thequiltladies Archives - Beth Ann Doing

Make a Plan and Retire Happy

Are you thinking about retirement ?
Or already retired? Do it with Laughter, Love and in this book NO Money talk, it’s all about YOU !

You have to find fun, excitement, and joy in your days. 40 years to achieve the retirement goal, and now you are not happy, you don’t know what to do all day? YOU need a plan.

Husband and I retired early, he was 57, and I was 55. Most people hear us say our ages and they ask, “What do you do all day?” VERY, very rarely do they ask, “How do you afford it?” This book has NO money talk, it’s all about happiness. Now in Print and eBook ! !

To me that is hilarious: before retirement you plan financially, you plan the date, but you don’t take time to figure out what you want to do for 20-30 years of retirement. I have seen it now for five years. How to Survive Retirement

Everyone thinks that you magically know how to retire. YOU DON’T but my book will help you think through what you need and what you want for YOUR life. No money talk, this is all ideas to make your 20-30 years of retirement what you want and need it to be for years of joy. Retirement is talked about just as going off to college is.

There are just four things you need to expect in retirement:

1. We are all going to die
2. Stop fearing change
3 .Stop living in the past
4. Be easy on yourself
These four things may not need to be said, but please think about them.
#1 is one that can help you get up, get started and do what you want.
#2 is fearing change, you will and need to change.
#3 past is the past let it go.
#4 take care of yourself and be kind to yourself.

Here in my book, laugh, read and find your passions by staying connected, keeping your mind active, embracing slow living, and finding your community can help you thrive in retirement.

But ultimately, the key to surviving retirement with joy is to find what works for you and your unique situation. Whether it’s quilting, travel, volunteering, family or something entirely different, find what brings you happiness and purpose, and go for it!

PLEASE retire happy!
“If you are unhappy….us other old people don’t want to be around you.”

How to Survive Retirement as an eBook and NOW in PRINT

HOW TO SURVIVE RETIREMENT

Author information:
My name is Beth Ann Strub, sixty eight years old, retired and living in central Florida, about 20 minutes from the white sandy beaches we all love and right on a golf course, which I have never played on, but it’s pretty. I was born and raised in Iowa and have lived in Iowa, Minnesota, Nebraska and now in Florida. I am a quilt designer, book written, I love to swim, cook/eat and family is my joy.

Cold Weather, Crazy Days, and Getting Everything Done

Art, Laundry, Free Quilt Block

It’s February, and it’s cold. Yes, even here in Florida. Opened tubs that were moved over ten years ago, and the jeans fit ! !
This is the the kind of cold that makes piling on quilts a necessary, you know when you get in and you can’t roll over ! ! I love that feeling!

I finished up my Laundry Hall Originals, 16″ x 20 and they are something I have wanted to do for a bit.

My FINISHED Laundry Hall !

And this picture is just something I have wanted to do. Yes, 2026 is kind of all about me. I have to start feeling better.

I had thought it would be on the back wall of the laundry, but…I have a very hard time reaching the cabinets so I added a shelf…I added the vases to the dining room. Where there is a wall, there is art !

With all the noise in the world, my anxiety and me, have had a few moments. I turned to finished up this quilt, added borders and now ready for long arm quilting.

This weeks quilt block pattern has a finished size of 16 x 16 inches. Download here no signing in, just save or print. HERE

How to make Triangles

How to make Quilt Squares

Thank you all for YOUR purchases of my Books, here are the three top sellers for January and again, thank you ! These are all in Print or as eBooks, PDF at Etsy
50 States Quilt Block Patterns see HERE

53 Quilt Block Patterns A Sampler Quilt see HERE

Living Slow see HERE

A Thought
Stitches hold quilts together and kindness holds people. Let patience and care guide us with your fabric and with each other. Small, steady kindness still counts.
Thank you for stopping, Beth Ann

Thank you for supporting 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

Quilting Away a Perfectly Good Day

Painting Laundry, quilt tips, free quilt pattern

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…

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.

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

Doors all painted, out and inside.

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 !

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

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″

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 !

