THE QUILTING MARINE - Let's make an Illusion Quilt using scrappy/crumb blocks (Part 1)

[@violinmore]

Really glad to see theres a video of a guy quilter. Not many of us.

[@TheQuiltingMarine]

yes we are a rare breed Kent

[@parparpar5467]

I am thrilled to see this as well. If something brings joy and peace it should not matter what gender you are I think. It is wonderful that he shares this w us. I am so glad you showed up in my feed. New sub here. Peace!

[@priscillazadoka5782]

Oh my, a quilting Marine. Wonderful.. I am a USMC & USAF (Veterans now) grandmother and my heart is warmed. I am now a new subscriber. What joy we shall have being quilters.

[@gayleenblewitt3875]

It’s not fair, you guys make the best chefs, the best hairdressers and now your taking over the quilting world 🤦‍♀️. Go boys you are amazingly clever 💕🐾

[@robbypesek]

Sometimes my friends would make fun of me just because I have a sewing machine.

[@HRHDMKYT]

Love this! And I really appreciate you saying that these blocks are your emotions. How touching that it’s going to become a gift for your wife. Now *that* is love ❤️!!

[@rowdeo8968]

I love what you are doing!!!!! This is what I am doing myself. Scrap quilting all kinds of fabric together which can be annoying but I am trying to use my materials after Face mask and scrub cap making. Years ago, a woman gave my husband (she is a nurse) he a doctor, fabric after making her scrub jackets. I kept the material and use it for face masking. Donating the masks and sending my son scrub caps for himself and his colleagues in covid 19 task force. I love this! What a great gift for your wife. Kind too.

[@TheQuiltingMarine]

Yeah its so relaxing and a lot of it is therapeutic for me

[@joystone1345]

Just watched you do crumb quilting with Misty and immediately started watching your channel.

[@christiandonaldson31]

Hello

[@helenenglish4181]

Him in Australia watching your videos I find them very inspirational and I thank you for sharing you simplify each step, so easy to understand and follow through wishing you and your family all the best and please stay safe

[@christiandonaldson31]

Hi Helen

[@connieatchley1759]

I think you are so awesome. I'm sure your wife will love that you made this for her. Keep up the great work. I'm sure the folks who get one of your quilts will cherish it.

[@carolllundy49]

Hey y’all 👋, so glad to see you all again. I am glad I have time to catch up and quilt along with you. TFS.

[@TheQuiltingMarine]

Hey Carol

[@imaprincessdammit]

It's so touching to me that you're going to make a quilt for your wife with these emotion blocks. So sweet to give that to her, like handing her a piece of your heart. I love your videos and thank you so much for your service.

[@elizabethbradshaw9729]

I love to see you enjoy this so much. As a lifelong novice, I must say, you are not only a serious pleasure to watch but your words are completely endearing. SUBSCRIBED!

[@christiandonaldson31]

Hello Elizabeth

[@rhondajohnson39]

So glad I found your channel. I'm new at quilting and wanted to know what to do with and how to connect my scrap pieces. Now I know. Thank you!!! And thanks for your service in the military.

[@christiandonaldson31]

Hi

[@billieburgess265]

So glad to see a positive way to channel heavy emotions. More veterans could really benefit from this! I am so proud of you.

[@Michelle-om2jd]

Yes! Sewing is therapeutic, you can think on your emotions, or not think at all. Just sew. And when you are finished, you have created something that is not only beautiful, but useful.

[@christiandonaldson31]

Hi

[@christiandonaldson31]

@@Michelle-om2jd hello

[@beverlynelson90]

I wish more people could see this. Your explanation about the blocks being how you sew your emotions and get away from the world could help so many that suffer from PTSD. I admire your emotional intelligence & strength and your quilting skills!

[@psum6537]

“Let’s see what happens”. Great words. The world is right when you have a barefoot husband and his faithful dog, making a sentimental quilt for his wife! I learned more than just how to make a scrap block today. Thank you.

