This week I would like to bring attention to a group that has supported the Pocahontas County libraries for a very long time, and has done it with little to no fanfare.
The Cranberry Piecemakers is a quilting group that was founded 20 years ago in the southern end of the county.
The original four members were Carroll Barlow, Louise McNeel, Paula Stemple and Cheryl Taylor Dean. The group now boasts 23 active members, and by active, I mean they quilt lap robes for residents at the nursing home; they make pillowcases for the children at the Davis-Stuart center; they make fire quilts for families who have lost their homes to fire; they host workshops and the Pearl S. Buck quilting party.
They also support the McClintic and Hillsboro libraries by holding an annual quilt raffle, with half of the proceeds coming to us and being divided evenly between the two libraries.
The Piecemakers donated $1,360 to the libraries in 2014, and we are very grateful. We use the funds to purchase new craft books. I always start with quilting books, but we have received the o.k. to branch out to other crafts, such as knitting, crocheting, and whatever else we can find.
Carroll Barlow and I have been discussing the idea of setting up a quilt frame in one corner of the McClintic Library, and leaving it up for quilters to come in and quilt for a bit on one of the many fire quilts the group makes. It would make it easy for quilters to put in some time whenever they can, given the library’s hours. Personally, I’m hoping it will inspire me to someday start a quilt of my own!
I’m so pleased that the libraries have the support of these very talented women who not only create beautiful things, but have a strong commitment to giving back to the community.
Next time you see a quilt being raffled off, know that purchasing a ticket will support your libraries.
