I know I’m tired when I start a Monday with corn chips and a VERY large cup of coffee. And yes, I’ve been dipping the chips in the coffee, too. I think it’s all that cream that just happened to make its way into my cup…don’t tell.
But enough about my questionable Monday breakfast choices,
let’s talk quilts!
You have to LOVE a quilt pattern named English Rose. The name alone makes me think of an old-fashioned garden, pretty china cups, flowers everywhere, and maybe a quilt tossed over the back of a chair. It just sounds like quilting, doesn’t it?
The finished English Rose quilt block measures 10″ x 10″, and this is one of those blocks that can completely change depending on the fabrics you choose.
Make it soft and romantic with pinks and creams, give it an old-fashioned look with reproduction fabrics, or forget the “rose” altogether and make it in blues, yellows, or scraps from your basket.
That’s the fun part. The quilt pattern gives you the starting point, the fabric makes it yours.
And apparently, corn chips and coffee give me the energy to tell you about it. Monday is officially underway! Off to my small group, also know as my support group, therapy quru’s and just great people. AND they Quilt !
COLOR is always on Quilter’s mind, And here is the way that I was taught Years ago ! Remember the fabric may come after the quilt pattern?!?! HERE
Choose that first fabric because you LOVE it ! Not because you think it’s the “right” color. Then pull a second fabric that picks up one of its colors, add a third for a little contrast, and just keep going. Lay them all out together, move them around, take one away, add another, and see what happens.
Don’t overthink it. Some of my favorite quilts started with one fabric I simply couldn’t leave at the fabric store! And YOU purchased everything in your stash of fabrics…start there first!
I do it this was too, when the colors are perfect for me, see HERE
1) 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
Add the light and medium. Move and change it until you like it.
Lay them out in front of you.
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 not 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.
Thank you for supporting my Etsy shop and my Quilt Ladies Book
This quilt block from The Ladies Quilt Pattern Book has taken on a life of it’s on Pinterest ! Who would have thought this little star quilt ?!?! So here is it again !
I love seeing which quilt blocks catch your eye. Sometimes it’s a block I never expected to be a favorite—and then Pinterest takes over! That’s one of the things I love about quilting. A simple little block can become something completely different depending on the fabrics, colors, and quilter making it.
With 68 different blocks to choose from, you can make The Ladies Quilt as shown in the book, pick a few favorites for a smaller quilt, make pillows or table runners, or simply work your way through the blocks one at a time.
And if Pinterest has taught me anything, it’s this: Never underestimate a good little quilt block! It’s HERE – in Print and eBook
Meeting EVERY Tuesday to quilt is My Ladies. Doing large projects to small ones, they come together with baskets of fabric, ideas and laughter. “The Ladies”
They talked about it from time to time, doing a quilt pattern book and finally it was time to draw out their favorite quilt blocks and share them with all of you. All the quilt blocks stitched together, a quilt design (finished quilt measures 76″ x 84″ ) and that’s what became “The Ladies” Quilt Pattern Book.
Here is one of the Quilt Patterns from the book. The book has 68 quilt blocks, with a finished size of eight inches by eight inches. Here is my tutorial on How “I” make my triangles
Making a simple quilt pattern into a fantastic quilt pattern it’s easy and remember it’s ONLY a square. Making nine patch quilt block
This is just the next step in a nine patch quilt block. By adding more squares in different colors you can transform a nine-patch into a completely new quilt block.
Finished Quilt block size – Ten inches by Ten inches
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”
One of my FUN Quilt Patterns, and it’s ALL Squares !
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 !
Cut 6 Burgundy 2 7/8” x 2 7/8”
