Author: thequiltladies@gmail.com

How to Make Bias Tape

It’s Really at Easy from The Quilt Ladies

Bias Tape is NOT hard to make, you will need 
2 Straight Pins
1 Piece of fabric cut 1″ x 3″ approx – Holding Strip
 
The strip you will make into bias tape, I cut mine large to show, normal cut will be  3/4″ to 1 1/4″ wide. 
 
A dry Iron  and Ironing board.
Bias Tape the OLD Fashion Way

How to make Bias TapeIron over your edges, 1/8″ to 1/4″ and Press

How to make Bias Tape the OLD Fashion WayDo both sides
How to make Bias TapeLay your started binding down, press side up.
Take your Holding Strip and lay on top, Pin into your ironing board cover next to the bias tape.
How to make Bias Tape the OLD Fashion WayPull the bias tape
How to make Bias TapeAnd, with a hot, dry iron press, at first do a bit, and lift iron, pull and iron.
How to make Bias Tape the OLD Fashion WayAs the tape becomes longer you can leave the iron and pull slowly.
(Other side view)
How to make Bias Tape the OLD Fashion WayPull tape slowly
How to make Bias TapeGood side of bias tape.
How to make Bias TapeI like to roll mine  to keep it until I’m ready to use it.
I learned this years ago from a Home Eco. teacher in the 70’s
No need to buy a machine to do this for you !  But, you can if you like !

Beth from The Quilt Ladies

Read my book “The Quilt Ladies” 12 Quilt Stories and 15 Complete Quilt Patterns
Make Retirement fun with my “How to Survive Retirement” a Check List
#quilt #quilting #thequiltladies #patchwork #bethanndoing #quilts #needlework

I am the Author of The Quilt Ladies Book Collection
and Little Quilt Ladies Quilt Patterns

Star Quilt, It’s a Little One

Friendship Star Quilt Block

This is a little quilt I sent my Sister a few years ago, it was so nice to see it again. Here is my star pattern, you will have to cut it down to one inch centers.
 
Star Quilt
 Quilt Measures 14″ x 14″ 
 
Star Quilt in Green and Red
Machine pieced and hand quilted
Star Quilt
Each star block is 3″ x 3″
Star Quilt

Beth from The Quilt Ladies

Read my book “The Quilt Ladies” 12 Quilt Stories and 15 Complete Quilt Patterns
Make Retirement fun with my “How to Survive Retirement” a Check List
#quilt #quilting #thequiltladies #patchwork #bethanndoing #quilts #needlework

Today is International Coffee Day

Coffee is one of things that makes me HAPPY ! And then add an International Day of Coffee and Celebrate ! It’s fantastic!   

I did a bit of reading from this site, National Today: Around the 700s AD, a herd of goats started acting strangely, almost as if they were dancing. Their owner, Kaldi, discovered that they were eating a sort of red bean and concluded that was the cause of their behavior. Kaldi decided to share his findings with a monk who required something that could help him to stay awake all night as he prayed; but another story claims that the monk refused and threw the beans into the fire and the pleasing aroma that came from it was just wonderful.  HERE

So, take a moment, Oh, take an hour and have your favorite cup of coffee and know that everything is going to be right with your day.

international coffee day

I’m going to link somethings here today, I have and use them all. I’ve taken coffee as a bit of a hobby.  I read my post back and it turned into a bit of a commercial,
I don’t do these….but it’s COFFEE DAY ! ! AND I know of what I speak!
This is for cold brew coffee and I make it for an afternoon treat. 

This coffee frother is wonderful, whipped or hot cream, I have used half and half, whole cream, coffee creams, but my favorite it, Almond milk, cinnamon and vanilla, first on the whipped/heated setting and then whip it with no heat. Perfect.

I use both a pot and a pod…A nightly decision for me. Yes, I plan my coffee!

This was a gift last Christmas and I LOVE it!  

This is my third Keurig and the one I like the most

This post contain affiliate links. I will receive a few cents if you click to their site and purchase

Happy COFFEE DAY ! ! 

beth ann logo

My Paisley Quilt

Maybe Old, But Perfect

Today is “Ask a Stupid Question Day” so the questions is, “Do you like paisley?”
OF COURSE, I love paisley fabric and this is my vacation quilt. It’s a perfect size to pack and take with me. I like a bit of home when I travel and this is my go to quilt. 
I used a very different palette of colors and patterns, it’s just fun.
Some times, it’s nice to cuddle in a quilt no matter what the temperature is outside. This quilt is washed and dried all the time, it’s soft and lovable.
Paisley Quilt

It’s a very simple pattern, a 2 inch center square and then just log cabin around the outside with 1 inch strips. It’s the paisley fabrics that give it all the movement and fun ! 