[@christiandonaldson31]

Hello Pat

[@duchessoffunk4490]

If you get nothing else from this channel, just read the comments and enrich your soul. This guy. I mean, what can you say ?? Positive energy because he’s so focussed on what he’s doing. And what he’s doing is helping people explore their creativity in a totally non judgemental way. 100% therapy and he’s not even trying !! I love him, he’s awesome 👏 I just hope to God he never quits making stuff !! God bless the Marine Quilter 💙🙏🏼

[@eileeng5198]

Hi. Just discovered your channel and almost lost an entire night of sleep watching your videos! Love what you do and thank you for your service to our country and community of veterans. God Bless you!

[@christiandonaldson31]

Hi

[@rhondaobrien2910]

First an foremost, thank you for your service! I loved watching your crumb quilting with Misty from Missouri Star. Your journey is an inspiration to all!!

[@christiandonaldson31]

Hello how are you

[@mariemartins1692]

Hi Quilting Marine, you will have a beautiful quilt for your wife. Thank you for your Service to our country. You are an inspiration.

[@christiandonaldson31]

Hello 👋

[@cynthiastraub1912]

Aren't we all a lot like those beautiful blocks that you create....we are pieced together by all of our experiences, each one unique. We are kaleidoscopes of good, bad, ugly and indifferent....but God don't make junk! Keep on quilting, keep on piecing your life together. God bless! I am right there with you, brother. I returned to sewing while going through a tough time. It saved me..

[@maryt2887]

Thank you, Mark, for taking my mind off the crazy world and giving me some company today. I love to quilt and sew and miss being with my friends. God bless you. Hope I can find the video of your finished illusion quilt.

[@christiandonaldson31]

Hello Mary

[@donnadalelio5625]

Thank you for your service. My husband is a former marine and served in Vietnam. I noticed your bracelets. My husband wears one in memory of his friend who died in Vietnam. I really like your quilting style of anything goes. No worries. I'm going to use your method of building the scraps for a future quilt. Keep up the great work. Proud of you.

[@lindagunter8339]

I want to thank you for showing me how to make this quilt. I have made four blocks.

[@christiandonaldson31]

Hi Linda

[@SusanShriverHowell]

When I started making crumb quilts, my 6.5 inch ruler was my favorite size. Glad to know that you are using that size too!

[@christiandonaldson31]

Hi Susan

[@matroche529]

Is a good idea to start taking a day to just sew scraps. 🥳 Love a Marine is using such art to escape from mental fatigue! Thanks for your service! May God bless you in health!! 🙏🏼

[@chrissyluna8183]

Love that you thought of your wife when doing this. Fantastic!

[@christiandonaldson31]

Hi

[@happymommi]

Such a wonderful quilt block! I have made several quilts in the past with this block. Gave them away as wedding presents to family. Even my daughter who "doesn't like quilts" loved hers! I just made it in colors she loves. God bless you and yours! You are a wonderful teacher and role model!

[@TheQuiltingMarine]

Great quilt to give

[@sharonbarker7159]

Finally, an Easy explanation of a great scrappy quilt! Thank you for your service 🇺🇸

[@christiandonaldson31]

Hello how are you

[@bethkoch11]

I totally get it about "zoning out". I do it same as you, by working on my growing stack of crumb blocks. I work on many other projects, but sometimes it's nice to just turn off the brain, put those other projects aside, and enjoy the memories of fabrics I worked with several years ago. It's almost like therapy.

[@christiandonaldson31]

Hi Beth

[@mauigirlmh808]

This is awesome. I’m so glad I came across your channel. It’s nice to see more men who sew. I taught my son to sew since age 5 and now he’s 12 and lost a little interest because some kid told him that’s “a girl thing” I told him that anyone sews. Men and women sew all the time. Showing him this video was a little more encouraging for him. Thank you!

[@TheQuiltingMarine]

Thank you for watching

[@joybrown9600]

My dad was a chef, and my mother was an amazing cook. The only thing they had in common (in the kitchen, that is) was great food. I feel the same way when I see men sew. It's so different! It's amazing that excellence can arrive from such different approaches! Thanks for serving our country, and thanks for KZbin-ing!

[@lindaking1485]

I love your comments on the scrappy blocks. I feel the same about scrappy blocks. I “reward” myself with scrappy time! Thanks for sharing this quilt.

