Sewing is always something I personally wish I had the time and patience to do more often. Although I can occasionally be seen stitching up tiny holes or tears in garments and blankets, I may never be considered an advanced sewer or even someone who sews for fun in their spare time. But I sure do have respect for those who have taken up the practical hobby!
You bet that 85-year-old Spring Valley, CA resident, Patsy Ford, is one of those people I have heavy respect for. Sewing is something that Patsy has done for 30 years. Over the past three decades, she’s taken on many projects. However, a recent sewing project she has taken on is not only massive, but she’s doing it to aid marsupials affected by the Australian bushfires.
In 20 to 30 minutes, Patsy can create a colorful, handmade fabric pouch that mimicks the pouch of marsupial animals such as kangaroos. The temporary habitats for young marsupials that Pasty creates are excellent for the animals who have lost their mothers, whether locationally or to death, due to the devastating wildfires rapidly spreading across Australian borders.
Patsy’s great at sewing, but she admits that she has never taken on a sewing project like this in the past. In addition, she doesn’t know much about the animals in Australia other that they’re in a state of serious danger.
“This is different. I know very little about marsupials. I’m aware they exist,” she said.
Patsy, however, knows enough about marsupials to know that the baby animals thrive in their momma’s pouch.
“That’s all they’ve known: a pouch and a pouch pocket,” said Patsy who wishes to bring a sense of comfort to the stressed out, pouch-dwelling baby animals of Australia.
She may not be an expert, but there’s no doubt that Patsy is doing great things for the needy animals of Australia. She felt compelled to help because just hearing the bushfires broke her heart.
“How can this happen? It’s so sad.”
With heavy motivation to help during the natural disaster, Pasty says that she has created hundreds and thousands of pouches for the critters of Australia.
Apart from the pouch project for marsupials, Patsy has also created tote bags for the police department to aid with domestic violence. It’s incredible to hear that her 30 years of sewing is paying off in ways she never imagined.
What a lovely woman with a big heart! Meet Patsy below.
