The Register Citizen (Torrington, CT)
For the love of Australia’s wildlife, pouches
Tragedy brings out the best in humanity. It’s a phrase often repeated, and it was on display for all who attended the Pouches for Joeys charity event, that was held Jan. 11 at In Sheep’s Clothing, 10 Water St, and has continued since. Eleven enthusiastic participants crammed into the small shop that afternoon. Everyone, including three young girls, were prepared to help in whatever way possible.
It had been asked if the group discussed the horrendous Australian fires that had brought us all together, that afternoon. Honestly, if anyone would start to express their thoughts, they would stop short, as if finishing the thought just made it too real and too awful. Instead, everyone kept upbeat about the job at hand.
The idea was to make pouches for orphaned and injured marsupials, or “joeys,” as they are affectionately known in Australia. There were three knitters and the rest would sew. Wildcare Australia Inc in South-east Queensland is the non-profit organization the shop is working with. They have a wonderful set of patterns that can be downloaded, and easily followed. If you’re interested in a free download for the PDF, or wish to donate or help in any way please email: insheepscloth@gmail.com. or call 860-482-3979. You may also donate directly to Wildcare at https://wildcare.org.au/
A call for help making the pouches went out earlier that week on Facebook, and in that week’s Focus on Fiber Arts. Donations for postage and fabric from non-sewers came in, as well as some sewers. I was surprised to receive a message from a mom asking if her daughter Tatum could have a birthday wish come true — to help the animals of Australia. Mom, Tatum, sister Harper, and friend Lexi all came ready to help. Tammy and husband Scott arrived laden down with fabric and proceeded to cut out pattern pieces. Judith manned her machine, offering sewing advice. The girls watched how one pouch was made, step by step, and sewn together. They were quick studies and, taking turns, they each sewed a pouch. The fact that none had ever sewn on a machine did not deter them. Even the non-sewing, fabric cutting couple completed a pouch together.
The one-day event did not stop there. Calls and people continued to come in with contributions. People expressed their sorrow with donations, and the offers of help. Sewers were invited to come in and sew in the shop, while others made multiple trips bringing in finished pouches. Irene and her cutting and sewing skills became a lifesaver. Thank you to Irene, Rose, Sharon, and Daphne for their cutting and sewing skills. With all the activity, two days in the shop were written off as pouch making days.
Even my husband, who had given me a side eye when I told him about the plan, came home with two unsolicited donations from friends who wanted to help.
The Saturday sewing session yielded 11 pouches. A week later, more than 100 pouches were made including several knit pouches.
The tragedy in Australia, and the heartbreak that everyone feels for their iconic wildlife, has brought out the best in our humanity.