How Quilting Benefits Your Life.

[@TheRozylass]

Endorphins from touching fabrics! OH ME TOO! Just seeing the colors and patterns is soothing to me when I need calming.

[@merrymabelmarket]

YES!

[@namevale8835]

Same I love looking at fabric and touching it!

[@Nanacansew]

Yes ❤

[@sonniecampbell1788]

Me too. That feeling of walking into a quilt store and seeing that burst of color and patterns and the scent of fabric. ❤

[@margaretderen2082]

What a lovely post! Thank you. It is never a quilter who asks me if I get lonely living alone. Most quilters are envious of my freedom to quilt all hours with no interruptions!

[@merrymabelmarket]

Such happy freedom!

[@beckypetersen2680]

No kidding

[@katehenry2718]

yes yes yes ! Once people know you are a quilter, piles of cloth show up at your door by secret fairy delivery. )))))

[@carolgroves4818]

I quilt, therefore I am! No guilt here…. 😊

[@wandawalker4191]

Thank you for this very supportive video! Quilting really helped me on my cancer journey. Making a quilt during that time, to be raffled off and get money for a local charity, helped me keep my perspective and give to others instead just thinking about me.

[@merrymabelmarket]

Beautiful!! Thank you for sharing.

[@BEVERLYRANDOLPH-lx4qu]

What a lovely video this is and a real gift to all of us! Late in 2022 I read an article about “functional depression” and I realized that was my emotional state. I was eating and sleeping and taking out the trash and cleaning the litter boxes; but after two years of health issues, I wasn’t experiencing joy. So I asked myself “what quilt project could I finish to get my joy back?” I went out to my studio-which I had neglected and was something of a wreck-and on my design wall was a Christmas wall hanging I had begun but made no progress on. I decided I would put it together and hang it for Christmas. It was small enough to tackle and my creative juices started flowing. It turned out beautiful (and completely different from my original design!) and it brought back my joy. I cleaned up my studio and made five quilts in 2023! There’s no question that to live a fulfilled and fulfilling life, one must have a passion for something. Quilting is a wonderful passion that increases our own joy and brings joy to others! I loved this video and I thank you for it!

[@merrymabelmarket]

What a beautiful story you have shared!! Thank you!

[@lauriemullins8140]

Quilting has saved my sanity more than once during my life. Love of sewing is the best theraphy there is!!!

[@pooie0116]

Thank you so much for this! I am surrounded by family and acquaintances who "don't get it" and seem to think I'm wasting my time and it sometimes gets me down. I've been shamed so often throughout my life for my personal creative endeavors that for the longest time I felt a lot of shame and guilt every time I worked on a project, but once I found YT channels like yours, I realized how so many positive, friendly, accepting, supportive quilters exist in the world and I truly appreciate that you're here to offer this kind of validation. ❤❤❤

[@merrymabelmarket]

I feel sad for the family members and friends who just don't understand the joy! Hang out on our channel anytime!!

[@karenr.sternberg1920]

Also depending on where you live look for a quilt guild, check your local library, they may have something. Hang out at a fabric /quilt store if you have one. S pend time in stores, among the local art supplies, ask around there, they may have info.

[@szelop]

You are 100% correct!

[@angelroost]

Great video. Several things I hadn't thought of. I'd like to add, as a 70yo woman, cognition and problem solving, Math. Analytical. Memory. Pattern reading and adapting. Essential for a healthy brain and what an enjoyable way to sustain and grow these skills in whatever stage of life you're in.

[@merrymabelmarket]

Yes. Great additions!!

