Why The Catbird - And Other Personal Questions for Cathy Martin
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 16 พ.ย. 2022
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CUTTING
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PRESSING
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Cathy Martin, my name is Jacqui. I listened to your fathers naming story with great pleasure. After my dad discovered I was cutting up his “executive “ length socks for my Barbie creations, (about age 8) he gave me a little sewing kit. From that moment on I became Jac the ripper . Later on I took a couture sewing program and dad gave me a patterning book with the inscription “To my favourite Sew and Sew” Dad has been gone many years now but I still think of him when I make something special for my beloveds. You were able to articulate so many of the feelings I too experience when I sew in the love. Now I am getting verklempt 😭 …your people have found you, each video your make is a thoughtful treasure, no need to enter a race of more is better. I see the love Catbird❤
What a special memory !
Thank you so much, Jacqui! 🥰❤️ I love that my people have found me!🤩 Thank you for your support and kind words--it means so much!!
I just completed a renovation of a quilt for a gentleman. The quilt was made for him by his grandmother and quilted by the church ladies. He has had it for 50 years, since he was a child. It was “well-loved” and literally falling apart. I was nervous because I’m taking this treasure apart and putting it back together, all the while hoping it would turn out beautifully and that he would be happy. He wants to gift the quilt to his special needs grand daughter. Well, to make a short story long 😉, he loved it. Now it can be enjoyed by another generation…this is part of what I love about quilting…the love from one person keeps going and flowing, even to those who did not personally know the maker of the quilt. This little girl will have a treasure created by her great great grandmother! How awesome is that!
This is so wonderful!! ❤️ And yes, you are so right...it is awesome that some beautiful soul made a quilt 50 years ago and it is still a blessing not only to the original receiver, but to the granddaughter who now has it! Love (via quilts) is just the gift that keeps on giving, isn't it?! 🥰
Just be careful, Cathy, and don’t burn yourself out! Working full time is hard in itself. When you add 2 or 3 videos a week, that’s another full time job! I could watch you every night, but that will have to wait until you retire from the pharmacy! We are all learning so much from you, we are willing to wait a few more days…because you are worth the wait! Thanks to your husband, too! You have to leave some time for you to thrift haul and quilt so you can show us what you are working on. We love to see your colorful creations.
Thank you, Sherry! 🥰❤️ What a sweet and thoughtful comment! (as usual.) Much love to you in return! ❤️
The videos are great. What I really love is listening to you. You’re articulate, funny and a good quilter😉
Aww! Thank you, Sophia!
Awwww I just wanna give you a big ol’ hug! You’re such a wonderful part of the lives so many people, and we are so very grateful to you for taking the time to bring us such a wonderful channel. It’s always filled with genuine warmth and kindness, beyond the topic of creating comforting fabric hugs. Your channel and your gifts are filling the “buckets” of so many fellow travelers. Thank you for your sweetness, kindness and content. You and your husband are deeply appreciated. ❤️
Well said… I feel the same way but you’ve said it beautifully ♥️
I have to agree as well. I just love your videos and appreciate you being real and genuine. I am very inspired by you also. I really enjoyed this video but wish that you had talked a little about the quilts that were in your lap. 💗
Thank you, Shannon! 🥰❤️ Such wonderful and thoughtful comment! (as always) I wish you were nearby and I'd take you up on that big ol' hug!! (for REAL.) I'm thankful for YOU, for watching, commenting and being such a faithful supporter of me (and my husband) and the channel! I feel that love! ❤️
She did. And thank you for feeling the same way, Kim! ❤️
Thank you, Gena! ❤️ I'm so glad you've found inspiration here! And wish not---the quilt story for this quilt is coming soon! (and if you want to hear about the pattern itself, check out the Great Quilt Patterns: Scrappy Triangle Quilt video that I did a few months ago!🤓)
Dads are the best aren't they? Loved your video, its so nice how we all feel that connection - I recently visited a friend in USA, and we went to a quilt store, and we got chatting - for ages!! My friend is a non-quilter and commented on that and the lady said when you're a quilter you've got friends everywhere you go. Your warmth comes through in your videos and thats what keeps us all watching ❤❤
Thank you, Sue! 🥰❤️ And I LOVE that "when you're a quilter you've got friends everywhere you go!" SO true!! Thank you for being along with me on this TH-cam journey! ❤️
Aside from your creative and beautiful quilts, I admire your poise and sincerity. Good job on the videos you and Mister editor.
Aww, thank you, Deborah!🥰 That is a very meaningful compliment to me! ❤️
I’m so glad you decided to share your love for quilting. You are a joy to listen to and learn from. It is refreshing to find a quilter who is not “selling something” but rather demonstrates their love for others through the art of quilting. I am trying to define exactly what quilting has done for me-it’s a strange therapy. 😊. I hope you keep creating and sharing what you are doing. I’m cheering you on!
Thank you, Debra! 🥰 That "strange therapy" is very hard to define, but those of us who get it, really get it! I feel that support and cheerleading from you, and I appreciate it SO MUCH! ❤️
Isn’t it amazing that creating things can make your world better 🤩 Making a quilt makes my brain focus on what I’m are doing, and away from the cares of the everyday life 😃 There are so many quilts I’d like to make, but so little time 👏👏 Thanks Cathy Martin 👍🇬🇧
Thank you, Glynis! 🥰❤️ I'm always pleased to see your name in the comments on video mornings and you are always so supportive and kind! 😊 And my goodness, YES to so many quilts...so little time!
