Tuesday, November 15, 2016

To Have & To Hold

Hi!  And welcome to Melva Loves Scraps!  Thank you so much for stopping by and being part of the Quiltmaker's 100 Blocks Volume 15 Blog Hop.  I hope that you will take the time to look around my blog and get to know me.  I also hope that you will become a "follower".  You can sign up to receive notifications via e-mail of my posts or, if you are a bloglovin' fan, you can easily find me there as well - there is a button in the right side of the page.

And, in case you didn't know it... there are prizes to be won!  For a chance to win a copy of 100 Blocks, Volume #14, simply leave a comment about how you would use the block... Would you change the color of the rings?  Use the block in a sampler quilt?  Or perhaps a label? Or even a ring bearer's pillow?  Let me know!  



Now, believe it or not, "To Have and To Hold" is a product of a project gone bad.  A customer had asked for a quilted wall hanging and drew me a sketch of his vision... We had agreed upon wedding rings as they were a symbol of eternal love, rather than the cupid.  The entire story really is not important here, but in the end the customer and I agreed that his vision and my creative style were not meshing and the project was abandoned.  
I "auditioned" several different fabric choices for the rings and the diamond before finding what my mind's eye wanted.

Here they are... 

  
I felt that this one was too neon-like... 



This one was too bronze-like...


This was my very favorite.  It reminded me of a ring with the engraving on it.  Sadly, I appliqued it onto fabric that was far too thin (as a practice) and  it didn't look right... Ugh!   AND even more sad, there was not enough of this fabric remaining for another block... Back into the stash! I Liked the look of this one so much that I considered using some  bridal runner fabric that I use as interfacing that has a similar filigree engraving look, but in the end changed my mind... 


As you can see, I went ahead and used the button-hole stitch to outline the rings and used a zig-zag to mark the diamond cuts to help determine how much more detail was needed. (The diamond looks a little wonky on this one...)

I was finally pleased with my fabric choice (rings, diamond and background) and the amount of stitching that was needed... 

All that was needed then was a border!



Since the original project was abandoned, I have not had the opportunity to use this block in a quilt... yet.  But our youngest daughter's wedding is in April and I have plans to use this block as part of the label for their wedding quilt.  Though I will likely be auditioning fabric again as they are having silver rings, not gold.  Back to the stash!

So tell me what your thoughts are... 
(remember you have a chance to win a copy of Volume #14) Have you thought about it?  How would you use "To Have and To Hold"?  It could be fun as a 40th anniversary gift with a ruby stone instead of a diamond... 

Melva





152 comments:

  1. The gold reminded me so much of the golden anniversary. This would look wonderful in a quilt made especially for a couple celebrating their 50th anniversary. This block in the center and other blocks surrounding with designs of events that happened over the years. You certainly have a designing imagination! Blessings, Gretchen villacrestfarm@gmail.com

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  2. Very pretty block. When I first saw this block I thought about a wall hanging or even a quilt for some couples wedding or anniversary. I would maybe machine embroidery the wedding date and couples names in the wall hanging also. Again very nice block.
    thim3@hotmail.com

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  3. So cute! My daughter is having her wedding in summer. Perhaps I could use it for the ringpillow. Would be such a sweet reminder.

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  4. Your block would make a lovely wall hanging to celebrate a wedding or anniversary.
    cjneubauer@iowatelecom.

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  5. I think I'd make a wall hanging and embroider names and dates on it. Perfect as a wedding gift, I think.

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  6. Your block would be wonderful as the label on the back of the wedding quilt, with embroidered names and date.

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  7. Your block would make a lovely gift for a wedding or anniversary.

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    Replies
    1. Thank you for stopping by and participating in the hop. Good luck in the drawing

      Blessings,

      Melva

      Delete
  8. I love the idea of using the block as a label on the back of a wedding quilt! I've always done simple labels, but think a label like this would really add to the quilt.

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  9. I have a 25th anniversary coming up and was thinking of a sampler quilt. This block would fit right in. Thanks...

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  10. Quilt label - what a great idea! How perfect for a wedding gift quilt. kathleendotlutzatcomcastdotnet

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  11. What a wonderful idea to use the rings for the label on a wedding quilt. I think the block would also be perfect for the ring bearer's pillow.

