Crumb Blocks - How and Why

[@caraortega4474]

Saving the planet, one crumb at a time!❤

[@merrymabelmarket]

tee hee...

[@paulacostello6912]

That's my favourite thing about quilts: resourceful and talented people "making garbage into beauty". I just found your channel and I'm loving it.

[@merrymabelmarket]

Yes! Thank you!

[@sandracedar368]

I have a belief: there is no “waste/garbage” in quilting/fabric! The most amazing & beautiful quilts can be from bits, pieces, strings, etc. I have been saving salvages (folks laughed at me when it wasn’t a “thing!). One day I’m going to create a masterpiece or two! (I’ve only been quilting for a short time, so it may take a bit before I have enough salvages. I’ve been thinking that I should put a sign on my back, saying: “SALVAGES WANTED!” Hmmmm…… I love your channel. You are such an inspiration! THANK YOU🫶

[@katehenry2718]

12inch scrap blocks work for BIG quilts. Crumb blocks are mental health restorers. They are just PLAY )). Our lives are full of stress and crammed "gotta-do"s. Crumb blocks are beautiful and fun, and ready to assemble on a whim. Whim is good. )) Thanks for "written persmission slip". Made as full yardage, crumb slabs can be cut to ANY shape. Shave trims are a smile in compost.

[@eleanorwittering3126]

I love watching people sew fabric scraps together and that they take the time to film it. It’s so instructional and in itself is an art. Thank you!

[@mel_r]

You mentioned in a past video that you make a lot of charity quilts. I would love to see a quilt parade of your work. I enjoy all your videos!

[@patphares6258]

Stellar voiceover. Encouraging enough to tempt newbies to save those crumbs and venture out…. Thanknyou, ❤

[@merrymabelmarket]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@lindarambone5305]

You set me free with 3-yard cuts. I buy only on sale and pay with cash. My stash is growing nicely. I'm on vacation but I can't wait to get home and separate my crumbs by color. I love what you say about blue/green. I'm learning from you to just go with the flow. You are my hero.

[@merrymabelmarket]

That is awesome!

[@yeseniagomez8864]

I love to see your creations.

[@merrymabelmarket]

Thanks so much 😊

[@lizryan6289]

Beautiful and the process does exercise the brain. From crumbs you are making new fabrics.

[@merrymabelmarket]

So true!

[@patricia753]

The crumb blocks are Beautiful!! I am a total beginner, so I certainly benefitted from watching your How To, Thank you

[@merrymabelmarket]

What a kind comment! My best to you.

[@cherylbrown4058]

I love crumb blocks! I started out making just five to chain piece and kept adding more starters and ended up with 22 blocks😜😁🤪. My happy place!

[@merrymabelmarket]

They multiply brilliantly!!

[@donnagraham7329]

I’ve never wanted to sew crumb blocks but after watching your video I may start saving those crumb pieces and give it a try. Thanks for sharing this video.

[@merrymabelmarket]

Have fun!

[@Hiker_who_Sews]

Twosies. I love it. It reminds me of playing jacks when you pick up two at a time. "Pairs" is so unplayfully adult. Thanks for the piecing tips!

[@merrymabelmarket]

I REALLY love your comment!

[@dafairygirl86]

I love this idea so so much :D I've always saved my crumbs, because I've seen other "Crumby" ideas. LOL But this one! I love the charity quilt!

[@soSEW-COB]

OMGosh I SMILED all the way through your sweet video. I haven’t sewn for weeks and you have inspired me to get back to playing with my scraps. I have made scrappy fabric also❣️ My daughter calls my pieces Moms fabric! I didn’t know what to do with them and now I have a plan. Thank you for your inspiring scrappy video Chris, Ontario, Canada

[@merrymabelmarket]

I'm so glad! Have fun!

[@131dyana]

Loved your crumb blocks thank you for sharing. .

[@MBird-ld6uv]

This is a really calming process, and all those blocks at the end are so fun to see :)

[@Moni221960]

I just love watching your channel. You are so down to earth and a joy to listen to. Monica from Australia

[@merrymabelmarket]

So glad!

