We're calling all local crafty people - knitters, sewers, makers and recyclers - to join us for a free Crafternoon Tea on Sunday 12 January to help animal rescue.
Animal rescuers are in desperate need of items to help wildlife affected by the bushfires - pouches, nests & wraps.
We want to bring together likeminded people in our community to help make items in need. So bring along your knitting needles, sewing machines, or donations of fabric and wool. Anyone who'd like to help is welcome.
As owners of the Avalon, we can't knit or sew to save our lives, but we can host a fabulous afternoon tea to help save lives of wildlife in need.
We look forward to you joining us!
David, Dylan and the Avalon team
Animal Rescue Crafternoon Tea
When: Sunday 12 January
Time: 2pm - 5pm
Where: Avalon Restaurant, 18 Katoomba St, Katoomba
Cost: Free
Food and Drinks: We will be providing complementary tea, coffee, juices and soft drinks, along with a selection of food items including scones, muffins, cupcakes. Gluten free items will also be available.
Please do not bring any food or drinks from outside. As we are a licensed venue, BYO alcohol is not permitted however, we will have our bar open if crafters would like to enjoy a glass of wine or bubbles while they create.
We need the amazing skills of volunteers to produce pouches, wraps and more for orphaned wildlife.
What’s most needed?
Joey pouches of all sizes and styles are MOST needed.
Sewers
Most needed are bat wraps, joey pouches of all sizes, and hanging joey pouches. All of these can be made with a sewing machine. (No hand sewn items.)
Crocheters
We need your birds nest making skills! Crocheted nests of various sizes are needed for orphaned birds and small rodents. Also blankets.
Knitters
If you can knit you can make some sweet blankets and jumpers that'll keep animals warm. There are some great knitting patterns that can be whipped up for our joeys and other animals. Knitted joey pouches are also needed.
Joey Pouches
Carers need a constant supply so please make as many you can make. They will be needed over the next few months and are distributed to carers all around the country.
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
Inner pouches: should be made of 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.
Bat Wraps
100% cotton flannelette is preferred.
Crochet Nests
A variety of sizes are needed. Our recommendation is to use one thread of a cotton 8-10ply and one thread of 8ply acrylic with a 5 to 5.5mm hook. See the files section for our preferred pattern.
Animal Beds
There have been many displaced animals due to the fires and Australia’s pounds are full. Rescuers are taking on as many as possible, but supplies are dwindling. Making these beds will keep a variety of animals comfortable. These beds will be used for domestic animals as well as wildlife being transported between vets and carers.
These beds are comfortable but not too thick, making them easy to wash and replace frequently. Scared, injured, anxious animals can wee, bleed, vomit, poop, or get their dinner all over these, so their carers need a few per animal.
DROP OFF AND DONATIONS
You can drop all created items off to Avalon Restaurant and we will facilitate distribution in collaboration with the Animal Rescue Craft Guild