Paisley Quilt

The finished size is a square 50″ x 50″ a good size for curling up on the couch. It machine pieced and I used a 100% cotton batting and hand quilted.
Paisley Quilt

Beth from The Quilt Ladies

Read my book “The Quilt Ladies” 12 Quilt Stories and 15 Complete Quilt Patterns
Make Retirement fun with my “How to Survive Retirement” a Check List
#quilt #quilting #thequiltladies #patchwork #bethanndoing #quilts #needlework

This post may contain affiliate links. I will receive a few cents if you click to their site and purchase

Star Quilt to Show and TELL !

Star Quilt Pattern Linked too !

On our visit last year to Minnesota, our bed had the quilt on it that Son #2 took to college. The quilt pattern is here for YOU ! 
Red, White and Blue Star Quilt
It’s so soft
Red, White and Blue Quilt
Machine pieced and I had it long arm quilted. 
Red, White and Blue Quilt
Looking pretty good for 20 years old.
 

Beth from The Quilt Ladies

Read my book “The Quilt Ladies” 12 Quilt Stories and 15 Complete Quilt Patterns
Make Retirement fun with my “How to Survive Retirement” a Check List
#quilt #quilting #thequiltladies #patchwork #bethanndoing #quilts #needlework
This post may contain affiliate links. I will receive a few cents if you click to their site and purchase

My First Quilt

From Quilt Days Past, First Quilt

This is my first quilt
In the early 80’s we moved to Burlington, Iowa, it’s in the southeastern corner of the state on the Mississippi River and yes, I learned how to spell Mississippi.  
My First Quilt
My First Quilt is all SquaresI had done some blocks, some pillows and then I saw in the paper a class being hosted by the local quilt group. I remember it being expensive and how I agonized over it for days. but, finally signed up.
The teacher was “Liz Porter” at the time she worked for one of the magazines, Better Homes maybe, but is was a wonderful day and I learned so much.
My First Quilt
It was a color class which meant nothing to me at the time, looking at the quilt today I didn’t get the whole idea. Liz brought letters to add to each quilt to identify, I used my initials.
First Quilt is all Squares
Hand quilting was so relaxing to me, I had no frame, just a dining room table, pinned it very well and quilted. I checked out library books on how to do everything. The quality of books we have now is crazy different from then.
My First Quil
I was approached to join the quilt group after the class. I think I was a rarity in the group a “new” member. I remember being laughed at when they saw my round corners on the quilt. I love these corners.This is my quilt, I curl up under it daily, it’s washed all the time and it’s just over 35 years old. It’s never looked better to me.And, if you are in the group in Burlington, IA. I’d love to hear from you ! ! My e-mail – thequiltladies@gmail.com

Beth from The Quilt Ladies

Read my book “The Quilt Ladies” 12 Quilt Stories and 15 Complete Quilt Patterns
Make Retirement fun with my “How to Survive Retirement” a Check List
This post may contain affiliate links. I will receive a few cents if you click to their site and purchase
#quilt #quilting #thequiltladies #patchwork #bethanndoing #quilts #needlework
This post may contain affiliate links. I will receive a few cents if you click to their site and purchase

Free Quilt Pattern for YOU !

From The Quilt Ladies

 From Son #2’s Graduation quilt from 2000, the quilts been used and loved. This has always been a favorite pattern of mine.
And, before you ask, I don’t know the name.
Finished block size 14″ x 14″ 
Star Quilt Pattern Block Tutorial
Cutting for ONE Block
 
Cut 1 Blue – 2 1/2″ x 2 1/2″
Cut 4 White – 2 1/2″ x 2 1/2″
 
Cut 2 Black – 2 7/8″ x 2 7/8″ 
Cut 2 Blue – 2 7/8″ x 2 7/8″
Make Triangles
 
Make into 9-patch 
 
Cut 4 Red – 2 1/2″ x 6 1/2″
Cut 12 White – 2 1/2″ x 2 1/2″
 
Cut 6 White – 2 7/8″ x 2 7/8″ 
Cut 6 Blue – 2 7/8″ x 2 7/8″
Make Triangles
Cut 4 Lt. Blue – 2 1/2″ x 2 1/2″
 
