Tag: bethanndoing

One Meaningful December, My New Christmas Quilt Devotionals

A Daily Moment in December

If you’ve ever wished for a December that felt deeper… slower… stitched with intention instead of stress, these new books might be just what your heart (and hands) need.

Scripture Reflection Daily Reading
Stitched into the Story with Quilt Blocks

This book is simple and slow a daily reading from Book of Luke (3–5 paragraphs) each day from December 1st through Christmas Eve, plus a bonus reading for Christmas Day. And a Daily Quilt Block Pattern with complete cutting and piecing instructions.

Each daily entry includes:
A short Scripture reflection (just 3–5 paragraphs)
A thoughtfully paired quilt block pattern to make
A sense of calm and connection, as you stitch both fabric and meaning into your holiday season

It’s written for anyone who craves peace in the pause, whether you’ve studied Scripture for years or never opened a Bible. This is a gentle invitation to return to something steady and sacred, one block and one story at a time.  103 paperback pages, 6″x9″ size and available HERE

Scripture Reflections, Stitched into The Story with Quilt Blocks
3-5 paragraph readings each day in December

3-5 paragraphs for your daily readng

The Book of Luke Stitched into the Story with Quilt Blocks

This edition is fuller, with more to hold and share:
The complete Book of Luke, with every chapter and verse
Daily reflections just like the first book
A children’s reading for each day — perfect for sharing with little ones or reading aloud
And my 25 quilt block patterns, so you can create a story, a quilt from beginning to end

It’s designed for families, quilting circles, or anyone who wants the full story of Jesus, stitched together with hands, on beauty. A little more Scripture, a little more heart, all wrapped in warmth.
The Book of Luke Stitched into The Story with Quilt Blocks
226 Pages, 6″x9′ size  Available only here in both Hardcover and Paperback 

Complete Daily Readings
In Paperback and Hardcover

Children's daily devotional reading for The Book of Luke

Which one is right for you?

Choose Scripture Reflection Daily Reading if you’re looking for a daily devotional that’s quiet and personal, with just enough to carry you through the month with meaning and ease. Plus my 25 Quilt Block Patterns to make at anytime.

Choose The Book of Luke Stitched into the Story if you’d like to read the full Gospel, share it with kids, or dive deeper, all while quilting your way to Christmas. and my 25 Quilt Block Patterns

I hope you like these as much as I have doing them. They are completely from my heart. I have read these readings for years and adding the quilt block patterns, I have make it complete for myself and hopefully for you. No need to wait, read them anytime of the year. Beth Ann

The Book of Luke Stitched into The Story with Quilt Blocks

Scripture Reflection Daily Reading
Stitched into the Story with Quilt Blocks

Weekly Quilt Block Pattern

Log Cabin Quilt Block

The simple Log Cabin quilt block is one of the most beloved and timeless patterns in quilting. Built around a central square, this block grows outward with strips, or “logs,” added one at a time.  I have changed it a bit with the added squares in the colors. A Log Cabin block brings warmth, tradition, and a comforting sense of home.

This a simple quilt pattern that has a finished size of eight inches by eight inches. All 68 of “The Ladies” quilt patterns are HERE

How to make a simple quilt block

Cut 2 Yellow – 1 ½” x 1 ½”

Cut 14 Purple – 1 ½” x 1 ½”

Cut 4 White – 2 ½” x 1 ½”

Cut 4 White – 4 ½” x 1 ½”

Cut 4 White – 6 ½” x 1 ½”

Sew as shown

Court house steps quilt pattern block

How to make a simple quilt block

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

How to Quilt – Choosing Fabric Colors

How to Build Fabric Colors

Fabric colors are always on a Quilter’s mind, And here is the way that I was taught, years and years ago. Last Week I shared how I do color using a photo, post is here for you.

how to quilt with Tuesday Thread and The Quilt Ladies

Pick your Quilt Colors by The Quilt Ladies1) Start with one fabric. Take this one fabric and work from it. Is that one fabric, a dark, medium or light color?

This is a Dark

Pick your Quilt Colors by The Quilt Ladies

 

 

Add the light and medium. Move and change it until you like it.
Lay them out in front of you.

