November Holiday To Do List

Holiday Ready?!?

Okay, October went better than September,  at my house.

Here goes my November holiday to do list
My goal is to get things done…BUT not exhaust myself doing it! And I do say that with a smile…sometimes with a tear!  Tired is the whole reason I started doing these monthly holiday lists. I don’t want to arrive in December with a hundred things left to do and wonder where the fun went.

If I can do a few things now, make a few decisions ahead of time and maybe even cross a few things OFF the list completely, December can/will have a little more breathing room.  Remember,  DO what you need on the list.
Please Do ONE thing for yourself this season:
Stitched into the Story with Quilt Blocks, Read About It 
I am so proud of this book and 25 quilt block to make too !

stitched into the story with quilt blocks

ONLY in print HERE

November is the month to finish some things, make some decisions and—most importantly—delegate! And remember my rule about delegating: If you give someone a job, you don’t get to tell them exactly how to do it. They get to do it THEIR way. Yes, I know. This one takes practice.

And one more thing before we start: You don’t have to do everything on this list. I certainly won’t. Pick what will make YOUR holidays easier, skip what doesn’t matter to you, and leave yourself a little room to actually enjoy November.

NOVEMBER To Do List

Update the Holiday Calendar – Add plans, Christmas events, school programs, church activities, parties, travel days, appointments, birthdays and anything else happening between now and the end of the year.

Send Out Info, Arrange Plans, text, phone call – Christmas gatherings, concerts, dinners or other events before calendars fill up.

 Plan Christmas Eve – New pajamas? Christmas cookies? One special gift? A favorite dinner? Decide which traditions you actually love and make those happen.

Christmas Cards – Purchase or order cards, update your address list and start addressing them. They don’t have to be mailed today—just get them ready.  We passed on them this year, costs!

Check the Gift List – See what you’ve already purchased before buying more. Fill in the missing gifts and start thinking about stocking stuffers.

Black Friday & Cyber Monday – Shop with a LIST. A bargain isn’t a bargain if you DO NOT need it in the first place!  But that coffee pot will be MINE ! !

 Have Your Own Wish List Ready – When someone asks what you want for Christmas, have an answer. Treats, books, something for quilting, an experience—or maybe something you’d never buy for yourself.

 Finish Homemade Gifts – Notice I said FINISH. November may not be the best time to decide you’re making twelve new quilts for Christmas.

Cook & Freeze – Make anything ahead that freezes well. Cookies, breads, casseroles, appetizers and other family favorites can save you a lot of work later.  I am ordering and picking up this year ! Okay to said it out loud. I am OLD !

Create a Holiday Drink Basket – Hot chocolate, marshmallows, peppermint sticks, coffee, tea and a few special treats make an ordinary evening feel a little more like Christmas.  DID this a few years ago, forgot it with everything last year and I missed it !

Start Decorating – Do a little at a time. There is no rule saying the entire house has to be decorated in one weekend.

Outdoor Lights – Put them up while the weather is nice. Check that everything works BEFORE you spend an hour hanging it.

Holiday Flowers – Watch for amaryllis, paperwhites, poinsettias or greenery. A little bit of something living makes the house feel festive without adding another box of decorations.

Support Something Local – Visit a craft show, holiday market, church sale or charity event. You might find a wonderful gift while supporting someone in your community.

Give Something Away – Donate to a food bank, choose a name from an Angel Tree or support a favorite charity. Put this on the list just like everything else so it doesn’t get forgotten.

Deep Clean the Bathrooms – Floors, grout, shower, toilets, mirrors, lights and fresh towels. Get the big cleaning done now so December only needs a quick touch-up.

Keep the Kitchen Under Control – Wipe counters, keep dishes moving and try not to let things pile up. A reasonably clean kitchen makes everything else feel easier.

And Finally…Leave Some Breathing Room – Don’t fill every day on the calendar. Leave a few evenings with NOTHING planned. Order a pizza, make some coffee, sit down, quilt, watch a Christmas movie or just do absolutely nothing.

November does not have to be about getting everything perfect. It’s about doing enough now so you enjoy December.

And one update from my old list: No need to check the snow shovel. We live in Florida now! I think I’ll check the coffee supplies instead.

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A Pumpkin Quilt Pattern

Happy Halloween

HAPPY HALLOWEEN 

This little pieced pumpkin is one of my first quilt block patterns, so pulling it out makes me smile. My patterns have changed over the years, my fabric choices have certainly changed, and I’d like to think I’ve learned a thing or two along the way, but have to love this little quilt.