[@rosehernandez5313]

Mark, I have been watching on and off for the past few days trying to figure out what to say. I think I figured it out. Thank you! Just to watch you get a little piece of fabric and make such a beautiful piece of artwork is amazing. You've helped me take my mind off the craziness in this weird world we have been living in. Don't laugh, but I have a lot of old clothes that don't fit anymore and I just think I found out what I'm going to do with all that nice fabric. Heehee, God bless you and thank you for your service. Rose Hernandez

[@gretchenmau7999]

The

[@HRHDMKYT]

That’s a brilliant idea, Rose! I have a ton of clothes that are not in good enough shape to donate, but I could cut them up and make quilts out of them. Some are clothes I made for myself, or by my Mom who is now gone, so they’re sentimental to me, just like Mark’s scrappy blocks. And who cares what fabric it’s made out of? If it’s thin or stretchy, I’ll just back it with some featherweight interfacing. It’ll also be a great way to practice my free motion quilting, because I didn’t have to fork out a ton of money for it, I won’t cry that the quilting isn’t perfect. Thanks for the inspiration! ~Diana K. 🇨🇦

[@StampNStitch]

Rose, my grandmother did that with a lot of her old clothes. I can look and remember seeing her in the clothes. I have that quilt and cherish each and every square.

[@christiandonaldson31]

Hello how are you

[@wendycochran5611]

Rose used clothes is all I use. I tell people don't throw any clothes away. Most of the time the back of a shirt and pants are in good shape. If there are stains or holes in them they go in the rag bag. Nothing goes to waist.

[@5kidsmyhusbandandme]

I really like these! Can’t wait to see it completed. Your wife will love it.

[@christiandonaldson31]

Hello

[@jamiewillhite6355]

So grateful you have found a hobby that brings you peace. You are a great example to those who might be struggling and to those of us who hate to throw fabric out. Blessings to you and your wife.

[@stephaniemiller8229]

I love scrappy blocks! Thank you!🥰

[@christiandonaldson31]

Hello 👋

[@pattiboose2734]

I am so proud of you for developing the artistic side of your brain and personality. Quilting and embroidery has been a life saver for me, one who has suffered from PTSD since experiencing early childhood trauma. I am now 68 years old and needle and thread are my constant companions.

[@mollyserkin7994]

"Crumb Blocks" are my favorite blocks to make. It is mindless sewing, no rules to follow. Made one quilt for my granddaughter using only scraps. Even the backing was made of scraps and larger pieces of fabric I pieced together. Thank you so much for your Service Quilting Marine.

[@lynclark6877]

I just found your KZbin videos and I can't get enough. I am a 5th generation quilter and a Navy vet. Thank you for your service and sharing your talent 💓

[@sharoncoyle7888]

A rotating cutting mat would make you a nice father's day gift. I like your style!

[@helenr.2184]

Just saw your guest appearance on MSQC Live. Thank you‼️😊 for your service. Looking forward to watching your channel...LOVED this quilt!

[@christiandonaldson31]

Hi Helen

[@wekebu]

Relaxing watching you sew.

[@christiandonaldson31]

Hi

[@nikkireynolds9514]

So cool that you talk about putting your emotions into your scrappy improv blocks. Yes, sew out anxious, sew out happy, sew out lonely or glad. Free up mind and heart in one long stitching session.

[@katherinedomingo4952]

I love your Scrappy quilt. Like you I can't stand to throw away beautiful pieces of fabric. It's a modern version of a crazy quilt I love love love it!!!. I'm so inspired. Gonna make one today. So glad I watched.

[@christiandonaldson31]

Hello 👋

[@MsAuraMatic]

Hello Mark, I just came across your channel and I love it. I dont quilt any more but I enjoyed watching your mindless quilting. It reminded me of my grandmother. She never threw away a scrap of fabric. She made quilts, dresses or something. Greetings from around the corner in Jacksonville, Fl.

[@mothermgt]

Love this idea. Needed this for all my scraps. Really had no idea what to do with them all. Thank you 🙏🏽

[@christiandonaldson31]

Hello

[@toronlpringle1815]

Glad you are showing what to do with all the scrap pieces I have. I truly 😉 watching you a male quilter. It's easy and I understand better. Simple. Thanks Mr Marine.