Yes, spending time with you is a joy. It's relaxing, informative and is never without those moments that make us all chuckle. You take such time and care in your videos to explain things and share your experiences, and that is the reason we look forward to them. It's not the quantity of videos that's important, it's the quality of their content, and that you deliver them in such a way that we could all be sat round across the room listening to you, so don't let us become a burden, look after your own needs first. Regarding the therapy of quilting, I watch Kate from 'The Last Homely House', and she often says 'quilting takes you out of your head and into your hands' and I think that's true of most art and crafts. Thank you for another lovely video.
Thank you, Linda! 🥰❤️ I love Kate from "The Last Homely House" too---and what a wonderful description of what happens when we make things with our hands! Thank you so much for your kind words and for your always-supportive comments! ❤️
I have watched your TH-cam since the beginning. I am also a thrifter and a part time quilter. I got hooked on finding children’s sheets in fun designs and with characters to make children quilts to sell on eBay. Now after years of being a caregiver for my husband, who’s still kicking😊, I’m ready to start getting into my hoard again. You are a big inspiration in that. I need the joy and creativity back in my life. Thanks for the motivation and the laughs!
Loving you in Huntsville ❤️ Roll Tide!
Aww, Sharon! This touched my heart. 🥰❤️ Thank you for this comment and I'm so glad that you're ready to dig into that stash and find your creativity and joy that is waiting for you there! 😊 (and I'm glad that I can make you laugh---if I can do that, then I feel truly accomplished!) Loving you back from Birmingham! (and I'm a War Eagle but Roll Tide anyway! 😂) 😘
"Quilting is slow". - This is the most real comment ever and truly resonates with me. I feel like we are surrounded/bombarded by timelapse videos and project videos/BOM, QALs, etc that don't portray the true effort that is required to quilt. And in a way it makes me feel inadequate. Your videos are very real, practical, and show the thought process/effort/time necessary to quilt. For those reasons, I enjoy watching you. You demystify quilting, make it realistic, and are so positive. Thank you.
Very very well said. I agree whole heartedly
I couldn't agree more with your comment. There are some channels or social media outlets that leave one feeling inferior or inadequate - and that's on me. Cathy, I too appreciate your honesty but most of all I love your calm presence. I'm a recent subscriber and am thrilled that I found you. I don't care how many videos you put out - I'm delighted when I see one pop up and wait until I have some quiet time to watch, enjoy and learn.. oh yeah, laugh along with you too. Happy Thanksgiving to your and your family. ❤
Patricia, my goodness! 🥰 Thank you so very much! I agree with you about time lapse videos and BOM/QALs and the like! So great and fun and easy to watch, but definitely can be discouraging in their own way. ❤️ I'm so glad you relate to the real me, and 'I'm glad we're here together! Thank you for watching and commenting and supporting me and the channel---I truly appreciate it. 😊
Mary Beth, goodness gracious! Between you and Patricia I have ALL the feels! 🥰 I'm so glad that you've found me and I'm grateful that my way (and channel) is appealing and calming for you! ❤️ And of course the ridiculous loud laughing! 😂 Happy Thanksgiving to you and yours as well!
Cathy, you are definitely the fun friend, fun neighbor next door etc. I love watching your videos and this was as always a fun one. I just kept waiting for the story about the quilt on your lap😂 But you may have talked about it in another video. So it keeps bringing us back to more of your videos which is inspiring and always brings a smile. Thank your husband for the nudge to get you started and doing the editing, I’m sure that is such a help. I agree with others who have commented on not getting burnt out. Enjoy the journey and don’t put demands on your you tube project. We will be patient, you are worth the wait. It’s not a race and shouldn’t be a burden. Thanks making our days a little brighter. ❤
Thank you, Michelle, for these kind words!🥰 I have talked about this quilt in the Great Quilt Patterns: Scrappy Triangle quilt, but we have a quilt story coming up about this very quilt soon! Thank you for watching, and commenting, and for supporting me and the channel---you make my day brighter too! ❤️
Watching you is like sitting with a best friend 💕 You are such a joy and a treasure, thank you for sharing yourself with us!
Thank you, Lainie! ❤️ What a wonderful compliment!🥰 Thank YOU for watching and commenting and for you support of me and the channel!
Really enjoy your videos. Yours are at the top of my list and often I will stay awake to watch. Your videos usually come on around 1am in my part of North Carolina. The quilts you make are AMAZING. Thank you so much for sharing. Oh by the way I know a Cathy Martin but it's just fine. I have a very common name also. When people ask are you related to so and so Frye, I just say Frye are like flies in the summer. They are every where.
Thank you, Brenda! I cannot imagine staying up that late to watch ANY video, so I'm gonna take that as a great BIG compliment!
Thank you for this video 🤗 Love them all 🥰 🇸🇪
Thank you, Eva! ❤️
When I watched your first video I shared it with a quilting friend before the video was half way through. And she shared it with her large guild. Your channel has grown so fast that I'm sure many others have also shared your channel and so on. You really do have a lot of things to say and it's info we've wanted and needed. Thank you to you and your husband both for your time and effort in bringing the videos to us.
