The Work Done: August/September 2026
Building, Growing, and Celebrating: August & September at MTCF
If you noticed a pause in our regular monthly blog update for August, it was with good reason! Late summer and early autumn swept us up in a whirlwind of preparation as we geared up for our busiest season yet, culminating in our major presence at h+h Americas at the end of September.
Behind the scenes, August and September were filled with major organizational milestones, vibrant community events, expanding school programs, and new creative initiatives. Here is a look back at what we built together over the last two months and where we are heading next.
Celebrating Two Years of Foundation Building
On August 24th, MTCF celebrated its second birthday! It has been two incredible years since we launched this non-profit journey to bring the healing benefits of textile crafts to our community.
Because we were deep in preparation for our fourth-quarter initiatives, we kept our birthday celebrations low-key this year. Even without a big party, we spent the day reflecting with immense gratitude on how far our community has grown and how many lives have been touched by therapeutic textile arts since our inception.
Hitting the Mark: h+h Americas Fall Edition
From September 30th through October 2nd, the MTCF team was on the ground in Houston for the h+h Americas Fall Edition. Participating in this major crafting industry trade show was a major success and a defining moment for our non-profit.
We connected with industry partners, networked with advocates across the country, and walked away with a crystal-clear roadmap for our short-term goals. Brice delivered a keynote speech highlighting our end-users and articulating MTCF's expanding vision to broaden accessible healthcare and wellness tools in Houston.
The industry response to our mission was overwhelmingly positive. We want to extend a heartfelt thank you to all the h+h industry partners who generously donated supplies to support our ongoing non-profit work, including thread from Valdani (Hand-Dyed High Quality Embroidery Threads - Valdani Threads), batting from Quilter's Dream (Quilters Dream Batting), and a brand-new sewing machine from Feiyue (Affordable Sewing Machines | Feiyue USA inc. – United States)! We are already looking forward to expanding our presence at next year's fall edition and participating in the newly announced Fiber + Fabric Craft Festival (FFCF) right here in Houston.
Expanding the Stocking Initiative Across Texas
Every year, MTCF crafts custom Christmas stockings filled with holiday cheer for foster youth served by Pathways Youth and Family Services. This season, we are expanding our reach beyond Houston to support youth in San Antonio, Abilene, and Pathways rehabilitative homes.
To meet this huge increase in demand, our community has already jumped into action:
Stocking Prep at Kani Kettu: On September 13th, the team from Apogee Tomball joined us for our first stocking prep day. Kids and adults alike learned how to mark patterns, serge edges, cut hanging loops, and sew completed stockings.
Next Prep Day - October 25: Our final October prep event will lead directly into the San Antonio build. It will be October 25th at Kani Kettu (249 & Cypresswood). Keep an eye on our social channels and email updates for potential additional prep sessions leading up to the Houston event December 7th.
How You Can Help
Support via Amazon Wishlist: We have set up a dedicated Amazon Wishlist for stocking stuffers. Donating items directly from this list ensures every child receives essential, tailored gifts inside their stocking.
Pathways San Antonio Event: Join us on Saturday, November 7th at 1:00 PM at the San Antonio Pathways office to help sew and assemble stockings.
Pathways Houston Event: Join us on Saturday, December 5th at 12:00 PM in the conference room at the Houston Public Library (Heights location) to assemble stockings for local foster youth.
Back to School: Empowering the Next Generation
Our youth programs are officially back in session! We are thrilled to continue our work with local schools, introducing young students to tactile creation and practical stress relief.
Hamilton Elementary Crochet Club: Starting October 23rd, we will be meeting every Friday from 12:35 PM to 1:05 PM to teach 5th-grade students the basics of crochet alongside Mrs. Kate Wells.
Tomball High School Fiber Club: This after-school club meets every Monday at 2:45 PM. Students explore crochet, knitting, quilting, and sewing, while developing leadership skills to help manage their own club. We are always looking for volunteers to interact with the students or help out in anyway.
Note: All school volunteers must complete a basic background check prior to joining us on campus. If you are interested in volunteering, send us a message through our website!
Ongoing Community Partnerships: Montrose Grace Place
Our monthly commitment to Montrose Grace Place (MGP) continues to be a cornerstone of our local outreach. MGP supports housing-insecure and LGBTQ+ youth in Houston, giving them access to essential items and warm wearables through Tracy's Closet.
We continue to drop off yarn and crafting supplies, while hosting monthly hands-on workshops to teach knitting and crochet as constructive tools for emotional regulation and self-expression.
Upcoming MGP Volunteer Dates (Mondays, 7:00 PM – 8:00 PM):
October 12
November 23
December 14
January 11
To volunteer, simply visit our website and sign up for a date! Note: There is a basic background check that must be accomplished prior to volunteering for the first time. Contact us and let us know your interest, and we'll send you the link!
New Video Series: Exploring Unique Fiber Arts
Do you practice an uncommon or traditional textile craft? We want to feature you!
We are launching a new video series where Brice and Matt travel to discover and learn unique fiber traditions. On September 3rd, we sat down with Dr. Terri King, founder of Fiber Arts Houston, to learn the art of Sashiko stitching.
We are currently editing these initial episodes, so stay tuned to our social channels for the premiere! If you practice tatting, bobbin lace, nalbinding, or another specialized technique and would like to share your knowledge on camera, reach out to us today.
Mark Your Calendars: Upcoming Vending & Outreach Events
We need energetic volunteers to help us staff vendor booths, assist shoppers, and share the MTCF mission at two major upcoming events:
Event 1: International Quilt Festival
Dates: November 12 - November 15
Location: Houston, TX
We will be hosting a vendor booth featuring yarn and curated textile goods, with all proceeds directly funding MTCF's community mental health initiatives and youth programs.
How You Can Help:
Vendor & Outreach Volunteers: This will be a high-energy, fast-paced event. We are looking for volunteers with a background or interest in fiber arts who can manage inventory, assist shoppers, and passionately articulate our brand mission to event attendees.
As a huge perk, all volunteers for the International Quilt Festival will receive free admission to the show on the days they volunteer. You can sign up for full days or short blocks of time. Let us know your availability, and we will find a spot for you!
Event 2: Houston Fiber Festival
Dates: January 29-30
Location: SW Houston, TX
We will be vending and raising funds for our wellness programs. Volunteer signup details will be released soon.
Looking Ahead
As we transition into the final months of the year, we are inspired by the dedication of our volunteers, partners, and makers. Whether you are sewing stockings, mentoring students, donating supplies, or volunteering at trade shows, you are helping build a stronger, more inclusive community.
Ready to jump in? Drop us an email to get involved today!
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