Barbara Lawlor, Nederland.   In March of 2013, Bette Ventrella, a local artist gathered a group of local quilters to meet and have a show and tell session on quilting. Sharing one’s work is a way for everyone to expand their quilting experience and to develop new ideas and patterns, exchange fabric patches and also a good way to catch up on the local news.

Throughout time, women have had quilt making parties, knitting groups and craft organizations. Before Betty came to Nederland she was a 30-year member of a quilting group in Virginia, which met at the local church.

“So I decided to start one in Nederland and so far it is going well. We share ideas and everyone has a chance to explain what they are working on.”

From 12-16 people meet at the Nederland Community Library every month.

On Tuesday, all of the quirky members met for a special occasion. The club decided that they wanted to donate some quilts, to have a chance to show off what they have accomplished and they decided to give their handiwork to the Nederland Police Department. Chief Paul Carrill was on hand to accept the warm, colorful donations, 12 in all, as part of each of the patrol cars equipment.

On cold, windy nights, at the scene of an accident, a child-sized quilt could be the one object than could soothe a traumatized or injured child. Astronauts, monkeys and Peanuts figures smile out from their squares on the hand crafted blankets. It took the women all summer to make the quilts and they were happy to see them go to a good home.

Carrill told the gathering that he had retired after 25 years of working in Kansas City where there were similar programs. “We used the quilts countless times when a child was suffering from a trauma. It is very comforting in times of distress. We appreciate the passion and work that went into the quilts. You can count on the fact that each one will be comforting to a child in need.” He said that the donation could transform a negative memory into a positive one.

Quirky Quilter Jan Mussler said that the group had a great time making the quilts, that seeing their hobby become worthwhile made them happy.

Carrill complimented the women on their craftsmanship, saying the quilts were far and above any he had seen before. He explained that the NPD officers were responsible for emergencies up to seven miles outside of the town limits, and that the quilts would go with the officers.

Most of the quilts were made with scraps from their bundles of fabric pieces. Carrill said he had a bunch of bullet proof scraps of cloth that he could donate.

The quilters say they would welcome new members to join in the fun. They don’t make the quilts at the meetings, they just talk about them and show them.