[@dorothyyoung8231]

The camp ironing board cover … love it! And it’s good to see a KZbin quilter “press as sewn” before pressing your piece open.

[@pegasusquilts]

Hooray for real crumb piecing! You're so calm and encouraging. And I love being told not to throw anything away. Ive been wanting to do this for a while. Now I feel I could actually find it relaxing.

[@TheQuiltingMarine]

I'm somewhat a fabric horder don't tell my wife shhh

[@jackielam1920]

Thank you. My 9 yr granddaughter likes to play with my scraps. Started showing her how to make these blocks. It has sparked her interest in mixing colors and patterns because there is no wrong placement. No one says you can't do this or that. It has given her confidence to finish projects and receive praise.

[@TheQuiltingMarine]

anything to gain a new quilter

[@lindas3873]

I absolutely love this idea and have a scrap basket now too so this is exactly what I will do with them! Thanks for this idea but even more, thank you for your service!

[@christiandonaldson31]

Hello

[@loraineleuschke4186]

Good to see you looking healthy. You guys stay safe. I do those blocks often. I call it .” Playing”. I have enough of all kinds to make quite a few quilts. I use them for quick gifting or just for a helping gift. I give them away. They are much loved.

[@carolmc1744]

What a beautiful gift for your wife .... I watched your older video on crumb blocks and have made two crumb quilts for a friend's young sons who play Aussie Rules football. When one is playing, the other has to wait in the car with his Mother until his game starts then the other brother waits in the car until his game is over and they can go home. Footy is a winter sport and they needed a blanket to keep warm ... they now have a crumb block quilt each to snuggle under ... thanks for the idea!!

[@TheQuiltingMarine]

sounds so comfortable

[@christiandonaldson31]

Hello Carol

[@soshesews9117]

Thank you for sharing. I have been quilting for 3 years and have learned something new. I love the shadow you put on the blocks❤! I am excited to see your finished quilt. I have a big tub of scraps and thanks to your video, am inspired to build some blocks like you have. And I would love to have an iron like yours! I too escape the busyness and stress of the day in my sewing room. Sewing is my zen. I worked in the steel fabrication business for years and have gone from seeing steel cut into pieces and put back together as a finished product to now doing the same with fabric and love it. I look forward to watch more of your videos.

[@beckycollins7930]

I liked hearing about how those scrap blocks are precious to you. It reminded me of when I started quilting because that’s exactly how I felt at the time when I sewed quilts. The husband was deployed, I had littles in the house and quilting just sort of fell into my lap and became a well loved and sanity saving hobby. Time for me to center me. :)

[@Jana-TheCraftyGambler]

I think these are the most fun types of quilts to make because there’s no thinking involved. Your such an inspiration to us quilters.

[@rescuesk9s]

This technique is most often called crumb piecing or improv, and is one of my favorite things to do. Not only can you utilize fabric (which is paid for!), it's a fun way to not have to think about making things perfect. And the result is spectacular, as you demonstrated.

[@SilverHair_1999]

Love this for a few reasons: 1. Different idea of quilt squares 2. You make it your own 3. You're not wasting anything 4. You can't mess up....and 5. There's a man quilting it Thank you for the upload. You got a new subscriber.... God Bless!! 😀 🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸

[@alicia3447]

This is such a good idea. Sometimes I just want to sew something, but don't want to get into a full blown project.

[@lizryan6289]

My brain gets a rest when I sew. Nice block. An uplifting delight to see your videos. Also, I love how this pattern actually allows using all scrap pieces without having to use a certain color which is limiting.

[@TheQuiltingMarine]

Exactly! no worries for matching anything just find attach, repeat

[@victoriamcintosh5122]

Right on! I came to the right place, I was sorting all my quilt pieces today and just zone out from this tough time of COVID. Today, I thought of my Grans and the memories. Thank you for sharing!

[@donnarogers2429]

This is how my grandma made her quilts. They were beautiful.

