Wildcare Australia Inc
Wildcare Australia Inc is a non-profit organisation situated in South-east Queensland (from NSW border to Fraser Coast). It was originally formed as the Australian Koala Hospital Association. In 1994, it became an Incorporated Association and registered charity.
The mission and aim of Wildcare Australia Inc is to rescue and care for sick, injured, orphaned and displaced native wildlife with the intention of returning them to the wild. On top of this, they promote the protection of wildlife by maintaining and re-establishing habitats and advising the community on solutions to wildlife problems.
DID YOU KNOW?
The term ‘joey’ refers to the young of any marsupial such as baby possums, gliders, kangaroos, wallabies, koalas and bandicoots!
For this month’s charity we are asking you to create and sew pouches that will be used for orphaned joeys to create a warm and secure space in which the joey will live until it is old enough (…and brave enough!) to start to venture out.
DID YOU KNOW?
Each joey will need at least 30 pouches whilst it is in care as they are changed regularly.
SEWALONG BRIEF
FABRICS
- Preferably fabric made from soft natural fibres such as 100% cotton. Suitable types of cotton include t-shirt/knit material or cotton flannelette
- Unfurred joeys have sensitive and delicate skin so the fabric needs to be soft to avoid irritation.
- Your fabric does not need to be brand new, good quality second-hand fabrics sourced from bed linen can also be used. A flannelette sheet makes the perfect pouch!
- Marsupial joeys like to suckle, sometimes on their pouch, so materials that do not shed any lint, or pill, or have any loose threads are essential.
- There is no preference for specific colours or fabric designs/patterns – joeys don’t mind if the fabric is slightly “ugly”!
DID YOU KNOW?
Non-natural or synthetic fabrics do not “breathe” well and can cause the joeys to overheat.
SIZES
Different species require different size pouches. We have provided a general guideline for the finished sizes of pouches for various species. Don’t stress if your pouch ends up being slightly different in size – joeys come in all sizes!
Feel free to adjust the size slightly to maximise the width of the fabric.
Finished Size |
Material Cut Size |
| Koalas 20cm wide x 30cm deep |
25cm x 70cm |
| Gliders 15cm wide x 20cm deep |
20cm x 50cm |
| Possums 15cm wide x 20cm deep 10cm wide x 15cm deep for unfurred possums |
20cm x 50cm 15cm x 40cm |
| Bandicoots & Small Carnivorous Marsupials 15cm wide x 20cm deep |
20cm x 50cm |
| Wallabies and Kangaroos 25cm wide x 35cm deep for unfurred joeys 35cm wide x 40cm deep for just furring joeys 50cm wide x 65cm deep for fully furred joeys |
30cm x 80cm 40cm x 90cm 55cm x 140cm |
PATTERNS
Wildcare Australia Inc have provided instructions for 2 types of pouches required, both are simple projects and are used throughout the year. Simply click on the link below to download the instructions for the relevant pouch.
Download Standard Pouch Instructions →
Download Double Pouch Instructions (great for winter) →
WANT MORE OF A CHALLENGE?
Wildcare Australia Inc also accept donations for Rescue Basket Covers which are to cover the plastic picnic-style baskets used by wildlife carers to transport the animals.
If you plan to make multiple basket covers; Wildcare Australia Inc have offered to post a full size pattern free of charge. Simply get in contact with them via karen@wildcare.org.au.
Simply click on the link below to download the instructions for the Rescue Basket Cover.
Download Rescue Basket Cover Instructions →
Note: Wildcare Australia Inc are happy to add the KAM snaps to these basket covers if you cannot provide them.
HOW LONG DO I HAVE TO CREATE THIS PROJECT?
This sewalong will run from 1 – 30th April 2019. However, you can continue to donate to your local wildlife charity all year round.
THINGS TO REMEMBER
Sewalongs are a great way to get inspired by what everyone creates while giving to a worthy cause. If you’re new to sewing this is a great chance to get involved and have fun no matter what the outcome. Any excuse to put your sewing machines to good use is a great one.
SENDING IN YOUR DONATIONS
These bags can be posted to any of the Echidna stores or you can send them directly to:
Wildcare Australia Inc
PO Box 2379
Nerang Mail Centre
Qld 4211
If it is more economical to send via Sendle/courier and you require a street address, please email karen@wildcare.org.au.
Be sure to include your name, postal address and contact details with your donation.
As Wildcare Australia Inc are located primarily in South-east Queensland (from NSW border to Fraser Coast), please feel welcome to donate your creations to your local wildlife group if it seems more appropriate.
If you have trouble finding a local group please get in contact with Wildcare and they will put you in touch with some. Contact karen@wildcare.org.au.
