Life handed us a storm you never saw coming, our storm came with my husband’s health battles. Hospital visits, long nights, and endless waiting rooms can leave you feeling like you’re spinning in place with no footing.
So, I escaped. Not in a big way—no plane tickets, no beach vacations. Time with a laptop in a hospital room and moments I make my way into the softest place I know as my little library. The quiet shelves, family photos, scattered notebooks of ideas, the comfort of pens in a little coffee mug, my refuge.
I created what I needed in MY day-to-day life, a sense of order, a landing spot, and daily joys to hold onto.
The truly funny thing is, my journals are covered with my ideas and needs, I can’t show them. Hoping for time to do pretend ones!?! Hope you like my books.
These are my books 100%. I am Beth Ann and I am the voice behind The Quilt Ladies and this blog. I hope my journals bring you comfort and a reminder to slow down and appreciate all the big and little things in life.
Tips for purchasing old or antique quilts from The Quilt Ladies
Heading off to Publix’s this past week to pick up sister’s birthday cake I saw an estate sale sign and of course the truck turned itself down that street?!?
A little condo, nice, but nothing I needed UNTIL…the table in the main bedroom. Quilts! This was the only handmade one.
I love the untold stories in every stitch, stories of long nights by lamplight, scraps saved from worn-out dresses, and hands that stitched with love, patience, and often necessity.
I don’t purchase many things anymore, but I do purchase quilts. I love browsing a flea market, a local antique shop, buying an old quilt isn’t just shopping—it’s adopting a piece of someone’s history.
A Few of My to Do’s when purchasing an old Quilt
UNFOLD the quilt onto a flat surface, IF on floor ASK. At this estate sale the estate clerks, didn’t like this…I have NO idea, probably not a quilt people?!? But I asked and opened the quilt (on to the bed) and I did a bit of a lesson for them, fabric quality, stitches, binding, and batting.
Turn it over and do the same thing to the back. Again, estate sale estate clerks, didn’t like this. I did it anyway. And after a bit…ladies please read the person, read the room. NO one else was in the condo, them, and me?!?
All quilts at estate sales will be fading, discoloration and normal wear, they were used.
Look for stains, dry rot or brittle fabric means that is cracks when handled. Give the quilt a sniff too, a storage musty smell can be hard to remove and a smoke smell I always walk away from, it doesn’t come out. “If you’re determined to rescue a quilt with a mild odor, know that careful airing, baking soda treatments, or professional textile cleaning may help—but don’t expect miracles with heavy smoke or mildew.”
Workmanship and materials, old 100% cotton, feed sacks, wool, or silk all have a place in quilting. Is the quilt hand stitched, machine stitched, how quilted, I always seem to go for hand stitched. Hand stitched, small stitches, holding all layers together.
Pattern and design matter too, especially if you’re collecting. Some patterns—like the Double Wedding Ring, Grandmother’s Flower Garden, or Log Cabin—are more sought after by collectors.
Buy what you love! If a quirky, one-of-a-kind scrap quilt makes your heart happy, that’s more important than following what’s “valuable” on paper.
Color choices can also hint at the quilt’s age. Browns, indigos, and turkey reds often point to the late 1800s, while pastels came into fashion in the 1930s.
How will you use this quilt, or will you? “Will it live on your bed, hang on a wall, be folded on a bench, or tucked away in a collection?”
Look for Repairs and Damage Beyond Wear Check for old repairs, new patches, or even color-mismatched fabrics. Some repairs are charming and part of the quilt’s story, but others may have been poorly done or with materials that won’t age well. Look along seams and in high-wear areas like edges and corners.
Confirm it’s a Quilt (Not a Comforter or Blanket!) It sounds silly, but at some estate sales, things get labeled “quilt” when they’re actually mass-produced bedspreads or blankets. Look for the traditional quilt layers: a pieced or appliquéd top, a middle layer of batting, and a backing—all held together with quilting stitches.
Trust yourself, if the price feels too high for the condition, or if you’re getting a bad vibe from the sale, it’s okay to walk away. There will always be another quilt. And sometimes the hunt is half the fun.
Bring cash if you’re at a smaller estate sale, and don’t be afraid to negotiate a little—especially if you’re buying multiple quilts or if the sale is winding down for the day.
If you’re shopping online, don’t be shy about asking for close-up photos of both the front and back. A seller who knows their quilts should expect questions.