 

How to Pick your Quilt Colors by The Quilt Ladies
Then add, a dark medium, a light medium, until you have the mix of what you like.

 

2) Choose colors and patterns you love. An average a twin size quilt will take me about a week to piece together, and if hand quilted another, 3-4 months. If tied or machine quilted 3-4 weeks, you have so much time and cost involved you have to love it.

3) Natural or background colors. These are the corner stone. More often than notPick your Quilt Colors by The Quilt Ladies the background color is your light color. Your background color helps bring the blocks together. It does not always need to be a light either, dark or medium work well to, any color can be used.
4) Color Wheel. I’m not a big fan of the color wheel, I do like when colors pops and on most of my quilts the start fabric is not the most prominent color used it in, it is just a starting point.
5) Make one block. This should always be done, a Quilters practice, cut only fabric for one block and live with it for a few days. Especially, if it’s something you’ve never tried before. Most times you will know right away if you like it or not.
6) Have fun. This is the best way I’ve found to pick colors, enjoy the process, your quilt will be fantastic.

How to Quilt Tuesday Thread – Make a Triangle Block

Triangle Quilt Block

Last week we learned to use freezer paper and made a 4-patch quilt block, today let me share how to make a triangle quilt block.
Tuesday Thread - How to Quilt
Beth Ann is The Quilt Ladies

Many quilt blocks start with squares and triangles and this is the way I learned to do they SO many years ago. Of course there are new methods, do and use what you like, you do YOU!
My Books in Print on Amazon
My Etsy Shop

How to make Triangles
Take the finished size, add 7/8″ to it and that’s the size you cut your square. You want a FINISHED size Quilt Block of 2 inches, you cut the fabric 2 7/8″ to get it. etc. etc. (if using freezer paper cut it example: 2 7/8″ x 2 7/8″)

triangle quilt block pattern

Place good side of fabric to good side of fabric,
with a pencil draw a line corner to corner, this is
The line you measure your ¼” seam allowance from
Sew from edge to edge use a ¼” seam
Cut in half on the pencil line, trim threads
Open and press to the dark fabric,
There will be 2 blocks

how to make a triangle in quiltingClip off the end triangles

how to make a triangle quilt block square

Make a quilt triangle

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

August 2025 Quilt Pattern of the Month

The Edison Tree Quilt – Only $2.50 at My Etsy Shop!

Every quilt has a story—and this month, it’s bursting with color! I’m thrilled to share my August 2025 Quilt Pattern of the Month: the Edison Tree Quilt, a celebration of creativity, color, and all things triangle!
Edison Quilt Pattern from The Quilt LadiesThis pattern features a vibrant, rainbow-inspired tree made from four bold quilt blocks, each measuring 16″ x 16″. When stitched together, your quilt will finish at 38″ x 38″—but I’ve included optional borders to size it up to 42″ or even 42″, just in case you like your quilts with a little extra flair.

Why You’ll Love the Edison Tree Quilt Pattern:

  • Fresh, modern design that brings energy to your quilting
    Step-by-step instructions for easy cutting and piecing
    Works beautifully in rainbow fabrics—or any palette you choose
    Exclusive digital download available only in my Etsy shop – Complete instructions and getting started section
    Just $2.50 all month long!

This is one of those patterns that looks impressive but is absolutely manageable—even if you’ve been away from your sewing machine for a bit. And if you love triangles like I do, this quilt will make your heart sing!  I have a how to in the book, but if you just need a triangle making refresher here is mine, (many ways to do this, I do it this way)

This quilt pattern is inspired by a trip to the  Edison Ford Winter Home

Edison Quilt Pattern

Get it instantly: The Edison Tree Quilt Pattern is available only through my Etsy shop and is priced at just $2.50 for the month of August. It’s a fun, affordable way to add something fresh and colorful to your quilting lineup.

Click here to grab your pattern now!

Let this be your month to play with color, celebrate your creativity, and piece together something beautiful. I can’t wait to see your version of the my Edison Quilt Pattern my August 2025 Quilt Patten of the Month

Beth Ann of The Quilt Ladies
   Beth Ann is The Quilt Ladies  HAPPY QUILTING!