Thank you so much, Cynthia!🥰❤️ Not just for your kind words, but also for the vote of confidence by sharing my videos! That is EXACTLY how the channel has grown and I'm so very grateful to you for that. 😊👍🏻🤓 You comment was so meaningful to me and I'm so glad that you're here on this journey with me! 😘
I started watching you to get ideas about using the shirts, of course. After watching probably just the first time, I was hooked. 😁 A lot of it is your personality, you are such a sweet spirit. You seemed like a friend from the beginning and we've never met. So I hope you can continue the balance between 'all the things.' Thank you and God bless you. 🥰
Oh my goodness, Patricia, thank you so much! ❤️
MS cathy, you are awesome👍 I was out again yesterday thrifting for shirts. Lol ! Please don't stop doing . god has given you a gift and thank you for sharing. Ok I'm off to finish a quilt for Christmas🎄🙏
Thank you, Neva! Good for you for getting ready to finish a Christmas quilt--meanwhile I'm just getting started!! and ps. I was out again two days ago thrifting for shirts too! Can't help myself!
Love your quilts 🥰 👏👏🇬🇧
I so love the venue you create in your living room welcoming in any stranger that quickly becomes your friend. That picture over your couch says it all. It reminds me that the past connects us all. In fact, my living room walls speak volumes of old black and white treasured memories that evokes a need within myself to create and touch others. Thank you to both you and your husband for this channel. 🧵💖👼
Thank you so much! 🥰❤️ It is a joy to be with you on this TH-cam journey! 😊
Thank you Cathy for your great videos. I enjoyed your comments about making quilts for others. I also think and pray for that person from beginning to end, even when I don’t know the recipient very well, hoping it brings them joy and comfort. Things are always best when given from the heart. Quilting is certainly not an instant gratification sport!❤️🤗
Thank you, Michelle!🥰 I agree about making things from the heart! And goodness, you are so right about quilting not being instant gratification! ❤️
I love seeing people’s quilts, same pattern done in different fabrics, how different they look! people are so creative! Little things are fabulous..
I agree! It’s the little things, isn’t it?🥰
Quilting people are such kind and connective people. A delightful bond.
I wholeheartedly agree!
I am one of your admirers "across the pond" and I am truly in tears . You put words for all my feelings about inspiration,quilting , therapy ,so on and so on. Practically I am in your shoes . I have also a full time job as a doctor in Bucharest and I discovered quilting ,sewing, creating which are now another kind of a full time job ☺️ . The sense of accomplisment is enormous and finding people with the same passion is inspiring. I am happy to know now what "catbird" means because the dictionary didn't gave me a reasonable definition!🤗 I have just one question ! Those coloured crayons are for drawing or just decoration? ( now I am sure you're laughing 😅 and I love it) . Until your next video best wishes from Romania 🍀
Thank you so much! ❤️SO many similarities despite the wide world of space between us! I use the colored pencils, especially when I'm trying to figure my own way around a pattern and can't visualize the colorway. And you will likely see them (in practice!) in a new video before long! 🤓 All the love back to you from America! 😘
I am so grateful that you have a lot to say because I could endlessly listen! You and your husband are creating amazing content with your story telling and joy. I love your quilt stories and the emotion and love imbued in each quilt. I only found your channel a week ago and I am forcing myself not to watch all the videos at once, so I don't run out. I have antique quilts that were made by my great great grandmother and I always loved that they were made from old pajamas, work shirts and worn out flour cloth dresses. I love the look that you get using thrift store shirts. I am inspired, this fills my soul in so many ways. Thank you both for taking the time to make this content.
Thank you, Lori!🥰 I'm so glad you found me and the channel---and I'm SO glad that you are inspired and encouraged here! Thank you for being along this journey with me! ❤️
Oh gosh Cathy…at least you’re not alone! I have such a wandering quilt eye, too. I have such an eclectic mindful of projects. It’s almost a curse, because it freezes my “want to.” There are so many and the ideas never end. (Not that I want them to, mind you; but gosh when will I catch UP!!!!😊)
Really enjoy getting insight into your thought pattern when choosing fabrics and quilt patterns. Very helpful to me. Thank you so much.
You are the real deal and your followers from the beginning like myself got that immediately. You are truly appreciated. One can get so caught up in the latest fabric line, all the unboxings, new "must have" notions, etc. It's like you took a prysm and shown the light in a different direction, and then encouaged all of us to take a look-see too.
Delia, my goodness, what a sweet and thoughtful thing to say! 🥰❤️ I'm so thankful, especially, for all of you who have been with me from the start---you are just the best! ❤️
@@TheCatBirdQuilts 🥰
@@TheCatBirdQuilts 🥰
You are such an inspiration in more than just quilting. I laughed and cried with you in this video. I don't know if you realize that your channel is also a mission. I wish I lived next door!
Melissa, I wish you did, too! 🥰 Thank you for all your support and praise--it's viewers like you that make it all worth it! ❤️
I loved this. Thank you for sharing yourself with us. Always enjoy your humor and insight.
Love catching up on your videos. Please know you are welcome at our Guild meetings each month when or if you want to come. So enjoyed meeting you.
What a beautiful wedding photo!
I didn't realize you were a pharmacist also! Last year, I reached my breaking point in retail pharmacy and picked up sewing as my first creative hobby. I've always been drawn towards 'left brain' activities, so being able to finally use a different thinking process has been very therapeutic and a great getaway and contrast from the demanding field we are in. It's become stressful in our line of work, keep up the good work, and don't put too much pressure on yourself. I'm glad we've found a way to relax still be productive. 💕
Thank goodness for the pharmacists! I don’t know how you do it - explaining complex and technical concepts to the general population who come to you already sick, often elderly, and sometimes very frustrated. It takes a special temperament to do that, so thank you! It’s so important. I’ve retired from the biotech pharmacokinetics BioA labs, and am also a CYP450 mutant 👽 who has to take care to check anything I’m prescribed, so I’ve become a total fan of good pharmacists! Especially the ones who quilt!!!❤
it's a tough field for sure made tougher during the pandemic and unrealistic expectations of what we can reasonably (and safely) do by the very companies that employ us! BUT we always love our patients---that's why most of us got into the field to begin with! ❤️
Lorena---YES to all of this!! ❤️ (and don't even get me started about our work now. Pssh! Ridiculous. 🙄🤦🏻♀️)
I love that your channel is growing and that you continue to have a lot to say !!
This is probably the first time I've ever seen an American wearing something with a French word on it...
Merci pour ta joie de vivre!!!
Thank you, Giselle! ❤️ I think it's very telling that there is no American counterpart to the French "joie de vivre!"...and "joy of life" doesn't even seem to come close, in my opinion! 😘
I enjoyed hearing about your story. Thanks for sharing your story. I have learned alot from watching your videos. I love the idea of repurposing things even though I have only repurposed a few items from clothing, but this idea of using men's shirts for quilting sounds good. I plan on doing a flannel quilt for a grandson who wears flannel jammie bottons so I started collecting them & shirts to create a quilt for him. 😀❤
Oh, Cathy, what a wonderful story about the origin of The Catbird Quilts. I love listening to your videos and wish we were neighbors. I enjoy your sense of humor and appreciate the time you put in to make your videos focused and coherent and FUN. Thank you for being you and thanks also to the cameraman/editor.
Aww, thank you, Mary! ❤️ The camerman/editor, is my beloved husband, Paul who brings all the coherence and fun captions to the videos. He is THE BEST. I'm so glad you are enjoying the videos, and I would be delighted if you were my neighbor! 🥰
Love your videos. Its great to see someone use repurposed fabric , I’ve done so for a long time. I binge watch them regularly. Please keep making them. Su
Thank you, Sue! ❤️There are a TON of us out here using recycled, upcycled and repurposed fabric and I LOVE THAT! Thank you for watching and commenting and supporting me and the channel! 🥰
I love your channel, I find is so inspiring. I’ve always made stuff, but never thought about making quilts; now, thanks to you, I’m excited by the prospect of making my first quilt!
Good luck . The biggest mistake new quilters make is starting with a pattern that is to difficult. It becomes such a chore and the fun is changed to work. I finally got a little nine patch finished and went from there.
Thank you so much! ❤️ I'm excited for you to start your first quilt! 🤩 No matter what pattern you pick, have fun with it and just enjoy the process! I believe in you! 🥰
@@TheCatBirdQuilts ❤️
I'm one who's been here from the beginning, and I'm so pleased about that. But one thing I don't think I've ever said even though I've noticed it from the beginning... your channel has *great* production value. I know you make it sound like your husband does most all the editing work, and I appreciate his attention to detail, but I'm sure it's a joint effort. They're consistently high quality and have been from the start--but they're also consistently YOU.
The WIP problem is too real. So many shiny things! You have inspired me to buckle down and go back to the Halloween granny squares that I'm still working on.
This little (growing!) channel you've created really does feel like a community. I love always sitting down with a coffee or tea to watch. So cozy! Thanks for sharing this, and I for one am happy you were talked into making a YT channel. May it continue to feed you--as it does us--rather than drain you in any way.
aww Steff!! 🥰❤️ So many kind and thoughtful words n this comment of yours---I appreciate your heart in this and your constant support and affirmation of me, the quilts I make, and the videos even from the very beginning! SO MUCH, girl. So. Much! ❤️
I love to listen to quilting TH-cam channels when I sew. I stumbled on your channel that way. The name intrigued me....then I was hooked on your gentle, humorous style.
I am retired and belong to a charity quilting group. Your assessment of quilting as therapy is so true, but I hadn't viewed it that way. I don't need to buy fabric for charity quilts, so I may never be seriously inclined to use shirts, but I'll never look at a man's shirt the same again.
Actually i did use some donated shirt fabric once and vowed "never again" . Most of it must have been polyester! It was terrible.
Thank you for the love you put into your videos.
Linda, thank you so much! ❤️ I'm so happy you are enjoying being with me here on YT!
Cathy you have been a REAL INSPIRATION TO ME & I am SO VERY PLEASED THAT I FOUND YOUR TH-cam CHANNEL!!! YOU ARE A REAL TREASURE &I LOOK FORWARD TO EVERY NEW VIDEO YOU MAKE.Sometimes if I'm feeling a little "down" I like to "BINGE WATCH"all your Videos & that always cheers me up & I regain my enthusiasm. THANK YOU FOR JUST BEING REAL! Warmest Regards, Zoe from Tasmania, Australia 🙂🙃
Zoe, this is the sweetest comment! ❤️ I love the fact that you found inspiration here, and if I can buoy your spirits in any way, then I feel like I've accomplished even more than what I set out to do! 🥰 Thank you so much for watching, for commenting, and for being here with me! 😊
I always enjoy listening to what you have to say! Your accent reminds me of a dear friend who survived nursing school with me over 35 years ago. Your thoughts and perspectives about quilting ring true with me as well. Thanks for sharing yourself with us!
Thank you, Chris! I'm so glad I remind you of someone who was in the trenches with you--great memories I bet! ❤️
Nothing is better than sitting down and having a cup of coffee with a friend 😊 and you can see that is how we feel watching your videos. Your motivation (even in the simplest things) laughter and smile is what makes the day and hopefully we can give some of that back to you. I understand the “wandering eyes” comment because that is how my stash of fabric never gets smaller 😂! I have come across in thrift stores actual unfinished quilts. They only needed the batting and backing. Poor things came home with me. Please don’t let the pressure of videos dictate to you “quantity over quality” ….. but then we know after watching your videos you have a standard 😉💕
Jean, you sweet thing! ❤️ The wandering eyes thing is REAL. Also, thank you for the encouragement not to pressure myself---and the comment about the quality and standard of my work made me feel understood and cared for, and I thank you for that. 😘
Big love coming to you from beautiful NC, Cathy! This is a precious video 😢 that only makes us love you more. Haha watched it twice and became Verklempt both times. I wish we could have a Cat Bird Quilt festival where we could all meet! You are a kindred spirit for so many of us. Answering these questions, sharing your heart and thoughts with us, and sending sweet responses whenever you can has contributed to your skyrocketing # of subscribers. I have missed a few recent videos as my wandering eyes have been on a crocheting season. My dog is on palliative care and he can't get comfy in my sewing room, so I crochet. I have only done a little sewing so my flannel men's shirt rag quilt project is on hold. ($20/10 shirts and you are so right about 2X and 3X! I go to the big guy section first). Take care and we will be here whenever you post. ♥️
Thank you, Anita! 🥰❤️ I call it "serial crafting"---I'll do something for a while and either lose interest or have that wandering eye! Thanks for your constant support and for that big love! I hope you feel it coming right back to you from me! ❤️
@@TheCatBirdQuilts Serial Crafting - that's me. I have so many interests and hobbies. I definitely felt the love coming through in your video this morning...♥️
I'm so happy to have found your channel. I'm a new quilter and I'm hanging on to everything you say!
Thank you so much, Betty! I'm so happy you found my channel, too! 😊❤️
You are so special - keep up the great work! Love your videos and you are so delightful !
Aww! Thank you, Audrey! 🥰❤️
She is!
What a better time to tell you how much I am grateful for the day you said yes to making your first quilt and every subsequent decision you made after that! Being a gleaner and user of men’s shirts, pajamas, and yes, bathrobes, in my quilts, I feel you have validated we who embrace that same esthetic. Your genuine and generous spirit makes watching and listening to you a joy. Thank you! And HAPPY THANKSGIVING!!!
Thank you SO much!! 🥰❤️ We thrifters and folks who use second-hand fabric from every possible shirt, sheet, pajamas and whatever else have to stick together! There is something really neat and old-fashioned about using old clothing to quilt and I'm glad you got that validation here! ❤️
Loved the story of your nickname! I had a nickname in grade school given to me by our neighbor/custodian at my school. He would call me Windy. I loved it!! Then I got older and realized why he called me that! Lol😂 ( talk a lot)😂 but it still made me feel special!
Quilting is such fun, we're retired, hubby golfs and I quilt. So now I can quilt pretty much all I want. We moved to Florida from Kansas when we retired. Quilting has been a Godsend for me, I miss my family and friends so much! It has been therapeutic for me and keeps my mind from dwelling on my loneliness. We finally found a church we love so that helps too. I enjoy you so much and love your vlogs. You lift my spirits!! Excited to watch your next one! God bless and keep you!!
Aww, Dolores, thank you so much! 🥰❤️ Quilting has this amazing power to lift us out of ourselves and our woes (whatever they may be)---it really is amazing! I'm so glad you've found a church you love--that can be such a source of comfort and a remedy for loneliness too! I'm so glad that I lift your spirits! If I can do that then my work here is done! 😘
I think of you being in the Catbird Seat! I think I found your channel because of the thrifting--I'm all about thrifting these days. By serendipity, you found a wonderful niche in the quilting world. I have fun spending time with you. You are fun and crafty
Crafting is my hobby. I also have a day job and don't want to craft except for enjoyment and relaxation. Thank you for this video--I feel like I know you a little better. That said, there were no real surprises in what you had to say. You are consistently honest and genuine.
Thank you, Beth! 🥰❤️ That last statement got me in the feels--what a thoughtful and wonderful thing to say!
Thank you, Cathy (and husband), for your wonderful videos! I love your gentle, chatty style, and wonderful ideas. I want to go looking for second hand dress shirts, but I need to finish the projects I already have fabric for!😂 Like you, I work full time and my quilting hours are scarce. I appreciate your perspective in this! So many quilters on TH-cam are full time makers.
Thank you, Becky! 🥰❤️ We part-time quilters have to make the most of our time---but we still manage to make beautiful and useful quilts! (and that's what it's all about!) 😊
I had quit quilting because of the cost. You've inspired me to try again
Oh yay!! That is so wonderful! ❤️
I totally get your goofball sense of humor, love watching you, your like my sister from another mister😂. I never miss one of your videos, so happy I found your channel!!
Thank you, Lorena!! I'm so happy you found my channel too! 🥰❤️
Again, you are such a bright light! When you are sharing your experiences and feelings, I am always thinking “Me too!!!”
Thank you, Veronica! 🥰❤️ If that's not goals for me (people feeling the "me too!") then I don't know what is!! 🤩 I love that feeling myself, and I LOVE that you feel that when watching my videos!❤️
Hello Cathy. Thanks for giving us some more of your background. We each have a unique journey to share, and along with our also unique quilts, as no one else will ever have one the same shirts quilt. You bless us each time you upload a new video. Have a beautiful day 😊
Thank you, Kylie! 🥰 You are so right, each quilter and each quilt is unique and special! Thanks for supporting me and the channel---I hope you have a lovely day, too! 😊
@@TheCatBirdQuilts Many blessings. I have more shirts!🤣🤣❤️
Cathy, I had to pause in the middle of this video to comment about making quilts to give away. For me, I am kind of slow to the game. I start making a quilt that may not even go with my home or style, I just feel inspired by the pattern and or fabrics, then it becomes clear to me that the quilt is not for me. It’s like the Lord starts telling me who it’s for. I just finished quilting a piece that was supposed to be a pieced, backing, a friend saw it and fell in love. I on the other hand really did not like it. I finally realized it was for her. It completely fits her personality. She is frugal, she is not a perfectionist, she loves the unusual. It turned out to be a perfect quilt to giveher family . I decided to jump into free-motion quilting with this top. I felt so free and relaxed while learning FMQ because I knew the recipient wouldn’t notice the imperfections. You are right when you say that you think about the recipient throughout the process. Other quilts I have given away come together, almost subconsciously. The last quilt I gave I ended up backing it with purple Minky fabric. My sweet friend told me that purple was her favorite color after I gave it to her! These experiences, lead me to firmly believe that the Lord is at hand while I am making these gifted quilts. I think that becomes the most special part of giving away a quilt.
Thank you for sharing these very personal and precious thoughts with us. What a blessing you are ❤️
Thank you, Adrienne! ❤️ I LOVE this comment and your story---I do believe that for those of us that have a heart to give, we are guided to the people who need exactly what we make! And that is a gift to us as the maker! 🥰 Thanks for your support for me and the channel; always pleased to see your name pop up in the comments! 😊
I see your divine guidance and raise you some meditation! ❤ Don’t you think that those thoughts we have about the recipient are sort of a meditation or prayer state? I think maybe there is power there, in that focused empathy type of frame of mind that we get into while quilting. I can’t put it as eloquently as you did, but I feel it, too! For me, it especially applies to the donation quilts. I hope the recipients can somehow feel it in the quilt.
@@Cassandra-..- yes to ALL OF THIS comment! I believe it too…if the love is there, people will feel it-maybe not overtly, but it will be a blessing to them. ❤️
And all those little things matter. That's why people want to subscribe and return to see what you're working on, what advice you have to give and that wonderful "Southern drawl" accent. You're an inspiration to many and for that we thank you.
Thank you so much---truly. It means the world to me! ❤️
The catbird seat...... reminds me of a favorite James Thurber short story. My southern mom was called Missy, not Helen, her given name. Definitely suits her better. I have bought men's shirts for many years because the fabric is always higher quality than women's, even before fast fashion. I often cut them down and made them fit me (lots of work), and pillowcases, with the button placket on the back to insert the pillow.
I had a blog once (in the very early days of blogging!) and I got so many visitors looking for the catbird seat from Thurber that I typed up the whole short story and made it into it's own category. True story. ❤️ Men's shirt fabrics are so much higher quality...and even though it was a lot of work I bet it was worth it to make those that fit you! Thanks for watching and commenting and sharing some of your story! 🥰
Thank you, thank you, thank you! Ditto to all the comments of appreciation and affirmation!
Thank you, Sharon! ❤️
Like you, I am also a retail RPh ( in Canada) and the stress of my job especially these past 2 years has been unbelievable. I have always dabbled in sewing ( some clothing items, home decor etc) but never quilting. Saw your videos a few months back and I was hooked! You have such a calming voice and presence. I look forward to watching your videos with a cup of coffee in hand and a chance to slow down. Thank you ❤
I love having my pharmacist (and nursing and physician) peeps here with me! ❤️ All the love in the world to those of us in healthcare!! 🤓 I'm so thankful that you enjoy the calm and quiet and slow with me---that is a wonderful compliment! Thank you for being here with me and for supporting me and the channel! 🥰
I so enjoy watching your videos. I have wanted to make quilts forever! I have done a cheater. So happy to say that the recipient adored it because, it was for their newborn. Quilt on. ❤️
Thank you so much, Sharon! 🥰❤️ Maybe 2023 is your year to make a pieced quilt! 🤔🤓 (and of course they adored it and probably because it was made with love.)
I was so excited when I saw your first video. I've been thinking of doing a men's dress shirt quilt for a while. I know how to sew just never made a quilt. So even though I'm not ready to start making a quilt yet, I'm still wearing the men's dress shirts. I now your videos will be there when I am ready.
Oh that's so great, B!🤩 And if you know how to sew, you can start making a quilt anytime! 😍 So glad you found my channel! ❤️
You take quilting back to it's origins, making warm covers out of old clothing.
Love the story of your nickname.
If we were neighbours, we'd go thrifting together and you could grab the dull shirts and I could grab the bright ones!
You strike me as what would have been called in years gone by as a gentlewoman.
Thank you, Tracey! and yes we would!! Thank you for the sweet description...I'll take it! ❤️
Some shirts still have tags on& never been worn, rather new. The shirts arent old, unless Im doing something retro - I may pick a few up. But for me, the shirts must be in "like new" condition. So many rich business men & women only eear a short once. Or, never got around to wearing it. Just wanted to clarify material people use. 💖
@@brendabrinkmanpasichnyk3500 sometimes though, there could be a tiny stain, rendering the shirt unwearable, but leaving a lot of pristine fabric.
Just love your videos. Wonderful personality and you give us so many simple ideas for crafting that make the journey easier.
Thank you, Elizabeth!
I'm so happy that you have started the TH-cam channel! And I'm so happy that I found it! ❤️💖❤️
Lana, me too, girl! ❤️ Me. TOO. 🥰
Fellow Martin here, our last name is also a type of bird, so very appropriate! 😊
Right?! So cool.🤓
I love your channel. I am glad I found you. I work a fulltime job & it is a struggle to find quilting friends who work fulltime jobs too. I am in the middle of making memory quilts with my dad's shirts...for my kids, nieces, nephew,mother & sister. It is hard with the emotional stuff & I am a squirrel when it comes to quilting. You seem to talk me into going back to what I need to do. Thank you, cathy!
Oh Susy! You are so welcome! ❤️ And thank you! I'm so glad you found me too! I only have 1 local quilting friend who works full time too---and we aren't able to get together because of our crazy work schedules! It IS hard with the emotional stuff---but I am proud of you for persevering (even squirrelly!) and I believe in you! Grief is tough, but quilting can be healing and I have faith that will be true for you! Thank you for your sweet comment! 🥰
What a Blessing you are! Thank you. You are simply put an Inspiration to us all.
Aww! Thank you so much, Ronda!
Get so inspired by your videos. I do have a large stash but now I'm looking at men's shirts with new eyes. I have the best of both worlds as I can make a quilt top , send to a friend in ND and after she puts it together , it's shipped to a hospital in Africa. So I continue to look for fun patterns to try.
Thank you, DiAnn!! 🥰❤️ That is so wonderful that you and your friend work together and make beautiful things to send to people in need! That warms my heart!
Thank for sharing your knowledge. Love your videos. Have a great weekend!
Thank you, Lucila!🥰
Thank you for a lovely video, sharing your quilting journey.
Thank you, Tami! And thank you for watching and commenting! ❤️
Thank you Cathy. I love your videos and now so many things make much more sense, 🤣🤣🤣. But seriously, you are so much like me. I quilt because I love making quilts and I Work 40+ hours a week. Aside from that almost every one of my quilts have been thrifted sheets (seriously Pennie’s on the dollar) and when I first learned of your shirts my world opened up! You are so special ❤️
Thank you, Victoria! ❤️ Your kind words mean so much to me! 🥰
That camera bag is super cool
Thank you for your channel, your passion, and your fun videos. They are enjoyable, fun to watch, and informative.
Thank you, Elaine! ❤️
Thank you so much for sharing more of yourself with us. 🥰 It makes it feel more and more like you’re a lovely friend (rather than just a TH-camr) that we get together with and share inspiration and knowledge. I always look forward to your videos and smile when I see a new one and I wonder how in the heck you do it all. In the time that I’ve spent just thinking about a quilt, you’ve found a pattern, decided on the fabric, started making it or are finished making it and have made a video about it, oh, and spent a gazillion hours at work!!! 😅 You, apparently, have mastered time management, or in your words, mastered making a dent! 😂 Love and hugs! Have a great weekend!
Thank you, Rhonda! 🥰❤️ You know, I "make a dent" fairly regularly these days...I wouldn't be able to do it if I didn't! (but I'm pretty tired. LOL😂) Thank you for your sweet comment!❤️ And you have a great weekend too! 😘
Always a joy to watch your videos…..❤❤
Thank you, Barbara!❤️
Well said!! U r the light to my morning! Carry on my friend! 😀
Thank you, Stacy! ❤️ I'm so glad you're here with me! 🥰
I so look forward to Friday now because I know I will get to have my morning coffee with you! 😁 Thank you sharing you with us ⚘💖
And thank your hubby too for suggesting TH-cam and creating such excellent videos 😊
Thank you, Sky!🥰 I'm so thankful for you and your support---and even though I'm not physically with you, I'm with you in spirit while you have that morning coffee and I'm HERE FOR IT! 😘❤️
🌹 thank you for taking the time to answer the presented questions.
Thank you, Elizabeth! Thanks for taking the time to watch my answers! 😘
Thank you for sharing your talent. Your giggles bring a smile every video! Keep up the good work. It is so nice that your family also supports your creative endeavors.
Thank you so much! 🥰 I'm so fortunate that they are all so supportive--especially my husband who does all the background work! Team Martin! ❤️
Excellent video.
Thank you, Mary! 🥰
You are a lovely person! Thanks for sharing!
Thank you, Linda! ❤️
Thank You so much!!! 😉
I will always look to someone with success over an expert.
Thank you, Ginger! ❤️
How fun to get to know you a bit through this video. Your videos are some of my favorites! Recently,I have been enjoying making some ByAnnie bags. (Be forwarned; quite the rabbit hole). This process uses quilting skills, but the projects are completed much faster than a large quilt. I have used some men's shirts for these 😀
Thank you, Janie! ❤️ Do NOT introduce me to any rabbit holes lest I fall in and end up in Wonderland! 😂🥰
Thank you for your back story. Love your videos. Understand the lack of time. I am right there with you. Work 40+, and take care of grandson whenever I can. He is my everything. . ... I quilt in my SPARE time. Thanks again! Have a great day.
Thank you, Laura! The limited time is a real thing!! But worth it for what we get to make when that time comes around! ❤️
I agree with so many, I have truly enjoyed your videos and look forward to them. I would rather anxiously wait for your next video, than have you get burned out and stop doing them. I never would have thought of using men’s shirts, but you have opened a whole new world to me. I will be retiring in 3 years and will be on a budget, so this came at a perfect time. I go on Mondays, because it’s $.99 day for certain color tags, and that is how I’m going to show some restraint (lol), plus limit how many. I also cross stitch and look forward to using them in finishes. Thank you so much. Please put you , your family and your hobbies before the feeling of needing to put a video out. We will be here, not going anywhere. Rather have you for the long haul. Thanks for another great video!