It’s a simple pieced pumpkin, nothing fancy, and maybe that’s exactly why I still like it so much. Make it orange, make it scrappy, make it completely different from mine,  no pumpkin rules here!

(from 2018, first photo I could find of it)
I’m sharing one of The Quilt Ladies Quilt Patterns, a simple pumpkin quilt pattern. Finished quilt top is 15” X 15”

Pumpkin quilt pattern block

Pumpkin quilt patternStart piecing from top to bottom.

Row 1

Cut 2 Background – 1 ½” x 3”
Cut 1 Stem – 1 ½” x 1 ½”

Row 2 and Row 4

Cut 1 Orange – 1 7/8” x 1 7/8”
Cut 1 Background – 1 7/8” x 1 7/8”
 Make Triangle

Cut 2 Background – 1 ½” x 1 ½”

Row 3

Cut 2 Background – 1 ½’ x 3 ½”
Cut 1 Orange – 4 ½” x 3 ½”
Cut 6 Background – 1 ½” x 6 ½”
Sew between 2 pumpkins, and on ends 2 times

Cut 3 Background 1 ½” x 15 ½”

Sew to the top, middle and bottom
Cut Binding 2 ½”  x 65” 

Pumpkin quilt pattern

HAPPY HALLOWEEN 

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My Quilt Pattern – Crazy Man

Free Quilt Block Pattern

This is one of those quilt blocks that looks like there is a LOT going on, but once you break it down piece by piece, it really isn’t complicated at all, from my Crazy Man Quilt Pattern.

That’s one of my favorite things about quilting—sometimes the finished block looks much harder than it actually is. Give this block a try. Make it your way, have some fun with it, and remember, it’s only fabric!  

Finished quilt block is eight inches by eight inches.

Sample quilt block pattern from Crazy Man Quilt Pattern Book

Cut 4 Blue      2 7/8” x 2 7/8”
Cut 4 White    2 7/8” x 2 7/8”
Make Triangles

Cut 2 Red       2 7/8” x 2 7/8”
Cut 2  Blue      2 7/8” x 2 7/8”
Make Triangles  How to is HERE

 

Cut 1 Green   1 7/8” x 1 7/8” Cut from corner to corner

Cut 1 White    2 7/8” x 2 7/8” triangles
Cut from corner to corner

Cut 10 Asst. Colors 1 1/2” x 1 1/2”

Sew as Shown

NOW in Print and on Kindle

This quilt pattern block if from my book, CRAZY MAN

Quilt Block Pattern for you to make from my Crazy Man Quilt Book,

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Stitched into The Story with 25 Quilt Block Patterns

Prepare Your Heart for The Holiday

Stitched into The Story with
25 Quilt Block Patterns to Make

The moment I learned my Lesson:

Watching my husband go through open heart surgery changed me in ways I never expected. Suddenly, the things that once seemed urgent weren’t important at all. A quiet morning, our daily walk, laughing together, sharing a simple meal, or just sitting on the lanai without saying much are the moments I have learned to treasure the most.

I put this book together for myself last year and added it to my store. But I opened it one VERY long night in February, day 4 of ICU and it helped. I read all the reading, I had made all the quilt blocks (out of bed I came) and stood with them in my hands and cried !

That 3 am cry, made me slow it all down, I try to worry less and I have read this book every day since. To me it’s about loving more, noticing more, and being thankful for the gift of another ordinary day.

If you’re looking for a quieter, more meaningful way to prepare your heart for Christmas, (or daily) I’d love to share the little book that helped me through one of the hardest seasons of my life.

Stitched into the Story with 25 Quilt Block Patterns

Stitched into The Story with Quilt Block Patterns

This December, (or anytime)  you’re invited to slow down and step into something meaningful — one shortened chapter of Luke each day, about a paragraph, paired with a quilt block you can stitch or save for later. DO one thing for yourself this holiday season, do this! 

Read the daily readings of the Book of Luke and make a quilt block, or save for later, from The Quilt Ladeis.

Quilt block from my Book of Luke daily reading, with space for writing, ideas and complete how to quilt block patterns.

From December 1st through Christmas Eve, you’ll follow the story of Jesus’ birth and ministry in 24 short, approachable reflections (just 3-4 paragraphs each). And because Christmas is worth one more moment of peace, I’ve included a special December 25th bonus reading and quilt block.

Stitched into the Story with Quilt Blocks

Each day brings:

  • A Scripture Reflection — simple, heartfelt, and easy to read, even on busy days.

  • A Quilt Block Pattern — complete and ready to use, perfect for beginners and seasoned quilters alike.

  • A Creative Pause — time to reflect with your heart and maybe stitch a quilt block.

