Beth Ann Doing

It’s Early…But Time for a Holiday Quilt

Holiday Quilt, Start NOW !

There’s something a little funny about starting a holiday quilt when the weather doesn’t match the season at all, but that’s exactly why we do it.

Quilting isn’t just about the finished piece; it’s about giving yourself time. When you start now, you’re not rushing in November, not scrambling in December, you’re enjoying the process one block at a time. A holiday quilt made slowly holds more than fabric… it holds the quiet moments, the steady stitching, and the peace of not being in a hurry.

And truthfully, this quilt over the back of my couch this past December and it greeted me every time I walked in the living room…priceless. Not to discount the mug of hot chocolate, a book to read, a moment of family curled up to enjoy the holiday, under YOUR Holiday Quilt
That’s what you will give yourself and family in this HOLIDAY quilt. You will become the maker of an all-time favorite at your house. Perfect for a holiday snuggle on the couch or made in any colors for day to day cuddles. Holiday Quilt Pattern features TWELVE – Twelve by Twelve Inches quilt pattern blocks and they are made into a 62″ x 78″ quilt.

Quilt shown in traditional red and green, but this quilt would be wonderful with a dark blue background, white and yellow blocks, let yourself have fun.

A Holiday Quilt Pattern Book in PRINT and eBook too

A Holiday Quilt Pattern – Download from my Etsy Shop

Come Take a Look at What I do !

If you’d like to see the book, I’ve made it easy for you:

Etsy (Instant Download PDF)
https://www.etsy.com/shop/TheQuiltLadies

Amazon (Print + Kindle)
https://amzn.to/3jplAg1

All My Links and Books in One Place
https://www.BethAnnDoing.com

Something for Me – I Painted

It’s all About Me !

Been a bit since it’s been about ME ! Caregiving is hard and you seem to not matter much. Nights are SO long and days even longer. But, we are seeing a bit of light. So, with Husband doing PT, 3 times a week and me doing the driving. I usually read and wait but last week I dropped him and did some shopping. This was 40% off and I went back around the store to get it as I had an idea ! Do my flowers, stitches and hang it on our front door. I pulled out all my acrylic paint, markers, brushes, water and covered the dining room table. I have to say, it made me happy !

It had flower outlines and I used them, added me !

Getting base coats down

I use paint for my lines most the times, but used both this time, brush and paint markers….different?!?!

Come Take a Look at What I do !
If you’d like to see all my books, I’ve made it easy for you:

Etsy (Instant Download PDF)

Amazon (Print + Kindle)

All My Links and Books in One Place

Let’s Make a Log Cabin Quilt

Available NOW !

Here is my new quilt book, I have done it as a PDF download on Etsy, meaning you have it in moments after payment.
And as an eBook from Amazon.

This quilt is a gift quilt for a Grand graduating. I made and worked on it when Husband was getting better and the moments I needed to step away in the same house. SO

Let’s Make a Log Cabin Quilt
(6 Blocks, Big & Beautiful 88” x 104” Quilt)

There is just something about a Log Cabin quilt that never goes out of style.

It’s cozy. It’s classic. And honestly… it’s one of those patterns that always feels like home.

So I put together something a little special for you.
Available at Etsy Shop
and as an eBook

Let’s Make a Log Cabin Quilt is a pattern built around 6 different block designs, each finishing at 16” x 16”, and when you put them all together… you get a big, beautiful quilt that finishes at 88” x 104”.

A Quilt That Feels Doable

I designed this pattern the way I like to quilt—
simple, clear, and not overwhelming.

You’ll get:

6 different Log Cabin block variations
Step-by-step cutting instructions
Easy piecing directions (no guessing!)
A full layout so you can see it all come together
Blocks finish at 16” x 16”
6 different block designs
Finished quilt size: 88” x 104”
Skill level: Beginner to Intermediate
Sample Page

Come Take a Look at What I do !

If you’d like to see the book, I’ve made it easy for you:

Etsy (Instant Download PDF)
https://www.etsy.com/shop/TheQuiltLadies

Amazon (Print + Kindle)
https://amzn.to/3jplAg1

All My Links and Books in One Place
https://www.BethAnnDoing.com

Here I go…Again…

Let’s Make a Log Cabin Quilt, My New Quilt Pattern

Hi friends,
It feels good to sit down and write this. The past little while has been… different and slower than I planned. Life has a way of doing that.

