I wouldn't dream of not posting a picture of it!

I had thought about the time commitment before. However, I thought that the time commitment would be part of what was so special about it. Here I am, a guy that has never even sewn before, taking the time to do something so big for her. I've got relatives who have been quilting for 60 years, and have made some of the most beautiful quilts I've ever seen. I'm sure they'll jump at the opportunity to help me! Although I'll completely be in over my head, my mom has always told me that "hard work and perseverance bering reward." I only hope the reward is a yes!

You can do this. Make sure your writing is on a darker solid in a contrasting color so it will show up. I wrote all over my granddaughters quilt. Take a look at these. The method you are talking about is thread painting and it is easy.
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I found this site by just googling "Quilting forum." It was the first site that popped up. I figured there was bound to be a place where all you quilters got together to share ideas! I'm virtually positive that she isn't a member. She would have definitely told me about it by now if she was. I love your idea of documenting everything. That would be a fun thing to sit down and look at years from now. And plus, there will be direct evidence that I actually did make it myself haha!

How about a crossword puzzle format? ePatternsCentral.com has a wall quilt that's a crossword puzzle that you could make it spell out your own words. PM me if you need help.

I love the idea of spelling it out in nautical alphabet flags. Keeping the entire quilt truly nautical. You would have to do a little research. Although you would have to give her a flag alphabet so she could decipher it - that would be fun to video tape her "translating it". Do you live by the beach? I also like the idea of putting the ring box in an envelope attached to the back. What you could also do is, inside the envelope attach the ring to a ribbon that is very securely stitched to the pocket itself (thus eliminating the bulk of the box). Definitely go to your local quilt shop - the quilters there will be happy to help you. They would be overjoyed to assist a young man bring his wonderful plan to life. I wish you much love and much luck. You can do this - but start right away so you don't feel rushed. Good luck with this and your future endeavors. You're very creative and thoughtful! God Bless!

PS you could get lots of help from the family as long as they don't know what these blocks are. Just ask them to help you make the blocks you need. Don't show them the entire alphabet - just pull out the ones you need. Use similar colors so they match the rest of the background fabric you choose. This could be a truly awesome quilt that no one else will be able to decipher but the two of you.

You're a brilliant little stinker :)

this is such a cute idea! I love it, she will be able to have this forever.I am not much help with your question. I have only made one quilt for my new husband (32 years ago) and stitched down letter for a Tar heel quilt and a foot which was large and we have used and washed it often for 32 years.If you had pictures of the two of you on a boat or around a lake you could add these to your quilt by using the fabric you run throught a ink jet printer and copy the pictures on to the fabric and add these to your quilt and hand write your proposal, there are so many ways you could go with this. Good Luck!!!!

Yes, you can applique the fabric letters on. I've made several quilts doing that very thing. Good luck on your project and good luck on your proposal.

Very interesting thread! These are all great ideas! But, I have a technique that I love, and want to offer as a possibility - cyanotype printing of fabric.

Basically it is the same theory as how a photographer develops his pictures - treated fabric that you expose to light. I have 2 albums which show this (http://www.quiltingboard.com/members...-albums81.html & http://www.quiltingboard.com/members...-albums82.html) . I have done quilts with photos and writing.

You could then just print squares of special photos, a few scattered love letters, etc, then have one square with the proposal. That way you would still be making it all, but could have some simple patchwork squares to sew - to simplify the process for you, since you have never made a quilt before.

If you want more help on this process, need to know where to buy supplies, or just want to do more research, feel free to PM me (just click my name, it will forward you to a messaging page).

No matter what you decide - good luck with the quilt, be sure to show us (even while it is being made - we all love to watch a quilt in process), and congrats on the engagement (how could she resist such a sweetie?).

I like the idea of the nautical flags and you could give her the 'key'with all the flags and have her decipher it. Then, on your label, put the date you intend to propose.