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    Replies
    1. Thank you for stopping by and participating in the hop. Good luck in the drawing

      Blessings,

      Melva

      Delete
  12. Melva, Your block is simply beautiful! Congratulations on getting in the magazine. I think it would be wonderful in a quilt for a bride-to-be. Maybe like a memory quilt. Thank you for the giveaway.

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  13. Great block. I would use it as a label for an anniversary quilt, the color would depend on the year or if for a newly wed couple the wedding colors.
    patsystitch@gvtc.com

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  14. How about a ring pillow for a wedding?

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  15. It's perfect for a ring bearer pillow or the center of a wedding quilt.

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  16. This would make a great ring bearers pillow and the rings could be made to match those of the bride and groom, with the wedding colors as background.

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  17. I think it could be the center block of a memory quilt with pictures of the wedding (transferred to fabric)surrounding it.

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    Replies
    1. Love your idea of a photo quilt with it. Thank you for stopping by and participating in the hop. Good luck in the drawing.
      Blessings, Melva

      Delete
  18. Ring bearers pillow, just add ribbon to tie real rings on. 24Tangent@gmail.com

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  19. Great idea changing the color of the stone! Would be great in a memory quilt!

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  20. Great gift.For me two pillows for their bed.

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  21. Wow.... I would use it on every quilt that I make for as a wedding gift. If I didn't incorporate it on the front I would incorporate it as the label on the back. Wonderful block!

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  22. Your ideas for using this block are great! I would use the block as part of a pieced backing for a wedding or anniversary quilt!

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  23. congratulations. what a wonderful block. This would be wonderful as a ring pillow with ribbon to hold the rings. This would also make a great mini for the wall with names and date.
    My husband and I have gold so I would use gold for us. My daughter in law would like this as a wall hanging. I would use silver for hers and gold for my sons. Thanks for sharing.
    quilting dash lady at Comcast dot net

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  24. Awesome block - perfect as a mine for sew many happy occasions!

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  25. Congrats! Our 33 year anniversary is on Dec.31 and I would love to make a nice wall hanging and pillows with some applique on this block, very nice. Tank you! Zippyquilter@gmail.com

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  26. It would be perfect to make to celebrate my 40th anniversary this year. We had our vows renewed at the wedding church in Cana Israel in Sept. and it would be great to make as a wonderful special year.

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    Replies
    1. Congratulations on your 40th anniversary <3 Thank you for stopping by and participating in the hop. Good luck in the drawing

      Blessings,

      Melva

      Delete
  27. Interesting block. I would probably use it as a label on the back of a wedding quilt.

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    Replies
    1. Thank you for stopping by and participating in the hop. Good luck in the drawing

      Blessings,

      Melva

      Delete
  28. I do love the idea of as a ring pillow or the medallion. Like this fabric best also. for the wedding quilt. rjc2cam(at)gmail(dot)com

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  29. This would be great for a ring bearer pillow, it would be fun to find shimmery gold fabric for the rings.
    djcutting2(at)gmail(dot)com

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  30. I would use it as a label for the back of a wedding quilt. I also think it could be a great framed wall art with the date of the marriage embroderied on it.

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    Replies
    1. I like the idea of framing it. Thank you for stopping by and participating in the hop. Good luck in the drawing.
      Blessings, Melva

      Delete
  31. Wow. So many possibilities! I'm thinking of son/daughter rings for a mother with their birthstone colors. Thank you for a chance to win!

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  32. Your block would be nice in the middle of a quilt with the other blocks left blank so that people attending a wedding could sign. cknapp3626(at)sbcglobal(dot)net

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  33. Definitely the center of a memory quilt for a 50th wedding anniversary.

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  34. My niece just got married- might make a wall hanging!

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  35. Perfect for my nephew who just got married October 1st. Great pattern for an anniversary gift as well.

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    Replies
    1. Thank you for stopping by and participating in the hop. Good luck in the drawing
      Blessings, Melva

      Delete
  36. I thought it would be perfect for a ring bearer's pillow but I like the anniversary idea as well.

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    Replies
    1. Thank you for stopping by and participating in the hop. Good luck in the drawing

      Blessings, Melva

      Delete
  37. My friend's son was married last month. This would make a lovely gift, maybe in a frame. I think I might make the groom's ring a shade darker than the bride's ring? Not sure about that...Thank you for sharing the story behind your block. Just because your design didn't fit the situation doesn't mean it didn't have value.