I’ve still been sewing a quilt, I started a gift quilt. All the pieces cut and moments here and there that I could turn the sewing machine on and breathe a little better. Most days were full, some days were heavy, and most days I just needed rest. But moments with my hands, quilt pattern and time, priceless.

Husband went into to have stents they couldn’t do them, had a stroke waking up, staying in hospital until open heart 6 days later, 6 days in ICU for a total of 20 days in the hospital. That is the short brief notes, but I cannot go there with it all yet. He is better daily and two months in I have finally slept a complete night. And yes, both our minds and hearts had a terrible time stepping forward, see why below.

My Etsy shop number and sales are so off and I try not to worry about them…with me that is hard, just can’t do it all. But that too will have to be. See all I do

“Let’s Make a Log Cabin Quilt”

I had a quilt started and over the last few months, completed it and I want to share it with you all. It’s Grand #3”s graduation quilt. I have done it as a PDF at my Etsy Shop and an eBook, simpler for me to do right now.

A Little About My New Book, 6 different Log Cabin quilt block variations

Each block finishes at 16” x 16”
A quilt layout finishing at 88” x 104”
Step-by-step cutting and piecing instructions
Clear layouts and guidance (like I always do for you)
It’s designed so you can:
Follow it exactly…
Or mix, match, and make it your own. Because no two quilts and no two quilters are ever the same.

Quilting waits for us
The fabric doesn’t rush. The patterns do not disappear. And when we come back, it feels like coming home. Just one strip. One block.
One quiet hour.

I’m really glad you are here, Husband is here and I am finally settling into a new normal. Thank you, Beth Ann

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

Quilting a Little Slow and a Bit Different

Needing more than a Nap

I have been out for a bit. Quilting has always been one of the places I go when life feels steady and good. But lately, life hasn’t felt steady. Husband’s health has changed again, and the recovery road has shaken me to my core.

And if I’m honest, I’m tired. Not just “I need a nap” tired… but the kind that sits a little deeper and a little harder. I’ve still been showing up here and there. A post, a picture, a thought, on Facebook and instagram. But behind the scenes, things are quieter than usual. And I think it has to be.

Because here’s what I’m learning:
Not every season is for creating.
Some seasons are for holding things together.
Some days, sew a seam or two, or sit with a piece of fabric in my lap, draw a few quilt block and think about what they might make.
And that still counts.

So, I am a little slower, a little quieter.
I will get back to it. One block at a time. One day at a time.
And for now, that is all I have, my little quilt pattern shop is still open and my books are still on Amazon

Keep watching, keep quilting and I will keep trying! Love to you all,
Beth Ann

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

Starting Small Still Counts with Just About Everything

From Quilts to Exercise…

I am writing with a very heavy heart.
I am going a head with what I had planned, BUT…

Well…I tried, but goals change…sometimes really fast. I had good intentions about going back to the gym this year. Really solid plans of course a new outfit, new shoes, half the reason to go !Free Quilt Pattern

But here’s the thing… (having a thing is like, I got a guy for that project) I’m back to swimming every day instead. Turns out after 2 weeks and 5 visits my knees, my schedule, and my general attitude all voted for I am staying with the pool. No loud music, no mirrors, no pretending I enjoy machines. My steady pace, quiet water, and a reminder that moving your body doesn’t have to make me feel “Am I doing it right?”

So, my only buy a month plan was good, my start small plan as good and the weather changed from the 50’s to the 70’s, have invited me back into the pool of possibilities of feeling better.

Quilt Tip of the Week – NEW Rule

Quilting counts as exercise.
If your smartwatch disagrees, throw it in the bobbin drawer.

The Quilt Ladies Weekly Free Quilt Block Pattern — Free Quilt Block Pattern

If you’re in the mood for something simple and comforting, I’m sharing a favorite beginner friendly pattern this week. It’s squares and triangles, my how to for squares, and for triangles. It works beautifully with fabric you already have, or for a bit of fabric shopping therapy. Here is the PDF for you to download, NO SIGNING up, just click and get, print and it’s yours. My Cross Squares Blue Quilt Block has a finished size of 10″ x 10″.

