(The Koala Amigurumi can be found on the bottom of the post)
It can be a scary world and right now, Australia is in the thick of a disaster. I would love to keep this blog lighthearted and fun, but when there’s issues going on it’s really hard to sit back and ignore it.
It’s been a bit surprising to talk to some people and they still haven’t seen the news about what’s going (which isn’t anyone’s fault) but today, I’m going to be using my platform to bring awareness to whats going on! Inform yourself on what’s going on, and if you want to help that is great!
Whether or not you help, spreading the message of what is going on and contacting your representatives about tackling climate change is important.
So what’s going on?
Right now, there are about 200 fires that are spread across the entire country and the smoke is spreading miles – even turning the skies yellow all the way into New Zealand.
With the fires spreading across 15 million acres of land, many homes are being burnt to the ground and breathing conditions have become toxic. As of January 5, 24 people have been killed and 1 billion animals have died from the fires which will continue.
With conditions like these, it’s not easy for a lot of these animals to escape, and the big one people are focusing on are Koalas since they are so slow to move. I wont be posting images of the injured animals, but it is heartbreaking.
This post isn’t an opportunity to argue about if climate change is real – many people don’t believe the facts so here’s a real life example of it.
To learn more about these fires and what’s going on more in depth, here are some sources I encourage you to check out to learn about how they people and wildlife are affected, the weather patterns these fires are creating, and how this will be affecting the world:
So How Can I Help?
There a few ways that I’ll be listing below to let you know how can you help no matter where you are in the world!
- The best way you can help with the situation is by donating money, and every little bit helps. The money goes towards the relief funds to and professionals who are trying to stop these fires. Along with that, the money also goes to housing those who have lost their homes, animal treatment, Relief services, which includes: (From Red Cross)
- recovery programs and emergency assistance in communities affected by disasters like bushfires, heat, floods cyclones and other emergencies
- helping people and communities prepare for disasters and protect what matters most
- training, equipment, logistics and coordination of our volunteers
Where Can I Donate?
(Click the link to be directed)
And for after this is resolved, philanthropy organizations such as the Foundation for Rural and Regional Renewal
What Can Crafters Do?
There’s a lot of items that can be helpful in times like these! Here is another way us fiber artists can help, thanks to the information provided by the moderators from the Animal Rescue Craft Guild (More details and updates found HERE) Head over to find the patterns and as well.
- Sewers: Joey pouches, hanging joey pouches, bat wraps, quilts and blankets. No hand sewn items.
- Crocheters: Birds nests, blankets, joey pouch outers, animal jumpers.
- Knitters: Blankets, joey pouch outers, animal jumpers.
And you can even donate to them HERE
Spreading Awareness
If you don’t have the means to donate or create something for the animals in need, talking about what’s going on and spreading awareness has an impact as well.
Making it known whats going on and addressing climate change is the way to make change and force our representatives hands into fighting this issue. Because awareness is o high right now, more people are donating and helping our fellow humans.
Koala Pattern
So to convince you to head to this post and read about what’s going on, here is the free koala amigurumi pattern! You can use this piece to raise awareness about what’s going on.
Nearly 8000 have died since the fires began (Source: CBS) so here is an ode to them.
So here’s what you’ll need:
Lion Brand Yarn Basic Stitch (In White, black, pink, and white)
Dimensions:
Width – 3″ inches
Height – 2.5″ inches
Skill Level: Easy
Gauge:
Not needed for this project
Abbreviations:
Ch – chain
Sc – Single Crochet
Hdc – Half Double Crochet
Dc – Double Crochet
Inc – Increase
Dec – Decrease
Sl st – Slip stitch
FO -Finish Off
Don’t Forget to Pin for Later!
Let’s Begin!
Main body starting in grey
Rnd 1: 6 Sc into Magic Ring (6)
Rnd 2: *Inc* around (12)
Rnd 3: *Sc, Inc* around (18)
Rnd 4: *Sc 2, Inc* around (24)
Rnd 5: *Sc 3, Inc* around (30)
Rnd 6: *Sc 4, Inc* around (36)
Rnd 7: *Sc 5, Inc* around (42)
Rnd 8: *Sc 6, Inc* around (48)
Rnd 9-15: Sc around (48)
Rnd 16: *Sc 6, Dec* around (42)
Rnd 17: *Sc 5, dec* around (36)
Rnd 18: *Sc 4, dec* around (30)
Stuff firmly and insert your safety eyes! Which will be placed in round 12, 8 stitches apart.
Rnd 19: *Sc 3, dec* around (24)
Rnd 20: *Sc 2, dec* around (18)
Rnd 21: *Sc 1, dec* around (12)
Ears (Make 2)
Rnd 1: 6 Sc into Magic Ring (6)
Rnd 2: *Inc* around (12)
Rnd 3: *Sc, Inc* around (18)
Finish off
Nose
Begin by chaining 5
Sc in second chain from hook. Sc across until last stitch. 3 sc in last stitch, you will begin turning. Sc across other side until last stitch. Finish off.
Leaf
Begin by chaining 6
In first stitch, slip stitch. In next, sc. Hdc into next. Dc into the following. Into the last stitch, Dc x4 (your work will begin to turn) then work the same way on the bottom side by doing dc, hdc, sc, and sl st.
Assembly
The assembly doesn’t take too long for this project! Adding on the nose onto the face between your safety eyes, add on the ears to the top! You can add the leaf anywhere you find fit, but I personally love the idea of the koala eating it. Embroider some cheeks and eyebrows and you’re all done!
You may not sell my patterns or claim them as your own. You may make items to sell(i.e. on Etsy, at craft fairs) from my patterns but I ask that you link back to my blog and provide credit for the pattern. You are welcome to share my patterns on social media so long as you link back directly to my blog post(providing the link). No copy & paste of my patterns will be allowed under any circumstances.
Be sure to tag @knot.bad and @yarnpunk on your socials and use the hashtag #yarnpunk!
Jasia Liszewski says
Thank you Vincent for reaching out to your audience of how this not only impacts us but also the world. It’s not only the human,animal,reptile, insect world that has been desecrated but the mental toll on all of them will be there for a long time. I applaud your stance on all that is good and kind for us. Thank you. My kindest regards Jasia🐝