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  38. I think you were right...this would make an awesome ring bearer pillow....just add some ribbon ties to hold the rings in place. Great idea!

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    Replies
    1. Thank you for stopping by and participating in the hop. Good luck in the drawing

      Blessings,

      Melva

      Delete
  39. Congratulations on being in 100 Blocks! The block seems perfect for a label for a wedding quilt. :)

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  40. What a great idea for a wedding quilt or a memory quilt. Congratulations on having your block included in 100 Blocks.

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  41. This would be fabulous as a ring bearer's pillow - my youngest son has recently got engaged!!

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  42. It could be the center for a memory quilt for an anniversary...could have signed blocks from guests around it. Could use as a simple wallhanging for wedding gift. Could also be used as you say as a label. Many possibilities.

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  43. This would make a wonderful label for a wedding quilt. The names and the date could be embroidered in the border around the rings. Terrific design!

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    Replies
    1. Thank you for stopping by and participating in the hop. Good luck in the drawing

      Blessings,

      Melva

      Delete
  44. My immediate thought was to make a ring bearer's pillow for my cousin's upcoming wedding.

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  45. I want to make a Memory quilt for my father and mother

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    Replies
    1. Thanks for stopping by and participating in the hop. Good luck in the drawing

      Blessings,

      Melva

      Delete
  46. I plan to use the block on the back of a quilt I'm making for a wedding gift.

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    Replies
    1. Thank you for stopping by and participating in the hop. Good luck in the drawing

      Blessings,

      Melva

      Delete
  47. This block would be pretty as a special pillow or wall hanging. I do like the idea as a label for a quilt too!

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  48. This block would make a sweet label on the back of wedding quilt or even part of the bigger picture of the quilt. Thanks for sharing your blog and ideas.

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    Replies
    1. Thank you for stopping by and participating in the hop. Good luck in the drawing

      Blessings,

      Melva

      Delete
  49. I think this block would be good as a center for a wall hanging quilt where the guests sign a fabric swatch and it is a substitute for a sign in book at the wedding. I am thinking of doing something similar for my daughters wedding in June.

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  50. I could add this to a wedding quilting for the up and coming Wedding!

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    Replies
    1. Enjoy! Thank you for stopping by and participating in the hop. Good luck in the drawing

      Blessings,

      Melva

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  51. I have made many wedding quilts over the years and this block will be a great addition to my quilting either as a block or label. prycek@mymts.net

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  52. If you had plenty of time before the wedding a person could make up the ring blocks and have them personalized at the reception or various showers prior to the wedding. it could be a beautiful autograph quilt.
    kaylace@bellsouth.net

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  53. Your block instantly reminded me of the old movie....:) Really nice block.

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  54. Glad you were able to recycle your idea. I'd use it for a block in a wedding quilt.

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  55. You could use this pattern for any of the yearly anniversaries, maybe in a pillow or frame it. I can see lots of possibilities..

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  56. That would be a great wedding shower gift.

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  57. I would like to see your block as the top of the ring bearer pillow with the names of the couple and the wedding date.

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    Replies
    1. Thank you for stopping by and participating in the hop. Good luck in the drawing

      Blessings,

      Melva

      Delete
  58. It would be a great label for a wedding or anniversary quilt. Add the names and date(s). Thanks.

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  59. I'd love to see a silver version, or even a sparkly "diamond" anniversary version. There could be a whole quilt recognizing the weddings in a family.

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    Replies
    1. I am excited to make one in silver. Thanks for hopping by and participating in the blog hop. Good luck in the drawing

      Blessings,

      Melva

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  60. I could have used your ring design for a 50th anniversary signature quilt I made this summer. Great to see Quiltmaker sent you a calendar with your block in it. Kathy in colo repzjratplainsdotnet

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  61. Cute block! It would be a great block on a memory wedding quilt wall hanging for the bride and groom!

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    Replies
    1. Thank you for stopping by and participating in the hop. Good luck in the drawing

      Blessings,

      Melva

      Delete
  62. This would be a great ring bearer pillow at a wedding!

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  63. I think I would make a pillow for the wedding or anniversary. Great Block!

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  64. I very lovely block! congrats!

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  65. I've been truing to figure out what to make for my brother's 60th wedding anniversary coming up. This would make a nice wall hanging. I can personalize it for them. Thank you for the idea!

