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Quilt Notes: It can be interesting to paste a Cabot newspaper diagram into a computer grid. If we mark where the center is, so we can understand the symmetry, side to side, the spacing across the top of MEXICAN STAR, would measure a ratio of 4-7-9 9-7-4, which adds up to a nice round number, that is, 40. But the ratio numbers are unusual in quilt patterns, and quietly lend the design a sort of rhythm that is almost musical. Cabot's newspaper column for the pattern appeared in the Chicago Tribune on June 19, 1933, with the following comment:
"Star designs in quilt patterns are so popular that we import an occasional one from a neighboring country to fill the increasing demand, despite the fact that the domestic star patterns are almost innumerable. This pattern was borrowed from Mexico and carries the name MEXICO STAR. It is an easy one to piece."
JInny Beyer's QUILTER'S ALBUM OF PATCHWORK PATTERNS includes a whole page (#199) of designs with these type of corner to corner crisscrosses. MEXICAN STAR made its debut in print in Ruby McKim's column in the Kansas City Star, July 5, 1930. In 1931 the design was included in her book, 101 PATCHWORK PATTERNS (along with pattern templates): a modern version is available, published by Dover, and is well worth looking at.
For more quilt designs celebrating various countries and world cultures, see:
WORLD'S FAIR PUZZLE
FRENCH STAR
CHINESE COIN
SPANISH SQUARES
CHINESE PUZZLE
WONDER OF EGYPT
WONDERS OF THE WORLD
CHINESE GONGS
JAPANESE FLOWER
ORIENTAL PUZZLE
AUNT MARY'S DOUBLE IRISH CHAIN
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MEXICAN STAR