[@christiandonaldson31]

Hello Donna

[@MariaLuciaGomezGreenberg]

Beautiful! You are creating something useful and colorful while relaxing. Bravo! Only quilters know the joy creativity can bring from scraps many throw away. Wonderful creation and green 💚☺️🌷🤲🏼

[@TheQuiltingMarine]

Yes my second love

[@twillett100]

I love your method. So many quilters spend hours arranging center block and scarps. Yours makes sense to my mind. 👍🏼♥️

[@TheQuiltingMarine]

You might be right lol

[@cherylpatterson7911]

I love that you didn't think about color, value or size of the prints. It all works! I spend too much time worrying about what works together. Thank you for showing us it doesn't matter. You are awesome.

[@TheQuiltingMarine]

Naw I just love what we do, QUILTING

[@KimberlySmith-pc7lj]

I absolutely love watching you and thank you for your service

[@christiandonaldson31]

Hello

[@casageorgia]

Wow, I just found your channel and am kicking myself. I make yoyo quilts and always have scraps that, in the past, I threw them away. No more! I love your scrappy quilt idea. LOVE IT! Can’t wait to make one. Thanks! And THANKS FOR YOUR SERVICE!

[@arachne4757]

Thank you for sharing your process! Just watching you choose and sew the scraps is therapeutic for me. Each square is like a fingerprint, no two alike!

[@TheQuiltingMarine]

Im so glad it helps you like it does me

[@barbarasmith586]

My dad was a Sargent in ww2. If he didn't turn his hand to fixing cars/spraying cars, knitting jumpers, sewing play suites out of curtains for us, then his mind reverted back to some mean times he endured. Seeing your creative side gives me a warm feeling from some extreme times my dad had and could never make sense of as a child, and not seeing through his eyes, hearing, smell. And back in the day, was frowned on talking about. All those signatures of non disclosure... I am grateful to everyone who can be real and honest. And thank you.

[@LadyFrosti]

Love a good stash buster. Scrappy blocks are so wonderful and all come out beautiful. Thank you for your service.

[@TheQuiltingMarine]

Thats funny "stash buster"

[@markwagperk]

Bless you and Thank You for your service to our country and wonderful inspiration to our quilting community

[@dorrisdale6269]

I make 6.5 inch blocks also. I have completed 2 quilts using crumb blocks and 2 quilts using string blocks. I love this kind of sewing.

[@TheQuiltingMarine]

Yes I agree its a great way to spend time in the quilt room without quilting

[@Cyrilmc222004]

Thank you so much I really really enjoyed watching you create that amazing and awesome block. And I really really get it how much fun it is to make these. And you talk so much sense for me. Your wife is going to really really love ❤️ this quilt when it’s finished, because of all the love ❤️ and emotions you’ve poured into it. Please stay safe and well too xxx Mags

[@lindalosier5989]

I love to make the scrappy blocks. I learned the crumb quilting from you a couple of years ago. I call it my not having to think about anything blocks. Working on them clears my mind of all the junk I've accumulated during the day. I love the shadow idea.

[@TheQuiltingMarine]

Thats so perfect. I love that you remember that original video

[@donnakelly5299]

It’s refreshing seeing a man passionate and keen to teach others. I’m in Tauranga New Zealand. Thank you.

[@virginia7191]

Yours is the best demonstration of a crumb block that I have seen! Thanks Mark! Love the illusion block too!

[@TheQuiltingMarine]

I'm here for you

[@ccreel64]

I love your channel. Been watching you off and on pretty much since you started your channel, and I’m so happy you’ve found something that brings you a measure of peace. ❤️

[@debralucca7527]

This is awesome. You are very talented. Thanks for the video and for your service in the Marines. 🙏

[@maryremillard9272]

Thank you for your service, great scrappy quilt, can't wait to play.

[@Sircaymen]

I agree with these comments. Quilting is very therapeutic. I was hurt at work and could no longer work, and unfortunately driving my wife crazy. Sorry honey. I am a creative person and Her mom got me into her quilting class. They accepted me so graciously and now I'm designing mystery quilts for them. So go guys, I'm also a navy veteran as well. Thanks for sharing your quilting talents. God bless.

[@deenacamario988]

You’ve inspired me to start digging into my scraps. Bless you for your positive out looks in each and every episode.

[@christiandonaldson31]

Hi

[@sead705]

You are THE BEST! You use funny descriptive words like I do. Keep quilting and inspiring us Marine. We’re loving it! God Bless!

