Quilting Away a Perfectly Good Day

Painting Laundry, quilt tips, free quilt pattern

the Quilt Ladies Weekly News

January has a different kind of rhythm this year. And I am trying so hard not to rush myself. “You don’t have to do everything today.” And honestly that is the way I like my life.

Living slow doesn’t mean doing nothing. It means doing one good thing at a time. Make the coffee. Sit down. Pull out a project that isn’t urgent or impressive or Instagram-worthy. Just something that feels nice in your hands. Quilting has a way of turning an ordinary day into a good one for me. Please click the links and see all I do.
The Quilt Ladies Quilt Patterns
and All Beth Ann’s Books 

My laundry closet took over a week, paint for an hour…let it dry…paint again if it needed before bed and then again in the morning . Kind of like me folding a quilt, unfolding it just to make sure, I love it as much as the first time folded…5 minutes before…

Here is my 2017 before of our laundry 
Reason for the re-do…New Washer and Dryer and the doors CANNOT go back on…

before and after of laundry room hallway

It’s a bit of a 70’s thing and I as usual it’s all about me, it’s now a laundry hall and it’s open to see and pretty.

before and after of laundry room hallway

In the before, I painted everything before hung, this time, removed doors and painted cabinets on the wall…a my project.

before and after of laundry room hallway

Doors all painted, out and inside.

cutting wallpaper with quilting ruler

Measuring and cutting paper.

Thank goodness only 4 doors. What a project wallpaper is?!?!?

Yes, I’m the only one to see side and they needed pretty too !

before and after of laundry room hallway

This hall turned out with the same satisfacton as  pulling out a quilt and dressing up my bed with a new/old quilt to sleep under.

Press, don’t iron. Why this matters
(and us old quilters will repeat it forever):
Lift your iron and press straight down.

Don’t slide it back and forth like you’re ironing dress shirts.

Think of it this way:
Ironing = smoothing wrinkles.
Pressing = training fabric to cooperate.

Your quilt doesn’t need to be flattened into submission. It just needs a little firm guidance.

BEFORE the emails start: pressing seams open is a thing now?!?!
Pressing seams open can be useful, but it’s not always your best friend.
Reasons to be cautious:
The seam is weaker (there’s no fabric overlap for strength)
Quilting stitches fall directly on the seam line, increasing the chance of popped stitches
Seams don’t “lock” together when piecing, which can affect alignment

free quilt block pattern

NOW I have added this quilt block pattern as a PDF for you just Click on it and it’s yours: NO SIGN up nothing, it’s YOURS

Why a PDF instead of typing it all out here?
Because I’m old enough to work smarter, not harder.
I type it once. You get a pretty printable, print, save, share and alway let them know it’s from ME ! Here it is for YOU 
Finished quilt block is 14″ x 14″

free quilt block pattern

So, my day or my week is going to be slow. Quilt a little. Rest a little. Let the world spin without your supervision. The laundry will wait. January understands. And So Does Husband.
And again,
HERE Is the Quilt Block Pattern for YOU to Make

Have a GREAT Week, Love yourself, Each other and Quilt, Sew and Laugh !

Beth of The Quilt Ladies

 

Please support my Etsy shop and my Quilt Ladies Books and Quilt Pattern Books

The Quilt Ladies Quilt Pattern Shop

My Books and Quilt Ladies Quilt Patterns in Print and eBooks

www.BethAnnDoing.com   www.TheQuiltLadies.com

It’s An Ending and a Beginning !

2025 to 2026 with Joy

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

The Quilt Ladies Free Quilt Block Pattern

Finished quilt block
Measures 18” x 18”

December Quilt block Pattern from The Quilt Ladies

Cutting for 4 Centers

Cut 4 Purple – 1 ½” x 1 ½”
Cut 4 Yellow – 1 ½” x 1 ½”The Quilt Ladies Free quilt block pattern for December
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 togetherthe quilt ladies free quilt block pattern

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”free quilt block pattern
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

Sew rows together as shown Free quilt block pattern to make from The Quilt Ladies

I finished so much in 2025, stop over and see them all.  The Book of Luke story in Quilt Blocks, Journals, Happiness/Faith reading, all The Quilt Ladies Quilt Book Patterns. Stop over and see them

See them on Amazon HERE

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)

Let's try no social 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.

The Quilt Ladies Book Nook
Read about ALL my other than Quilt Books HERE
This is ONLY part of what’s
New, Stop Over and See them All ! 

Lined Journal with Original Watercolors
Lined Journal with My Watercolors
The Quilt Ladies Books in Print and eBooks, NOW on Amazon
How to Survive Retirement

The Quilt Ladies Books in Print and eBooks, NOW on Amazon

All in One Year Quilt Patters from 2025
Available NOW
Finishing a quilt
Fun and Happy getting that Quilt Done
Living Slow My Book
Making Myself Better
Pancreas book all about
The Book I hope NO one ever needs, but I know some will
50 States Quilt Block Patterns
50 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

Beth Ann of the Quilt Ladies
Beth Ann

Until next time,
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

All The Quilt Ladies books on Amazon and Prime too
Print, eBooks and on Prime Now!

