the blue one.
Yours are both awesome and I am gonna try with the less fabric for my next one. Right now I am working on one that is 4" square. Don't know yet how it will turn out.

They are beautiful!

Stunning blocks :D:D:D

Very pretty!

Sherryl, after looking at your Dahlias again & reading the directions VERY carefully, I can see where my problem was. I guess it took sev. heads together to help me see it. I really appreciate your input. Can't wait to do another one now that I see the error of my ways. LOL

Very nice, I will try one someday.