I have been out for a bit. Quilting has always been one of the places I go when life feels steady and good. But lately, life hasn’t felt steady. Husband’s health has changed again, and the recovery road has shaken me to my core.
And if I’m honest, I’m tired. Not just “I need a nap” tired… but the kind that sits a little deeper and a little harder. I’ve still been showing up here and there. A post, a picture, a thought, on Facebook and instagram. But behind the scenes, things are quieter than usual. And I think it has to be.
Because here’s what I’m learning:
Not every season is for creating.
Some seasons are for holding things together.
Some days, sew a seam or two, or sit with a piece of fabric in my lap, draw a few quilt block and think about what they might make.
And that still counts.
Are you thinking about retirement ?
Or already retired? Do it with Laughter, Love and in this book NO Money talk, it’s all about YOU !
You have to find fun, excitement, and joy in your days. 40 years to achieve the retirement goal, and now you are not happy, you don’t know what to do all day? YOU need a plan.
Husband and I retired early, he was 57, and I was 55. Most people hear us say our ages and they ask, “What do you do all day?” VERY, very rarely do they ask, “How do you afford it?” This book has NO money talk, it’s all about happiness. Now in Print and eBook ! !
To me that is hilarious: before retirement you plan financially, you plan the date, but you don’t take time to figure out what you want to do for 20-30 years of retirement. I have seen it now for five years. How to Survive Retirement
Everyone thinks that you magically know how to retire. YOU DON’T but my book will help you think through what you need and what you want for YOUR life. No money talk, this is all ideas to make your 20-30 years of retirement what you want and need it to be for years of joy. Retirement is talked about just as going off to college is.
There are just four things you need to expect in retirement:
1. We are all going to die 2. Stop fearing change 3 .Stop living in the past 4. Be easy on yourself These four things may not need to be said, but please think about them. #1 is one that can help you get up, get started and do what you want. #2 is fearing change, you will and need to change. #3 past is the past let it go. #4 take care of yourself and be kind to yourself.
Here in my book, laugh, read and find your passions by staying connected, keeping your mind active, embracing slow living, and finding your community can help you thrive in retirement.
But ultimately, the key to surviving retirement with joy is to find what works for you and your unique situation. Whether it’s quilting, travel, volunteering, family or something entirely different, find what brings you happiness and purpose, and go for it!
PLEASE retire happy! “If you are unhappy….us other old people don’t want to be around you.”
Author information:
My name is Beth Ann Strub, sixty eight years old, retired and living in central Florida, about 20 minutes from the white sandy beaches we all love and right on a golf course, which I have never played on, but it’s pretty. I was born and raised in Iowa and have lived in Iowa, Minnesota, Nebraska and now in Florida. I am a quilt designer, book written, I love to swim, cook/eat and family is my joy.
It’s Tuesday Threads I have had fun putting this my quilt news together today! Today has been a get it done morning for me. I just organized my yearly calendar, MINE’s HERE, and my 1 year one is HERE
Over these past weeks, I painted our laundry hall, started taking an internet painting class, and finished a quilt top for a grad gift and yes…all the other day to day things that need doing. 70th Birthday party!
30 log cabin quilt blocks ONE quilt
Start with fabric you love Choosing colors and prints that make your heart happy will keep you motivated through the tricky parts. When you love what you’re sewing, progress feels effortless.
Why a PDF? Because I am old and quilters like printables. This way you can download it, print it, save it, and tape it to the sewing room wall…and I don’t have to retype it. It’s an everybody wins kind of thing. Can’t wait a year here is the entire quilt in eBook form HERE January Quilt Block Pattern
I write about Living Slow, that being said, I have started 2026 not planned, not organized, (four projects going right now) you’re supposed to start the year on the right foot. Right Foot, Organized. Focused. Perfectly planned.
But let’s be honest…I planned to have this out in the AM. and I am now going for PM…some time? I am thinking that my left foot maybe better?!?
So, let’s all Laugh! Start small or big, but start. Right foot? Left foot? Start!
I have learned that’s when the good stuff happens. I truly think it’s all about showing up, and doing it!
AND I NEVER add any pressure to myself…ANY more !
Take a quilting journey across America with my collection of quilt blocks, each inspired by the beauty and symbolism of a U.S. state flag. These designs aren’t just replicas—they are thoughtfully crafted interpretations, blending the heart and heritage of each state into a stunning quilt block.
