Going Back to 1930
Kaleidoscope Quilt Pattern ~ Today we’re going back to 1930. A time when every little fabric scrap was saved and used to make a functional quilt.
The Kansas City Star Newspaper was famous for their weekly quilt block patterns. The one we’ve chosen to share is the Kaleidoscope designed by Ruby Short McKim.
There is a short biography of Ruby and her many accomplishments in the world of quilting here.
She’s most famous for her book One Hundred and One Patchwork Patterns published in 1931.
Pieced Patchwork
This is a pieced patchwork block that gives a ‘prismatic effect’. Just like the kaleidoscopes we looked through as a child where mirrors repeated into prism forms, this block does the same.
Each block is pieced and exactly alike. They are six inches square and you use a set of four together to make a twelve inch block.
By using white, dark and light colored fabrics you can achieve the Kaleidoscope effect for the whole quilt. Batik or jewel toned fabrics would make a spectacular looking quilt.
PDF Download Link
Here is the link for the PDF to download for later:
Ruby McKim Kaleidoscope Quilt Pattern
To download it you’ll need the Adobe Reader software on your computer. Most computers come with it, but it is free and can be found here.
Download Instructions: Right-Click the link and select either “save target as” or “save link as” depending on what browser you are using or simply click on it and save or print.
Enjoy!
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There’s a website of Ruby McKim’s patterns online- which I LOST- (updated browser & it did not transfer my bookmarks sadly) also the old/antique quilts many of them are brilliant! I mean, colors that blew me away- so not “antique” looking, I thought I was looking at a modern quilt made today- it was one from late 1800s. On TV and film all the textiles are bland & no color but they actually were very colorful back then. I adore quilts. Thank you for posting this. I think the Ruby McKim website is something like “101 quilt blocks” something like that. If I have time later I will look for it.
Yes love that website. It is titled One Hundred and One Patchwork Patterns. I linked to it on my Fish Block post. You’ll even find a PDF download of her cutting patterns and a pattern index on the site. Speaking of indexes, The Quilt Index has a full copy of her Patchwork Patterns Series Number 3.
Thanks for the comment.
Debra
What is value of complete set of KC star Quilt patterns in vinyl covers in a note book organized by date?
Right now, 8/2018, a set of 90 originals cut from newspapers, but loose on Ebay were listed for $98.99 and a best offer was taken for $85.00. A set of 10 is going for $10.50 + $3.50 shipping. Single patterns go for $1.75 to $2.50. I’m not sure how many are in a complete set.
I believe the value has come down from years ago. I paid about $100 for my 1930’s scrapbook, but have never counted how many are in there, plus it includes lots of other quilt memorabilia. Hope that helps. Here’s a link to the current sold listings on Ebay: https://ebay.to/2Odd0jw