[@elizabethbordman6964]

Love this video and as a new quilter I LOVE these scrap blocks. They let me use up those cool scraps I can't throw away :) and create really creative blocks. Thanks for sharing!

[@merrymabelmarket]

Thanks for your sweet comment!

[@deborahnolan9360]

Beautiful blocks

[@anhs20]

I love using scraps! And saving the planet a scrap at a time

[@leitner2418]

I do this with every scrap. I make 121/2” blocks and join them to make charity quilts. It is fun and addictive. Smaller pieces are saved as stuffing old pillow cases for rescue dogs. V

[@merrymabelmarket]

Sounds Great!

[@SpeakTruthBeKind]

Monochromatic! What a great idea for baby/child/donated quilt. ❤

[@merrymabelmarket]

Thank you.

[@cornucopiafoundationmediak2834]

Quilting is my therapy and threads are my meds!! Love your ideas for using the blocks in finished quilts. I make a lot of crumb blocks but needed this inspiration. Thank you for all you do!

[@diannenaworensky6698]

Relly enjoyed watching this video. Crumb blocks are so cool !!

[@vangiebrake2295]

Great Video. Makes me want to make crumb blocks. Just might give it a try. Thanks so much for making this video, I always look forward to them and hope today is the day you post another video. They just make so much sense and fun.❤❤

[@merrymabelmarket]

Crumb blocks really are "free and fun"!

[@anhs20]

Hello! Just want to say I love your videos! Your narration makes me smile and I 100% resonate with the creative flow of using crumbs/scraps. Love your work!

[@merrymabelmarket]

Wow, thank you!

[@mikepetramalo2904]

What a great, creative way to use little “crumbs” of fabric! I love it!

[@mignonnerogers6848]

I truly enjoy every video you post, you are freeing to watch and listen to, you remind all who watch to be creative without the rules and what anyone else might think. It is what do we think, feel and enjoy!! I am always ready for what you share next!! Thank you!!! 🤗🌹

[@merrymabelmarket]

Wow, thank you!

[@SaraH-zt1ek]

While watching you sew the green blocks, I couldn't help but think about the hippie blouses we wore back in the 70's. I absolutely loved them! How cute would it be to make a blouse out of these? Yeah, it's definitely on my list now!

[@merrymabelmarket]

Oh yes! I love that idea!

[@maggiehallinan1771]

This looks FUN! I see you mix batiks and quilting cottons…and the “quilting police” remained silent! 😂 lol Thanks for this inspiring video!

[@merrymabelmarket]

It IS so fun!!

[@caroljohnson7286]

Awesome,you made the blocks so easy to do.Thank you,enjoyed

[@merrymabelmarket]

Glad you like them!

[@victoria9663]

This is the coolest thing! I am just getting back into sewing after a decade of not sewing anything, so this is fantastic for me to keep in mind as I start projects. I will be saving all my scraps!

[@merrymabelmarket]

Wonderful!

[@TheRozylass]

This was so helpful!! Thanks for the tutorial. I've seen others that are way more complicated using some kind of foundation. You're one of the best teachers around.

[@merrymabelmarket]

Glad it was helpful!

[@mariejohns1387]

I don’t know if you realized it, but that one brown block in the novelty Quilt looks like a shark!! I love doing this kind of sewing. it brings peace knowing there’s something you can do with scraps and you don’t waste… I really hate waste!

[@merrymabelmarket]

Now I have to go watch for the shark!! Tee hee...

[@creatinghanley]

I saw the shark too! but I watched for it after reading your comment; it’s like finding animals in clouds. So cool.

[@gibraeelco-main288]

Such an amazing projects you made with crumb blocks. ✨

[@trinam2503]

I love making crumb blocks when I have the time 😃 I do the same method of construction. And I also cut mine to 6.5". I do kitchen sink scrappy. But after a few of your videos, my 10yr daughter asked me to do one in just pinks, purples and teals for her!!! ( unicorn colors! 😉) she loves to recycle, so this really apeals to her, and she is excited to help make the blocks 😃

[@merrymabelmarket]

That is awesome!

[@margaretWestminster]

I love this type of quilt. Thank you. ❤

[@merrymabelmarket]

You will love the one that comes out this Monday then....