  • 25 Days of Luke — Quilt Block Name
    Luke 1 – Morning Star Quilt Block
    Luke 2 – Dutchman’s Puzzle Quilt Block
    Luke 3 – Rail Fence Quilt Block
    Luke 4 – Broken Chain Quilt Block
    Luke 5 – Crown of Thorns Quilt Block
    Luke 6 – Hourglass Quilt Block
    Luke 7 – Cross and Crown Quilt Block
    Luke 8 – Shoo Fly Quilt Block
    Luke 9 – Pinwheel Variation Quilt Block
    Luke 10 – Snowflake Quilt Block
    Luke 11 – Flying Geese Quilt Block
    Luke 12 – Sawtooth Star Quilt Block
    Luke 13 – Bear’s Paw Quilt Block
    Luke 14 – Tumbling Block Variation
    Luke 15 – Basket Weave Quilt Block
    Luke 16 – Drunkard’s Path Variation Quilt Block
    Luke 17– Forgiveness Quilt Block
    Luke 18 – Steps to the Altar Quilt Block
    Luke 19 – Ohio Star Variation Quilt Block
    Luke 20 – Jacob’s Ladder with Rails Quilt Block
    Luke 21 – Greek Cross Quilt Block
    Luke 22 – Sunburst Quilt Block
    Luke 23 – Broken Dish Quilt Block
    Luke 24 – Resurrection Star Quilt Block
    and
    25th Reading and Large Resurrection Star Quilt Block

    The Quilt block in Stitched Into The Story Book by Beth Ann Strub

    Example: December 1

    Quilt block from my Book of Luke daily reading, with space for writing, ideas and complete how to quilt block patterns.

    The Angel’s Message – Luke Chapter 1
    Morning Star Quilt Block – 12″ x 12″
    Announcing hope and new beginnings, a shining star in the dawn.
    Elizabeth is barren and aging. Zechariah is faithful yet doubtful. Mary is young, unknown, and about to become the mother of God. Luke opens with promises, angels, silences, and songs. At its heart is a whisper of hope long delayed, now fulfilled.

    Stitched into The Story with Quilt Blocks
    All Instructions, Block 13

    Please add moments for  your heart. Stitches in your hands.
     Order YOURS NOW !  and NOW on Prime

    From my Heart to Yours, My Book 

    Perfect for Advent, but meaningful any time of year, I use these all year long and write to understand myself better. Stitched into the Story helps you slow down, reflect, and sew something eternal into your everyday. Whether you stitch along each day or simply savor the readings, you’ll carry the story — and 25 beautiful quilt blocks — in your heart and hands.

    Not a quilter? No problem. This book is for anyone who wants to slow down and savor the story of Jesus — the quilt blocks are an added bonus you can enjoy visually or/and save for later.

Floating Square Quilt Pattern for You to Make

Putting Your Quilt Together

Floating Squares Quilt Pattern, finished size is 34″ x 34″ making it the perfect size for a lap quilt or the perfect baby quilt !   If you missed Part ONE and Part TWO

I’m giving myself a little breathing room this week and taking a few days away from the blog. But I didn’t want to leave you with nothing fun to do while I’m gone!

I’m taking my little break, I’m sharing Floating Squares quilt pattern with you. This pattern, links above, are worth pulling out again, because a good quilt pattern never really gets old. I am hoping this time for me bring me back ready to GO !

We are now ready to put this quilt pattern together,
Lay the squares out, block one then block two
Free How to make a floating square quilt pattern, #quilting, #quiltpattern, #thequiltladies
Play with them and when YOU like the placement…..
Cut 12 Burgundy – 2 1/2″ x 5 1/2″ 
Sew between the blocks
Press the burgundy to the center each time.

 

Free How to make a floating square quilt pattern, #quilting, #quiltpattern, #thequiltladies
2 rows pieced 

How to make a floating square quilt pattern, #quilting, #quiltpattern, #thequiltladies
Cut 3 Burgundy – 2 1/2″ x 26 1/2″
Sew in between each row
How to make a floating square quilt pattern,#quilting, #quiltpattern, #thequiltladies

Cut 2 Burgundy – 4 1/2″ x 26 1/2″

Sew to the top and bottom
 
Cut 2 Burgundy – 4 1/2″ x 34 1/2″

Sew to the sides

How to make a floating square quilt pattern,#quilting, #quiltpattern, #thequiltladies

Cut Binding – 2 1/2″ x 150″
 

Beth Ann

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Floating Squares Part Two Quilt Blocks

