Why not use the international signalling flags to write your message? Each flag is easily to piece (easier than letters) - and it would certainly make a nautically themed quilt. Plus - the quilt would be more useful after you 'unroll' the question.

My best advice is secretly take a quilting course. That way you get help from experts.

What a sweet idea! I'm glad you're giving yourself lots of time. A lot of beginning quilters decide they want to make a special project with only a couple of weeks to complete figuring it looks easy to make a quilt so it can't take much time. Not!

As you've had no experience why not approach a local quilt shop and ask about beginners classes. Tell what you want to do and I'm sure they will fall over each other to help you. Don't leave it too long to start as you don't want to rush it.

This is a very romantic thing to do and I wish you both all the best for the future..

Sounds like you're a keeper! Starting off on this way is definitely a good sign :)

I have an embroidery machine and would be delighted to embroider the words on fabric for you. Maybe you could put it on the back as a quilt label. Just pm me if you are interested! Anything in the name of love! LOL

Well, you certainly have received great ideas for your important project. I am curious. How did you find this board and go about inquiring? Is your intended a member of this board? Ooops, that would be amazing. Anyway, it would make a nice addition to journal this journey and record it in a nice notebook to go along with your quilt/proposal/ring. What a keepsake!! And, yes, you are a keeper for her, for sure.

Great Idea
 

I couldn't agree more with all the nice things that folks have told you here. Please don't be discouraged by the work involved. Believe me I think she will fall over you for taking such an interest in something that she so loves. Any one who quilts will know just how much thought you have put into this project and how much work that you put forth to do this for her. I wish you all the luck and congrats on your engagement and marriage. You seem to be a guy that any women would love to be married too. All of the helpful tips that you have already recieved will help you to accomplish this project .

young man, you are definitely a keeper! You're thoughtfulness in wanting to create such a quilt is awesome! You've been given some really good advice here. The only thing I would add is to sit down & put your ideas of how you want the quilt to look when it's finished on paper. Then go to the local quilt shop & start asking questions. Believe me, we all will help in this endeavor. Good luck & congratulation (in advance). Please keep us posted as to the progress of your project. And the end result!

The "surprise" could be completely hidden from those prying eyes that cannot keep a secret by having the proposal on the quilt's label.