From Beth's Desk Archives - Page 2 of 23

Weekly News and An Old Secretary Desk

Painting Done, Make Fun Quilt Block

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

Cut 1 Lt. Blue 4 7/8” x 4 7/8’

Cut 1 White 4 7/8” x 4 7/8’

Make Triangles

Cut 2 Green 2 7/8” x 2 7/8”

Cut 2 White 2 7/8” x 2 7/8”

Make Triangles

Cut 4 White 2 ½” x 2 ½”

Head over to my Etsy Shop and See my NEW December Quilt Pattern
or if you like in Print and eBook HERE
My Entire Etsy Shop is having a SALE

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

Take a Moment and see ALL I do HERE
In Print and eBooks

The Quilt Ladies Books — See All my Books and Ebooks on Amazon

Thought for the Week

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

SEE Beth Ann’s BOOKS on Amazon and

Entire Etsy Shop is Having a SALE – – HERE

It’s Been a Strange Week !

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

Quilt Block to Make

A simple star quilt pattern with four patch fun
Find this week’s pattern here on my site

The Quilt Ladies Book Nook

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.

Until next week,
Beth Ann
The Quilt Ladies
www.BethAnnDoing.com

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

SEE Beth Ann’s BOOKS on Amazon and
PDF download quilt patterns on Etsy

It’s Been a Journey

Purchase today! My New Books

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

The Quilt Ladie Original Quilt Patterns 11 of them — 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.

And 25 Daily Quilt block Patterns TOO ! !

Quilt Block Patterns to do with each day!

Daily Reflections from The Book of Luke

With gratitude and a happy heart,
Beth Ann

Hand Sewing a Quilt Block – Tuesday Thread

Hand Sew a Quilt Block

Let’s do some hand piecing of a quilt block

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

SEE Beth Ann’s BOOKS on Amazon and
PDF download quilt patterns on Etsy

How to Make a Triangle Quilt Block

Triangle Tutorial

How to Make a Quilt Triangle

Just like the square if you are not ready to purchase a rotary cutter and mat. You will need to make a freezer paper pattern. How to do Square’s HERE

Take the FINISHED size of the square you want and add 7/8 of an inch.
example:
for a finished size 2 inch square you will cut your fabric 2 7/8″ x 2 7/8″
for a finished size 3 inch square you will cut your fabric 3 7/8″ x 3 7/8″
for a finished size 4 inch square you will cut your fabric 4 7/8″ x 4 7/8″

And so on, either make you freezer paper pattern or up with a rotary cutter and ruler.

I’ve used a 3 inch FINISHED Square cut 3 7/8″ x 3 7/8″A light and a dark.

On the Wrong side of the light fabric draw a line from corner to corner.

This is the cutting line NOT sewing line

On your sewing machine sew a straight seam, 1/4″ from the line. Pencil is on if you need, my sewing machine foot is 1/4″

Turn and do the same thing on the other side.(when I have many to sew, I do chain piecing, one right after another, not stopping the machine until all finished and then turn and do the other side)
If NEW do them one at a time.

Cut on the drawn Cutting line.

You have 2 triangles

Open them up and 2 triangles

Press your seam to the dark fabric and trim the end tail off.

This is your finished triangle

GIVE IT A TRY…. IT’S NOT HARD.

I recently posted a quilt block on Facebook and there was a lot of take about points.

Here’s how I do it.

how to not cut off triangle points in quilting

Pieced together a triangle to a block

Added this as a strip to another piece. Pin as much as you need, check as you pin to make sure

you have the 1/4 seam allowance.

On this seam I had to move the needle in just 2 threads to make the point perfect.

Press the fabric

The point.

I can ONLY do this because you purchase my books and quilt pattern book, Thank you, Beth Ann
SEE Beth Ann’s BOOKS on Amazon and
PDF download quilt patterns on Etsy

My NEW Password Log Book

Make it Simple and Do it !

Why I Created Our New Password Log Book: Love, Loss, and the Details We Leave Behind. NO ONE wants to think about any of this, but please do !

This book wasn’t something I planned to make. It grew out of one of those life moments that leaves you both grateful and a little rattled.

password log book from The Quilt Ladies — Simple and easy log book

When my husband stepped up as executor for a dear friend’s estate, we found ourselves knee deep in paperwork, locked accounts, unanswered security questions, and endless guessing about passwords.

The stress was real, but more than that, there was a quiet sadness that lingered over every, “how would our children want us to do this?” The experience taught us something simple but important: write things down.

Not just the big stuff, like insurance policies and banking info, but the everyday little details too. Websites, usernames, passwords, PIN numbers, phone unlock codes… all the things that seem small, until you need them and don’t have them.

