Getting organised

I should be getting organised for the Stitches and Craft Show.... it's only four weeks away. There are samples to make, patterns to finish, tutorials to write, PowerPoint presentations (eek!) to prepare.... not to mention organising display.... oh and booking flights and freight for the Brisbane show... But I'm having problems thinking about anything but "HOW CAN I HELP THE PEOPLE WHO HAVE LOST EVERYTHING???". My own life and business seem very trivial when compared with what these people have endured.So.... I've organised this sewing bee.... a small thing indeed but it's something that I can do. I have the space (endless amounts because the huge room next door is empty.... and there's a huge hallway... and another room downstairs that I could use....), the equipment and the resources to accommodate as many people who can cut, sew, embellish, make tea, sew buttons and want to come to Brunswick on Saturday to bring a bit of cheer to some traumatised children. I've spent today emailing and liasing, so we have tons of fabric, space and tables... we just need a few more people. Email me if you can come. Email your friends, schools and childcare centres and spread the word if you can't help out yourself.

THANK YOU to the generous souls who have offered their help on Saturday, and those who have donated bag-fillers.

THANK YOU to those of you who can't make it but will be making things in your own part of the world and sending them in.

INTERNATIONAL/INTERSTATE READERS - or even if you live in Brunswick but can't make anything - you can still help here...

For those of you sewing elsewhere... I'll try to do a quick tutorial for a simple bag in the next few days. I've worked out that a bag size of about 30cm x 35cm would be good - it will fit a colouring book, a jig-saw or a softie (I tried things out from the donation box) but not be too big for a small child to carry.

Remember the Xmas bags? Easy as pie.... anyone can do it.... They don't have to be super-duper bags. Just something made with a bit of love. (Super-duper bags are welcome, too... I'm going to donate some of my pattern samples for the older girls).

Today I spoke to one of the women in my building who's family is from one of the suburbs that was razed by the fire. She tells me that the people who have been left homeless are getting lots of donated goods, but SOMETHING TO CARRY/STORE THINGS IN is one of the simple things being overlooked. These people no longer have cupboards, wardrobes or even a gym bag....
PS. If you have an old phone charger, donate it to the Salvos. People saved their phones but not their chargers when they were running from the fires. Apparently Kinglake Pub is one of the few buildings left in the area with power, and is a "find a charger that fits" hub.