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

Weekly Quilt Block Pattern from The Quilt Ladies

Star Quilt Block in Yellow

This weeks quilt block is a  yellow star quilt block, a sunny burst of joy  in color. With yellow in a quilt is comes yellow become the focal point. Yellows a bit of sunshine stitched into every seam. This classic star design never goes out of style, perfect for adding a vibrant touch to any quilt project.

This quilt block has a finished size of ten inches by ten inches

Time to start your holiday quilt projects, only 5 months!

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

Simple quilt block of squares and triangles

Cut 4 Gray – 2 ½” x 2 ½”

Cut 4 Yellow – 2 7/8” x 2 7/8”
Cut corner to corner

Simple quilt pattern block of squares and triangles

Sew triangle unit together

 Cut 2 Yellow – 2 7/8” x 2 7/8”
Cut 2 White –  2 7/8” x 2 7/8”
Make Triangles

Cut 4 White – 2 7/8” x 2 7/8”
Cut corner to corner

Sew triangle unit together

 Cut 1 Yellow – 2 ½” x 2 ½”

Cut 4 White – 2 ½” x 4 ½” 

Sew together as shown

Beth Ann of The Quilt Ladies
Beth Ann’s – The Quilt Ladies

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

Quilter’s and 100% Cotton Fabric

Tuesday Thread – Why Cotton Fabric

Learn how to quilt with The Quilt LadiesOne of the best things about quilting is the Wonderful Fabric’s you get to purchase, lots and lots of fabric. 
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And with that I have to add,
This is the way I do my fabric, you do you !
a Quilt Ladies quiltPurchasing fabric is fun, please, always buy the best fabric you can afford and what you like. For quilts you will use 100% cotton fabric. Fabric will cost between $6 and $17 per yard. If you are just purchasing for a maybe project, I do mostly cuts 1 to 2 yards. If you have a quilt pattern, follow the recommendations, but as I say in my books, “Please think of purchasing more fabric than needed, as a pattern designer I have no idea how you will cut and use your fabric.”

Purchased cotton yardage, I wash, dry and iron my fabric before starting any project. Please think of purchasing more fabric than needed, a pattern designer has no idea how you will cut and use your fabric.

When talking about fabric it always brings up the conversation of washing fabric. Here is what I do, 

I wash and dry all my fabric BEFORE sewing cutting and piecing a quilt. You only have to pull out one finished quilt from the washer and see bleeding to know you must/should wash all fabric. 

Cotton fabrics bleeding means, the dyes used on the fabric will become loose when washing. It’s said that it’s common is cottons, but all fabrics can bleed. Dyes will/can stain other fabrics in a prewashing, the biggest problem is the dye transfer after a quilt is finished.
Last weeks Tuesday’s Thread HERE

When cotton fabric is made it is stretched on a loom, pulling the fibers straight. A stabilizer is applied to keep fabric straight and that is what you are washing off. Washing allows the fabric to relax and return to a more natural state. A dryer lets the fabric relax or shrink. All cotton fabrics are different you cannot know the amount any fabric will shrink.

Knowing a cotton fabric will not bleed and not shrink is worth a bit of time for the perfect quilt in the end.

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

When prewashing quilt fabric, I use my daily machine washer detergent, the same type that will be used when the complete quilt is washed. Same with the dryer, use the setting that will be used when the quilt is completed.

With 100% cotton fabric after washing and drying you will need to clip away all the threads that have twisted. If fabric is wrinkles you can shake it to smooth out more wrinkles, or press the fabric with a dry iron. 

It’s a habit for me to wash/dry as soon as I purchase fabric. You will develop YOUR way of caring for your quilt fabrics.

When using/cutting the fabric I will press and starch it BEFORE any cutting and square up the fabric so that all cuts with a rotary cutter are straight. I use what I use for clothing as my starch just plain old Niagara brand, it makes it just a bit stiff and will washed very easily.

All this being said,
 “I do not EVER wash contest quilt fabric before sewing, or quilting the quilt.” That is just me, you do YOU !

Last weeks Tuesday’s Thread HERE 
Thank you for asking, yes this all should be a book…but…

learn to quilt with The Quilt Ladies
Beth Ann’s The Quilt Ladies

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

Beth Ann and as always, Thank you for making my dream a reality ! !