Each block finishes at 14″ x 14″, making them perfect for quilts, wall hangings, or individual creative projects. With clear, step-by-step instructions, this book ensures quilters of all skill levels can confidently bring these designs to life.
See a Book Page from 50 States Quilt Block Patterns
Hello, Welcome Friends, Here we are… the very end of December, standing at the edge of the New Year…2026?!?
I like to think of it like opening up my fabric stash and seeing all the potential, the promise that I had when I purchased those cotton prints. And, I always find that one fabric…
What was I thinking when
I paid money for 2 yards of THIS?!?!
To all, Health, Happiness, time to quilt, read and that one more cup of coffee. Happy 2026
A Quilt Block for You to Make
Finished quilt block
Measures 18” x 18”
Cutting for 4 Centers
Cut 4 Purple – 1 ½” x 1 ½”
Cut 4 Yellow – 1 ½” x 1 ½”
Cut 4 Purple – 2 ½” x 1 ½”
Cut 4 White – 2 ½” x 1 ½” Side
Cut 4 White – 3 ½” x 1 ½” Top
Cut 4 Red – 3 ½” x 1 ½” Bottom
Cut 12 Red – 4 ½” x 1 ½” Left Side, Right Side
Cut 4 Green – 1 ½” x 1 ½” Right Side Bottom
Sashing to Put Block together
Cut 4 White – 5 ½” x 2 ½”
Cut 4 Red – 2 ½” x 1 ½”
Cut 1 Yellow – 2 ½” x 2 ½”
Outside Border of Block
Cut 6 Red – 2 7/8” x 2 7/8”
Cut 6 White – 2 7/8” x 2 7/8”
Make Triangles
Cut 4 Green – 3 ½” x 1 ½”
Cut 4 White – 3 ½” x 1 ½”
Sew together
Cut 4 Green – 5 ½” x 1 ½”
Cut 4 White – 5 ½” x 1 ½”
Sew together
I’ve decided 2026 is going to be my year of “new time” not more time (still waiting on that invention), but better time. Time for ideas, quilts, small adventures, and moments that don’t involve running around like I’m in a fit of overwhelmedness…(pretty sure that’s a word)
And speaking of time… I’m officially drifting away from social media. Not dramatically, not with a farewell tour, quietly stepping back like someone sneaking out of a party before the karaoke starts.
Nothing I post is ever going viral, those 6 likes and not shares, I can do without, with 6K follows. So, instead of chasing algorithms, I’m keeping things simple: if you want me, I’ll be right here on Tuesdays, coffee in hand, sharing life, quilts, and whatever else pops up. Kind of back to the basics!
My plan is simple: less rushing, more joy. Less “should,” more “why not?” Less worrying about the perfect plan, and more celebrating the small wins, like finding the scissors before the third try. If I can do that, I think 2026 and I will get along just fine.
Lined Journal with My WatercolorsHow to Survive Retirement
Available NOWFun and Happy getting that Quilt DoneMaking Myself BetterThe Book I hope NO one ever needs, but I know some will50 States Quilt Block Patterns, thank you all for purchasing and loving this book as much as I do !
Thought of the Week
So here’s to stepping into 2026 with a smile, a fresh list of ideas, and the hope that our bobbins never run out at the worst possible moment.
Bring on the new time, the new ideas, and the fun that comes with starting again. Let’s make something wonderful.
Keep Stopping IN and I will Keep doing, ME… www.BethAnnDoing.com
Well… the countdown is officially on! Not just to Christmas, but Husband’s big 70th birthday. Yes, 70, and yes, he is milking it for all it’s worth. Every time I remind him to take it easy, he announces, “But I’m almost 70!” as if that magically excuses him from listening.
The house is cheery, the presents are wrapped (mostly… sort of…not many this year), and I have decided that whatever gets done is exactly what was meant to get done. Christmas perfection is overrated, but Christmas with cake, family, and a husband turning 70 and acting like the king of December? Now that’s holiday joy.
Make Time for a Quilt Block Too!
This is one of those quilt blocks that just says…WONDERFUL. This Quilt Block is all triangles And it’s doable with scraps or as shown, colors placed. The finished quilt block is eight inches by eight inches. I machine pieced and do the quilt pattern in units and rows as shown below.
