Modernized Double Wedding Ring: A Finished Quilt

When I set out to make a quilt for my sister-in-law and her new wife, who have been together for 10 years, my goal was to commemorate the long-awaited wedding event itself. It was such a special day for the couple and family, and we were fortunate enough to be able to attend a few weeks ago!

 

This is my simplified version of the traditional double wedding ring quilt, using orange peels instead (my favorite motif, as you might already know!). I LOVE double wedding ring quilts, but I have no patience to piece one (and the idea for this quilt came about only a couple months before the wedding, so it would have been quite a time crunch). Plus, while I was looking them over, I realized that all the little pieces actually look like large orange peels. I placed the central orange peels like so to mimic the joining of two circles, or two hands, in marriage. Perfect!

Back when I chose these modern, calm fabrics (in colors the brides chose), I organized blues into 4 color groups. This was mostly instinctual but often directed by warm/cool tones. I wanted the quilt to move from gray in the middle all the way to dark blue on the top and bottom; this design would hopefully emphasize the double wedding ring motif. When I started piecing improvisational waves, I often added in a bit of the next darkest color. This technique ensures that the gradient will change smoothly (versus starkly).

The quilting itself was really fun to do; I used my walking foot to create randomized waves all over. This was the right choice for this quilt (in my mind) because a) it emphasizes the design of the waves (always one of my goals - add to the design instead of take away) and b) it maximizes comfort.

Barbara Persing gave a wonderful lecture at our guild meeting a few years ago, and one of my takeaways was the importance of considering the quilt's use. This one was intended for the couch (and that's where it is, yay!), so dense quilting wasn't necessarily going to be as comfortable. Win-win!

I used a handful of Aurifil threads to make the waves in each section, progressing from light to dark (4060 variegated gray, 2735 medium blue, 2783 medium delft blue, and 1320 medium teal). My most recent exciting thread discovery is that variegated gray thread, which really makes an impact. I just used it for part of another quilt, too!

The backing is this lovely print, "Lilla," from Lotta Jansdotter's "Hemma" line, which I picked up from my LQS, Pennington Quilt Works. I enjoy ordering fabric online, but nothing beats being able to choose in person when I can.

And finally, a picture of the happy couple. We were glad to be a part of the special weekend in Florida! Originally, I planned to pack the quilt with me and gift it to them in person, but it was easier (and cheaper - it's a large lap size) to ship it right before we left. I'm so glad I was able to surprise them with a quilt!

Linking up to: Needle and Thread Thursday, TGIFF, Crazy Mom Quilts