A Four Inch Quilt Block Pattern for YOU to Make

Free Weekly Quilt Pattern

GIVE it a TRY !  it’s easy,  all you use is triangles and squares. Here is one of my four inch quilt blocks, don’t over think it. Sew as you would any quilt block.

Old Maids Puzzle. This quilt block has a finished size of four inches by four inches. Making the quilt as shown in the book you will have a finished quilt thirty inches by thirty inches, perfect as a lap quilt or a baby quilt.

How to make an Old Maids Puzzle Quilt Pattern Block

I made this quilt block with very simple colors and background, but you can have lots of fun with it.   Remember to press NOT IRON a quilt block and I always press as I go each seam. I have a small ironing board right by my sewing machine.   I posted how I do quilt triangles 

Old Maids Puzzle Quilt Pattern Block Tutorial

Cut 2 Red – 1 7/8” x 1 7/8”

Cut 2 White – 1 7/8” x 1 7/8”

Make Triangles (4)

 Cut 1 Blue – 2 7/8” x 2 7/8”

Cut 1 White – 2 7/8” x 2 7/8”

Make Triangles (2)

 Cut 4 White – 1 ½” x 1 ½”

Sew as Shown

All in One year quilt patterns 2025

Now ALL 2025 are in ONE place

eBook 

Book in Print

Thank you for supporting my Etsy shop and my Quilt Ladies Books, nothing is possible without your purchases, Beth

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

The Quilt Ladies Book of Quilt patterns and stories
My Book “The Quilt Ladies”

Tuesday Thread – How to Press Quilt Block Seams

Quilt How-To with The Quilt Ladies

Welcome to my Tuesday Threads: Quilt How-To with The Quilt Ladies! Every Tuesday, I’m sharing simple, step-by-step quilting techniques straight from my sewing room to yours.

how to quilt Tuesday Thread

I have so many brand new to quilting or if you just want a quick refresher, these posts are here to help. Grab your fabric, pour a cup of something cozy, and let’s get stitching, one technique at a time!

I am starting with pressing because I see SO many new quilters pressing as they would IF you were sewing a dress, with quilt blocks you do NOT press the seam open, you press to the darker fabric and here is why. NO Steam, a hot, dry iron. 

press to darker fabric
press your quilt block to the darker fabric, here the red
make a table topper
seam opened and how the nest into each other

When you press both layers of fabric and the seam allowance all to one side, you’re giving that seam more fabric layers to support it. This extra layer of fabric over the stitching line helps protect your thread from wear and tear over time.how to press quilt seams to on side

As your quilt gets used, loved, washed, and tugged on, the seams take a lot of stress. By pressing to one side, you’re wrapping that stitching line in a little fabric shield. The thread sits just under the fold, with fabric on top of it and underneath it. This extra cushion means the thread is less likely to snap or break down over the years.

Press to the Dark Side… Always (Well, Almost Always)

I HOPE you have heard this rule a hundred times: “Press your seams to the dark side.” But why?

It’s not just some old quilting superstition. There’s a real reason for it!

When you sew two fabrics together—especially a light fabric next to a dark one—the seam allowance can show through the lighter fabric if it’s pressed the wrong way. This is called “shadowing.” Nobody wants to finish a quilt top, hold it up to the light, and suddenly see dark seam lines peeking through those lovely light fabrics.

By pressing your seam allowance toward the darker fabric, you’re tucking that extra bulk safely under the dark side—where it stays hidden.

Press, Don’t Iron: Up and Down, Not Side to Side

Now let’s talk about the motion of pressing.
When you’re at your ironing board, it’s tempting to treat your quilt block like a wrinkled shirt and slide the iron back and forth. But don’t!

In quilting, you want to “press,” not “iron.”
That means setting your iron down straight onto the fabric, holding for a few seconds, then lifting it up and moving it to the next spot.

Why?
Dragging your iron side to side can stretch the fabric, especially along diagonal seams (the bias). This leads to wonky blocks, wavy edges, and points that don’t quite match later.

This a little thing, but the pressing of the quilt block the right way can make your quilt pop just a little more, and last a bit longer.

Beth Ann is The Quilt Lades

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.

Daily Life Need Book from Beth Ann

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