[@angielovett4159]

Your positivity and encouragement is so wonderful. I find your videos so inspiring, thank you!

[@merrymabelmarket]

Thank you so much!

[@ShadowMoonFarms]

Thanks for sharing

[@merrymabelmarket]

Thanks for watching!

[@RoseWaddell-jj7oe]

I will be glad when I get enough scraps to try this. Thank you for another easy to follow.❤❤😊😊

[@merrymabelmarket]

Have fun!

[@joydavis3089]

Thanks for another great video.

[@merrymabelmarket]

Thanks for watching!

[@jo-annevandermey2704]

So fun! And it is so fun to sew no stress sewing.

[@merrymabelmarket]

Agree!!

[@paulaneary7877]

Thank you for the video, very beautiful work! Love it.

[@merrymabelmarket]

Thank you too!

[@THELOVEOFMYLIFE89]

Really love these videos and ideas thank you !❤

[@eleanorwittering3126]

I love watching people sew fabric scraps together and that they take the time to film it. It’s so instructional and in itself is an art. Thank you! Also, as organizing my quilting, studio is ongoing, I love how you store your fabric scraps… And that will work for my storage, so I’m going to duplicate this particular storage concept. Thank you for that too!

[@merrymabelmarket]

Organizing is SO much fun!!

[@moonmare]

I love the way you talk about fabric friends. It makes perfect sense and is such a kind way to talk about different colors.

[@kristicitak3932]

I love making crumb blocks. I like how you separated by color. I just have a few tubs of all colors. I have several made but haven’t made a quilt with them. Bibs, pot holders & oven mitts so far.

[@merrymabelmarket]

Sounds great!

[@Susietacoma]

I love those!

[@merrymabelmarket]

Thank you!

[@anainjamul2056]

I just subscribed and love this! I haven't quilted in many years, but you inspire me!

[@merrymabelmarket]

Quilting is my favorite way to create.

[@SparkyOne549]

I love crumb quilts. I wish I knew quilters locally to get small scraps. I want to make myself a queen crumb quilt. I have half a 20qt tub full of crumbs, but I know it’s not enough to make one yet. Green isn’t my favorite color, except in nature, but your blocks are absolutely gorgeous!

[@merrymabelmarket]

Thank you. Join an online quilting community. There are always people who want to send boxes of scraps?crumbs to people. I've seen this on several quilting lists. It only costs you shipping.

[@authenticallyamber99]

Love how all the bits and pieces come together to form something so beautiful and unique!! 🩵 Looks very calming to make. Thanks for sharing!

[@merrymabelmarket]

Thanks so much 😊

[@cindywagner4623]

I do crumbs when I’m ready to slow down from my quilting. Relaxes me, it is surprising how many you can get from not very much scraps. I don’t monochromatic my fabric. Very little solid prints.

[@rimmon24]

i feel exactly the same way...i try to tell both quilting groups, give me your scraps/crumbs, pls dont throw them away.... lol

[@merrymabelmarket]

Good job. We must save the lives of all "good" scraps!

[@goatladygletha792]

I love this ! :D

[@margaretbaker623]

Thank you for another instructive and relevant video. I love making crumb blocks but haven't yet tried monochrome. Watch this space! 😂 ⚘️

[@merrymabelmarket]

Have fun!

[@ConnieHeidemann]

I do this with donated scraps. I make 10” blocks which are put into charity quilts. A great way to help others and almost eliminate waste. (The tiny pieces go into cat/dog pillows as stuffing, which are also donated.))

[@merrymabelmarket]

Sounds great.

[@passthedonuts]

seems simple

[@Paul_Sheila]

Sheila here. You’ve inspired me to save crumbs! I just needed a reason to. Your finished projects don’t look like a messy riot of color. They look fun and interesting! Thanks 😊

[@Kdcaswell]

I am in love with sewing small scraps. Fabric is expensive. Why not sew them together into a quilt or small project.

[@merrymabelmarket]

Agreed!

