When Ruby McKim published this simple boat pattern in 1934 she called it the Little Ship O' Dreams. This pattern was another quilt from McKim's States Patchwork Quilt Parade.
In looking about for an interesting quilt for that busy little State of Delaware, we found the “Ship O’ Dreams,” suggestive of her surrounding waters, teeming industry and brave adventures. This block would be especially fitting for a boy’s quilt. It is very easy to piece and daintily picturesque when done.
Our color scheme suggests a blue boat silhouetted against a buff sky, with lighter blue for the water. Alternate plain blocks may be light blue, buff or unbleached.
Borders are almost always such a worthwhile addition to a quilt that we suggest a 6-inch border light blue with darker blue, or of buff with the lighter blue applique “waves.” A free hand pattern of a wave will be easily made, about 4 inches high by 7 long at the base and spaced fairly close together as sketched.
McKim Studios Fort Worth Star-Telegram, Texas April 20, 1934
The ship pattern was popular in signature quilts. The block was easy to piece, there was plenty of room for a signature, and the ship represented, perhaps, travel and farewells. The large orphan block at the top of the post was made by Lillie Silvy but never found its way into a quilt.
These two ships are in the Banner, Oklahoma quilt made in 1937. As a child, Lou Henslee moved from Alabama to Hood County, Texas in a covered wagon. She had twelve children, all long lived. Henrietta Elizabeth Putnam, Lizzie to her friends, only had six children.
When Mrs. Danner published a similar pattern she just called it The Ship Quilt.
Ruby McKim Little Ship O' Dreams