Make a Quilt

Today is Part Two of my Floating Squares Quilt pattern. Part one is HERE
I’m trying to get better at giving myself a bit of space without feeling like I should be doing something. Sometimes slowing down  exactly what I have to do or to do need.
Yes, I know things will still be there and I’m pretty sure the laundry isn’t going anywhere either! Give yourself a moment and make a quilt.
Block 2 of Floating Squares
make a floating square quilt top, #quilting, #quiltpattern, #thequiltladies
Above is block one and you should have 8 of them
Block Two
Cut 8 – Scrap Colors – 3 1/2″ x 3 1/2″
Cut 8 Burgundy – 2 1/2″ x 3 1/2″
Cut 8 Burgundy – 2 1/2″ x 5 1/2″
make a floating square quilt top #quilting, #quiltpattern, #thequiltladies
Sew together   3 1/2″ x 3 1/2″
 and 2 1/2″ x 3 1/2″
make a floating square quilt pattern,#quilting, #quiltpattern, #thequiltladies
Press to Burgundy
Quilt Ladies Quilt Pattern Shop, #quilting, #quilts, #quiltpattern, #thequiltladies
Add 2 1/2″ x 5 1/2″
Sew
How to make a floating square quilt pattern, #quilting, #quiltpattern, #thequiltladies
Press to Burgundy 

You will need 8 of these block 

Beth Ann

Thank you for supporting my Etsy shop and my Quilt Ladies Book

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Floating Squares Quilt Pattern for You to Make

Make a Quilt

I don’t usually post to far ahead, but right now I need to give myself a little extra time.  So, I’m sharing this quilt pattern with you over the next week, one part at a time, three total.  Life gets overwhelming busy, and I’m learning  I don’t have to be everything or do everything. 

Check back every few days, save the posts as we go, and maybe even pull out some fabric and make it. Sometimes you just need to forget the long list of things you SHOULD be doing and make a quilt instead!  

Floating Squares quilt pattern throw – 34″ x 34″ 
Block ONE – You will make 8 of this block

Tutorial to make a floating squares quilt, #quilting, #quiltpattern, #thequiltladies

Tutorial to make a floating squares quiltThe Quilt Ladies Floating Squares Quilt
Cutting for 8 Blocks
Cut 32  Scrap Colors – 2 1/2″ x 2 1/2″
Cut 16 Burgundy –  1 1/2″ x 2 1/2″
Cut 8 Burgundy – 1 1/2″ x 5 1/2″
Floating Squares Quilt Pattern, #quilting, #quiltpattern, #thequiltladiesSew 1 Burgundy – 1 1/2″ x 2 1/2″ 
on 2 1/2″ x 2 1/2″
Use 1/4″ Seam Allowance
Floating Squares Quilt Pattern, #quilting, #quiltpattern, #thequiltladiesPress to Burgundy
Floating Squares Quilt Pattern, #quilting, #quiltpattern, #thequiltladiesAdd another 2 1/2″ x 2 1/2″ to side, sew 
and again Press to Burgundy 
Do 2 of this unit for each block
Tutorial to make a floating squares quilt. #quilting, #quiltpattern, #thequiltladies Add 1 1/2″ x 5 1/2″  Sew and 
floating squares quilt pattern, #quilting, #quiltpattern, #thequiltladiesPress to Burgundy
quilt pattern for floating squares quilt #quilting, #quiltpattern, #thequiltladiesSew second unit to bottom and press to Burgundy
Tutorial to make a floating squares quilt, #quilting, #quiltpattern, #thequiltladiesYou will have 8 of these blocks
 
Beginning Anew

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Just Makes Me Happy, Sleeping under a Quilt

They are NOT this size any MORE,
they are young men now and this was one of their/my favorite things to do, watch TV in Grandma and Grandpa’s bed, and sleeping under Grandma’s quilts. 
Of course they had to pick a quilt, a show to watch, they would arrange pillows to have the perfect angle to watch and it’s strange it was always about nap time when this all happened ?? Grandparents rule ! 

grand kids and quilt

The quilt they are sleeping under is the first hankie quilt I ever made, it’s very simple, hankies lined with muslin, straight sashing and borders, and I tied it. I still have and use this quilt, last time it was washing I had to do a lot of repair, the hankies did not wear very well and it’s getting old too! 

This is the quilt our Grand’s were sleeping under. It’s made using old hankies that I backed with muslin, I always do this, they seem to need the extra support. Then just simple strips and squares in the corners and I tied it. This quilt is from our time in Nebraska and it has double batting in it and it’s a use it quilt. It changed a bit but  Here is my hankie quilt pattern for you to make

sleeping under a quilt at grandma's sleeping under a quilt at grandma's

 

Beth Ann Quilt Patterns

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That Time of Year for a Red Quilt

A Log Cabin Quilt in Red

It’s that time of year again, time to bring out my red quilt!  I know it may be a bit early…but this quilt weights a ton and I just need it now !  Quilt pattern is below.