This quilt a few problems, 3 tiny fabric holes in the back fabric, all in the same area. Batting has shifted under some of the butterflies into large balls of batting. No binding, binding had been removed and top/bottom straight stitched around the edge.
I ONLY purchase quilt now that can be machine washed and dried in the dryer. This butterfly quilt was washed 2 times, mending in one place on the back and washed/dried again. This will be a use it quilt.
YES, I buried the lead…The Price, $10.00, sometimes you must purchase a quilt.
A few weeks ago, I showed Husbands fishing quilt, and was asked about an older post I did a few years ago, found it and here it is.
(Revised)
I’m always on the look out for old quilts and IF I think I can save them I purchase. They have to be washable and usable, nothing better, no matter the temperature is a quilt to cuddle in. This is(was) a recent purchase !
There are 3 blocks that needed attention, I ALWAYS wash 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 way)
This is the same fabric, one is the right side
and one it the back side
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
I hand quilt them too, it completes the look and makes it VERY hard to find the new piece.
3 baskets I fixed on this quilt
Can you find them ?
Thank you for supporting my Etsy shop and my Quilt Ladies Book, click below to see all I do.
This quilt block is from my quilt book which started my quilt pattern company “The Ladies” quilt pattern book.
“The Ladies” are The Quilt Ladies. They quilt every Tuesday together and after years of doing that, they’ve decided to do a quilt pattern book. So “The Ladies” was born, a quilt block sampler pattern book with 68 – Eight by Eight Inch quilt pattern blocks. If you make the quilt as in the book the finished quilt measures 76″ x 84″ All straight pieced, all cutting and piecing instructions included. And NOW in Print and eBook
Quilt Block has a finished size of eight inches by eight inches.
When I was unpacking and going through quilt tub boxes a few weeks ago. I came across this little quilt jewel. It’s little and it’s not a perfect quilt.
Beth Ann’s Quilt
When it comes to making a quilt, here’s a secret: not everything has to be perfect!That slightly wonky seam? It adds character.
And it is PERFECTLY FINE! OKAY! AND IT ADDS A LITTLE EXTRA FLAIR.
Some of my favorite quilts have “oops” moments, and I promise, once it’s put together, all quilted and washed, those little quirks just blend right into the beauty.
Beth Ann’s Quilt
Quilting should always be more about joy than perfection. So press that fabric, thread sewing machine needle, and quilt with a smile, your perfect quilt is the one you are making now
My little quilt is a Basic 9 patches, set on ends.
I did it in strip piecing, cutting them 3/4″ wide.
Beth Ann’s Quilt
The finished quilt is 4 1/2″ x 4 1/2″ and yes, before you ask I am a bit crazy.
I have a couple of new ideas I am drawing it up and the unpacking has helped with procrastinating, I will get started !
LOOK AT PERFECT DIFFERENTLY !
Read about All Beth Ann’s Books Beth Ann is a Quilter
and an Author who decided to self-publish her books and quilt pattern books
It happened, it really did happen! My library project is finished. I had a time line for this project to be about 6 weeks. The project turned into over 12 weeks. This is not a project for the faint of heart, it was truly VERY hard work. I had planned, thought about, researched, drawn, measured and dreamed about this room for YEARS. I don’t have sponsors or receive any $ on my posts, so I haven’t given names or brands of items I used.
Before and After of My Library Project
Let’s start at the VERY beginning…Husband had a huge surgery scheduled for October 9, 2024, BUT something called Hurricane Milton took over, and gave us something else to think about. We made it thought okay and surgery was set for October 18. My handbook to all the process.
He had his after surgery appointment in January and everything was very good. We asked so many questions, Surgeon said, “Live your life, if you did it before, do it again”. On the drive home Husband said, “Let’s build a library”. And no, there is NOTHING wrong with this room. Nothing that floors, paint, cabinets and shelves couldn’t fix.
Beforelibrary plans
Clean out was all about ME and it took me 3 days to move and let go of a lot of things. Carpet was next and we were thrilled with the floor under it, nothing had to be done to it. We had built my old work table and we took it apart carefully, as the top and shelves would become the new counter tops.
Murphy bed room painted and carpet up
The tile I had picked earlier was still there when we went to purchase.
Tile choose
I loved the plaid, still do, but thought it would be too much with all the bookcases. I did white paint like the rest of the house, took three coats to cover.
