A koala becoming accustomed to its new gloves. Photos: Supplied.
Two friends from Queanbeyan are demonstrating the resilience of the human spirit and bringing hope to bushfire-ravaged animals by knitting wildlife rescue kits for our national icons.
They are sewing pouches and mittens for kangaroos, koalas and joeys that have been injured or orphaned in the bushfires currently devastating NSW and Queensland.
Dana Leonie from the Animal Rescue Craft Guild is coordinating efforts to help wildlife injured and displaced in the recent fires by spreading the word about the sew-athon.
All tuckered out: a koala begins its recovery.
Dana and her helpers use clean flannelette sheets and pillowcases to create ‘Wildlife Rescue Kits’ that contain clothes to help displaced and injured animals recover and recuperate.
“We use 100 per cent natural fabrics like cotton and bamboo. If you are using flannel, we have to ensure that it is 100 per cent cotton,” says Helen.
“Calico is too rough for the animals and the synthetic materials aren’t breathable. Fabrics can be second-hand blankets, tote bags etc., but must be cleaned before being sewn.”
The sew-athon will take place this Friday evening at the Letchworth Community Centre in Queanbeyan, where the angels from local quilting groups will turn donated fabrics into rescue kits.
If you have a spare sewing machine and would like to help, contact the Animal Rescue Craft Guild through their Facebook page. The sew-athon takes place at the Letchworth Community Centre at 28 Miller Street, Queanbeyan at 7:00 pm, Friday, 15 November.
To donate to bushfire relief, visit The Salvation Army or The Red Cross.
To volunteer, contact the Animal Rescue Craft Guild through their Facebook page.
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Mala so cuteeeeee what a great idea.
Chris Bergin Freya would love this!
Geoffry Broomhall tell mum
Any plain woollen blankets can be cut and hemned for bedding as well
No synthetics ta
I think people who don’t have a machine can cut out the patterns for the sewers.
Yes Jacqui McGilvray, this would be so satisfying!!!
It’s a great idea. I was talking to the Queanbeyan Quilters President about it this morning.
Please if anyone can help out
Doors open at Letchworth community centre at 7pm
Not 6pm
Thanks 😇
Thankyou all
Please go to the Animal rescue craft guild page to see demos and instructions x
Knitters of the World - Australia needs your help. Over 1 million hectares of land have been burning in 300 fires across NSW and Queensland. Much of this is critical Koala Habitat - a species that is now considered “functionally extinct”. Populations have been decimated and those who have survived are badly injured. It’s important to acknowledge that so many other animals have perished in these devastating fires. So too have people and hundreds of homes leaving families with nothing. Our hearts are heavy and so many of us are in a state of bewilderment and anger at the lack of political will to address the broader issues at play here. But that’s a conversation for another time and platform. Right now, we need to do what we can to make a difference where we can. There has been a call out for knitted, crocheted or sewn Koala mittens and Joey pouches for our beloved kangaroos, and other natives such as possums and wombats, to help in the treatment of burns. Email me for the patterns at hello@littledandelion.com. I have a fantastic PDF I can send you. No DMs please. I am happy to be the point of collection and you’ll find my postal address in my Bio information. Please show our global leaders what can be achieved when we act as a collective consciousness and show compassion and love for those in need. We are all one. We are all connected. Let’s be the light for those who have forgotten to see. Please share this post or tag the crafter in your life so that they can help spread the word. Our beautiful precious Aussie wildlife needs your love and care. Many thanks and much love, Jac
#australia #bushfires #climatechange #climatemergency #knittersofinstagram #crochetersofinstagram #craftivism #activisim #koala #kangaroos #wildlife #injuredwildlife #rescue @ Sydney, Australia
This is from Little Dandelion page. In case you can’t sew and want to help 🥰
Love the idea - shame I can't sew to save myself.
Abby Koester little mittens for their hands 😭
Erica you’re a wiz on the sewing machine 🧵😊
Bec how amazing is this!
Izzy Pino I love this. I’ll try and make some!
Wonderful idea
Rochelle how nice is this?!
Rah Rah omg this is the absolute best ♥️
Sally Aksenov you’ve probably got your hands full with the girls but thought I’d tag you 😁
Sarah Lee I downloaded a pattern today so I could make some mittens from all my spare bits 🐨
Leanne Blackmore... lookie!!!
Aimee Goff ... they sound like they need help??
Lorena Solar Thankyou Lorena will pass it on x
Tina Thomas a good project for CC!