Cool water-soaked crystals in fabric neck ties now wrap the necks of firefighters as they work to save homes and land in the Manning-Great Lakes.
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Last Friday around 25 women rallied with their sewing machines to take part in a sewing bee to make more than 500 cool ties in Country Pickin's at the Corner in Taree.
Fabric was cut, sewn, water absorbent crystals stitched into each tie, packed in plastic bags and the finished 'cool ties' delivered to firefighters stationed at the former Masters building in Taree. That was Friday, and by Monday they were all gone.
So Country Pickin's owner, Robyen Gibney will again open her store to host another sewing bee this Friday, November 22 to make more cool ties. She is hoping the community will rally to gift 100 per cent cotton fabric, and that people will come with their machines to sew from 10am.
Robyen's decision to open her large sewing room came in response to customer, Robyn Laurenson's suggestion that cool ties would be welcomed by firefighters working in extreme heat.
"I used to make and sell them at a little shop I had in Wilberforce," Robyn said.
"We had some really bad fires down in the Hawkesbury a few years ago and so I gathered up the ones I had made and took them to the firies, and they said they were just amazing.
"So when the fires hit here I thought, I just can't sit here and do nothing, so I got out my fabric and started to make some. At best I could only make about 30 in a day and so that's when I reached out to Robyen."
Country Pickin's issued an appeal for volunteers on Wednesday, and two days later the store hummed with the sound of machines as the women, and a few men, worked in a production line to sew and pack the cool ties.
"I was not surprised by the number who came in because I think the girls always come out for a cause. If it's something they can do to help our community the girls will get together," Robyen said.
"The atmosphere was buzzy and everyone said they had a great day. We've put another SOS out for this Friday and there are girls who put their hands up straight away who came the week before."
Robyen says the plan is to try to get cool ties out to all our local fire brigades and to also create a YouTube tutorial.
"We will do a YouTube video on how to make them so other local groups can make them because they are not hard to do. We thought that would be a helpful thing to do."
"It's only the start of the fire season" Robyn added.
"One thing that came out of Friday was learning how much the ladies appreciated having something they could do to give back; that was a huge thing, and it's one thing that I'm really strong about is mental health. For groups to come together in times of crisis to help is wonderful."
To take part in the second sewing bee contact Country Pickin's on 6552 2092 or to donate fabric visit the shop at 29 Pulteney Street, Taree.
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