[@alchemyarts3490]

What an absolutely lovely post... brought tears to my eyes. As an artist who is never asked how creating feels, but is ALWAYS asked what I'll charge for something (lots of what I make will never be for sale, it's therapeutic to create and there is nothing wrong with NOT being a consumer-minded creator!!) I feel crappy about sharing when asked what I'm up to. So, this video covers a spectrum of creative-arts mindsets, be it a quilt I'm making, a ceramic mug, a painting or whatever. Making things has been my foundation and not many people really understand that deeply in their hearts and souls. I believe you get it. And I'd bet that lots of other people reading this page get it too. Perhaps it's the corporate consumer mindset of living in the USA, or the money is king mentality... but I really do not subscribe to that way of thinking. So, go ahead; delight in a lovely texture or wild print, spend as much time sorting threads and paintbrushes as you need, someone else out there gets it and isn't going to try and change what makes you feel. ❤❤❤❤❤

[@merrymabelmarket]

Beautiful comment! Thank you. Yes - joy in just creating is the BEST!!

[@tammyrserrao6560]

Oh how you are so right. The touching, looking, matching and just having the material around you makes you feel so much better. The building and sewing the materials together and seeing how pretty they look together just keeps you going and going the anxious feeling to complete your quilt and when it’s finished you just want to show the world. I truly loved how you explained the quilting process because I have every feeling you described. Nothing could be more satisfying and inspiring than quilting. Everyone it is a little expensive but you just need a machine some material,thread and the will power. Thank you so much for all those true words of wisdom. Have a great day and God Bless🙏😊🙌

[@karenr.sternberg1920]

One can sometimes even get fabrics from one's Quilt Guild, MUCH cheaper: from donations, estates, manufacturers, etc. I'll get an armload of fabric for $5, almost all Cotton, all quiltable. Also pushes me out of my own comfort zone on colors & style of fabrics. A good excercise in growing as a quilter! Win-Win. (I am in NYC, that makes it a bit easier too.)

[@terryanderson6153]

I love all those reasons. No guilt here!

[@suebennett3715]

You are spot-on! I get such Personal contentment when I sew & handle fabric. Just knowing I have given someone something so comforting. Women have been keeping their loved ones warm & clothed since the beginning & the Apostle Paul sewed tents too. No guilt!

[@yx6889]

I think that I really needed to hear this. I have been feeling SO guilty about the quilting but it makes me so happy! And I love giving away a quilt to a dear friend. I actually make more of them as gifts than I keep now. It's so good for my soul, you hit the nail on the head. Thank you!

[@merrymabelmarket]

It’s wonderful that you find so much joy in quilting and share it with others!

[@myscrappinmama]

I have been intimidated by quilting and quilters most of my life. My first quilt at 17 was a hot mess. I have been learning to quilt for a year and a half from KZbin channels like yours. Thank you so much!!!! I’ve made six quilts and each one is better than the last. I’ve spent more on fabric than I thought I would but it’s all so pretty and will get used! Thank you for your wonderful channel!

[@merrymabelmarket]

I love your story! Keep up the great work.

[@dawnplough1458]

Everything you said makes so much sense.

[@1wholovestrees]

Your opening points were so right on! I so much appreciate you explaining why I have to hear my machine once a day.

[@merrymabelmarket]

So glad!

[@BeckyMortonWeeks]

It’s therapeutic for me.

[@merrymabelmarket]

Exactly!

[@karenr.sternberg1920]

Absolutely!!!

[@robinaanstey3734]

Absolute therapy!!!! You're so spot on with this subject. Thank you for sharing. :)

[@christinewotherspoon6655]

I have so enjoyed listening to this video! You’ve reinforced everything I love about quilting!

[@merrymabelmarket]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@villagesteader3552]

I miss having a quilt group! I moved from Florida to Western New York, so no group. Lost my bestie who got me into quilting a couple of years ago too. I need to find a group! ♥️👍🤓

[@merrymabelmarket]

You can do it!

[@BookZealots]

Excellent video! I'm hoping to find a guild when I move to another state and reconnect with quilters. 👍👍🤗 Beautiful quilts in your video too! I kept pausing, Ooh, I like that. Ooh, I like that one too. LOL

[@merrymabelmarket]

Thank you for your sweet comment. Yes - moving is an opportunity to find more quilting friends!

