Old Maid's Puzzle Quilt Block

      I found the pattern for this 8" Old Maid's Puzzle block free on-line at:  http://www.quilterscache.com/O/OldMaidsPuzzleBlock.html.  
     In these diary entries, Hattie writes about attending the wedding of Ruth Jones and Wayne Traylor, who become life-long friends.  A blog reader, Sherry Smedley, was kind enough to explain a wedding tradition I was unfamiliar with.  At the wedding, "cake was handed out to anyone who wanted a piece.  The bride and groom usually came around with a basket full of cut pieces and gave them out while speaking with people.  It was usually fruit cake.  The entire piece went under your pillow.  The cake was usually wrapped in saran wrap and then wrapped in a paper doily and tied with ribbon."  Hattie places the wedding cake along with four names in an envelope under her pillow.  Each morning she removes one name.  The last name remaining is the name of the man she will marry.  Hattie is relieved that the first name she removes is Old Maid! 
   
Wednesday, October 11, 1916 (written Thursday) -
"We reached home from the wedding at 1:00 A.M. Thursday, so I have waited until later in the day to make the entry.

"It certainly was a most magnificent affair and despite the fact that it was cloudy most of the day, the evening was lovely and the full moon in evidence.

"With Mother's help, I managed to get a fussy little gown in readiness.  With a little pink fur, a lace waist, the yellow chiffon in the skirt, and rosettes on the waist catching up the draperies, and my pink chiffon girdle, the gown was rather presentable.  Then with my pink stockings, black pumps, and new black velvet hat, Frank said I 'rivaled the bride.'

"Ruth was perfectly darling in her white satin gown with train and veil, and her Mother looked so nice, too, in black net. 

"The church was quite full - there were about three hundred guests.  After the ceremony, we went right over to the Peerless where the reception was held.  We certainly had splendid eats - a two course supper served just lovely.  We went to the house and saw the many beautiful gifts.  They are certainly well supplied.  They ought to be happy.  They don't lack anything that money can buy.  We went out to their bungalow shortly after they left the hall and tried to surprise them, but they heard the cars and came out to meet us.  We formed a mock procession, with Mrs. McAllister as the bride with a knitted scarf for a veil, and marched in.  After inspecting their dear little home, we sang 'Home Sweet Home' and departed."

Thursday, October 12, 1916 -
"I have written three letters and quite a bit in here, and I must get to bed.  I had a nap of an hour and a half this afternoon, so I'd be dead to the world by now. 

"Well, I must fix some names in the wedding cake and then dream on it."

Friday, October 13, 1916 -
"I've come to the conclusion that it is the things we can't have that we like best and that the nice things we have in abundance do not cause the thrills.  Oh well, I'll not cross the bridge until I come to it.

"Oh, by the way, I got out 'Old Maid' the first thing!  I'm sure tickled!"

You might also enjoy reading my previous blog post:
http://www.starwoodquilter.blogspot.com/2012/05/stitchers-square-quilt-block.html