Sew as shown – Moved on over from The Quilt Ladies
star quilt pattern for graduation

Beth from The Quilt Ladies

Read my book “The Quilt Ladies” 12 Quilt Stories and 15 Complete Quilt Patterns
Make Retirement fun with my “How to Survive Retirement” a Check List
This post may contain affiliate links. I will receive a few cents if you click to their site and purchase
#quilt #quilting #thequiltladies #patchwork #bethanndoing #quilts #needlework

How to Add Quilt Binding and Stitch it Down

More it On Over – The Quilt Ladies

I’m sharing the way “I” do quilt binding. Like everything in quilting there are MANY ways. This is the way “I” do it ! ! 

Cut your strip 2 ½” inches wide and long enough to go 
all the around your quilt PLUS 6-8 Inches
More is ALWAYS better with this
 
The Quilt Ladies NOW on Kindle and NOOK 

How to make Quilt Binding Tutorial and How to Hand Stitch the BindHow to make Quilt Binding Tutorial and How to Hand Stitch the Bind Cut enough strips to go around the outside edge of your
quilt. Sew all strips together with a 45-degree angle.

How to make Quilt Binding Tutorial and How to Hand Stitch the Bind

 Sew and Trim to ¼ inch seam allowance
Open and Press and trim any ends. Do this
to make all binding needed.

How to make Quilt Binding Tutorial and How to Hand Stitch the Bindhow to make quilt binding
The Quilt Ladies NOW on Kindle and NOOK
 How to make Quilt Binding Tutorial and How to Hand Stitch the Bind
ALWAYS check YOUR BOBBIN THREAD, make sure you have enough to make it all the way around the quilt. NOTHING worse than to stop and fill or change a bobbin! 
This is where “I” do it a bit different, I just can’t get the seam right using the fold the corner way, I do a straight seam here as shown

How to make Quilt Binding Tutorial and How to Hand Stitch the Bind

How to make Quilt Binding Tutorial and How to Hand Stitch the BindStart sewing about 5-6 inches from your binding end, 
Sew the binding with a ¼ inch seam allowance. 

 I mark with a pin on each cornerHow to make Quilt Binding Tutorial and How to Hand Stitch the BindSew the binding with a ¼ inch seam allowance. Stop ¼ from
the edge. Back stitch a few stitches.How to make Quilt Binding Tutorial and How to Hand Stitch the BindHow to make Quilt Binding Tutorial and How to Hand Stitch the BindFold the binding back. Fold binding back down on to the Quilt. Match up edges. A diagonal fold will form between the
layers and a straight fold on top. Do corners one at a timeHow to make Quilt Binding Tutorial and How to Hand Stitch the BindDo this on all four cornersStop sewing about 4-5 inches from the first end. How to make Quilt Binding Tutorial and How to Hand Stitch the BindPin well, fold over and match the endsHow to make Quilt Binding Tutorial and How to Hand Stitch the BindPressHow to make Quilt Binding Tutorial and How to Hand Stitch the BindOpen up and mark your SEWING line How to make Quilt Binding Tutorial and How to Hand Stitch the BindOn both sidesHow to make Quilt Binding Tutorial and How to Hand Stitch the BindThis is your SEWING line, Sew and trim seam.How to make Quilt Binding Tutorial and How to Hand Stitch the BindContinue sewing the binding to the quilt. How to make Quilt Binding Tutorial and How to Hand Stitch the BindThe right side of the quiltHow to make Quilt Binding Tutorial and How to Hand Stitch the BindYou will need to trim your batting, I like to trim mine about an 1/8 of an inch from the binding edge