What a great video and getting to know you! I was nodding my head along with much of what you were saying! Quilting makes me sew happy, too.
Thank you, Susan! 🥰❤️ I love all the "Yes!" that I get from all of you who share a kindred spirit with each other and me! I can feel it and that is just so very rewarding for me.🤓
I just found your channel today. It is so funny because I was quilting a men's shirt quilt from thrift stores when I found your channel. Nice to meet you, Catbird!
Oh yay! So glad you found me! ❤️ Sounds like you're my kind of people! 😘 Thanks for watching and for commenting! 🥰
I found myself at home with two little busy boys, my husband was in the USMC and on deployment, I knew he was in a precarious position so to calm myself I started quilting and haven't stopped, my husband is home safe and my sons are grown. I love your channel so keep doing YOU!!!!
What a great tribute to the power of quilting! (And an encouragement to me 😘)
Thank you so much for sharing! 🥰❤️
so glad you are here on youtube 😍🤩
Thank you, Zena!❤️ I'm glad you're here with me! 😘
Thanks to some weird accident, I am here from your first upload. I cannot say how happy I am that I found your channel. I love watching your videos. I love your sense od humour and appreciate the pace you explain all things in. Looking forward to seeing what future holds for all of us here :) Sending warm hugs all the way from cold and wintery Poland!
Magdalena, your comment makes me feel happy and warm inside! 🥰 I love that you found me from the beginning and that you are still here, enjoying the videos! And it delights my soul that even though we are halfway around the world apart, we can be here in the same space! ❤️ Poland--wow!! Much love right back to you from America!
Great video! You hit it right on the head (oh, that sounds blood-thirsty) so many times. You're my kind of people.
Thank you, Sarah! You're my kind of people too!
I just wanted to let you know that you make my days better. I get up super early to go work at the hospital, and having you talk to me in the morning just puts me in a good mood! You really set the whole tone for that morning, thank you! Please remember to take time for you and your family too! You’re so worth it!
Oh my goodness, Christie! 🥰Thank you so much! ❤️I’m humbled and honored by your kind words-it makes me feel a little weepy to know I’m having such a positive impact on your day! (And if you work in a hospital, you prob need all the encouragement you can get!!) Thanks for watching and commenting, and all my love to you! ❤️I hope you have a wonderful day today! 😊🌸☀️
As to catbirds, they are a lovely little bird with a wonderful song, and cute little sounds. If you have not looked one up, you ought to. Because they are wonderful birds too, just like you. Have a wonderful day!
Thank you, Christine! 🥰❤️ I have actually read about them but I've never see one! And what a sweet thing to say! 😊
Quilting Therapy. Yep, you hit the nail on it's head. Another great video Catbird☺
Thank you, Ingrid! 🥰❤️
I’m so happy I found your channel! I’ve been quilting with men’s shirts for a few years and it’s wonderful to have my “techniques” validated and also learn some new things. Looking forward to going back and watching your videos.
Aww, thank you, Mandy!🥰 We thrifters/quilters that repurpose shirts in quilts are a special breed---I too, am always thankful and feel validated when someone else goes, "I do that too!" I'm pleased you want to go back and watch the older (ha! 5 months!) videos...I welcome your comments and feedback! So glad you found me too and I'm glad you're here with me now! ❤️
I’m enjoying this getting to know you better video 🥰 I know I’m speaking for many people when I say you are a genuine soul! From your first video I’ve been hooked. I get so excited to see what you are going to share with the community! Keep up the wonderful work 🤩 and that includes husband/video editor too😎
Thank you, Jenna! 🥰❤️ Always great to see your name in the comments! 😘
Thank you for sharing a deeper picture of your life. Wow! You accomplish so much, and are a real inspiration. You’ve got me thinking about how I might improve my time management to get more things done. My twins will be flying the nest soon, and I’m hoping to make all the things I dream about.
Thank you, Lori! ❤️
Cathy I really love your channel, I have learnt a lot from your videos and l look forward to seeing new videos each time you post. Just this week I went into a Goodwill store and had to limit myself to only 2 Men’s Shirts and I have to process the shirts before I can buy anymore. I have never made a quilt before, although I am a sewer, but after binge watching your videos, I am determined to make my first quilt. Continue doing what you do and thanks for sharing.
Thank you, Jammie! 🥰 I am at a place where I need to limit my shirt-buying as well! (and impossible to limit when now the racks are full of flannel shirts! 😱) I cannot wait for you to make your first quilt---I think you're gonna love it! ❤️
I found your channel right at the beginning and it's been a pleasure! The quality of your videos, your humor, your roundabout but clear instructions, everything is so enjoyable. I've always used my husbands shirts for crafts (grocery bags, pillows, etc) and I've been wanting to start quilting but before you I had never put the two together... Just a week ago our hospital had their local rummage sale and the huge clothing section was 'stuff a bag' for $6! You can bet I grabbed so many dress shirts!!! Mostly cotton, a beautiful teal linen and even a purple plaid that I couldn't pass up 😉. It was funny how many I was like, "Ooohh Cathy would really like this one!!!" 😂...Keep up the great work but don't burn yourselves out. Thank you both for all you do!
Oh my goodness! What a wonderful comment and compliment! 🥰❤️ I love it when viewers say "Oh I saw this and thought of you!" 😍🤓 Because I know in my heart that I WOULD HAVE really like that one!!! 100%!!❤️ (actually when I read the words "teal linen" I went, "oohhh!" out loud! 😂) Thank you for watching and commenting and being here with me in this space! It means a lot! ❤️