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

Start on the Right Foot…With The Quilt Ladies

But the Left Foot Has Better Stories

It’s Tuesday Threads I have had fun putting this my quilt news together today! Today has been a get it done morning for me. I just organized my yearly calendar, MINE’s HERE, and my 1 year one is HERE

Over these past weeks, I painted our laundry hall, started taking an internet painting class, and finished a quilt top for a grad gift and yes…all the other day to day things that need doing. 70th Birthday party!

log cabin quitl block — 30 log cabin quilt blocks ONE quilt

Start with fabric you love
Choosing colors and prints that make your heart happy will keep you motivated through the tricky parts. When you love what you’re sewing, progress feels effortless.

Here is This Weeks Quilt Block Pattern

Why a PDF?
Because I am old and quilters like printables. This way you can download it, print it, save it, and tape it to the sewing room wall…and I don’t have to retype it. It’s an everybody wins kind of thing. Can’t wait a year here is the entire quilt in eBook form HERE
January Quilt Block Pattern

I write about Living Slow, that being said, I have started 2026 not planned, not organized, (four projects going right now) you’re supposed to start the year on the right foot. Right Foot, Organized. Focused. Perfectly planned.

But let’s be honest…I planned to have this out in the AM. and I am now going for PM…some time? I am thinking that my left foot maybe better?!?

So, let’s all Laugh! Start small or big, but start. Right foot? Left foot? Start!
I have learned that’s when the good stuff happens. I truly think it’s all about showing up, and doing it!
AND I NEVER add any pressure to myself…ANY more !

My US 50 State Quilt Block Patterns

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.

50 State Quilt Block Pattern from The Quilt Ladies — See a Book Page from 50 States Quilt Block Patterns

Whether you’re a seasoned quilter or just beginning, this book is your ticket to a fun and inspiring quilting adventure!
IN PRINT or as an eBook
On my Etsy Site too !

Get your copy today and start stitching your way across America!

Thank you for being here, be healthly and make a quilt or two, paint something and be the happiest you can be every day !
See you next week, Beth Ann

Please continue to 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

This Year it’s More Than Christmas

Enjoy Moments

Hello Friends,

Well… the countdown is officially on! Not just to Christmas, but Husband’s big 70th birthday. Yes, 70, and yes, he is milking it for all it’s worth. Every time I remind him to take it easy, he announces, “But I’m almost 70!” as if that magically excuses him from listening.

The house is cheery, the presents are wrapped (mostly… sort of…not many this year), and I have decided that whatever gets done is exactly what was meant to get done. Christmas perfection is overrated, but Christmas with cake, family, and a husband turning 70 and acting like the king of December? Now that’s holiday joy.

Make Time for a Quilt Block Too!

This is one of those quilt blocks that just says…WONDERFUL.
This Quilt Block is all triangles And it’s doable with scraps or as shown, colors placed. The finished quilt block is eight inches by eight inches. I machine pieced and do the quilt pattern in units and rows as shown below.

Cut 4 Blue – 2 7/8” x 2 7/8”
Cut 4 White – 2 7/8” x 2 7/8”
Make Triangles

Cut 4 Lt. Blue – 2 7/8” x 2 7/8”
Cut 4 White – 2 7/8” x 2 7/8”
Make Triangles

Sew as shown

And then comes the quiet truth we don’t always admit: we’re tired. Not just “I need a nap” tired, but the kind of tired that comes from trying to make everything magical while still juggling everyday life. The holidays ask us to be merry, creative, thoughtful, social, organized, and patient, all at once. It’s perfectly okay to love the season deeply and still feel worn to the bone by it. When the celebration noise fades and the last cookie crumb is brushed away, maybe the best gift we can give ourselves is permission to rest, and let the new year begin with a slower breath. We have 25th to ourselves and I wait for it all year. I can’t explain it, but it’s us, no to do list just Husband and I. The joy of home, quite and time.

Hoping you have a wonderful holiday, Beth Ann

Watercolor by Beth Ann of The Quilt Ladies — My Watecolor

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

The Quilt Ladies Quilt Pattern Shop

My Books and Quilt Ladies Quilt Patterns in Print and eBooks

Nothing Grand, Small Moments of Joy

29″x34′ Quilt Table Topper

Hello All! Here is this Week”s

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.