[@sheilakeating9089]

❤

[@billswifejo]

I have just finished making my first scrappy quilt and a friend has sandwiched it for me (because I am allergic to the basting spray). I need to quilt it now and am wondering if I need to sew my lines closer than my usual 4” because some of the pieces are quite small. It is a quilt for the Linus project, so it might have a tough life with some child, but will hopefully be loved as it is so bright and cheerful. I have managed to fussy cut in dinosaurs, cats, dogs, Mr Men, cars, trucks and all sorts of other little items to “find”. I only have a domestic sewing machine and don’t know how to do free sewing with the feed dogs down. Many thanks for any advice.

[@merrymabelmarket]

I do not quilt on my domestic machine, so I'm not your best source of help for this. I do know that when I am donating to an organization like the one you mentioned, I prefer to quilt it so that everything is nailed down. Best wishes!

[@billswifejo]

@@merrymabelmarket thanks for your advice. Currently I have done zig-zags across it at 3 inch intervals and am half way through binding it. I thought I would take it to the Linus group tomorrow and can add another set of zig-zags in between if necessary. Oh for a long-arm machine. x

[@JesusisKing222]

I enjoy making crumb blocks. Sometimes i need a ‘palette cleanser’ between larger projects or i need to work out stress via sewing nothing into whatever something. It’s productive but relaxing. I love your suggestions

[@merrymabelmarket]

I totally agree!

[@pattymongolo9643]

Thank you for sharing! My sister gave me all her scraps from when she had a business making children's clothes. Her fabric she has is amazing and I couldn't image throwing any of it away. So I have been making crumb material. I have yet to cut it down to block size and use it, but you have inspired me! I will probable make some bags, potholders, or other small projects. I am intimidated when I think of making a quilt...little to big for me!

[@merrymabelmarket]

That is awesome!

[@lizwarnke4689]

I've been saving my crumbs and now I think I need to sort them by color. I really like how yours looked.

[@merrymabelmarket]

It's SO theraputic!

[@terryanderson6153]

You are so talented, and a GREAT teacher. Thank you!

[@merrymabelmarket]

Wow, thank you!

[@Sewwithdebee]

Great minds think alike - my friends & family just don’t get how fun this is and the bonus fabric. Like being a fabric rescuer too. They also makes great leader and enders

[@DH-qz2so]

"Saving Lives!"... I save fabric's lives either at the quilt shop when bundles go on sale...or at the Thrift Store, as our main thrift store here, has a craft/sewing/fabric section...and often, I have rescued Moda fabrics!... feels good to do 'my part' !

[@merrymabelmarket]

Improving society - one Moda piece of fabric at a time!!

[@vickiclark1998]

The joy of watching you make beautiful things!! Yay!! I appreciate the way you explain things!! Thank you❤❤

[@merrymabelmarket]

Thank you so much!

[@mariajosedeval3304]

👍👍👍😃😃😃👏👏👏 María José 💖💖

[@lindamyers953]

One way to use the crumb trimmings or even just the small pieces of fabric is to use them as batting! I do this when I make charity quilts for our local animal shelter. So nothing has to be discarded!!😎🇺🇸

[@merrymabelmarket]

Sweet.

[@ananani8475]

muito legal essa forma de aproveitar os retalhos e transformar em mantas.

[@merrymabelmarket]

Thank you!

[@lindamasson3094]

I recently tried making a couple crumb blocks. It was fun. I like your idea of making them monochromatic. Thanks, great video

[@janetdowning1443]

What beautiful quilts😊

[@fransak2723]

I have a fairly large pile of scraps that I usually cut into squares, 1.5, 2.5, 5 inches etc. Now I may try to use your idea of making them into monochromatic crumb blocks. Thanks for the tips.

[@merrymabelmarket]

Sounds great!

[@lorifontaine]

Hi Merry! You always make my day. Just hearing you say the words, "joy", "beautiful" and "happy", makes the creative journey even more wonderful. I listen to your words not only before quilting, but before facing the world, so I always have a smile on my face and people see only the "good" side of me. Hugs from Canada.

[@merrymabelmarket]

I'm so glad! What a kind comment.

[@creatinghanley]

I LOVE making crumb blocks! You’re right about putting a puzzle together; I’ve said that too! And it’s very zen-like; I can stay up well beyond bedtime sewing crumb blocks making new fabric. ❤

[@merrymabelmarket]

It really is!

