Sew, this is how to help Australian wildlife. Animal Rescue Craft Guild springs into action

Crafty people are uniting around the world to help animals left homeless and injured by the devastating wildfires in Australia.

The Animal Rescue Collective has a lot of crafty people, so they created the Craft Guild! Over the last weeks, members have been frantically sewing, making, designing, recycling, knitting anything they can to make products to help animal rescue.

They’ve come up with designs to make beds, birds nests, crates, containers and support equipment to help rescuers. What’s most needed are pouches, wraps and more for orphaned wildlife. In particular, craftspeople are making Joey pouches of all sizes and styles which is most in need. Koala mittens are lower on the priority.

The Facebook page for the guild has posted patterns.

Sewers: Welcome! We desperately need bat wraps, joey pouches of all sizes, and hanging joey pouches. All of these are in need and can be made with a sewing machine. (No hand sewn items.)
Crocheters: Hi! We need your birds nest making skills! Crocheted nests of various sizes are needed for orphaned birds and small rodents. Also blankets.
Knitters: Bonjour! If you can knit you can make some sweet blankets and jumpers that’ll keep our fellas warm. We have some great knitting patterns that can be whipped up for our joeys, lambs, penguins, and other animals. Knitted joey pouches are also needed.

Not a crafter but still want to help? Donations are VERY welcome to cover supplies and postage costs. Make a tax deductible donation here: https://mkc.org.au/donations/arfsncrafts

Joey Pouches FAQs

How many are needed? Rescuers need a constant supply so craft makers are encouraged to make as many as they can. They will be needed over the next few months and are distributed to organizations all around the country.

What sizes should I make? All sizes are needed from tiny pouches for sugar gliders all the way to large sizes that fit older kangaroo joeys. Whatever you can make is needed. Sizes do not need to be exact because joeys also come in all sizes 

What fabric should I use? That depends on which part you’re making.

Inner pouches: 100% natural fibre only (cotton, bamboo, linen, silk). Flannelette or plain cotton are great, some carers love stretchy t-shirt cotton. Upcycled bed sheets and doona covers are perfect for these. Fabric should be very soft (what you would give to a baby). French seams are a MUST for all joey pouch liners.

Outer pouches: Cotton, flannelette, polar fleece, wool, jersey, sweatshirt material, etc. Poly blends and synthetics are OK. Carers have their own preferences based on their experience and environment. French seams are not needed for outer pouches.

3D hanging pouches tutorial: https://www.facebook.com/groups/arfsncrafts/permalink/2811263908926153/
Bag hanging pouch tutorial: https://www.facebook.com/groups/arfsncrafts/permalink/2807006449351899/

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Peg Fong is also in recovery from newspapers

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