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 WeekOld Maid Quilt Pattern blockThis 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  

old maids puzzle quilt pattern
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”
old maids puzzle quilt pattern to make

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 
December 2025 Quilt Pattern from The Quilt Ladies 2025 Quilt Pattern of the Month from The Quilt Ladies

The Quilt Ladies Weekly News

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. secretary finished and painted the quilt ladies 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

back of srectary hand painted by Beth Ann

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 The Quilt Ladies Weekly News

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. 

Beth Ann of The Quilt Ladies

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

Friends, a Cruise and Table Talk

The Quilt Ladies Weekly News

Hello Friends! Welcome All! 

The Quilt Ladies Weekly NewsWe returned from a five-day cruise last week, one of those you do and I can’t stop thinking about. It was with three other couples, our heart friends, and let me tell you… sometimes the best vacations are the ones that don’t go exactly the way you expect. The weather had its own agenda, the sea a bit rumbly, and instead of hopping off at multiple ports like we planned, we made only one stop. But you know what? It turned into one of the most unexpectedly lovely cruise trips we’ve had in a long time.

Cruising out of Tampa Bay

When the waves got rough, we settled in. Our days were filled with long, slow stretches of cards and games, the kind where everyone slowly gets more competitive but also laughs harder. The kind where someone always needs “just one more round,” even though we’ve been playing for hours. We leaned into it, letting the simple fun carry us.

Evenings were for lingering at the dinner table far longer than usual. The conversations began flowing like an extra course, filling the corners of the table with stories, memories, and that easy kind of friendship that only happens when nobody is rushed. We talked about everything and nothing, laughed until we cried, and soaked in the kind of connection that busy everyday life rarely leaves room for.  Only for unexpected joy, good friends, and the kind of days that don’t need a schedule to be wonderful.

A Quilt Block for You to Make

Free quilt block pattern for you to make

Here is this weeks Quilt Block Pattern and it’s a 6′ x 6″ finished block and it’s all fun with color. Quilt Pattern is here for you.

six inch quilt block pattern from The Quilt Ladies
Six by Six Inch Quilt Block Pattern

The Quilt Ladies Book Nook 

Give yourself a few moments over the coming season, read a bit, quilt a bit of just be in the wonder of time and quilts. HERE 
Read all about my book, both short version and complete text, both with 25 quilt block patterns HERE

Stitched into the Story with Quilt Blocks

Stitched into the Story

Thought of the Week

I had read this in a book once, “filling the corners of the table,” and didn’t understand until these dinners.
Simply enjoy who’s sitting at the table. Let this week be a reminder to lean into the unexpected, savor the simple, and let conversation and connection be enough.

Beth Ann of the Quilt Ladies
Beth Ann

Until next time,
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

My books and quilt books on Amazon
My Books and Quilt Books on Amazon See them ALL

PLEASE: Sign up and never miss The Quilt Ladies Weekly News on Tuesday.
No algorithms, no noise, just quilting goodness delivered right to you. I’m not must for social media, so this is the best way to stay connected and keep the creativity flowing. Top Right Corner and I will NEVER overwhelm you with anything, I am too busy quilting, writing, painting, trying and being! Beth Ann

My Rolling Bow Tie Quilt Block to Make

Free Weekly Quilt Block Pattern

It’s fun for me to draw quilt blocks out on graph paper.  They make me happy and I love the ideas they sparks as I do them. This is one of my quilt blocks.

Today I’m sharing my Rolling Bow Tie Quilt Pattern Block.
See all my quilt patterns

Free Rolling Bow Quilt Block Pattern

Finished Quilt Block is Sixteen Inches by Sixteen Inches (16″ x 16″)

Make a Rolling Bow Quilt Block Pattern

Cut 1 White – 6 ½” x 6 ½”

Cut 1 Lt. Blue – 2 7/8” x 2 7/8”

Cut 1 Blue – 2 7/8” x 2 7/8” 

Mark squares corner to corner SEWING LINE. Place on corner, good side to good, sew on line, trim and press

Rolling Bow Tie Quilt Block Pattern

Cut 4 Lt. Blue – 3 ½” x 3 ½”

Cut 4 Blue – 3 ½” x 3 ½” Sew as shown and add on sides.

Rolling Bow Quilt Block Pattern

Cut 1 Lt. Blue – 2 7/8” x 2 7/8”
Cut 1 Blue – 2 7/8” x 2 7/8”
Cut 2 White – 2 7/8” x 2 7/8”
Make triangles

Cut 12 White – 2 ½” x 1 ½”

Cut 4 Lt. Blue – 1 ½” x 1 ½”

Cut 4 Blue – 1 ½” x 1 ½” Sew rows as shown, sew to the top and bottom

Free Rolling Bow Quilt Block Pattern

Cut 4 Lt. Blue – 2 ½” x 2 ½”

Cut 4 Blue – 2 ½” x 2 ½”

Cut 4 White – 2 ½” x 8 ½” Sew into rows and sew on top and bottom

Free Rolling Bow Quilt Block Pattern

Cut 4 White – 1 ½” x 1 ½”

Cut 2 Lt. Blue and 2 Blue – 1 ½” x 1 ½”

Cut 4 White – 1 ½” x 2 ½” Sew row as shown, sew on sides

IF you make four quilt blocks and add two inch sashing you will have a 34 inch by 34 inch quilt.

free Rolling Bow Quilt Block Pattern

This is a quilt block of PLAY with COLOR ! Have FUN !