[@christy8130]

My 9 year old son loves to do this. Our local quilt shop owner gives him her scraps

[@merrymabelmarket]

Sweet!!

[@Artindi]

Face reveal when?

[@joannsilva4715]

Great idea to separate colors! I'm a pack rat, hate to throw anything out! I also have dabbled with crumb blocks & crazy quilt blocks! It really is fun to create! You made some very cool quilts, nice work! ❤

[@santagreen7360]

Wow, very inspiring, love how all of them turned out 👏👏😍

[@rozeichelberger3400]

Have been wanting to make another quilt and have looked at Hundreds but when I see your quilts and choices they do Sing to my spirit. Happy and beautiful! Thank you for showing us how to bring colors alive from our scraps!

[@merrymabelmarket]

Wonderful!

[@rosie0970]

I think this kind of patchwork could turn into a new form of artwork, it's so inspiring.

[@merrymabelmarket]

Artwork. I agree.

[@katehenry2718]

I've made a lot of quilts in the last 50some years, but my favorite is the HUGE FREEEEE double-wide extra-long crumb out of fabrics GIVEN to me. Estate sale provided two blankets for the middle, garage sale provided curtains for the back. Quilter's estate sale filled my van with FREE batting that now fills a closet floor to ceiling. Quilting started with free leftovers, good tradition ))).

[@merrymabelmarket]

Sweet!

[@papercents]

I really enjoy sewing crumb blocks - especially the monochromatic ones. Sewing with crumbs and small scraps really makes me happy :) Really enjoyed seeing your quilts with using crumb blocks. Thank you for your video - it was great! Happy scrappy sewing!

[@merrymabelmarket]

Wonderful!

[@imariser1111]

I very much enjoy listening to you. You’re so upbeat and happy! You’re my quilting cheerleader! Thank you for sharing! I hear your voice “good job” when I open a four patch and see my seams all aligned! 😄 BTW, I’m still working on binding like a boss!

[@merrymabelmarket]

I'm so glad! Thanks for the encouraging message!

[@jenniferahlstrom590]

I just got back into using a sewing machine, and before I do any “real” (aka mathematical / even / complicated) pieced blocks, I’ve been making crumb blocks to get me back into the groove of the sewing machine. It really is fun- “making something from nothing, basically- and therapeutic! I’ve even “rescued” some cotton shirts and pajama pants from the outlet thrift store to save them for use as fabric. (That hunt is lots of fun, too!).

[@merrymabelmarket]

Thank you for sharing.

[@lesa6399]

My crumb blocks aren’t nearly as nice as yours! I’m taking notes! 😊 All the teeny pcs I saved & now I’m ready to make an awesome bed for the grand dogs!!!

[@merrymabelmarket]

Lucky dogs.

[@glendaporter4362]

I just watched your video on making crumb blocks and you have inspired me. Great job!

[@merrymabelmarket]

I'm so glad! Have fun!!

[@northernkarma9296]

That was a great video. Made me smile. I'm just a beginner and I can't wait to have enough crumbs to make a whole quilt like that. 😁

[@merrymabelmarket]

Wonderful!

[@peggersf9709]

👋👋 ❤❤

[@julieh4816]

Marvelous idea!

[@AmandaIsAwesome]

I love these so much!! Sooo pretty!!!

[@merrymabelmarket]

Glad you like them!

[@coreygilles847]

I want to do this with my crumbs.❤

[@merrymabelmarket]

YAY!! Do it!!

[@jeane.2722]

Love it! thx.

[@merrymabelmarket]

Glad you like it!

[@erinwells4078]

I love crumb blocks!

[@merrymabelmarket]

Me too!

[@MelissaWoodPs138]

Thank you for posting this and showing leftovers can be reused imto something new. Your words were inspiring! I know what to do with all that fabric I saved/rescued! And I am also a rescuer of fabric from projects people otherwise discard. Glad to know there is others out there that do the same! 😊

[@stitchann]

Love this little video. I could not agree more. Sewing crumb blocks is freeing in the best and most creative way.