Startup the sewing machine and grab your hook to help animals rescued from Australian fires

The recent coverage of the widespread Australian wildfires has resulted in aid flooding worldwide. The most prevalent aid is monetary, however, the donations pouring in from the over 224,000 members of the Animal Rescue Craft Guild are donations of a different kind.

Created in April of last year, the Animal Rescue Craft Guild is dedicated to donating handmade items needed by animal rescues in Australia. Due to the numerous bushfires currently affecting much of the country, the needs of Australian animal rescues have vastly increased.

To help combat this, the group became an exhaustive source of rescue-approved sewing, knitting and crocheting patterns. The group admins keep in contact with animal rescues to communicate to the group members what items are needed and to what degree.

They are currently most in need of joey pouches in sizes from XXS-XXL, hanging pouches and 3D hanging pouches. However, bat wraps, bird/rodent nest, possum/bird boxes and blankets are also needed.

The distribution centers are currently taking inventory of donations and will update their list of needed items on the page in the coming days.

General guidelines

The admins make it clear that crafters should only use the approved patterns found on the Animal Rescue Craft Guild’s Facebook under the “Files” tab. Items received that are not up to the specifications of the patterns will be discarded.

For those interested in making a variety of items with the least amount of fabrics, flannel, tight weave linen, bamboo or cotton are acceptable for any of the patterns. The group encourages reusing clean fabrics such as old sheets if they meet the fabric qualifications as a way to keep costs down.

Fabrics with any glitter of plastic coatings should not be used. Natural fabrics must be used for pouch liners and linings, but synthetics, polyester, fleece and terry cloth can be used on the outside of most patterns.

The group also asks that crafters refrain from using fabrics with pilling as animals may suck on or ingest the pills.

For those able to knit or crochet, wool yarn is the most versatile. Hooks or needles that are 4mm can be used on all patterns as well as 8 ply yarn.

Where to send

The group has two addresses that donations can be sent to. From there they will be distributed to animal rescues in need.

Animal Rescue Collective
c/o Nicole Blums
Unit 4, 55 Tenby Street
Mount Gravatt, QLD
Australia

Animal Rescue Collective
c/o Allison Cairns
132 / 20 Federal Highway
4122 Watson, Canberra, ACT 2602
Australia