This week past has made me think about my skills and abilities. Not the sort that one puts on a CV, but things that really count when the chips are down. Things that are of true service to others in the bad times.
And sadly, I realised there weren't many.
I can't fight a fire; rescue people; treat injuries; offer counselling. I have two very small boys and can't leave the family for long periods to volunteer. Money - lots and lots of it - is needed, but like most ordinary people I have finite financial resources to draw on. After pressing the donate button on the Red Cross website a number of times, I realised that in the great scheme of things I felt quite useless.
So thank goodness I learnt to sew last year.
Many hardworking, talented and inspired people have been setting up practical and meaningful ways for people like myself to contribute a small something to the relief effort. On Saturday I joined in a sewing bee, so generously organised and hosted by Nikki. A huge pile of beautiful children's bags (some of which are picture above), appliqued tee-shirts and other items were handmade to help aid Monica's wonderful Rainbow Comfort Pack project. It was good to be able to do something useful.
So for now, sewing it is. Sewing things to sell and raise money. Sewing things with love and care to donate.
Sewing for good is a particularly valuable skill :)
ReplyDeleteOh so true! It's amazing how sewing something lovely lessens the feeling of helplessness in situations like this.
ReplyDeleteHey Hoppo! I'm inspired by the Handmade Help sewing projects on your blog, and I'm about to do some sewing too to make a contribution.
ReplyDeleteWhich means that blogging is another of your skills, because it's spreading the word and passing on good ideas about how we can help. Yes!
I feel the same way. My cupcakes are always quite popular at work, so this week, instead of giving them I am going to sell them, to raise money for the appeal.
ReplyDeleteEvery little action helps, no matter how small. I am sure you are making a difference in many peoples lives with your sewing.
You really are one of the good ones. I'm glad you learnt to sew too.
ReplyDeleteGood work HB - you are putting me to shame. I have cut out something to make and sell for the appeal but that is as far is has gone. To make up for my severe lack of effort I am gaily bidding on other people's Handmade Help items.
ReplyDeletePhew - you will need a big rest after all of this
That is fantastic! I contacted Nikki saying that I couldn't come to the sewing bee but I would sew some totes at home instead on Sat. I managed to sew up 9 totes and they will be going to Monica once I find some things to put in the totes.
ReplyDeleteI can totally relate to this post, after doating the money we could, sewing was all I could contribute. And it helps take my mind off all of the sad bushfire stories too!
ReplyDeleteYou have done an amazing job - it's amazing what people power can do, well done!
ReplyDeleteThe skill that you have to make things with your hands will never let you down, because you have the heart and the eye to see that they do help. We're all different in the skills and talents we have - some of yours you don;t tend to notice, like having good solid values, being warm and lovely to people online and off, and being thoughtful enough to promote (as Bellgirl said) a good cause through your blog. All together, that's a pretty good bank balance in the helping bank.
ReplyDeleteI cannot believe you out yourself down!
ReplyDeleteI am sure you have MANY skills. MANY more than you realise.
Sewing is GOOD. As many people say the hand made stuff really touches their hearts.
It is all a drip effect - we do what we can, where we can and slowly it builds into something mahoosive. It will only be in retrospect that what we do will seem concrete.
ReplyDeleteYou are doing mighty fine in the skill set dept and in hlping at the sewing bee.
ReplyDeleteGood on you. Sewing it a time honoured skill that come in very handy in all sorts o situations.
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