[@jenniferwatson6094]

You have no idea how much I needed to hear this. Every time I feel guilty I am going to play this video . Stitching and creating is my real joy. We are in the middle of sorting my late father’s estate and I have to escape every so often and sew to settle myself again. I think I will seek out a quilt group later in the year. Thank you for the encouragement.

[@merrymabelmarket]

You got this!

[@angieallen4884]

Thank you! Sharing with all my quilty friends!

[@merrymabelmarket]

Thanks for sharing!!

[@nancynorman6221]

Yes to all those reasons! Quilting brings me such joy. I worked in corporate America for 40 years and my family was worried I would be bored and unhappy in retirement. No chance as long as I have my little Featherweight, fabric and quilty friends!

[@merrymabelmarket]

It is so wonderful to have purpose!

[@froesfamily335]

Lots of ways to get around the expense. I live where it is hot a good part of the year. So I skip batting and back with flannel sheets or cotton bought at thrift stores. I bind them by flipping over the backing. I tie mine with crochet thread from the dollar store. I get fabric from many sources. One day at a fabric shop while standing in line to pay for a grab bag the lady in front of me turned around and offered me quilt fabric from her stash because she is 83 and downsizing. I’ve made a couple dozen lap and twin sized quilts with it. Kept a couple and gave the rest away. Recently I sprained my knee and sewing using the foot pedal was good therapy. All good!

[@merrymabelmarket]

What happy stories. Love it!

[@julieh4816]

Look at all the reasons we quilt! It is a wonderful experience

[@mariejohns1387]

Thank you for sharing with us! Beautiful projects from a beautiful lady! Your videos to me are worth their weight in gold! ❤

[@Artindi]

A hobby is especially good if it is useful as well. :)

[@merrymabelmarket]

Absolutely!

[@authenticallyamber99]

No guilt here but somehow feel the need to go sew something!!! For all the reasons you described, I totally agree!!! 💕 Quilters are a special kind of people and only quilters truly know and understand the investment we make in every masterpiece we create!

[@merrymabelmarket]

Yes! Thank you!

[@charliegirl42ify]

I JUST started quilting and i already knew it makes me feel good to actually make something beautiful and makes me feel good.

[@merrymabelmarket]

You are on a great journey!

[@Moni221960]

Very wise words indeed. I have many times been teased about my sewing!! I love making quilts and love all my scrap and other nice material that I have. I don't smoke or drink and figure that this money spent is on a hobby that makes me happy - especially when I can retire from work. I also live alone and have tinnitus in both ears so when I do quilting I am distracted from the loneliness and tinnitus. Thank you for posting this. You have made sense of what a lot of people don't understand about quilters. Monica from Australia

[@merrymabelmarket]

Best wishes to you!! Hooray for quilting!!

[@carolg.6838]

God bless you Monica. Keep sewing. I have started sewing again, small projects and one quilt. It helps with stress and depression. And like the video, I was surprised I was not hungry all the time. I had to re-learn a lot, learn some more, and persevere with quilting, and accept some puckers. There are a lot of good quilting channels.

[@territarr1199]

I get endorphins when I look at fabric. I get so excited. My brain goes into happiness overload! Thank you for this. I have been in a little slump but I’m back now.

[@merrymabelmarket]

Welcome Back!!!

[@sheryld7104]

I just found you today and you are so uplifting! I have sewn since I was 10 but quilting is fairly new for me. It started with me making a Tshirt quilt from my deceased husbands shirts 14 yrs ago. That was so healing! I still use it. I’ve made about 10 for family members. I’m now into scrappy quilts. Making quilts for meals on wheels for people to use as a lap quilt ..a size that works well for those in wheelchairs. It has kept me sane with all the nonsense going on since 2020! Seriously, I’d probably be in a psych ward!

[@merrymabelmarket]

Yes - it IS the best therapy!!

[@MichelleFrazier-ze3xu]

I too get endorphins touching fabric:) I love your channel, you have a soothing voice and wonderful tips and suggestions.

[@merrymabelmarket]

Oh thank you!