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    Replies
    1. Enjoy! Thank you for stopping by and participating in the hop. Good luck in the drawing
      Blessings, Melva

      Delete
  66. My son is getting married in September. I think this would make a great label for their wedding quilt.

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  67. This would be a great engagement party/shower gift made up for the kitchen.

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  68. That is a very original block. I like the idea of using it as a quilt label, but putting it in a wedding quilt would be nice. It would be nice in an anniversary quilt or even a memory quilt.

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  69. I would use this as a wall quilt to celebrate my wedding anniversary.

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  70. How fun to read the story of your block. I so enjoy reading all the blogs on the hop :o) My block, Order in the Court, is also in Volume 14, so no need to include me in your drawings, I just wanted to stop by and say, "Hi!"

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  71. It would be perfect on an anniversary quilt. Nancy A: rangerer@sbcglobal.net

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  72. I love the idea of using this on an anniversary quilt. A large version on the front and a smaller version on the back as the label.

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  73. Very nice aplaque ty for sharing. Would be pretty in middle of quilt... happyness04431@yahoo.com

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  74. Very nice aplaque ty for sharing. Would be pretty in middle of quilt... happyness04431@yahoo.com

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  75. I like this on an anniversary quilt -- perhaps 50th?

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  76. This would be a great block in the middle of an anniversary quilt.

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  77. I think it would be great on any wedding quilt I make for a label... thank you drhodes9@cox.net

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  78. Perfect for those family scrap quilts.

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    Replies
    1. Thank you for stopping by and participating in the hop. Good luck in the drawing
      Blessings, Melva

      Delete
  79. This would make a great label for a wedding quilt. Congratulations on being in the magazine.

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  80. I think I would use it in a small wall hanging with the wedding date and the happy couples names.

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    Replies
    1. Thank you for stopping by and participating in the hop. Good luck in the drawing

      Blessings, Melva

      Delete
  81. What an amazing and creative block! I would make a ring pillow for a bride. So perfect!

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  82. My sister had her 50th wedding anniversary this summer. I made her a gold/white quilt; your block would have made a nice center block or maybe a label for the back. Thanks.

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  83. I think it would make a beautiful ring bearers pillow!

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    Replies
    1. Thank you for stopping by and participating in the hop. Good luck in the drawing
      Blessings, Melva

      Delete
  84. I would use this block as a label for a friend's wedding quilt I am making. It's good this came out as I was designing her quilt. For me, I am a fire and ice girl so my ring would be a jewel toned ruby color on platinum bands. Creative block.

    tushay3 (at) yahoo (dot) com

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  85. I'm definitely using this block for a label on my daughter's wedding quilt ( which is a very old UFO ). They celebrated their 7th anniversary in September! Thank you!!

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  86. I would use this block as a wedding pillow. Thanks for the giveaway.

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    Replies
    1. Thank you for hopping by and participating in the blog hop. Good luck in the drawing
      Blessings, Melva

      Delete
  87. I think it would be perfect for the ring bearer!

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  88. I would use your block as a ring bearer pillow. It really is cute.

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  89. Your design actually has a nice folk art look to it to me. I think it would look wonderful in a sampler of folk art blocks. Thank you for the sweet giveaway!

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  90. I would either use it in a wedding quilt or make it into a pillow for the ring bearer.

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  91. I think it would be a great ring bearer pillow. I like the gold rings and would use the brides color scheme for the border.

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  92. Congratulations on a great block, that can be used in SO many different ways, Melva!!
    (My sweet mother-in-law's name!! I've never met anyone else with her name!)
    Your block could also be a wonderful quilted album cover, for wedding pictures! (Would be a great gift!)
    Thank you!
    Pat T.j

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  93. I think it would make a great label on quilt given as a wedding gift...add a little embroidery to personalize it.

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  94. I love the block. And I love that it came from an error! I think that it would make a beautiful ring bearer's pillow. I would use something that the bride would like!

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    Replies
    1. There are life lessons all the time! Thank you for stopping by and participating in the hop. Good luck in the drawing.

      Blessings, Melva

      Delete
  95. I agree with your idea for labeling the back of a wedding quilt. It could also be a fun signature block as the guest book for a wedding.

