This is not the post which I would ever have wanted to start the new year, let alone the new decade but sadly this is how it just is… Australia saw the end of last year and the beginning of this one with the most devastating fires in our recorded history, they’ve been burning out of control for months and the tragic loss of wildlife has been particularly heartbreaking… earlier this month saw a callout for some of these animal pouches for wildlife rescue centres so I hopped to and made some.
I got the recipe off the internet here, and used leftover bits and bobs from my stash, and some old T-shirts too. There are 10 fleece pouches of various sizes for various sized joeys and other animals, and two cotton jersey liners per pouch. All the seams are French seams, as requested by carers, and with seams and hems on the outside of the pouches.
The fleece I’d bought ages ago for sweat pants and tops, and just never made it up because really, I don’t even like sweat pants or tops, so I’m just really glad it’s going to a place where it will be much more appreciated.
I actually finished these and sent them off back in early January but was just too sad to blog about them… but anyway, here they are. I hope a little joey or two enjoys snuggling down into them.
It just breaks my heart. Thank you
Nice job: using your stash for a much needed project.
Crafters are the best, and yours are fantastic Carolyn, I too have been churning these out for the last two weeks. They are so needed and appreciated, I cannot believe the devastation these fires have caused, we had rain last night and am praying for more over the next days…..may extinguish the fires close by.
From the uk on the BBC news, we have heard that there isn’t (and never really was) a demand for all these aids for animals and that they are arriving in such numbers they are just being dumped unopened. We were told that the reasons include that they are made with unsuitable materials so can’t be sterilised, and in such large quantities that there aren’t the volunteers to sort through to see if any of them could be used. They suggest that crafters instead use their materials to make small saleable items and send the money to reputable charities but that doesn’t have the direct ‘aaah’ appeal.
Considering how long it takes to make saleable items and find a buyer, and how little most people are willing to pay for them, even when they are sold to support a good cause, it is probably more efficient to simply make a donation and use your time and stash to make things such as gifts or items for your own home.
Hi Jacquie,
No doubt you’re trying to be helpful but with respect, your post doesn’t come across that way.
I just had a quick look at the Wires website https://www.wires.org.au/wildlife-info/wildlife-factsheets/making-possum-pouches and they make no mention of such requirements. I know that that page is not specifically for the animals affected by the fires but I’m sure that Caroline’s beautifully made pouches are just what they need, now and in the future.
It has been pretty much hell here and all Australians, even those not directly affected, are having a hard time with it, especially seeing so many of our native animals suffer. We’d welcome your support, not so much your judgement.
Apologies Carolyn for spelling your name wrong.
To Jacquie,
I also see that the call for pouches has been rescinded just recently so no doubt the BBC article was correct. However you’ll note that Carolyn did this much earlier in the month before the issue was communicated.
Again it would be nice to hear of your support.
Such a kind and tactful reply by Mel to Jacquie. I live in California and we’ve had some devastating fires but I just cannot image the scale of what’s going on in Australia. Heart breaking.
As an aside, I don’t think of Carolyn as a “crafter”. Beside the point, I know.
Mel, thank you so much for those kind words! I appreciate your supportive comments so much. It has been such a heartbreaking few months for us all, hasn’t it? difficult to articulate just how awful it’s been. I think it’s important to keep an eye on what is needed and to continue supporting our charities as much as we can xx
It’s the least I could do. You’re so generous writing these blogs and sharing all your beautiful work with us, it always surprises me on the rare occasions when people post things that aren’t as generous.
It has been so hard to see the destruction and loss for our people and environment. Hopefully this recent rain will help the plants regenerate quickly and provide for the animals that are left. And that everyone does what they can to help and support all the wonderful organisations who are helping the people and the animals. United we stand! xx
Hi Mel, thank you for the comments to Jacquie, sometimes i think the otherside of the world knows anything about Australia except it is so far to come. our precious Animals do need our help.
Helen
thank you Helen! Yes, to everything you said!
Hi Jacqui, thanks for your comment. I haven’t seen what is being reported the BBC, but my thoughts are that it is actually excellent advice for people overseas who wish to help to make a cash donation in lieu of making items and sending them over. It’s a much more potent way of helping, obviously; and would be so much appreciated!
There have been huge losses here, not just to the wildlife population, but people’s farms and homes and livelihoods, and of course actual people have died too, leaving behind families and children who need support and help to get along. Pouches are all very well, but money is what is really needed. If you wish to help in this way then it would be so very welcome.
Red Cross Australia is probably the biggest charity, arguably the best to donate to. You can read on their website exactly what they’re doing.
And yes, my husband and I have made a cash donation as well as my silly little pouches here too, but I just don’t blog about that.
Thanks again for your thoughts 🙂
Hi Carolyn,
I want to tell you that the global response of craft groups to our situation has been phenomenal. Because of people like you who were first to lead the way, makers of all descriptions are now aware of the plight of their local rescue centres and wildlife carers. These people have been under resourced for many years. Australia is still receiving wildlife crafts from overseas and is distributing to places like Tasmania and Western Australia now as carers are learning that there is more help available to them than ever before.
CNN just ran a story about not sending more articles, but one news service cannot possibly know about all the situations throughout the whole of Australia. The good result is that the profile of wildlife rescue has been elevated across the world and groups in the US and UK are now supporting their local centres as well.
I wanted to applaud your efforts and say well done, thank you Carolyn.
thank you so much Julie! I appreciate your kind words very much 🙂