From Plaid to Whitenew ceiling fanTile floor grout and finishedCabinets arrivePaint cabinets and paint some more
Base cabinets went in first, painted and sanded doors for days.
Inside bases set
We used the top of my old work table for countertops, just a bit of sanding and re-staining.
Inside wall, counter top on
The 1″ x 12″, 8 feet long are terribly heavy, first sanded and then painted three coats, each side, sanding and filling between each coat.
Our daily joke at this time in the project, “Cut them 70 1/2″ and 2 little lines”
1″ x 12″ 8 foot long, painted
There was nothing else to do and at night I painted molding. The molding was already carved in and I painted.
Molding painted
The inside wall, we did each step around the 3 walls at the same time.
Inside wall bookcases up
Bookcases up, touched up and let the drying begin, I let them set for about 2 weeks, before added decor.
Bookcases on cabinets
Molding finished and added.
Painted molding added
My/Our Finished Library Project.
And YES, the desk is base coated for some art work to be added…
I need some rest before that begins 🙂
Finished Library
I don’t have sponsors or receive any $ on my posts, so I haven’t given names or brands. PLEASE take a moment to look at my books and quilt pattern books, that is my only $ resource.
As always, Thank you for supporting my Etsy shop and
my Quilt Ladies Book The Quilt Ladies Quilt Pattern Shop
I have so many new quilter’s finding me and here is just a bit about myself. Please keep following.
I’m Beth Ann—quilter, artist, dream-chaser, and the very proud owner of a one-woman business built from love, quilt patterns, book writing, fabric, and a lot of stubborn determination! Last weeks free quilt block for you
Years ago, I made a bold decision: I chose to self-publish my quilt books and patterns. Yep—no big publishing house, no fancy business team—just me, my sewing machine, and a big dream. That decision was the first stitch in what would become The Quilt Ladies, and it’s been an adventure ever since.
Early on I took a leap into the online world. Taught myself, took classes, and a few months later, I opened on Etsy. It was scary, exciting, and totally mine. I’m a fast learner (when I have to be!), and I’ve embraced every twist and turn with a quilt around my legs, a full heart and a cup of coffee in hand. I turned my love of quilts into a business that brings me joy every single day.
But it’s not just about quilts—though, let’s be honest, I really love quilts. I also adore writing, painting, decorating, reading, rearranging furniture just because it’s fun, and diving headfirst into photography (which is a whole new creative playground!). I’m always learning, always creating, and always dreaming.
I was born and raised in Des Moines, Iowa, and over the years, my husband and I have called Iowa, Minnesota, and Nebraska home. We’ve been married for 47 wonderful years, and today, we’re living our “someday dream” not by the beach, but on a golf course in sunny Florida. It’s peaceful, beautiful, and full of sunshine—and perfect for quilting inspiration!
The Quilt Ladies has changed my life. This journey has been filled with color, creativity, and joy, and I’m just getting started. Thanks for being part of it.
With love and stitches, Beth Ann
Thank you for supporting my Etsy shop and
my Quilt Ladies Book
From my Etsy shop to 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 one, 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
This quilt block is a bit log cabin and a scrap design, one of my original design too. Go slow with your sewing, this quilt block is NOT hard, lay your pieces out and sew as shown.
It is composed of various fabric pieces arranged in a geometric pattern. This week’s quilt block pattern is about moving the outside quilt blocks around the center. Color placement is fun and don’t over think it, have fun with it. Finished quilt block is 12″ x 12″
Center Block
Cut 18 Assorted Colors – 1 ½ x 2 ½” Piece as shown for the center
Cut 2 Blue – 1 ½” x 8 ½” Sew to the left and right side
Cut 2 Blue – 1 ½” x 6 ½” Sew to the top and bottom Sew as shown
Cut 32 Assorted Colors – 1 ½” x 2 ½” Sew 2 together long side, to form 16 blocks,
Cut 4 White – 2 ½” x 2 ½”
Sew as shown – top and bottom Sew as shown – left and right
These are my books 100%. I am Beth Ann and I am the voice behind The Quilt Ladies and this blog. I hope my journals bring you comfort and a reminder to slow down and appreciate all the big and little things in life.
#quilting #quiltpattern #thequiltladies
Cut 2 Blue – 1 ½” x 8 ½”
