We took a few days away. Something fun we planned and purchased Nov 2025, nothing rushed, just a little time to breathe, rest, and step away. When life, health and PT became too much since February the saying was, “WE are going in May!” and we did it ! And honestly? It was good. Sometimes you don’t realize how tired you are until you sit still long enough to notice it.And…YES, OZ was as fantastic has I had hoped it would be, my apple was caught by the gentlemen in front of me, he turned and handed it to me, “For you” he will never know how wonderful this apple is to me.
Coming home is its own kind of adjustment too. The laundry waits. The calendar starts back up. Orchids/lanai needed attention. The sewing room looks exactly how you left it… but somehow feels a little different after being away. I am lowly find our way back into a rhythm that feels comfortable again. And maybe that’s the real lesson: “normal” doesn’t always come back exactly the same.
I have been sewing on a new quilt this past weekend, one seam, one row, one block at a time. Making short moments into my joy.
So this week, I’m easing back into my days. A little quilting. A little writing. A little reorganizing. Nothing dramatic. Just finding my footing again and being thankful for the quiet goodness of ordinary days.
From my Etsy shop to a book in print, 50 State Quilt Block Patterns, my ultimate quilting adventure across America! Packed with fun, creative quilt blocks inspired by each state’s flag (with a twist!), this quilt block is perfect for quilters of all levels. Whether you’re ready to make a quilt that covers all 50 states or just want to celebrate your favorite state, this book has easy-to-follow instructions and plenty of inspiration. Say HELLO to digital patterns OR HELLO to my printed book or eBook
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
A Quilt Block for You to Make HERE is the complete quilt pattern for you to make, click the link, this post is large !
It feels like the season itself is tapping me on the shoulder saying, “Hey, joy doesn’t have to be loud. It just has to be felt.”
And speaking of joy, we have a Christmas day baby, my husband’s BIG 70th birthday party will be Christmas Eve. Things are ordered and trying to make sure the birthday boy doesn’t try to help lift anything heavier than a cookie.
This week try to remember that steady hearts and small joys matter more than perfect plans. Even in busy or uncertain moments, there is always room for a little light, a little hope, and a little grace.
I’m always on the look out for old quilts and IF I think I can save them I purchase them. They have to be washable and usable, nothing better to me no matter the temperature is a quilt to cuddle in. This is the Quilt AFTER, I am sharing this from my Quilt Ladies site, this post is NUTS on Pinterest !
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 !
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.
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″)
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
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.
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 your quilt block to the darker fabric, here the redseam 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.
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.
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.
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
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
I love Barn quilts, but let’s face it, barns aren’t exactly a common feature in suburban homes or my condo area.
That’s why I designed four quilt patterns inspired by those rustic blocks of goodness!
Four Complete Quilt Block Patterns
Each 12″ x 12″ quilt block comes with cutting and piecing instructions, plus you’ll learn how to create squares, triangles, and flying geese quilt blocks.
All of 2025 Quilt Patterns are NOW in my NEW Book:
All in ONE Year Quilt Patterns 2025
And…YES, OZ was as fantastic has I had hoped it would be, my apple was caught by the gentlemen in front of me, he turned and handed it to me, “For you” he will never know how wonderful this apple is to me.