Free Rolling Bow Quilt Block Pattern

Thank you for supporting my Etsy shop and my  Books and my Quilt Ladies Books nothing is possible without all of you

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

Fun and Color Quilt Block Pattern to Make

English Rose Quilt Block Pattern

I have to LOVE a Quilt pattern named, “English Rose” what says quilting more than a English Rose. Complete quilt pattern is here for you, my quilt block is all abut the background fabric, you do YOU !

The finished size this quilt block is ten inches by ten inches.  If you’d like the complete set of 68 of this series and how to make the quilt, it’s HERE for you ! 

English Rose quilt pattern block

English Rose Quilt Pattern BlockCut 6 Burgundy       2 7/8” x 2 7/8”
Cut 6 White    2 7/8” x 2 7/8”
Make Triangles How to do Triangles

Cut 5 White    2 ½” x 2 ½”

Cut 4 Burgundy       2 ½” x 2 ½”

Cut 4 Gray       2 ½” x 2 ½”

Sew as Shown

 

 

 

 

 

Beth Ann is The Quilt Ladies

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

Fun Star Quilt Block is Here for YOU!

Weekly Quilt Block Pattern

A star quilt block can be as simple or intricate as you like, perfect for both beginners and experienced quilters. This quilt block pattern has a finished size of eight inches by eight inches. Have fun with color as you are making yours. The white on my quilt block helps make the other colors pop or showcase them.
Here to see. The Ladies on Etsy
AND it’s Now in Print – Kindle and on Amazon Prime

simple pin wheel quilt pattern free

Cut 4 Pink– 2 7/8” x 2 7/8”
Cut 4 White 2 7/8” x 2 7/8”
Make Triangles – How I make my triangles

simple quilt pattern block

Cut 8 Blue – 1 ½” x 1 ½”

Cut 8 Purple – 1 ½” x 1 ½”

Cut 16 White – 1 ½” x 1 ½”

Sew as shown

simple pin wheel quilt pattern free

Beth Ann is The Quilt Ladies

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

Simple Square Weekly Quilt Block

Quilt Squares in a Quilt Block

This past Tuesday Thread was how to do quilt squares, HERE
And this is one of the best ways to learn to do square this quilt pattern is for you. This quilt pattern is easy and it’s ONLY a square. Making nine patch quilt block This is just the next step in a nine patch quilt block. Finished Quilt block is ten inches.

how to make a fun nine patch quilt block

how to make a fun nine patch quilt block

Cut 5 Purple 2 1/2” x  2 1/2”

Cut 4 Gray 2 1/2” x 2 1/2”

Cut 8 Blue 2 1/2” x 2 1/2”

Cut 8 White 2 1/2” x 2 1/2”

 

 

 

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

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

Free Star Quilt Block Pattern

Twelve by Twelve Quilt Block

This quilt block is twelve inches by twelve inches and the white background fabric helps the quilt block show off!

The center consists of rectangular pieces in various patterns, including floral, geometric, and abstract prints . Outside triangles forming a star.

See all Beth Ann’s Quilt Books in Print here
The Quilt Ladies Quilt Pattern Shop here

Free weekly quilt block pattern from The Quilt Ladies

Free weekly quilt block pattern from The Quilt Ladies

Center Block

Cut 8 Assorted Colors – 1 ½” x 2 ½” 
Piece as shown

Free weekly quilt block pattern from The Quilt Ladies

How to make Squares

How to make Triangles

White Edge

Cut 1 White – 1 ½” x 4 ½” sew to the top
Cut 2 White – 1 ½” x 5 ½” sew to the right side and bottom
Cut 1 White – 1 ½” x 6 ½” sew to the left side

Free weekly quilt block pattern from The Quilt Ladies

Cut 2 Orange – 3 7/8” x 3 7/8”
Cut 2 White – 3 7/8” X 3 7/8”
Make Triangles

Cut 2 Green – 3 7/8” x 3 7/8”
Cut 2 White – 3 7/8” X 3 7/8”
Make Triangles

Cut 2 Gray – 3 ½” x 3 ½”
Cut 2 Yellow – 3 ½” x 3 ½”

Sew as Shown

Free weekly quilt block pattern from The Quilt Ladies
Hand Quilting for Pillow

Free weekly quilt block pattern from The Quilt Ladies

Beth Ann is a  Quilter and an Author who decided to self-publish her quilt books and quilt patterns, 

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 ! !
www.bethanndoing.com
www.thequiltladies.com