[@Lindaleriche]

Love love that idea!!! I love how you talk to the scraps - I do the same "let's find a mate for you, hip you look like pals". My friends think I'm crazy

[@connielentz1114]

I just discovered this channel. I love him! I've already tried this. Sometimes you just want to sew.

[@karynbrown5276]

You have the most beautiful fabrics! I’m very jealous of your stash.

[@christiandonaldson31]

Hi

[@ritaw9479]

I'm so happy for you that you found something that can take your mind off of all the crazy in the world and make something beautiful while doing it! Thank you for your service and Quilt On!

[@nicolethijs5428]

Love the fact that you find peace and solace in quilting! Its my go to place when my husband is in a depression and cooping is hard for me and him.

[@christiandonaldson31]

Hello Nicole

[@dananutt3704]

I just watched your awesome video. It was wonderful to see and hear how you used quilting to cope with your hurts. I still see my boys struggle with their hurts from being a person who dedicated their life in serving our country. Big Thank You to You. I am trying my hand at quilting and also use the tapping solution(worked for me)by Nick and Jessica Ortner. I am a step-mom of 2 Marines and 1 Army guy(our Heavenly Angel)....Loved your video and listening how you work. Very Encouraging! Love your heart!

[@patpatsthis-n-that5586]

That looks awesome!! I love doing crumb blocks they are therapeutic. I am the proud daughter of a Veteran ,he was in Nam and Persian Gulf. I lost my Daddy a year ago and that's when I started sewing and really crafting. I've had a hard time with his loss. Keep up the good work!! Thank you

[@lpgphotography]

First of all, thank you for your service! I love your zoning out time and quilting! Thank you for sharing with all of us!

[@christiandonaldson31]

Hi Lisa

[@sheilalogan7218]

I LOVE this!!!!! Wasn't sure at first; scrappy isn't usually my favorite but I have tons of scraps and know now what I am going to do. Your scrappy blocks seem to float and the shadow just makes them stand out beautifully. I'm SO glad I came accross you Mr. Quilting Marine! Looking forward to seeing more of you.

[@Silva007ish]

Scrappy quilts are the best! They are never boring! Good for you!

[@sylviasage]

Thank you so much for showing how to use up the extra scrap fabrics. So clever and artistic! You are a gem💫

[@christiandonaldson31]

Hi Deborah

[@andreal840]

Love your enthusiasm!

[@l.baughman1445]

You are bringing free-form to a whole new level. Love the fun bold fabrics!

[@amersklain4706]

Thank you for your service, soldier! Thank you for this video! I didn't see the shadow until you showed it as the "big picture". I want to do this now!

[@ritarogers900]

My goodness your easy to watch. Your lovely soothing voice...

[@christiandonaldson31]

Hello Rita

[@ritarogers900]

@@christiandonaldson31 hello Christian.

[@christiandonaldson31]

@@ritarogers900 hope you are safe from the virus?

[@ritarogers900]

Yes, I think so. The UK have been released back into the wild. Most people gave had their vax but we still need to mask up in shops etc. Don't think I will ever want to get rid of my mask! How about you?

[@Jane_Ricciardi]

How did I not know about your channel?!?! So glad I found you. Keep up the great work and many, many heartfelt thanks for your service.

[@christiandonaldson31]

Hello Jane

[@maryellencouse7592]

I admire you Mark. A masculine man like you quilting; I love it. I'm female and like to do male oriented jobs, so I can relate to you because sometimes people laugh at you for trying non-traditional jobs. Love your quilting and choice of fabrics, too.

[@trishchaney7212]

❤️from the beautiful Cherokee hills in Oklahoma❤️

[@christiandonaldson31]

Hello

[@karenmurphy6749]

Since I've been quarantined I've been watching quilt shows & work on my quilt! There is positively no excuses. Thank you for the video!!

[@christiandonaldson31]

Hi Karen

[@IdratherbeinHobbiton]

*me mindlessly scrolling through suggested videos, sees man talking about quilting [insert tire screeching sound]...clicks video* . Love it!❤❤

[@missynbri]

Same

[@angelvitales7001]

@Melissa Dunn I'm saying!! I was looking up how to build a thread organizer and was hooked! I mean; "it's only fabric and it's only thread", what an inspiration 👏