[@AmyThomas74]

True that! ❤

[@gloriahenry546]

❤God Bless you,I've enjoyed quilting about 25 years love the tutorials about quilting,books,patterns

[@merrymabelmarket]

Thank you for commenting!

[@delwyngraham4033]

Agree😊 you have made some beautiful quilts thank you for sharing

[@merrymabelmarket]

Thank you! 😊

[@helenfields2318]

Excellent reasons...I get joy from all of them. I've recently joined a small local guild and it's been an delight to have a weekly stitch gathering. New friends, new ideas, a charity sew day once a month. Quilting satisfaction! And I especially enjoy petting the fabric!

[@merrymabelmarket]

Quilting buddies are SO great!!

[@nancymathisen9707]

I would urge quilters to use scraps from other textiles projects and up cycled fabric instead of buying new yardage or precuts. The members of my guild have given me more scraps than I’ll probably ever be able to use up in my lifetime. Textile waste is a real problem. I would feel guilty if I was creating more waste. I live alone so nobody’s affected by my quilting supplies.

[@merrymabelmarket]

It is great that we all get to choose how we feel, and how we use materials for ourselves.

[@gm749]

Thank you, magnificent video! Quilting has saved me, going through a abused marriage, going through cancer. I love it ❤❤❤. Thank you again for saying it so well.

[@merrymabelmarket]

Best wishes to you!

[@jacquelineblack5801]

I am never board and I love to gift quilts. Every baby born in my world gets their own quilt. Family and friends. And I do my own quilting and I am always learning new skills. It’s a win win!

[@merrymabelmarket]

It's brilliant!

[@debbierucker2771]

I enjoyed post and solidified why I enjoy quilting.

[@MBird-ld6uv]

So true! ❤️

[@lauraeves3914]

So many reasons!

[@amandastratton8242]

Excellent video and so true Thank you for sharing with us x

[@sandyhoffner5667]

I really appreciate this video and its message. I shared it with my guild. I totally get the touching fabric thing.

[@merrymabelmarket]

Thanks for sharing!!

[@quiltingnerd]

Yes, yes and yes.... I love quilting and it helps me to relax and when I finish one of my projects I feel impressed how creative I am in my busy life.... This is the best hobby and passion and lifestyle ever.... And you can learn a lot about yourself too. including forgiving for making mistakes and appriciating your growth.

[@merrymabelmarket]

So true! I love your comment.

[@manuelashannon1369]

Great video.

[@AnnDemeranville]

True, true and true!! (And thanks for including an image of Wrap-A-Smile in your mention of quilting for others). ❤

[@NatureAndOther]

Very nice and positive video ❤👍

[@katehenry2718]

Its my house. I decide how to use it. A whole apartment that could have been rented out..... thats my quilt "room". Kitchen floor plywood ))) so I can tack a double wide extra long quilt open on the floor to pin it. Bedroom for bins of cloth )) iron and sewing machine AND quilt frame open allllll the time. Bales of stuffing in the shower. Cutting table in the hall. Favorite patterns printed out and pinned to the wall. HUGE design wall 8ft by 12. 78 is not too old for making the perfect quilting room. )))) "bout time I'd say.....

[@merrymabelmarket]

Sounds fabulous!

[@terribishop5313]

Beautiful post, I needed this ❤ thank you

[@merrymabelmarket]

So glad!

[@dorothydishman4664]

Preaching to the choir, but we all need reassurance occasionally. ❤

[@merrymabelmarket]

It is nice to agree!

[@dafairygirl86]

Quilting has both become my way of unwinding and destressing after long hours at work (I work 12 hour shifts in assisted living) and also become a way I can bond with some of my residents as well. I am lucky to have a husband who is not only supportive but encourages me to do it.

[@merrymabelmarket]

Smart husband!

[@kalinarozental]

And the threads in all the house!

[@merrymabelmarket]

Proves you are creative!! Tee hee...

[@janprzybylski4815]

I agree with everything. I never feel guilty. Thank you for all you do/instruct us.

[@merrymabelmarket]

Good Girl banishing the guilt monster!

[@marthatierney2632]

That is a wonderful post!

[@skyfarmgirl]

Love, love, love your post!😘I save the best parts of favorite clothes for themed quilts! All happy memories repurposed!

[@merrymabelmarket]

Yes! Thank you!

[@vickieinman6621]

Lovely!

[@desertgirl6067]

MMM, you are so right about what makes people happy. My mother was a seamstress and I was the older daughter at home so I was the designated helper. I HATED it but I thank my mother everyday God rest her soul because she taught me a skill that no one could take away. I have many family and friends who come to me for my tailoring skills. Quilting is so different because I too feel it calming. Without textiles the world would be naked, sun burned or freezing. From the fig leaves to a snuggly quilt on a chilly day or a blanket for a summer picnic, the Lord does provide.

[@merrymabelmarket]

Hooray for Mothers!

[@silverraven2017]

Wonderful posting! Thank you! I love your videos 💕🧵🪡. And I love the texture of home made quilts. My niece just reminded me that Mom creates quilting projects to connect with her daughters. (I just finished 3 more quilts with her! 😊)

[@merrymabelmarket]

Fabulous fun to quilt with Mom!

[@rachelburgener819]

👏👏👏 what an inspiration!!! I’ve never felt guilty about any of my crafts over the years. But I’m sure many would/could have that experience🥲 This is VERY valuable information Thank You for sharing, inspiring and encouraging!!! 🙏🏻✝️🥰❤️😀

[@merrymabelmarket]

You are so welcome!

[@micheleh4016]

Thank you for articulating what we know instinctively but maybe have not put into words.

[@soffyabad]

God bless you. Cause I felt guilt sometimes. And we do not have to. Cause even from scraps we can make beauty❤❤😊you are a lovely lady. Thank you😊❤🧵🪡🧵🪡🧵🪡🧵🪡🧡💜❤🌸🌷🌻

[@merrymabelmarket]

Yes! Thank you!

[@bfree6521]

Enjoyed this and so true.

[@originaltwyla4991]

Love this! ❤

[@moonmare]

Beautiful post. Thanks for sharing.

[@margaretbaker623]

Thank you for this video. I like the puzzle aspect of quilting: working out how to fit things together and juggling all the 'what ifs' keep my brain active. Way healthier than zoning out in front of the TV! And there's a quilt at the end! ⚘️

[@merrymabelmarket]

Brilliant addition!

[@kathosim501]

There was a great New Yorker weekend essay recently called “Piecing For Cover” that talks about self-care and healing through quilting, too.

[@merrymabelmarket]

Wonderful.

[@SpeakTruthBeKind]

Great post - have watched it more than once.😍

[@merrymabelmarket]

Wow, thanks!

[@afoxgloveshandiwork]

I am so glad I found your channel as I started my quilting journey! I’ve learned a lot for your videos. Thank you!

[@merrymabelmarket]

Wonderful!

[@alexandriaspann8194]

this is me with quilting and my you tube channel thanks for the video

[@nikkig.333]

I love this! Thanks for sharing the love and support. ❤

[@merrymabelmarket]

Any time!

[@danielletaylor994]

Love this and totally agree!

[@karonwostenholme6533]

❤ Thank you I needed to hear this . I’m making my first scrappy quilt. Due to not being able to get out and about, like I did before. X ❤

[@merrymabelmarket]

I hope you find it enjoyable. Hugs!!

[@roxannesmith6656]

Thank you, great tutorial! 😊

[@mari-annstumblingbear174]

Amen Sister!!

[@debraimmer260]

Thank you for this, I appreciate it so much.

[@marionbarber984]

Fantastic! Thank you!

[@jojomontgomery7119]

Thank you SO MUCH for this post. I was really upset yesterday about this very thing. I am saving your post to listen to when the guilt gets me down. I need to join a guild as I have no quilty friends. Thanks again.

[@merrymabelmarket]

Glad it helped! I hope you find a good guild.

