Quilters support Australian wildlife rescue efforts

Local sewers have answered the call for support from Australia’s wildlife rescue community.
Creemore House of Stitches hosted two charity sewing days, making koala mittens one day, and joey pouches on the other.
It is estimated more than one billion animals have been killed in Australia’s bushfires and wildlife rescue centres are frantically trying to keep up as they care for those suffering from burns and food shortages.
Creemore House of Stitches owner Cheryl Robertson said it was a nice way to bring people together to sew and show support for Australia. Robertson donated the fabric but the labour was volunteer.
Quilters from all over the world have been answering the call for donations. As the fires move, wildlife rescue centres that have ample supplies are passing them on to the next area affected by fire.
Joey pouches are used to comfort orphaned baby kangaroos robbed of their mother’s pouch. They have handles and can be hung on a fence or in a tree while the joeys are convalescing from their burn wounds. The koala mittens are used to treat koala bears whose hands have been burned. Others are making bat wraps and blankets.
Robertson said the effort is being coordinated with Heidi Elder, who will be sending the supplies along with the ones she is creating with her students.
Quilters are also sending contributions of Bushfire Tree Blocks to the Wollongong Modern Quilt Guild.
New South Wales communities devastated by bushfire will be receiving quilts compiled from these tree blocks being created around the world.
Wollongong Modern Quilt Guild said the tree is a symbol of growth and nourishment, symbolizing generations of a family.
“We would love our quilts to be beautiful and diverse just like our wonderful communities,” said organizers.