Pieces in the Garden - Wedding Ring Day - Block #8

 “Bride’s Quilt”

Once upon a time, there was a little girl, who wore a bow in her hair. When she grew up, she began a friendship with a young bachelor. As the hours and days passed, they began to look at each other with stars in their eyes, and as their love grew, they thought about taking steps to the altar. So, the young girl got out her spools of thread and made clothes to get ready for their wedding ring day.

After they are married, some of their times together will be bright as noon and others will be dark as night.  But they will try to share their happiness, their miseries and their chores – she grabbing a wrench to help with household repairs and he grabbing a towel to help with the dishes.  Sometimes they will have broken dishes, but they will try to remember that “things” can be replaced, whereas harsh words, possibly spoken about the broken dishes, could chip away love.  They will try to follow the Golden Rule as they are learning to communicate openly with each other.

They will also try to keep in mind the symbolism of Jacob’s ladder – “steps of communication” between themselves on earth and God in heaven.

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Please join me for a cup of tea as we have a session of "She Says, He Says" about their wedding day.

Grandma, tell me about your wedding day.  When and where did you get married.  Did you wear a special dress?  Where did you get your dress?

We were married on September 19, 1935. Reverend Hints married us at 418 Kansas Street in Trinidad, CO.  My dress was a cinnamon crepe dress.  I bought my dress at Mose's Drygoods store in town.  I think it cost around $7.  

My best friend, Anna May bought a black dress but her mom wouldn't let her wear it.  My sister, Marie, decorated with yellow tulle and flowers.  Auntie Bob and Forrie's mom made cakes.  We were supposed to join right hands, but Forrie being left-handed, stuck out his left hand.  Everyone giggled.

Grandpa, tell me about your wedding day.  When and where did you get married?  Who married you?  Was anyone else in the wedding?

We were married at 418 Kansas Street in Trinidad on September 19, 1935.  Tressie's sister, Marie, was living there.  The fireplace was decorated with yellow tulle and flowers.  Reverend Hints married us.  My mother made one cake and my sister, "Auntie Bob", made a cake.

Russell Morris was my best man.  Anna May Threlkeld was Tressie's maid of honor.  

We went to Monte Vista and spent the night.

 

There were two newspaper articles that confirmed the details they both recalled of their special day were, indeed, mostly accurate - with the exception that the bride's maid did wear a black crepe dress (trimmed with flesh colored crepe).

If Grandpa had given her a special ring for each anniversary celebration they had, she would have at least three of them... possibly four.  (Remember, Karri mentioned that Grandma did love to entertain, and be entertained.)

They had a 30th (perhaps their 35th) celebration in Tucson with their friends in the Camera Club...

They had a ruby celebration for their 40th...

They had a golden celebration for their 50th...  and it was a "Tea!"  How appropriate 😉 Tressie had wanted to have a ceremony to renew their vows, but Forrest was absolutely against it.  Haha!

And a diamond jubilee for their 60th with children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren present...

Using birthstones as the inspiration for each block, I pieced 16 rings to complete this row of my Garden Row Quilt... A sort of family ring 😀

Bottom row, L-R:  TT's birthday, FET's birthday, September's stone for their marriage, daughter Carol, son Forrie , grandson Kelvin, granddaughter Kim, granddaughter Melva

Top row, L-R:  granddaughter Kodi, granddaughter Karri, Great-granddaughter Heather, Great-granddaughter Rebecca, Great-great-grandson Tyshan, GGGD Emma, GGGD Maggie, GGGD Hanna (Note:: There are six more great-grands and many great-great-grands, but I only had so much room.)

Forrest & Tressie left quite the legacy... er, garden!  

How's your garden growing?  Here's a look at mine... 

In the northern hemisphere of the world, gardeners are in the midst of "harvest season"... so here I am with some directions on assembling your rows.

There will be a total of at least 15 rows (if you are making all of the bonus blocks too).  You will need 14 horizontal sashing strips, 1-1/2" wide and 48-1/2" long) between the rows.  NOTE::  It is important to cut them to this specific length to help in keeping the quilt as straight and "square" as possible.  Because the length of the rows and the varying sizes of the blocks (as well as the size of the pieces making up the blocks), some rows can be a little more "springy" than others.  

It is best to choose a fabric that is wider than the standard 42/44" width, to avoid having a seam in the strip (1 yard will be an ample amount of fabric).  OR you can purchase 1-1/2 yards and cut the strips on the length of fabric, 1-1/2" x 48-1/2". 

Mark the center of the sashing strip by folding in half and pressing a crease.  Pin that center crease at the center of the row, pin each end of the strip to the ends of the row.  Easing in, if necessary, pin into place the remainder of the block seams to the strip.  The sashing strip will help to stabilize the rows and help keep everything lying flat when you are ready to sandwich the quilt.

Dave and recently celebrated our 37th anniversary... We never had a real honeymoon, and we haven't had any special celebrations for any of our big anniversaries.  With the exception of renewing our vows on our 13th anniversary.  (I know... weird year to celebrate, but there was logic and reason behind it. 😙)

We had planned on taking a cruise for our 20th anniversary... it was put off because we opted to take a family vacation to tour Gettysburg and DC.  No regrets!  We made so many memories and had some pretty special times.

We had thought we might make the cruise for our 25th... nope!  We chose to take our daughters to Las Vegas to celebrate their college graduations - Heather with a Bachelor of Science degree with a double minor and Becca with her Associates of Art and Applied Science Degrees (she was then ready to enroll in the PTA program).

And then we were empty nesters... so did we really need a vacation away from our children?  Haha!  No not really.

My parents celebrated their 25th anniversary with Tressie and Forrest and their 50th when family gathered at the VA Nursing Home that my Dad resided for his final years on earth.  It was a marvelous celebration with many family members present to celebrate with them.  It was a celebration that Mom had looked forward to for many years... even as a young girl before she ever knew Dad. 💕

I get that all marriages are healthy and happy, and that many marriages don't survive some difficult challenges.  But... for those that do... Celebrate.  And CELEBRATE BIG! 🎊

Have you ever had a big anniversary celebration?  

Have you ever helped a close family or friend celebrate?

Share some details in the comments...  I'd love to hear from you!

Grab your free pattern and then come back to link up for the parade of wedding rings and a chance to win a prize package from Cornerstone Tea Company.  If you simply want to make a purchase from Stephanie, you can get a 25% discount by using LEGACYOFLOVE when you check out (free shipping for orders over $30 too!).  

Keep Piecing!

Melva

Linking with:

Put Your Foot Down at True Blue Quilts

Needle & Thread Thursday at My Quilt Infatuation