I’m very lucky to quilt with a small quilt and craft group every Monday. We sew, talk, laugh, solve a few of the world’s problems, and somehow manage to get a little quilting/crafting done.

Last spring, one of the quilters in our group announced, “I’m cleaning out my fabrics. What colors do you all want?” Well, you don’t have to ask me twice.  I said, “Anything Christmas!”

simple log cabin quilt block in red and white for christmas
I decided to make quilt for the holiday’s for our king size bed, and it turned out huge. A Log Cabin Christmas quilt for me! Most of the reds and black edging fabric I had. And here it is.

 Machine pieced and long arm quilted.
It’s a bed spread quilt, loving it! It’s HUGE !

log cabin quilt block in red and white

What is the easiest quilt pattern to make…a log cabin quilt block?
Or a 4-patch quilt block… they are BOTH here for you in one quilt block. 

Simple Log Cabin Quilt Block
Center cuts are 2 1/2″ x 2 1/2″
How I do a quilt square four patch

Then I just cut 1 1/2″ strips, 
sewed around as you would any log cabin block 8″x 8″simple log cabin quilt pattern block

Here is one of my Log Cabin Quilt Block for you too

simple log cabin quilt block in red and white for christmas

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October Prep List for the Holiday’s

Start Now for Time Later

Here is my October to do list for holiday prep and…
Well…I tried…But I missed a lot of the cleaning from my September list, the rest I did pretty good with and to tell the truth…I just didn’t want to do the cleaning !

We live in a small area and have a community pool…and the season people (November to April)  are not here and every time I thought about cleaning, I put on my suit and went swimming ! Not that I don’t like the others in our area?!? But…I love my pool time…daily, without others.

I am going to TRY and start my slow-and-steady holiday approach, here is my October updated list for you !
I did this post yesterday and I did clean the lanai BEFORE writing and I feel VERY proud of myself. But, now I think I need a new plant stand on the wall in there?!?  Do a plan, draw it up, build it…well…

vintage quilt for sale

October Holiday To-Do List

My goal is simple: do a little, enjoy a lot, and don’t make myself crazy!

Choose a Gift Storage Spot – Pick ONE place for gifts so you aren’t hunting for them in December. This is always a huge on for me, Husbands birthday is Dec 25… and he does look…search !

Check Your Gift List – Ask family members for their Christmas lists. Start buying when you see something that is truly right—not just because it’s on sale.

Make Your Own Wish List – Have a few ideas ready when someone asks what you want. Why is this always so hard?

 old quilt for sale bethanndoing.com

Start a Wrapping Basket – I pick these things up all year and I have a drawer in my dresser. Pick up tape, gift tags, tissue paper, boxes, ribbon and wrapping paper as you see them. Check what you already have FIRST.

Look Through Holiday Decorations – Before buying anything new, see what you already have. Toss broken items and make a short list of anything you really need.  I pick up new tree lights last December, can’t wait to use them !

Clean Out the Freezer – Do a quick inventory and make room for holiday foods. Throw out those mystery containers we all pretend we’re eventually going to eat.

Start Stocking the Pantry – Watch for sales on baking supplies, canned goods, coffee, soda, bottled water and other things you know you’ll use. We do a Dec 24, open house, need to think that through. I do better with a list and plan.

vintage quilt for sale

Check Holiday Clothing – Think about Thanksgiving, Christmas parties, church, family pictures or special dinners. Does everyone have what they need?

Christmas Cards – Update addresses, decide whether you’re sending cards this year and order them if needed. Buy stamps now, too. We are letting this one go this year…cost.

Make Travel Plans – Confirm Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year’s plans. Book flights, hotels, rental cars or pet care if needed.

Deep Clean ONE Room – Mine WILL the living room. Vacuum, clean the floors or carpet, clean sliding doors, wipe down bookcases and table and make sure everything is sturdy. ONE room—not the entire house!

 Plan Something FUN – PURCHASE TICKETS NOW ! !  Look for a holiday home tour, Christmas market, concert, light display or something you’ll actually enjoy. The holidays shouldn’t be one giant to-do list. We will be alone this Holiday, kids won’t be here until after, and I know we will need something for just us.

And most importantly… 
Laugh, Love, have Grace and always be Kind, Beth Ann

See them ALL HERE

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