The Quilt Ladies NOW on Kindle and NOOK

Fold the binding open
How to make Quilt Binding Tutorial and How to Hand Stitch the BindPull it over the machine stitches. 
How to make Quilt Binding Tutorial and How to Hand Stitch the BindPin and I like to hand stitch
How to make Quilt Binding Tutorial and How to Hand Stitch the BindBlind Stitch, I like to hide my knot in the inside.
Single thread, I use about 18 inches at a time. 
Catch just a bit of fabric on the binding, 
How to make Quilt Binding Tutorial and How to Hand Stitch the BindTake a stitch straight across and then back into the binding just a few threads.
How to make Quilt Binding Tutorial and How to Hand Stitch the BindMake sure your thread matches and as below, I have about 6-8 stitches down in this photo
How to make Quilt Binding Tutorial and How to Hand Stitch the Bind Stitch all the way into the fold.
How to make Quilt Binding Tutorial and How to Hand Stitch the BindPull your needle out and fold other corner over, 
How to make Quilt Binding Tutorial and How to Hand Stitch the BindSew the corners closed on BOTH sides. Back side here
How to make Quilt Binding Tutorial and How to Hand Stitch the BindHow to make Quilt Binding Tutorial and How to Hand Stitch the BindPush needle through and stitch the front corner seam closed. How to make Quilt Binding Tutorial and How to Hand Stitch the BindPush needle through to the back and continue sewing around the quilt.
How to make Quilt Binding Tutorial and How to Hand Stitch the BindHow to make Quilt Binding Tutorial and How to Hand Stitch the BindFinished corners.

Do all FourHow to make Quilt Binding Tutorial and How to Hand Stitch the BindThe Quilt Ladies NOW on Kindle and NOOK

Beth from The Quilt Ladies

Read my book “The Quilt Ladies” 12 Quilt Stories and 15 Complete Quilt Patterns
Make Retirement fun with my “How to Survive Retirement” a Check List
#quilt #quilting #thequiltladies #patchwork #bethanndoing #quilts #needlework

It’s Sewing Machine Day !

Happiness in Seeing it

  Today is National Sewing Machine Day and I had to get it OUT ! I knew it was in the closet and seeing it again…just makes me HAPPY! It’s been a very long time.
I had to say good-bye to it’s original box years ago and this carpet bag is perfect for it.
my singer feather weight sewing machine
A Singer Feather Weight
Feather weight Singer sewing machine
Singer sewing machine
My mom gave this to me years ago and I used it for classes for years. 
She tells the story.  This sewing machine was the first thing that She and my Father purchased together. She remember it being around 70.00 dollars. If they did it on payments my Grandfather would have to co-sign. They saved and purchased with cash, she said with a very large smile.
The pedal was replaced sometime ??
Singer Sewing Machine
It works wonderful 
Singer Sewing machine
And So Pretty and Makes me HAPPY

Beth from The Quilt Ladies

Read my book “The Quilt Ladies” 12 Quilt Stories and 15 Complete Quilt Patterns
Make Retirement fun with my “How to Survive Retirement” a Check List
This post may contain affiliate links. I will receive a few cents if you click to their site and purchase
#quilt #quilting #thequiltladies #patchwork #bethanndoing #quilts #needlework

 

Red Fabric and Fade

Do This With all Fabrics

I start by WASHING and DRYING all my fabrics as soon as I get them home. Color fabric with colors and whites/background together in cold water. I am in Florida and our water on cold is like a medium temp water in the Midwest.  NOTE: Red and White Quilt Pattern Coming Soon to The Quilt Ladies Quilt Pattern Shop. 

When I use Pre-cut fabric I wash the quilt after the top is pieced, before batting and quilting.  I still do this EXTRA step as shown below when using a solid color with a white background., after machine washing and drying fabric.
These are the fabrics that I will check for color fade. check for red fabric fade

I make my own little washing, I use dish soap and hot tap water
check for red fabric fade

Add fabric, move it around
check for red fabric fade

Add lid and shake as a washer does. Let is set for a bit. 10-15 minutes.

check for red fabric fade
check for red fabric fade

Rise well, this fabric DID NOT fade.

check for red fabric fade

IF NO fading please check for fade or bleed in drying. Lay fabric on clean white paper towel and let dry. Some fabrics will dry color onto another fabric.

check for red fabric fade

These fabrics did NOT fade or bleed, time to cut a quilt ! !


check for red fabric fade

Generations Quilts I have shared this post here for YEARS and it’s one of the best. I DO NOT like using any form of product on my fabric/quilts. But these products are here if you like. She has linked all in the post ! as I did.

Beth from The Quilt Ladies

Read my book “The Quilt Ladies” 12 Quilt Stories and 15 Complete Quilt Patterns
Make Retirement fun with my “How to Survive Retirement” a Check List
#quilt #quilting #thequiltladies #patchwork #bethanndoing #quilts #needlework

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