So that’s why this Password Log Book exists. It’s for today—so you don’t waste time resetting passwords or searching for account numbers.
And it’s for tomorrow—offering peace of mind for the people who may someday need to step in for you.

log book for all your passwords — Simple, Easy Password Log Book

It’s organization, yes—but more than that, it’s a quiet kind of love. Love remembers. And this is one small way to make sure everything important is written down, kept safe, and easy to find when it matters most.

SEE Beth Ann’s BOOKS on Amazon and
PDF download quilt patterns on Etsy

Star Quilt Pattern here for You to Make

Make a Quilt NOW, Complete Pattern Here

Let’s Make a Quilt !
Have a FANTASTIC Weekend with my free quilt pattern

Here is a Complete quilt pattern for you. I think it’s a fun quilt because of the colors and the black making it pop. This quilt LOOKS hard BUT it’s just triangles.

I cut 3 7/8″ blocks to make my triangles, you can cut any size you would like. I made and quilted this quilt YEARS ago and I have used it as a table topper, a front door quilt and as a lay over the back of the couch quilt for color. My quilt has a finished size of 30 inches by 30 inches.

SEE Beth Ann’s BOOKS on Amazon and
PDF download quilt patterns on Etsy

For the center

Cut 1 Blue – 3 7/8″ x 3 7/8″
Cut 1 Orange – 3 7/8″ x 3 7/8″
Make Triangles How I make my Triangles

Cut 2 Blue – 3 7/8″ x 3 7/8″
Cut 2 Orange – 3 7/8″ x 3 7/8″
Cut 4 Black – 3 7/8″ x 3 7/8″
Make Triangles

Cut 4 Black – 3 1/2″ x 3 1/2″

Sew units as shown, sew to the sides. Sew top and bottom as shown and sew

Finished center of the quilt block.

Cut 6 Orange – 3 7/8″ x 3 7/8″
Cut 6 Blue – 3 7/8″ x 3 7/8″
Make Triangles

Cut 1 Orange – 3 7/8″ x 3 7/8″
Cut 1 Blue – 3 7/8″ x 3 7/8″
Cut 2 Black – 3 7/8″ x 3 7/8″
Make Triangles
Sew as shown add sides first, then top and bottom

Orange and Blue Star Quilt — Free Star Quilt Pattern

Cut 4 Blue 3 1/2″ x 24 1/2″

Cut 4 Orange – 3 1/2″ x 3 1/2″

Sew one orange square on to each end of two blue strips

Sew sides on first and then the top and bottom

I cut my binding 2 1/2″ by 130″

Here is my Quilt Ladies Tutorial for you on How I do quilt binding

Beth Ann of The Quilt Ladies — Beth Ann is The Quilt Ladies

SEE Beth Ann’s BOOKS on Amazon and
PDF download quilt patterns on Etsy

How to Mend an Old Quilt

Make a Template and Pick Fabrics

A few weeks ago, I showed Husbands fishing quilt, and was asked about an older post I did a few years ago, found it and here it is.

(Revised)
I’m always on the look out for old quilts and IF I think I can save them I purchase. They have to be washable and usable, nothing better, no matter the temperature is a quilt to cuddle in. This is(was) a recent purchase !

There are 3 blocks that needed attention,
I ALWAYS wash quilts before I mend, this one turned out
VERY nice, they usually do !

I like making a paper temple for the applique piece I’m adding

Try to make it exact and add seam allowance at the time of cutting (it’s easier to do this way)

This is the same fabric, one is the right side

and one it the back side

Add the seam allowance and cut out piece

Fold down the point and press

Fold the sides over, I like to press everything and I use the tip of the small scissors to hold as the fabric will get HOT !

Applique the pink down

I hand quilt them too, it completes the look and makes it VERY hard to find the new piece.

3 baskets I fixed on this quilt

Can you find them ?

Thank you for supporting my Etsy shop and my Quilt Ladies Book, click below to see all I do.

The Quilt Ladies Quilt Pattern Shop
My Books and Quilt Ladies Quilt Patterns in Print and eBooks

#quilting #quiltpattern #thequiltladies

Mending the Fish Quilt

Fixing a Loved Quilt

Last weeks, weekly quilt block was my fish quilt block I did for Husband.
We have a culture here in our family of NOT giving up our quilts and here is how I fixed Husband’s fish quilt.

Last weeks quilt block pattern.

Laying out each place to repair

Pinned it really good

And used applique stitches, by hand.

They were all on seams, fabric becoming weak?
I think YEARS of use.

AND let me add…PLEASE press your seams to ONE side, DO NOT press as you would making clothes. I know it’s a thing now to press open, but DON’T you will only weaken the threads and seam.

Looks pretty good !

Ready for many more years of wear !

