COMMUNITY IS GOOD FOR YOUR MENTAL HEALTH
Benefits of Textile Crafting
Mental Health
Scientific research confirms what craftsmen have known for generations: the rhythmic, focused nature of textile work produces a meditative state that reduces stress and anxiety. Many veterans and first responders find these activities particularly beneficial for managing PTSD symptoms.
Practical Skills
Creating your own textiles isn't just art—it's a practical life skill. Learn to craft items of lasting quality that can be passed down through generations. Browse examples of durable, handcrafted pieces that showcase these enduring skills.
Cognitive Function
Textile crafting involves complex pattern recognition, spatial reasoning, and mathematical thinking. NASA has even incorporated knitting into astronaut training for its benefits to cognitive function and problem-solving skills. Experience these benefits yourself through our hands-on instruction.
Join the Fiber Fellas
Whether you're an experienced craftsman or curious beginner, our community welcomes you. The Fiber Fellas – our core group of male textile enthusiasts – host regular meetups throughout Houston and Texas where men gather to learn, create, and connect through textile crafts.
These gatherings provide both skill development and camaraderie. Learn new techniques, share your projects, troubleshoot challenges, or simply enjoy the company of like-minded craftsmen. The Fiber Fellas community offers a judgment-free environment where men of all backgrounds can explore and celebrate textile traditions.
For Partners and Supporters
Are you a woman who recognizes the value of textile crafts? Help us spread the word. Encourage the men in your life to explore these fulfilling, creative outlets. Many men express interest but hesitate due to outdated stereotypes—your endorsement can make a significant difference.
Women have been the primary keepers of textile traditions in recent generations, making your support and knowledge invaluable to our mission. Consider gifting a starter kit, sharing our posts, or bringing a male friend or family member to one of our meetups. Your expertise and encouragement help create a more inclusive crafting community.
Together, we can break down outdated stereotypes about who belongs in the world of textile arts and restore a balanced appreciation for these skills across genders. When men and women both engage with textile traditions, we all benefit from the preservation and evolution of these important crafts. Stay connected to see how your support is helping transform the textile arts landscape.
Giving Back Through Craft
MTC believes in using textile crafts as a force for positive change in our community. We actively partner with organizations like Pathways Children's Youth Services and FRST, which provide crucial support to veterans and first responders seeking mental health resources. By donating time, materials, and a portion of our proceeds, we help extend the benefits of textile crafting to those who need it most.
Brice maintains a collection program for donated yarns and textile materials, ensuring that veterans and first responders can learn to crochet, knit, and sew without financial barriers. These donated supplies support free workshops and starter kits that introduce crafting skills to newcomers.
We also sponsor local educational and recreational organizations for children, helping introduce the next generation to the joy and benefits of textile crafts regardless of gender. By supporting these community initiatives, MTC extends its mission beyond our marketplace and meetups to create a lasting positive impact through the textile arts.