Sonoma’s Blanket Brigade swaddles those in need

Margaret Bell has lost exact count, but knows that she and fellow Sonoma Valley crafters have made more than 1,000 cozy throw blankets for those in need.

That translates to more than 1,000 kids, adults and seniors who have wrapped themselves in colorful fleece, warmed by the fabric and the knowledge that a caring stranger had them in mind.

Members of the all-volunteer Sonoma Blanket Brigade typically don’t meet the people who receive their handcrafted blankets. They are given out by coordinators at agencies and programs that help those who are going through difficult times or in need of an emotional boost.

Bell, 71, founded the brigade seven years ago and is satisfied just knowing her handiwork brings comfort to others.

“It’s very rewarding and gratifying to know that you’re giving to others,” she said.

Bell coordinates monthly workshops for crafters to meet up and create two-sided cut-and-tie blankets, no sewing required.

The women – only one man has participated to date – affix two layers of complementary 60-inch fleece, typically 1½ to 2 yards long. They cut strips along the edges and then tie the top and bottom layers together in single or double knots to form a fringe around the edges.

A tape measure or ruler and scissors or a rotary cutter are all that’s needed to complete the project in just a few hours.

“It’s no pressure, it’s easy-breezy,” said Barbara Audiss, one of several retirees making blankets during a recent three-hour workshop.

She had completed a colorful flower-power print and, with another hour to work, was cutting strips on a cheerful fabric featuring smiling turtles wearing eyeglasses, hats, bows and shells covered with hearts and flowers.

“I call myself Speedy Gonzalez. I’m pretty fast at it,” Audiss said.

Like fellow brigade members, she buys her own fleece, typically on sale. Each crafter donates her time and materials.

Audiss shops for deals at fabric stores and online, where she purchased discounted kits for her most recent blankets at $10 each.

She enjoys the camaraderie of the workshops and the satisfaction of meeting up with like-minded women who want to make a difference for others.

“It couldn’t be more satisfying to offer my warm blanket to someone,” Audiss said. “If you have it in your heart, it’s perfect to do this.”

Working nearby, Georgette Reichardt and Jerri Sheehan were completing a blanket with bold graphics of sweet-faced brown and white puppies against backgrounds of baby blue and soft green dog bones and paw prints.

“I always think of some little child who is going to cuddle up in it,” Reichardt said of her blankets. “It’s the least we can do.”

Sheehan knows the efforts are appreciated.

“They treasure it,” she said.

The two women teamed up at one of nine work stations, making light of their crafting and getting some welcome time to catch up with one another.

“This is how we became friends, through the Blanket Brigade,” Sheehan said.

The women say a highlight of each year comes in November when representatives from various agencies attend a reception to discuss their programs and thank the crafters for their efforts.

“It’s nice because the ladies can see where the blankets are going,” Bell said.

About 10 nonprofits receive blankets, including Sonoma Overnight Support, Speedway Children’s Charities, Council on Aging, Valley of the Moon Children’s Home and the YWCA Safe House.

In the past, crafters also have gone to the Yountville Veterans Home to distribute blankets, a rewarding and humbling experience for the visitors.

About 200 blankets are handed out each year. Bell suggests brigade members make at least two blankets per year, if possible. Some complete considerably more, while others have time for just one.

Every effort is appreciated, Bell said, and there’s no pressure to meet any quota.

The project began after Bell and her grown daughter, Sharon Rossetti, discovered the no-sew option for making blankets from a neighbor. They made the blankets for Christmas gifts but soon realized their skills could have a much larger impact.

Through word of mouth and newspaper notices, the grass-roots effort now brings together 45 to 60 members annually.

Those with jobs or schedules that can’t accommodate the monthly Friday morning workshops complete blankets at home. All ages are welcome to participate, including students from the Teen Parent Program at Creekside and Sonoma Valley high schools.

“They’re really so simple to make, a child could do it,” Reichardt said. “And they’re so forgiving if you make a mistake.”

Bell invites even those without a crafty background to give the brigade a try. Novices can find instruction and support at workshops that rotate between Vintage House and the clubhouse at Seven Flags of Sonoma Mobile Home Park.

There is one common thread among the crafters.

“Everybody is doing it out of the goodness of their hearts,” Bell said.

The next Sonoma Blanket Brigade workshop will be held from 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Friday, April 17, at the Seven Flags of Sonoma Clubhouse, 300 International Blvd.

To attend or for more information, contact Margaret Bell at 933-1693 or emptybell@comcast.net.