Cut 4 Blue – 2 7/8” x 2 7/8” Cut 4 White – 2 7/8” x 2 7/8” Make Triangles
Cut 4 Lt. Blue – 2 7/8” x 2 7/8” Cut 4 White – 2 7/8” x 2 7/8” Make Triangles
Sew as shown
And then comes the quiet truth we don’t always admit: we’re tired. Not just “I need a nap” tired, but the kind of tired that comes from trying to make everything magical while still juggling everyday life. The holidays ask us to be merry, creative, thoughtful, social, organized, and patient, all at once. It’s perfectly okay to love the season deeply and still feel worn to the bone by it. When the celebration noise fades and the last cookie crumb is brushed away, maybe the best gift we can give ourselves is permission to rest, and let the new year begin with a slower breath. We have 25th to ourselves and I wait for it all year. I can’t explain it, but it’s us, no to do list just Husband and I. The joy of home, quite and time.
Hoping you have a wonderful holiday, Beth Ann
My Watecolor
Thank you for supporting my Etsy shop and my Quilt Ladies Book
This week has been a mix of real life and holiday sparkle at our house. Husband had a heart procedure on December 4th, the Watchman. It’s called a New Routine Procedure…But, it is SO scary…
I feel grateful for modern medicine, grateful for good doctors, and grateful for every person who has checked in, prayed, or simply sent a kind thought our way.
He is already to run a marathon. I keep reminding him that walking from the recliner to the kitchen is plenty of cardio for now. But he’s doing wonderfully, and our standard line from all his Doctors as they walk into see him is, “You look good!” it never fails and I love seeing him smile when I say it… at inappropriate times ! He is over the top in the looks department.
Not a lot of quilt going on here, so I pulled one of my favorites of my quilt blocks of you today! Click the link below or HERE
A Quilt Block for You to Make Here is the complete quilt block pattern for you,
Join my list and catch every Quilt Ladies News right here, without the distractions of social media. It’s my way of keeping things calm, creative, and easy to find each week.
It’s just me here and social media is winning…maybe just a bit exhausted too !
Hello All ! Welcome !
Hope you are settling into the holiday spirit. I have the tree done, gifts shipped and Husband has the outside palm tree decorated with lights all a glow. We are over the top organized this year and I will share more later.
Quilt Block of the WeekThis weeks Quilt Block Pattern is all about it’s name, “Old Maid” finished size is 8″ by 8″ How I make my triangles tutorial is here.
I think this quilt block needs a name change to, “Powerful Women” but I don’t have a lot of pull in the quilt history area ! It’s a Great Quilt Block
This is what I worked on the past few weeks and this past week add Thanksgiving into it too ! ! My Secretary Hutch for our kitchen ! ! and I love it.
This old secretary desk came to me tired, faded, and a little wobbly ($50). Over the past two weeks, I’ve sanded, glued, repaired, cleaned, and finally painted it back into something that makes me smile every time I walk into my kitchen. It’s amazing how a little love, a little patience, and a lot of elbow grease can completely transform a piece.
I know some don’t like painted wood, this wood was not the best, pieced together a bit, I saved what I could and had a ball painting the rest. This project is the largest I have done since my library and it has reminded me how satisfying it is to slow down and bring furniture piece back to life.
Yes, I hand painted the back, it’s on art paper so IF
I want later, I can change it
I think this is what we do with our Quilts,
The most ordinary things become extraordinary the moment we decide they’re worth saving. This week, look at what’s already around you with new eyes and find joy in bringing a little beauty back to life.
Sign up for my Weekly News, Top right, Sign up and never miss by Weekly Post, no algorithms, no noise, just quilting goodness delivered right to you. I’m TRYING to step back a bit from social media, so this is the best way to stay connected and keep the creativity flowing.
Thank you for supporting my Etsy shop and my Quilt Ladies Book
Hello, Everyone ! We are home from a long weekend visiting the kids, they needed our extra hands, and that became laughter, stories, and way too much airport time.
The trip was wonderful, but the airplane air, the shuttle? the train? the waiting…not so much.Let’s just say I came home with a little travel “souvenir”, the kind that requires tea, drugs, tissues, and extra naps.
So, this week, I’m taking it slow. A soft quilt over my lap, a book in hand, TV remote for baseball and football, of course MORE ideas already swirling for next week’s block pattern. Sometimes life reminds us to pause, and that’s okay, that works in well with my Living Slow
which is NOW on Kindle Unlimited too
I am over the moon proud of this book
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. Read all about them, here on my page, one book easy and one complete text you decide. BOTH will all 25 Quilt Block Patterns and IF you need permission, write in this book, your thoughts, needs, your ideas, have been using it every month for over 6 months now, we really do need this !