What’s New Or At my Etsy Shop
This week is what’s Fun from my Etsy Shop and only on my Etsy Shop, read about Baskets of Applique Flowers Pattern from my Etsy Shop Here

Right now, I’m working on a project that’s still in its “trust the process” stage. The block is drawn, the colors are still deciding what they want to be, and nothing looks right…yet? I keep telling myself…that it is okay.
And it truely is, Beth Ann

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

T he Quilt Ladies Quilt Pattern Shop

My Books and Quilt Ladies Quilt Patterns in Print and eBooks
www.BethAnnDoing.com www.TheQuiltLadies.com

Not seeing my Facebook posts, Instagram post…I have NO idea WHY and maybe I am just to old?!? But I am here.
Please sign up for my weekly news, free quilt blocks, ideas and just a bit of what I am doing. Top Right, no additional emails will be sent. Thanks

Fresh Starts, Gentle Pace

And a Big Number Birthday,, I Can’t Believe

First, I need to vent a bit ! !
We’ve been trying very hard to make January feel quieter than usual.
That’s a little tricky here in Florida, where neighbors arrive for three months of vacation…and we live here all twelve. Add in record low temperatures and pool heater is turned off until the daily high hits 74 degrees. I don’t think that needs explaining and let’s just say it’s been a but funny…

But stepping back from all that? Happiness has come from it.

I had a birthday a few days ago. Not a big one, no balloons or banners, just a big number that I still can’t quite believe belongs to me. You know the kind. The number that makes you pause, laugh a little, and double-check the math. It showed up quietly, just like January tends to do. And honestly? I didn’t feel the need to make a big deal out of it…but let me eat cake!

I had planned to use only the fabric I already owned. To stop thinking everything has to be new. That plan lasted until about the 14^th of January

( And yes, it’s my husband’s fault. HA, HA.) he had a heart appointment, and the shop is right across the street. I had to stop.
Best plans aside, reality is this: I love fabric.

This Quilt Block is All About me and it’s one of my Favorites. I made it into a throw pillow and I see it and sometimes use it daily.

This quilt block has a finished size of 12″ x 12″

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

Cut 18 Assorted Colors – 1 ½ x 2 ½”

Piece as shown for the center

Cut 2 White – 1 ½” x 6 ½”
Sew to left and right side

Cut 2 White – 1 1/2” x 8 ½”
Sew to top and bottom

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

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

Cut 4 White – 2 ½” x 2 ½”

Sew as Shown

One of My Quilt Pattern Books

Now in Print
and at My Etsy Shop

Square Perfect a Quilt Pattern in Red, White and Blue, but only if you want it to be, you can use any three colors. It’s a holiday of colors no matter what colors used.

Square Perfect makes a finished quilt that measures, 108″ x 98″ a Perfect KING size quilt. Instructions to make each row and complete how to make each square design as shown in the pictures.

Quilting has always been my reminder that good things take time and that starting again doesn’t require starting over. There is ALWAYS a Beginning, a Middle and End.

MY Quilt Wisdom this Week:

Begin where you are. Stitch what you can. Let this your daily season unfold at a gentle pace. And yes, purchase the quilt pattern, buy the fabric, and of course… have a piece of cake.
Have a great week, Beth Ann

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

Quilting is fun and not like anything else on your to-do list.

If you love quilts, fabric, and a little encouragement to slow down, you’ll feel right at home here. I send one cozy note a week. You can read it with coffee… or under a quilt. Sign up top right on my site and I will not OVER share, your email, your time and I always try to have a quilt block for you too !

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

Beth Ann Doing

It’s Early…But Time for a Holiday Quilt

Like this:

Something for Me – I Painted

Like this:

Let’s Make a Log Cabin Quilt

Let’s Make a Log Cabin Quilt
(6 Blocks, Big & Beautiful 88” x 104” Quilt)

Like this:

Here I go…Again…

Like this:

Quilting a Little Slow and a Bit Different

Like this:

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

Like this: