🧵🌸LET'S TALK ABOUT QUILTING TO HEAL with The Quilting Marine - Karen's Quilt Circle

After serving 20+ years in the US Marine Corp, Mark Darrell was searching for relief from his symptoms of PTSD when he discovered that quilting gave him the quiet and solace he needed. Then he started a KZbin Channel called the Quilting Marine where he shares his projects, his challenges and his joy of quilting. Today we’re talking about using quilting to heal.
You can find out more about Mark and The Quilting Marine at:
Website www.thequiltingmarine.com/
Instagram / thequiltingmarine
Facebook / quilting.marine
KZbin / thequiltingmarine
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Panasonic NI-WL 600 cordless iron geni.us/K8OvA (amazon)
M-Aimee Wool Pressing Mat geni.us/shw7seK (amazon)
Tractor Seat Adjustable Chair geni.us/YM4WV (amazon)
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My Favourite Quilt Tools
LDH Scissors lddy.no/njem (LDH scissors)
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Olfa 2.5” x 18” Ruler geni.us/Y00AO (amazon)
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Olfa 60MM rotary cutter geni.us/hbmq3 (amazon)
Olfa 45mm rotary cutter geni.us/eBvSBx (amazon)
Clover 28mm rotary cutter geni.us/CLeF (amazon)
Clover Stitch Ripper geni.us/gLL6A (amazon)
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[@JustGetitDoneQuilts]

I am so happy to have Mark on Karen’s Quilt Circle. We had such a great chat and I am eager for you to meet him too. And don’t forget to check out his channel the Quilting Marine. Enjoy

[@debrawitte8391]

been watching his channel for "a long time now" and he gives me hope. IOF & IOT !

[@Ingavabch]

That's an awesome idea. We have a new Veterans center here in Virginia Beach. Come teach there!!

[@georgettecappuccilli6225]

Thank you Karen for this interview. I use my time in my studio to leave everything behind and concentrate on quilting. It gives me peace and joy.

[@patcavasin5947]

I'd love to see the quilt he made for his first grandchild.

[@TheQuiltingMarine]

I would like to say thank you for all the love and support from each of you. What an inspiration you all are. Thank you, Karen, for allowing me to tell my story and I hope that we continue to bring awareness not only to PTSD but the many mental challenges that plaque so many of us. I hope that quilting can provide solace to others like it has for me. Thank you!

[@JustGetitDoneQuilts]

🤗🤗🤗

[@sueharber2496]

Just bring us along when you have dinner together 😘

[@pernillemakholm645]

I really hope you pursue the dream of creating a quilting space for veterans. It must be possible, you just have to figure out how. Go for it! ❤️

[@suzio6571]

I'm a Gulf War Veteran with PTSD and also a quilter, knitter, crocheter, and spinner. I make and donate blankets and quilts to the VA Hospital in my area, as it is healing for me to know that in a way, I'm taking care of my brothers and sisters in arms. I could very much relate to your story and an excited that you have discovered this passion.

[@pyenygren2299]

You are a beam of joy, Mark. "It's only fabric and it's only thread" is something I think about often.

[@ellenlewis5770]

I recently made a quilt from the shirts and baby blanket from a vet who had committed suicide from PTSD 7 years ago. His mother exclaimed "thank you for bringing my son back into our lives."

[@Molly-pb2yb]

Thank you Ellen!

[@donnaking-royal431]

I found it funny when Mark said once I give it away, it's yours to do with as you will, or something of that nature. I'm the same way. About 25 years ago I hand pieced and hand quilted a king size quilt for my mother in law. I'm upstate NY born and raised while she was an old school VA country girl. She was so happy when I gave it to her. When we went for our next visit, it was nowhere to be seen. I asked about it and she said she had ruined it. What she actually did was use bleach to get Kool-aid out of it. I asked if it still kept her warm. She said she still uses it all the time. I told her, it's never a waste, no matter what happens, as long as you don't throw the love away.

[@coreygilles847]

I love mark…his “it’s only fabric, it’s only thread” has helped me immensely in grappling with my perfectionism

[@shannonschwab3754]

Right??! More than once I've said that it does seem to take the pressure off.

[@l.baughman1445]

Exactly!! 👍

[@heidim7732]

I struggled with that perfectionism for years; I was so afraid to waste money on something that might not be perfect that I never got started. Now here I am at 56, sleeping contentedly under a quilt that I made, repairing a quilt that my mother made 30+ years ago, and working on 3 quilt tops while I plan others - because, like Mark, I threw caution to the winds and jumped in feet-first. I hand-quilt, and stitching on my quilts is as close to meditation as I've ever come.

[@maureenkearns5376]

I have a friend who constantly uses the word perfect referring to her quilting and tears out and tears out and tears out quilting. I keep telling her I just don’t care about perfection because I I am looking for joy in my quilting and I don’t Believe the recipient is looking at the exact stitching, they’re looking at the quilt as a whole and are so grateful to receive it. Besides it’s an art form and art is not perfect. That’s my story and I’m sticking to it.

[@donnaborg5636]

"I paid so much attention to quilting, all of the darkness fell behind". Oh boy, that explains exactly how quilting got me thru cancer and the Paradise fire.

[@debmckasson1953]

Hey Donna Borg. I'm a fellow Camp Fire survivor. Are you still in Paradise?

[@donnaborg5636]

@@debmckasson1953 no, I'm in Corning now. I think we are in the same guild tho.

[@debmckasson1953]

@@donnaborg5636 Ridge Quilters Guild? I thought your name seemed familiar. The guild is having a quilt show in October. Come down and see us.

[@donnaborg5636]

@@debmckasson1953 oh I got THE email from Becky! I have been remiss about attending meetings -still too painful to go up there, but I'm going to try

[@pennywalsh9100]

Know exactly what you mean …had 3 breast cancer surgeries in 2021 and I made more quilts that year than any other year….have a wonderful friend who machine quilted them for me….I saved one for myself and gifted the rest….hearing about stress & it’s effects…I realize recently how quilting helped me too… Wonderful interview!!

[@rebeccapullen595]

I began quilting to heal my brain after a devastating stroke. It improved my neuroplasticity, executive functioning and processing. The colors of the fabrics and the creativity of designing and making a quilt gives me joy. Most of the finished quilts are given away

[@Charlie-cz3jh]

This is great news! Thank you 🥰

[@esthershaw7875]

Love love this interview

[@l.baughman1445]

This makes me so happy!! Yay! Congratulations and keep going.

[@raisdbywolvz]

I'm so happy you finally got Mark on your show! He was one of the first quilters I found on KZbin when I began quilting in 2020, and I have a real soft spot in my heart for him. 💙

[@Cassandra-..-]

@Rebecca that is so wonderful! Every occupational and physical therapist ought to hear about this!

[@annettebrown4386]

After my son was killed in Iraq, I had a friend who wanted to teach me how to quilt so I didn't sit and mope. (Her words) I didn't have any desire to learn but here I am 15 years later and now make Quilts of Valor for a DAR organization. Needless to say, I am hooked. Love both of your KZbin videos!!!

[@ninatrusty2057]

I have been following The Quilting Marine since he started his KZbin channel. I love that he was willing, again, to share about his PTSD battle. Quilting therapy is superior.

[@rebeccathompson4118]

Me too

[@amadeus4313]

Me too!!

[@DianeSwett]

I've been following for a while too. I love his enthusiasm.

[@aliceferdinand2786]

Oh Karen, this is arguably your best show with interviewing quilters that you have produced. It is honest and caring. Thank you.

[@jakejo-anneveenstra9157]

I agree. This is a great interview!

[@maryanncampbell-wick366]

I started after the death of my father, the loss of my business due to Covid, and the loss of a beloved and loyal dog, Miss Mouse...quilting is about putting the pieces back together to then wrap ourselves in love...I love his slogan...it's on my wall

[@robinr6399]

Mark's joy and authenticity is contagious. What a great interview! Hope, joy, healing all over it. Thank you, both!

[@sarahpitcher3996]

I used old USAF uniforms when I first started quilting. My husband was in Afghanistan at the time, in winter, which meant it was cold. So I sent him the full size quilt and we ended up calling it the combat quilt. It’s extremely heavy because the uniforms are heavy and it helped keep him calm after a long hard day. I still love that quilt. It’s a great reminder of how far his career has come.

[@JustGetitDoneQuilts]

🤗🤗🤗 Thanks for sharing

[@debracampbell5151]

I happened to be at a quilt store the other day when a veteran came in with some embroidered pictures that he had created. He wanted to commission someone to incorporate his pictures into a quilt. I suggested he watch The Quilting Marine on KZbin and learn to Quilt for himself. Who knows, he may follow through. I really enjoy Mark, he’s a great guy!

[@shannonschwab3754]

That's cool. Here's hoping !

[@carolbrumlow4395]

I loved his idea of having a place that veterans could come and learn to quilt. My husband and my grandson have suffered from PTSD. My husband found his peace on a tractor on our farm. It is so important that they find their peaceful place.

[@theresamitchel7056]

Me too! What a great idea!

[@Sewaloha808]

Me too…..Absolutely love the idea.

[@catherinemaslin5466]

I am a crime victim! My daughter gave me a new phone! That's when my nightmares stopped! I found Genny Doan...the rest is history! Every one I knew got a quilt.I watch all the quilters and learn from them every day

[@loriar1027]

I’m so glad you found a a way to recover. Being a crime victim is no joke! Bless you!

[@Molly-pb2yb]

Me too!!

[@mariettedemarest5173]

❤

[@valerievesper9216]

I just love his quilt from Marine uniforms. What a precious, precious quilt. A wonderful memento of the cost of freedom-not just in lives lost, but in the time and effort and emotion put in by all of our service members.

[@dawnclark9832]

I was so absolutely delighted to see this episode! Mark Darrell is my Cousin and I am SO PROUD AND INSPIRED by him and his Amazing Wife! Thank you so much for having him on you show! That was GREAT!!!

[@JustGetitDoneQuilts]

So glad that you think so. I really enjoyed getting to know him and his story

[@daniellewilson4778]

One of my coworkers said that quilts are a physical representation of love and caring, and they’re a hug you can wrap yourself up in.

[@lizpaton4456]

As a retired Army Nurse I have to tell you quilting Absolutely helps my own Ptsd. Thank you for letting people how valuable therapy quilting is!!!

[@saleenahaffenden8292]

What a beautiful interview. As the daughter of a late Vietnam Veteran who suffered relentlessly with ptsd right up until his death in 2019, I can really relate.

[@AnniePA1960]

Shout out to Mrs Mark!! Usually just a voice, she's director, producer, editor, sound lady etc etc etc and always her calm, encouraging comments from behind the camera. She's the glue and the backbone 💪🏻💅🏻

[@JustGetitDoneQuilts]

Two shouts for Yvonne 👏👏👏

[@kathyb.8769]

I just adore Mark. He is so down to earth. Makes me just want to reach out and hug him. I am glad you were able to connect with him and do this video. Thank You for ALL that you do.

[@Ingavabch]

Mark is awesome. I love to watch him crumb and scrap quilt. He's come a long way. So proud of his journey.

[@KelleysQuiltsandCruises]

Wonderful chat Karen! I have been part of Mark’s “Quilt Nation” for a couple years now. I did send him a block when he was donating quilts for women’s shelters. I forget when that was though! Old brain…..

[@nancycox3318]

Quilting is definitely therapy. A friend justified buying a new sewing machine based on what she is saving on therapy by quilting

[@JustGetitDoneQuilts]

I think there should be ‘prescriptions’

[@catstitchstudio]

Karen, I've watched about half of the interview, and I have to pause and tell you it's your best one ever. Thank you for delving into the emotional aspects of making, giving, and receiving quilts. Mark is so real and willing to show who he is. Best one ever.

[@catherinecearns9002]

I “stumbled “ into quilting and it has been my “safe” place for my Mental Health

[@JustGetitDoneQuilts]

🤗

[@maureenkearns5376]

I have been waiting for you to interview The quilting marine. Mark’s KZbin channel and yours are my two favorite. I love his story and his amazing quilt. Thank you thank you. Quilting has helped me heal through the loss of my husband 10 years ago after 47 years of marriage. Getting into the quilting zone and out of that grief was and is so important to me

[@desleybartlett322]

Loved your interview with Mark. Watch you both religiously. Have recently wondered why he had stopped showing his guns. Can't wait to see your next interview. Desley 🇳🇿

[@lisaroper421]

I am so sorry for your loss. It sounds heartbreaking. Here are prayers and thoughts from a random internet stranger.

[@fernie5128]

That was special! We are so lucky to have Mark and his wife in our world. And thanks Karen for all you do for us! Most appreciatively, Fern

[@moniquebrood5441]

Yep I have PTSD too and when I quilt loads of serotonine pop up. It is the way to step out of stress or depressiion.

[@JustGetitDoneQuilts]

Good for you

[@nitababcock3977]

I watched Mark do that 2nd quilt pictured. I was amazed. I love watching him, he is SO down to earth, so natural & funny. The quilt behind him will be amazing when it's finished! It is hard to pull through PTSD. But keep on doing, trying & putting 1 foot in front of the other. I believe God is right beside you helping you through this!

[@CatherineDoucette]

Great interview! Love hearing from ppl who get it. A distracted driver led to my brain and physical injuries. I cant work but sewing helps with my anxiety. Straight lines until I can relax. And thanks for being you, Karen!

[@dianabinkowski3927]

Love listening to Mark. I was married to a Vietnam veteran who suffered from Agent Orange issues and PTSD. I couldn't talk him into quilting but he did a lot of woodworking and built our house . I took up quilting to help me deal with all his illnesses and staying home to take care of him until his passing in 2020. I continue to quilt to help me thru my grief. Thank you for your service Mark.

[@sangeetadarji6830]

This has been the best quilt circle so far

[@TheHawkeyeQuilter]

"A quilt just stuck in my head. I don't know why it was or where it came from ..." That is how the spirit works -- it leaves something hanging in your mind, resonating within you, leading you to where you are to be! Not all of us hear it, receive it, or follow it, but so glad that you did in light of it being so remarkable a journey for you -- blessings to you, The Quilting Marine; I've enjoyed your work! Thanks for another great vid in the series, Karen, and for gracefully touching on the important topic of healing.

[@karenbrooks7197]

Hi from the UK. Karen, this interview is both humbling and amazing. Mark's enthusiasm and passion for quilting really shines through. I am so pleased he found an outlet to heal and turn his life around when so many don't. Mark, you are inspiration to us all. Best Wishes x

[@rosejensen7855]

Perhaps the best interview yet.

[@JustGetitDoneQuilts]

Thank you

[@cassieslanga2993]

The Quilting Marine is so joyful about his projects! Between Mark, Lisa Capen, and you, I am learning and evolving into a quilter. Thank you so much! ❤

[@susanoker4780]

I think of my quilts as "tangible love" Quilting helped me cope with my grief over losing my parents. I was a young mom of 3 and lost both of my parents 8 months apart. The creative process and creating with my hands brings me joy.

[@shellyboyle9407]

I make quilts and give them away. I call them Hugs for Hope. I give them to people who are struggling, hurting, very sick. But when they get their quilt they can wrap them around them and give them comfort and hope for the future. I struggle with chronic pain. So when I am hurting which is alot I just try to drown out the pain with my stitching. So I use my pain to help others have hope! Thank you so much for having the Quilting Marine on! He is so awesome!!!!

[@brendafrye5875]

Wonderful interview with the Quilt Marine He is such an inspiration for anyone going through bad stuff and YOU are so caring and understanding. Thank you . I never miss one of your KZbins.

[@michellefrazier7499]

I am so happy you were able to interview the Quilting Marine! He is such an inspiration and I have been following him for a while.

[@angieallen4884]

Holy Cow! This was the BEST interview you have done, IMO! I was so emotionally invested in this video; laughter and even some tears. I have subscribed to his channel already and look forward to seeing them. Karen, thank you for your work to bring all the greatest information and people to our attention.

[@holleythompson981]

Thank you Mark and Karen, you two are so inspiring. The more we talk about PTSD and other mental health issues, the better we all become. Quilting is my therapy!

[@rhondaschellin8878]

😥😔❤️....😊 Thank you @TheQuiltingMarine for being here today and sharing your story. Our son was an Army veteran of Afghanistan and returned with severe PTSD. Unfortunately his unit treated it as a weakness and he didn't get all the help he could and didn't take his meds as he should. He took his life when his children were 1, 2 and 3 years old. I am SO grateful that YOU got help! For your wife's sake, your kids' and grandkids, parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles, battle buddies... everyone who loved you! I pray your story will reach someone who needs help, or a loved one of someone who does and gives them inspiration and hope! Mark, I watch you on your channel and you are a HOOT!!! You AND your wife!! 🤣😂🤣 I tell everyone I know about you!! Thank YOU Karen for not giving up and FINALLY being able to hook up with Mark! 😂😂 Good job! You are an excellent interviewer and elicit great questions as usual 😁

[@kitlewis6748]

Rhonda, I'm so sorry for your loss. Blessings to you & your family.

[@arvettadelashmit9337]

Yes. Mark Darrell is correct. I am a veteran of the Women's Army Corps. I bought a used Singer 221 Feather Weight Sewing Machine (from a Singer Sewing Shop) while I was on active duty (because it fit inside my wall locker). Sewing, knitting, crochet, cross stitch, applique, and quilting has got me through many mental issues. I have been using that same Singer 221 for over 54 years. Recently I was asked what names I have given my sewing machines. I had never thought about naming any sewing machine before. Because my Singer 221 served with me in the U.S. Army (and because she has been a dependable, hardworking, true friend) I have named her "Sergeant".

[@carolynkauppila346]

Quilting is what saved my sanity. I was starting to get comfortable with it and I lost my mother. I had lost my kids dad a few years before. He suffered from PTSD. My children were 18, 16 & 14. But losing my mother sent me into a deep depression. I couldn't function. I felt like I was coming out of it and lost a brother and just 3 1/2 years ago I lost my first great grandbaby at 5weeks. A couple months later my 24 year old grandson. He was in Hospice. He had a quilt I made on his bed. He asked me if I would make quilts for Hospice. I started in Alexander and Baby Hudsyn's memory. Now for anyone in need.

[@JustGetitDoneQuilts]

🤗🤗🤗 So sorry for all your loss.

[@susangibbons312]

I've been following The Quilting Marine for a year or so. He's a really grounded, really creative guy. I just love to take a look at what he's working on at any given time! This interview was great. thanks, Karen.

[@sarahtilly1293]

I love him! Quilting was my healing therapy when I lost my heart and rock- my mom!

[@marilynbook4211]

As a mother of a military person I so enjoyed listening to Mark.

[@MsFitz134]

Quilting Marine Mark is the one who got me into quilting! I was a garment sewer, and quilting always seemed like a waste of time. But a few years ago I looked at all my scraps and wondered if I could put them together into something useful, and that led me to Mark's crumb quilting tutorials. I found so much peace in being able to make something useful out of things that would normally be thrown out. Ordering chaos and giving new life to discarded materials makes quilting a fulfilling relief for my stress and anxiety. Thank you Mark!

[@brandim5074]

I have been following him for a while. I am healing with every stich. So many things that got me to a place that has been devastating. I know I am not alone and those threads bring me peace of mind. I to am also in GA near Macon. I feel warmth with the quilting community.

[@i.e.gassett4894]

Thank you for bringing Mark to our attention and getting to know him. I had seen a couple of his KZbin videos but didn’t know his story. And its a wonderful story of searching and healing. Again, thank you Karen.

[@marykendall]

#thequiltingmarine thank you for sharing your story. PTSD/MST and the VA process is so exhausting (for me). Quilting has been my way to refill my tank too. The VA should give us fabric instead of RX! My current doctor is a knitter and understands the comfort of crafting and having a stash 😆 Thank you for another great interview Karen!

[@mnsheila616]

I was a Frontline RN during covid. It was super traumatic. That was when I got back into quilting. So therapeutic. Love the Quilting Marine.

[@martast.john-anders6448]

Thank you so much for taking care of all of us, everywhere.

[@aliciagauthier6365]

Karen! The way you connect people through these is amazing. Your videos have been a great help and tool for me too especially through the last year. I hope you know how much of a difference you make, and how appreciated you are.

[@bjune1285]

The deep hurts never go away. The hurt is always there, it doesn't come as often and it doesn't last as long, but it always hurts just as much. Continued success and peace of mind to both of you.

[@JustGetitDoneQuilts]

It’s a wound that doesn’t heal…but it scabs over and we can cover it with happiness…but it’s always there

[@susanbaker8023]

Thank you Karen. I live with a PTSD mate. So I'm always interested in the ways people heal. I've watched the quilting Marine many times. So glad he found quilting.

[@Sewaloha808]

This has been probably my favorite interview you have done. Been following him from the beginning of his channel….I relate so much to his words….been quilting for a few decades. However after Hurricane Irma and Marie destroyed my island home. The Island was flatten not one leaf on any tree anywhere…destruction everywhere. I went in to deep depression and PTSD . I was sewing with a Generator for months. Then Pandemic alone on a Island. The piecing to me became very relaxing especially when it evolved sewing jelly rolls lengths together. Quilting is my savior right now more than ever.

[@denisemead764]

If anyone can create a quilting space for veterans to attend to learn to quilt and experience therapy for PTSD from quilting, it is Mark! He will find a way! Sounds like a great non-profit that many would donate to. Mark both receives and gives the ❤️! Another great interview, Karen!

[@julias.8236]

I really liked this interview. I mean, all your interviews are great but this one was so filled with warmth and heart. And I thought of the start of my quilting journey. Indeed it also was in the time of healing. My congenital heart failure made trouble again when I was doing my master in biochemistry and I had to pause for half a year. With lots of time on my hands and not much energy I had to do something to occupy myself. My first quilt was a cathedral window, the second one an easy pattern from fabrics my mum gifted me. She had tears in her eyes when I gave the quilt to her on christmas. Ever since I love this craft and happily overcame the troubles of my heart failure. Now I need to decide between quilting and hiking but all fills my bucket 😊 Sorry for the wall of text, but I wanted to share my enthusiasm for quilting and that it indeed has an healing effect. Thanks so much, Karen and Mark 🤗

[@loraineleuschke4186]

We always say” some one will love it.” I have given quilts on the spur of the moment and see it make magic for the recipient. My quilts are all full of mistakes. My teacher said if someone rudely chooses to ask if it is a mistake, “ tell ‘em it is a design element.”, and then look at them funny. Lol🥰👍🏼 a great interview, I have been on his channel since his first utube.

[@vickieaxell9518]

What a fantastic interview. I do hope more people who have suffered trauma will see this video an be inspired by him. Thank you for this interview.

[@jodymurphy4295]

I love when Karen says “grab a cup of tea.” Makes me want to start drinking tea!

[@sandradummer4726]

Lol. I hear this. Let’s get some Tea. Sounds delicious.

[@JustGetitDoneQuilts]

I equate tea with cozy. Then I remember that not everyone drinks tea 😎

[@jeanrichards8042]

I ordered a loose tea and tea scoop along with a cute sloth that hangs on the side of my cup to steep the tea in a ball. The sloth reminds me to take my time and the tea becomes a ritual that helps me tune into my quilting...so fun, and cozy!

[@pyenygren2299]

Mark is a beam of joy. ❤️ 💙 🤎 💜 🧡 💛 🖤 🤍 💚

[@michelenapoli5396]

I discovered quilting when my husband was suffering from terminal glioblastoma brain cancer. After his death quilting saved me. I had something to focus on and I had something to look forward to.

[@JustGetitDoneQuilts]

Sorry for your loss 🤗🤗🤗

[@michelenapoli5396]

@@JustGetitDoneQuilts Thank you.

[@sandraengstrand2784]

Thanks for interviewing The Quilting Marine!! 💕🧵🪡✂️

[@TTail1]

Quilting helped me get through my breast cancer treatment. I was working full time and receiving my chemo and radiation after work and the only time I felt at peace was when I was quilting.

[@albertacontee3530]

Hi Karen, Thanks for your interview with the Quilting Marine. I just love his channel. He is just wonderful and is providing a great service to our military personnel. He is so funny and so caring about the needs of others who are suffering from trauma. I love his honesty and truthfulness.!!!! Be blessed and keep quilting....Alberta from Southern, MD

[@cherylskiles8524]

I managed to save my Bernina, a couple bins of fabrics and UFO's from a fire that destroyed everything 7 years ago. And it was my therapy to finish those projects! Now I have table runners and table toppers made from those fabrics! And I say these survived the fire as did I, my husband and our dogs. And this year I helped build a coop and raised my chickens. I had lost my chickens in the fire too. They make me laugh and smile, and now they are giving me many colorful eggs. I thank God for the peace and recovery I am going through. The valley fire was this very day, September 12, 2015. He gives me beauty for ashes.!

[@Gigi-he7jz]

This should go viral 💗💗💗 Wish I could 👍 it a million times! Thank you 😊

[@JustGetitDoneQuilts]

🤗🤗🤗

[@baseballquilter8984]

Wow! What a great guy! Thank you Mark for your service! 🥰

[@kimfaith330]

What an awesome interview Karen. What an inspiration you are Mark Darrell. Good luck on your journey.

[@jayneterry8701]

I remember that gun lying on the table while I was watching his channel and thinking Whoa! What is going on here? Your interview Karen was delightfully funny and informative with Mark. Awesome he's going to cook for you! We will need an update after your experience ! 😀💗🇨🇦

[@quiltingwithcats5934]

So excited to see you on here, Mark! You rock!! Semper fi from a PROUD Marine's mom!

[@dianemiller9050]

I don’t always watch the interview videos; however, this was a great video and subject matter. I think quilting is so absorbing in our thoughts that it boosts our attitude. Thank you, Quilting Marine and Karen, for this video.

[@juliannaburgess9177]

HATS OFF to Mark! Such a GREAT video. Therapy comes in all kinds of ways, a TRUE blessing that's it's been found, no matter what it is. BEST of luck for your shop. TY Karen for sharing Mark with us. We all NEED help from someone, we just need to see and accept when it comes.💗

[@mardeebrosh6965]

Just love him so much. Thank you Mark for your service and dedication to sharing your love of quilting with others.

[@marycasey6247]

“Focus” is a word I learned in quilting.

[@ravensmokedancer8242]

I absolutely love the Quilting Marine and his wife! I am so glad you had him on! I have been watching him since his first video too! How cool Karen!!!!

[@colleendadd2833]

Thank you Karen for bringing Mark into our lives. What a magical experience this interview is. I will be following Mark now and look forward to the love he will bring to my life.

[@IRISHLASS273]

Hi Mark from Jan in Ireland (a small island country off of the far western corner of Europe). I'm self-taught and really hoped I could get other people interested in this great craft. My ideas was met with derision and sarcasm. When Mark said he wanted to make something for his grandchild that wasn't common that is the idea I tried to get through to people ,you'll have something special and not mass produced. Mark, I look at your channel when you say it's only fabric and it's only thread I go YES! I enjoy Karen for her no nonsense you can do it attitude. Thanks to you both for this interview. Sláinte (Irish for good health)

[@michelefields821]

Such an inspiring guest! Our backgrounds are so different; I have no real trauma, especially not combat. However, his reasons for quilting really resonate with me. Quilting is calming, therapeutic, and a great creative outlet. When the mundane aspects of life seem too much, I escape to my sewing room and lose myself.