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  96. Two rings can symbolize so much- how about an apron front with the couples names on it- for a shower. They could be also made into a pillow and quilted with metallic thread.

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    Replies
    1. Love, love love the apron idea for a shower! Thank you for stopping by and participating in the hop. Good luck in the drawing.
      Blessings, Melva

      Delete
  97. This is a beautiful block. You could use it as the centre to a medallion wedding quilt.

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  98. What a great block!! & love the idea of a label on back of quilt! Very creative... Love the engraved looking set...is my fave too. This block could be used for a pillow, or small wallhanging.

    thank you for chance to win your give-a-way too :)

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  99. Your block is perfect to use for a label for the quilt I am making for my son and his wife. It's ABSOLUTLY perfect!

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  100. Definitely a wedding anniversary,label is great or pillow. 50th would be perfect but you just change the stone and it could be anything.

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  101. I think your block would be a great wall hanging anniversary gift.
    nikilsend(at)outlook(dot)com

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  102. This block would be great for my Aunt and Uncles 50th wedding anniversary next year.

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  103. Love your idea of using your block for a quilt label. I also though of the back of the ring barriers pillow. Happy thanksgiving!

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  104. I think it could be used as part of a signature label on a wedding gift quilt.

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    Replies
    1. Thank you for stopping by and participating in the hop. Good luck in the drawing

      Blessings,

      Melva

      Delete
  105. So cute! I would use gold Fairy Frost for the rings--shiny! I would add on a Claddagh to either one or both of the rings. A Claddagh is an Irish wedding ring (I love it so much that I named my blog Claddaghs and Quilts!) it is a crowned heart cradled between two hands. Love, loyalty, friendship for a beautiful marriage.
    reillyr2(at)hotmail(dot)com

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  106. I think using this as a ring bearer's pillow is a great idea! Too bad my daughters are both married already :)

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  107. Maybe an outline of a church with the rings on the door, with date underneath of wedding for a small wall hanging wedding gift. Pretty cute block...
    sewfabrics at outlook.com

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  108. You could use the block in a wedding quilt with pictures from the wedding, along with the invitation, etc. ndfromsd(at)gmail(dot)com

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  109. I think that your fabric choice is spot on! It might make a nice wall hanging with the names of the bride and groom, and their wedding date.

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  110. Your final design certainly turned out great. I like the idea of using it for a label. I think the wedding party names and date could be easily sewn on the borders.

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  111. I think that this would work well in a quilt either celebrating a wedding or an anniversary that included pictures. Great block.

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  112. I'd use it as a wall hanging and hand embroider the words that are engraved in their rings :)Congrats on your block. it is going to POPULAR!!!!

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  113. I will use it for a wedding, I like the color of the rings..., I do not really like the golden border, I could change it

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  114. I like the color of the rings and would like to make this for a 50th. wedding anniversary wall quilt (small). Think I would leave the jewel off of it.
    quiltschon@att.net

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  115. I have subscribed to receive e-mails from you.
    quiltschon@att.net

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  116. wow what a great idea block for a wedding or anniversary quilt. I love it and thanks for the chance to win.

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  117. My 40th wedding anniversary is next year, so I will think about using your suggestion.

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    Replies
    1. Congratulations on your upcoming anniversary <3 Thank you for stopping by and participating in the hop. Good luck in the drawing
      Blessings,
      Melva

      Delete
  118. Perhaps someday as a label in a wedding quilt. I'm sure it would be altered though, as my daughter prefers white gold, and stones other than diamonds.

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    Replies
    1. Thank you for stopping by and participating in the hop. Good luck in the drawing

      Blessings, Melva

      Delete
  119. That is really cute. I think I like the idea of using it as a label.

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    Replies
    1. Thanks Dawn for stopping by and participating in the hop. Good luck in the drawing

      Blessings,

      Melva

      Delete
  120. Hi Melva! Live this story. My father-in-law wrote a not yet publish book called "TO HAVE AND TO HOLD." I would likely do something for my in-laws with it. Something small though!

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  121. I have seen wedding quilts where different people made a block for it. I think this would be great for something like that. Very nice.

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  122. I might make it with a silver ring instead of gold. I'm a silver jelwerly person

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  123. Not only would your block be perfect for a ringbearer's pillow, I think that framed in a shadowbox would be a super sweet idea for a bride and groom. It is soooo cute.

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