Keeping the county warm with crochet

Blankets: 634. Hats: 453. Scarves: 254.

That’s the latest count of items donated by the “Crafty Ladies of Cotati,” a group of 20 or so women who belong to the Women’s Guild at St. Joseph’s Church and meet there monthly to knit, crochet or quilt for those in need of  a bit more warmth.

They started the group in August 2009 as a way to get together, chat and have some fun. But it’s quickly turned into much more.

They tag and bag their creations, made with yarn and fabric donated by the Parish, friends and Goodwill. Then they drive and deliver to a dozen charities, including Kaiser Hospital, the preemie ward at Petaluma Valley Hospital, The Living Room, COTS and Catholic Charities.

“None of us realized in the beginning it would be like this or have this impact,” says Carol Martinez, who goes by the name Crafty Carol. “We just did it for fun and to help others. We are all proud of our accomplishments.”

The ladies made their last distribution of the year last week, along with sponsoring their first Crafter’s Faire at the church. They raffled an afghan made from different squares sewn together, and will use the money to purchase more yarn or other materials.

In December, the crafters will skip the regular meeting, opting for a celebratory lunch. But the ladies’ nimble fingers won’t quit. Most say they’ll continue to work at home on their projects.

The next meeting of the “Crafty Ladies of Cotati” is at 10 a.m. Wednesday, Jan. 16, in St. Joseph’s Parish Hall. Contact Carol Martinez at gilcarol8@sbcglobal.net for donations or more info.