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Finally! After years of starting and stopping, I have finally finished my double wedding ring quilt! As many quilters before me, this pattern intrigued me and challenged me like no pattern before. Its history is also just as intriguing.
Orgins
The double wedding ring pattern has it's origins going as far back as Roman times, where the interlocking rings were found engraved on cups. Some note it's origins are in a 15th and 16th centuries with the tradition of the gimmal ring. The American origins can be traced to the late 19th century, although it was first published in Capper's Weekly in 1928.
It's true origins are difficult to trace due to the fact that the pattern has gone by several different names and variations. Names like Rainbow, Around the World, Pickle Dish, Coiled Rattlesnake, and Friendship Knot. I personally am interested in the Pickle Dish variation. While the construction of the individual block would be challenging, the assembly of the quilt top would be much easier that the traditional double wedding ring pattern.
The double wedding ring pattern became very popular in the late 1920's and 30's due to its challenging aspects and the ability to use up scraps. County and state fairs dedicated specific categories wholly to the double wedding ring quilts during this era.
Lore and Blessing
There is a bit of lore that surrounds the double wedding ring pattern. One story, published in a newspaper links the pattern to a grandmother during the civil war. Her daughter's wedding had been delayed due to her intended leaving to fight, injured and spending several years recovering. Once they were finally able to marry, there was no money for the ring. The grandmother offered the quilt stating that she would provide the rings.
During the 1920's and 30's many double wedding ring quilts were made for daughters and granddaughters to be given at their weddings. It was said that a marriage was blessed if the couple spend their first night married under a double wedding ring quilt.
My Double Wedding Ring Story
I started my double wedding ring quilt as a gift but soon realized that it was a lot harder than I had skill at the time. It spent many months and years on the shelf. (I chose to make another quilt for the gift). I would take it out from time to time and work on it. I learned how to piece curves. I learned how to love piecing curves. This year, with my commitment to finish my unfinished projects, I pulled it out and set to work. To be honest: I feel blessed that I finished. While it's not perfect, it is beautiful! It stands as a testament to how far I have come as a quilter and that I can accomplish any challenge I set myself to, even if it spends some time on the shelf.
This quilt is off to the fair next week. And I am on to the next project.
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