[@lauralinash5341]

Yes discipline to complete a project ishuge.

[@denisestone8491]

I agree with Mike....quilts are like a huge hug when we wrap ourselves in them. Quilting is a GREAT craft to delve into because of the creativity in it. It opens a whole new obsession. It's my passion. Thank you for your service and your wonderful quilts!

[@debmckasson1953]

I have used quilting as therapy after the Camp Fire of 2018. Our town was 95% destroyed. Mark has inspired me . Been part of the Quilt Nation since the beginning.

[@debmckasson1953]

Hey Mark,. You should flange bind your boot quilt, using the dress blue and red strip.

[@amypurvis9554]

Thank you so much for sharing your story. Quilting has been healing from post party depression for me and I'm sharing that mindfulness with others now. Karen, thank you for the blue bag series as well. Both stories brought me so much peace to hear of your healing.

[@christinevalentine3373]

I loved this interview Karen, thank you for putting this subject in the important public place it deserves. There are many people suffering from PTSD and the repetitive soothing things are so helpful to push the intrusive thoughts away and focus on the here and now. Good work Quilting Marine ⭐️ on finding a way out that works for you to move into the sunshine, helping others on the way.

[@NickUncommon]

My first quilt was a miniature version of a cat sitting in a window frame I saw. It consisted of squares, one inch after sewing them together. I was not aware, it is kind of saddling the horse backwards. The panel went on a knitting project bag as a thank you for someone who gifted me with part of her yarn stash when she downsized. The hyperfocus needed in such projects feeds into productive ways to overcome excessive worrying or OCD. Being on the autism spectrum, it also is helping with fidgeting, and combined with english paper piecing or knitting and crochet, and spindle spinning it is mobile and comes everywhere I go. In Germany, there are few fiber related shows, or conventions near where I live, so I love people putting out videos about the fairs they go to.

[@patriciasmith9039]

Great video…quilting has been a real challenge, even though I’ve sewn for over 60 years. Now, it’s helping to keep my mind active, gives me a reason to get out of bed in the mornings and helps me to concentrate on patterns, design, fabrics, etc., instead of dwelling on intrusive family issues. BTW, I especially love your scrap quilt videos…making crumbs and improvisational blocks really makes my day. Be Blessed.

[@Rquilter1962]

He has a good store. Only place I found a left handed ergo rotary cutter.

[@shannonschwab3754]

LOVE the Quilting Marine. His channel popped up as a recommendation. I LOVE Karen! This is just the *best*

[@dawnlangevin6791]

Thank you for this interview, I love The Quilting Marines channel! Somewhere along the way in my sewing I started being way too careful, picky, precise, matchy-matchy, and it has slowed my sewing to a crawl. He inspires me to be more bold in my color choices and do less worrying about everything. When he said a perfect quilt would mean that quilter probably had some issues, I laughed so hard! He's right but I'm working on it!

[@Cassandra-..-]

I remember holding my first quilt up during a zoom appointment with my psychiatrist in 2020, and “graduated” from therapy shortly thereafter. I’m part of the “quilting is my therapy” (TM Angela Walters 😉) quilters with you and Mark. I so enjoy both of your KZbin channels and was so happy to see this interview. Quilting is full of good people.

[@Rquilter1962]

I've been quilting and sewing since I was a kid, around 1968. It is my go to therapist.

[@lynngallegos2727]

I really enjoyed this conversation with you and Mark. You are both an inspration for me and I have learned a lot. I just got encouraged to finish 5 quilt tops hanging on my door. Thanks a bunch. Also Mark I am going to get the "magic" seam rippers. "It's only fabric, It's only thread."

[@stickman1215]

I love Mark, I’m so glad you had him on today! Thank you for your service, Mark, and thanks for sharing.

[@quiltfreak64]

God bless him . So happy he found his happy place . Thank you for your service n may your life be happy n healthy . ❤️

[@laurienorton7422]

Love watching the Quilting Marine! So glad you are having him on!