[@gudrunlow7095]

Thank you for this suprising video. Everybody of us creative freaks is asking sometimes her/hisself about the worth of being creative. About spending money for fabric or wool ( in my case I am a knitter too). About storing lots of materials. And so on... Fortunately my whole family loves my projects and results. Unfortunately over here in Germany quilting is not a very popular hobby ( excuse this word - it cannot really express what it means to be creative). So I am doing by myself using lots of KZbin connections. So again, many thanks for your videos and support. At the moment I am working on a Wonky Star Baby quilt .... Greetings to all of you out there

[@merrymabelmarket]

I love that your family supports you!

[@altah6042]

I am just learning about quilting, and I love it. Thank you for this video.

[@merrymabelmarket]

Wonderful!

[@patriciadavidson3328]

Love it❤

[@PattyHartnett]

You have a sweet soul! Thank you!

[@merrymabelmarket]

You are so kind.

[@IRISHLASS273]

Good video. I'm self-taught. A lady on a British TV craft channel her mantra was don't waste fabric every inch you waste adds up to money wasted. I got paranoid about it and was afraid to cut fabric. One day I thought to hell with this. I'll get nothing done if I listen to her. The channel no longer exist. I don't know anyone who quilts sometimes I think it would be nice to have someone to swap ideas with. Glad of your channel and Beth Shibley's my sewing room channel. I live in a small country off of the far western corner of Europe.

[@merrymabelmarket]

The internet is a good place for connection when none is available locally. Glad to have you with us. I think ALL fabric is to bring us joy. Use it however you want is our motto!

[@dnetlayton3456]

Beautifully said!

[@merrymabelmarket]

Thanks for listening.

[@quiltingnerd]

Sometimes I think that Quilters are soul family... I so agree with you. Thank you!

[@merrymabelmarket]

They are!

[@veronicak2759]

Amen!

[@minervarodriguez3166]

Love your positive way about quilting. The Sunbonnet quilt was beautiful, how big is the Sue pattern? Can you give info on how to do that quilt? Or where to find the pattern? I also learn from you how to bind like a boss. Thank you!!!

[@merrymabelmarket]

I bought the sunbonnet sue block online. It was a big quilt and I took it apart to get a whole bunch of Sunbonnet Sue blocks. The blocks were 11 inches with the Sue Appliqued on them. I have given the quilt away, so I don't know how big I made the rest of it. Just put a block in the middle and build the quilt until you are happy with the size. That is my best advice. That and HAVE FUN!! Hope this helps.

[@debrah4241]

Quilt shows and retreats too.

[@passthedonuts]

it does seem like good use of my time

[@loribreeuwsma]

I would have to agree with all the reasons. I too believe I get endorphins from touching fabric. I love it, all of it. I think my husband has finally accepted that I am a quilter.

[@merrymabelmarket]

A husband who accepts is the BEST husband!

[@MariaMartinez-xm4fl]

You quilt, therefore, you think, therefore, you exist!

[@lorihamby60]

I love this video! So many truths shared. Thank you! Can I ask what size charity quilts do you usually make and what organizations you give to besides the one you showed in this video?

[@merrymabelmarket]

I know a woman who is the central hub for FOUR charities. I let her decide which ones go where. Foster care. Wrap a Smile. Another one that goes to foreign countries, and something else that I cannot remember. I trust her and I know that they all go to serve and hug the world. I have also donated to Ronald McDonald house, Quilts of Valor, Sleep in Heavenly Peace, and a Children's Hospital. I used to make 40 x 60 to twin sized. Now I do anywhere from 35 - 40 x 45-60 because that is what my charity lady likes.

[@barbarajohnson1572]

Spot on! What do retired people do that don't have "hobbies"... ps... i especially love the fact you are partial to "monochromatics" as am I..

[@merrymabelmarket]

Quilting is the BEST! So satisying.

[@DH-qz2so]

...they go back to work! Lol! I know many that have....

[@stitchann]

Amen

[@karonwostenholme6533]

I am thank you x

[@suzannejambon4736]

❤

[@sandrajenkins6078]

Guilty...nope. I love to create and quilt and will continue to do so.