A Thought for the Week
Please remember: Rest counts as progress. Whether you’re reading, quilting, or simply breathing deep, it all matters.
This year, something shifted. Somewhere between the quilt blocks, coffee cups, and early morning ideas, I decided to stop waiting for “someday” and start doing. Not because everything was perfectly lined up, (far from it) but because it finally felt like time to live the ideas I’ve been dreaming about for years. I’ve been writing, stitching, and creating in a way that feels more me than ever before. This is the year of following what I want to do, what I need to do, and what brings me quiet joy. From my quilt pattern books to the devotionals I’ve always wanted to share, to stories that have been sitting patiently in my heart, they’re all finding their way into the world.
I have started and stopped this quilt pattern book of YEARS. I can’t explain it but…I have finished it! AND it’s here for you . These are the quilt patterns from my Original Quilt Ladies Book
NO story just my quilt complete quilt patterns. HERE
11 complete quilt patterns from The Quilt Ladies Original Book
Eleven Complete Quilt Patterns in All Sizes
124 Pages of Quilt Patterns, quilt instructions, and quilt memories
for you to make. 11 Complete Quilt Patterns and
How to Hand Applique
How to Fusible Applique
Getting Stated Section
So here’s to new beginnings, finished projects, and the courage to say, “Yes, this is what I want.” I have pulled all the links from my site that are not MINE, this is huge, I have to do me and what I like !
TIME to Have some fun, think about that unfinished quilt.
Fun, Sassy and for YOU! NOW as eBook and in Print
Finishing Living Slow: Finding Joy in What Matters, a book that grew out of some of the hardest, most honest moments of my life and it became a love letter to slowing down and being truly present. Now an eBook
and In Print
The Book is Luke is a ten plus year of wanting to do! It’s a December reading, but I have been doing it daily, creating daily reflections that has deepened my faith and filled me with calm purpose. And I’m finally saying yes to the projects I’ve dreamed about for years, not someday, but now.
Love this book SO MUCH, it’s presented IN a SHORT form, a complete Book Luke text paperback and a hardcover, I have always wanted. Quilt Block Pattern to do with each day ! See and read of them here in their own post
I hand piece or hand quilt EVERY Monday at my small group quilting group. Really…I’m just to lazy to get my sewing machine carried in and set up, plus then I couldn’t walk over. A new member arrived last Monday and she asked LOTS of questions about hand piecing. So, I’m re-posting my basic hand piecing class
I feel all quilter’s should at some time do hand piecing, I know you think I’m nuts, but it brings me back to the tradition of what quilters are all about. I try to do one every year or so. Your piece need not be a huge project, but please, try it.
This is my travel quilt box, would you believe it’s an old Ethel M Chocolate box from Las Vegas about 35 years ago. It has everything but scissors, you just can’t travel with them anymore. I have gotten into the habit of keeping it all together. This box has been on many vacations, fishing trips and even at baseball/football games in many towns, when the boys still lived with us.
Cut an assortment of fabric,
For one block you will need
8 – 1 1/2″ x 1 1/2″
and
4 – 2 1/2″ x 1 1/2″
I just cut a pile of each and put the colors together as I piece.
Mark a 1/4″ seam line on fabric back, I use a ruler and pencil.
Knot your thread and do a rocking stitch. After a bit you will not need the line, notice my thumb,
I use it as my measurement guide, some add a mark on their nail, but I don’t like messing up my nails, aka manicure !
I use a thread about 18-20 inches long and string piece, knotting at the beginning and end of each block. Finger piece them open.
Draw seam line if needed. Place good fabric to good, pin and sew.
Open and finger press. Add 2 1/2″ x 1 1/2′ to side.
Draw sewing line, Pin and sew on line,
Finger press to the outside.
Take 2 1/2″ x 1 1/2″ and draw sewing line on each end, sew to 1 1/2″ x 1 1/2″ Do 2 times.
Draw seam line if needed. Place good fabric to good, pin and sew.
This is the back of my hand pieced block.
Two finished blocks, each block has a finished size of 4″
Take some time, don’t take it all too serious, pick a comfy chair, good light and just have some HAND piecing fun.
Thank you for supporting my Etsy shop and my Quilt Ladies Book
