Friday, July 18, 2025, 10:30am – 11:30am, First United Methodist Church, 624 S Adams Street, Marion, IN
Step back in time with this special presentation featuring remarkable quilts from the 1920s and 1930s created using the patterns designed by the influential Ruby Short McKim. The Quilters Hall of Fame Collections Committee will showcase these historical treasures while sharing insights into McKim’s significant impact on American quilting history.
Ruby Short McKim was one of America’s most beloved and widely recognized quilt designers of the early 20th century. Her innovative block patterns were syndicated in newspapers across the nation, bringing quilting instructions directly into homes during a time when the craft was experiencing renewed popularity. While McKim herself designed the patterns, quilters throughout America brought her visions to life, creating beautiful works that reflected both her artistic sensibility and their own craftsmanship.
During this presentation, you’ll examine authentic quilts made from McKim’s designs that now reside in The Quilters Hall of Fame collection. You’ll learn about her distinctive design aesthetic, the cultural context of her work, and the stories behind her popular newspaper-syndicated series like “Quaddy Quilties” and “Flower Garden Quilt.” Committee members will discuss McKim’s artistic influences, her business acumen, and her legacy in the quilting world.
Whether you’re a quilt historian, a collector of vintage patterns, or simply fascinated by the evolution of American quilting traditions, this presentation offers a rare opportunity to see these historical interpretations of McKim’s designs up close while learning about one of quilting’s most influential pattern creators.