Thank you for supporting my Etsy shop and my Quilt Ladies Books
The Quilt Ladies Quilt Pattern Shop
My Books and Quilt Ladies Quilt Patterns in Print and eBooks

Little and Not Perfect Quilt

Perfect Is Not Needed

When I was unpacking and going through quilt tub boxes a few weeks ago. I came across this little quilt jewel. It’s little and it’s not a perfect quilt.

Little Blue and Yellow Nine-Patch Quilt — Beth Ann’s Quilt

When it comes to making a quilt, here’s a secret: not everything has to be perfect! That slightly wonky seam? It adds character.

And it is PERFECTLY FINE! OKAY! AND IT ADDS A LITTLE EXTRA FLAIR.

Some of my favorite quilts have “oops” moments, and I promise, once it’s put together, all quilted and washed, those little quirks just blend right into the beauty.

Quilting should always be more about joy than perfection.
So press that fabric, thread sewing machine needle, and quilt with a smile, your perfect quilt is the one you are making now

My little quilt is a Basic 9 patches, set on ends.
I did it in strip piecing, cutting them 3/4″ wide.

The finished quilt is 4 1/2″ x 4 1/2″ and yes, before you ask I am a bit crazy.
I have a couple of new ideas I am drawing it up and the unpacking has helped with procrastinating, I will get started !

LOOK AT PERFECT DIFFERENTLY !

Read about All Beth Ann’s Books
Beth Ann is a Quilter
and an Author who
decided to self-publish her books and quilt pattern books

SEE Beth Ann’s BOOKS on Amazon and
PDF download
quilt patterns on Etsy

www.bethanndoing.com
www.thequiltladies.com

Thought for the Week

SEE Beth Ann’s BOOKS on Amazon and Entire Etsy Shop is Having a SALE – – HERE

Share this:

Like this:

Quilt Block to Make A simple star quilt pattern with four patch funFind this week’s pattern here on my site

The Quilt Ladies Book Nook

A Thought for the Week

Share this:

Like this:

Share this:

Like this:

Let’s do some hand piecing of a quilt block

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.

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

SEE Beth Ann’s BOOKS on Amazon and PDF download quilt patterns on Etsy

Share this:

Like this:

How to Make a Quilt Triangle

I recently posted a quilt block on Facebook and there was a lot of take about points.

Here’s how I do it.

I can ONLY do this because you purchase my books and quilt pattern book, Thank you, Beth Ann SEE Beth Ann’s BOOKS on Amazon and PDF download quilt patterns on Etsy

Share this:

Like this:

Why I Created Our New Password Log Book: Love, Loss, and the Details We Leave Behind. NO ONE wants to think about any of this, but please do !

Share this:

Like this:

Let’s Make a Quilt ! Have a FANTASTIC Weekend with my free quilt pattern

For the center

Cut 6 Orange – 3 7/8″ x 3 7/8″ Cut 6 Blue – 3 7/8″ x 3 7/8″ Make Triangles

Cut 1 Orange – 3 7/8″ x 3 7/8″ Cut 1 Blue – 3 7/8″ x 3 7/8″ Cut 2 Black – 3 7/8″ x 3 7/8″ Make Triangles Sew as shown add sides first, then top and bottom

I cut my binding 2 1/2″ by 130″

Share this:

Like this:

Share this:

Like this:

Last weeks, weekly quilt block was my fish quilt block I did for Husband. We have a culture here in our family of NOT giving up our quilts and here is how I fixed Husband’s fish quilt.

Share this:

Like this:

Share this:

Like this:

SEE Beth Ann’s BOOKS on Amazon and

Entire Etsy Shop is Having a SALE – – HERE

Quilt Block to Make

A simple star quilt pattern with four patch fun
Find this week’s pattern here on my site

SEE Beth Ann’s BOOKS on Amazon and
PDF download quilt patterns on Etsy

I can ONLY do this because you purchase my books and quilt pattern book, Thank you, Beth Ann
SEE Beth Ann’s BOOKS on Amazon and
PDF download quilt patterns on Etsy

Let’s Make a Quilt !
Have a FANTASTIC Weekend with my free quilt pattern

Cut 6 Orange – 3 7/8″ x 3 7/8″
Cut 6 Blue – 3 7/8″ x 3 7/8″
Make Triangles

Cut 1 Orange – 3 7/8″ x 3 7/8″
Cut 1 Blue – 3 7/8″ x 3 7/8″
Cut 2 Black – 3 7/8″ x 3 7/8″
Make Triangles
Sew as shown add sides first, then top and bottom

Last weeks, weekly quilt block was my fish quilt block I did for Husband.
We have a culture here in our family of NOT giving up our quilts and here is how I fixed Husband’s fish quilt.