The Quilt Ladies Book Nook
Read about my Quilt Books – HERE

My NEW Watercolor Flowers Journal
NOW Available

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.

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

Holiday Quilt Pattern to Make

Hello Friends! A Short post this week

This week has been a mix of real life and holiday sparkle at our house. Husband had a heart procedure on December 4th, the Watchman. It’s called a New Routine Procedure…But, it is SO scary…
I feel grateful for modern medicine, grateful for good doctors, and grateful for every person who has checked in, prayed, or simply sent a kind thought our way.
He is already to run a marathon. I keep reminding him that walking from the recliner to the kitchen is plenty of cardio for now. But he’s doing wonderfully, and our standard line from all his Doctors as they walk into see him is,
“You look good!” it never fails
and I love seeing him smile when I say it… at inappropriate times !
He is over the top in the looks department.

Not a lot of quilt going on here, so I pulled one of my favorites of my quilt blocks of you today! Click the link below or HERE

A Quilt Block for You to Make
Here is the complete quilt block pattern for you,

The Quilt Ladies Book Nook

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

Join my list and catch every Quilt Ladies News right here, without the distractions of social media. It’s my way of keeping things calm, creative, and easy to find each week.
It’s just me here and social media is winning…maybe just a bit exhausted too !

How to Mend a Quilt Tutorial

Tuesday Thread how to Quilt

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 !

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

3 blocks that needed attention,
I ALWAYS wash and dry 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 is the same fabric, one is the right side

and one it the back side, I used the back.

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 and I then hand quilted, forgot to picture !

3 baskets I fixed on this quilt

Can you find them ?

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 ! !

Love this book SO MUCH, it’s presented IN a SHORT form, a complete Book Luke text paperback and a hardcover, I have always wanted. Quilt Block Pattern to do with each day ! See and read of them here in their own post

Quilt Block Patterns to do with each day!
Complete Scripture Reflection Daily Reading Paperback and Hardcove
Daily Reflections from The Book of Luke

With gratitude and a happy heart,
Beth Ann

Self-Binding Tutorial of a Quilt

Tuesday Thread How to Quilt

Self-Binding Quilt Tutorial

Self Binding means:

Bring the quilt backing to the front and using it as your binding, I am bring this over from The Quilt Ladies, this post is used and asked for all the time, Thank you for that.

Just a few days ago I received this comment on my original post:

from Helen:

After reading the tutorial 3 times I committed to try it.
It worked perfectly. I just followed the instructions and it worked
on a table runner. This method stops so much waste of material.

See all MY Books in PRINT HERE

Step by Step How to do Self Binding on a Quilt

Make your quilt block, add batting heat resistant, and quilt. Trim the batting even with your quilt top

Cut one backing 1″ from the quilt edge

Fold the backing to the edge of the quilt, 1/2″, I like to press it down

Again, fold the backing over onto the quilt top, make sure you are on the quilt top with the edge, this is your sewing edge, pin it down

Fold the corner over as shown
SEE Beth Ann’s BOOKS on Amazon and
PDF download quilt patterns on Etsy

Self-Binding Quilt Tutorial from The Quilt Ladies

And then do the steps as before,

fold over half way and

then fold over half way again.

Pin well.

Sometimes at the corner you will have to move it around a bit

to make the corner perfect, go slow and pin well.

When I get it like, I like, pin and I press a bit, between pins and at the corner

it holds it just a bit better.

Remember, pressing is up and down with an iron.

Doing it up and down your fabric will not stretch or move.

With your machine sew along the backing edge, do a few back stitches to hold ends

I like doing 2 rows of stitching, just my personal like.

How to Survive Retirement my new book

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

Tag: thequiltladies

Make a Plan and Retire Happy

Are you thinking about retirement ?
Or already retired? Do it with Laughter, Love and in this book NO Money talk, it’s all about YOU !

There are just four things you need to expect in retirement:

PLEASE retire happy!
“If you are unhappy….us other old people don’t want to be around you.”

How to Survive Retirement as an eBook and NOW in PRINT

HOW TO SURVIVE RETIREMENT

Like this:

Cold Weather, Crazy Days, and Getting Everything Done

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Quilting Away a Perfectly Good Day

Like this:

Start on the Right Foot…With The Quilt Ladies

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