Pattern: Oriental Poppy Quilt

The late Ruby Short McKim created this quilt pattern, Oriental Poppy as part of her quilt pattern business back in the 1920’s and 30’s in Kansas City, Missouri (US). It uses both piecing and applique for the flower. More than anything, I’m struck at how modern this design feels.

Her youngest granddaughter, Merrily McKim Tuohey, operates McKim Studios website, where she offers free downloads of many of the patterns from Ruby’s book, 101 Patchwork Patterns (1931 edition). Oriental Poppy is not in that book, but is available on the site for $7.50 USD. Go to the pattern.

Who Was Ruby SHort McKim?

Ruby Short McKim, born in 1891, left an indelible mark on the world of quilting and needlework. Known for her vibrant designs and creative contributions, she became a prominent figure in the early 20th-century quilting scene.

Her journey began in Millersburg, IL, where she showed an early interest in drawing. After studying at the New York School of Fine & Applied Arts, she returned to Independence, MO, becoming the Supervisor of Drawing for the Independence School District. In 1916, her talent gained recognition when she won a contest held by the Kansas City Star to design a quilt pattern for children, marking the start of her prolific quilting career.

In 1917, Ruby married Arthur McKim, embarking on a journey that blended family life with artistic pursuits. The McKims traveled extensively, building business relationships across the country to sell Ruby’s quilt patterns and needlework designs. In 1922, she became the Children’s Art Editor of Child Life Magazine, solidifying her place in the publishing world.

Settling in Independence, the McKims established McKim Studios in 1928, a home-based mail order business offering needlework supplies and patterns. Ruby’s popularity soared, leading her to become the Home Art Editor for Better Homes & Garden Magazine. In 1931, she published “One Hundred and One Patchwork Patterns,” a revered compilation of old-time quilt patterns.

The 1930s brought changes as the family welcomed new members, and McKim Studios evolved into Kimport Dolls. Despite these shifts, Ruby continued to contribute to the artistic world, leaving a legacy that earned her a place in the Quilter’s Hall of Fame in 2002.

Ruby Short McKim’s life was a tapestry of creativity, resilience, and dedication, making her a trailblazer in the quilting community. Her impact resonates through her timeless designs and the memories she created for her family and admirers alike.

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Some fabric collections feel pretty, some feel useful, and then there are those rare ones that instantly spark a dozen ideas the moment you see them. The In the Garden Layer Cake from Fat Quarter Shop falls firmly into that last category. From the moment I opened the pack, it felt like stepping into a watercolor garden—soft, romantic, full of movement, and brimming with detail that invites you to slow down and really look.

This collection brings together an elegant mix of florals, garden motifs, and soothing color palettes that feel like they were created for spring quilting. Instead of loud novelty prints, the designer chose a gentle balance of botanical sketches, scattered blossoms, tiny seed patterns, and larger feature florals that work beautifully in both traditional and modern layouts.

What struck me most is how thoughtfully the color stories are arranged. Each print blends seamlessly into the next, giving you a spectrum that includes soft rose pinks, leafy greens, lavender tones, fresh sky blues, rich corals, and delicate neutrals. It’s the kind of palette that instantly feels “quilty” in the best way—inviting, calm, and incredibly easy to mix and match. You can tell the designer planned this for maximum versatility.

Layer cakes are one of the most beginner-friendly precuts, but this collection elevates them with a sense of sophistication. The prints are strong enough to shine in simple patterns, but subtle enough to support more complex designs. Whether you prefer classic half-square triangles, framed squares, modern grid quilts, or something scrappier, this fabric adapts beautifully. It’s also a wonderful choice for table runners, spring wall hangings, and even quilted bags or home décor projects.

One of the nicest surprises with this layer cake is how it manages to feel seasonal without becoming locked into one particular holiday or theme. While the palette is undeniably perfect for spring, the prints themselves are timeless enough to work year-round. A floral quilt made from this collection would look just as lovely on a summer sunroom sofa as it would draped over a guest bed in winter.

The fabric quality is exactly what you’d expect from Fat Quarter Shop—crisp, clean cuts, vibrant printing, and a smooth hand that makes piecing feel effortless. Nothing is too thin or too stiff, and the colors are even more beautiful in person than they appear online.

If you enjoy sewing projects that feel light, fresh, and inspired by nature, In the Garden is a collection worth adding to your stash. It has all the qualities quilters look for: balance, versatility, gentle movement, and that spark of creativity that makes you want to start a project immediately. Whether you’re planning a gift quilt, treating yourself to a new spring project, or simply building your fabric library with a set of prints that will play nicely with others, this layer cake is a thoughtful and inspiring choice.

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