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As you all know by now, Gatton, Australia was hit pretty hard in the recent flooding.  It was a coincidence that we shared the article on the ladies of Sew Creative during that time.  Many of you have asked how everyone is doing.  Gail Chalker sent us a note to let you know that they are ok and have set up the shop to serve as a place of refuge. 
"As to the flood here in Queensland it is devastating.  Gatton and Grantham bore the brunt of the flood with the army and police still recovering bodies daily.  The sound of helicopters flying over my home and shop each day is frightening as you know it means more tragedy.   My dear brother Graham had seconds to get out before his home was swept away.  He survived with the clothes on his back and then spent the next hour trying to save as many folk as he could – unfortunately the flood was so fast many drowned before his eyes.   Each of my children were affected by floodwaters as well as my 80 year old father.  As each was evacuated they came to my home which we re-named Mattress Inn – but it was so good to have them all safe.

Brisbane (our capitol) was also badly hit but folk had about 10 hours of notice of the impending flood.  Grantham had none!

As to Sew Creative we were spared.  To help we opened the shop as a drop in point for the ladies in the Evacuation Centre.  They shared coffee, tears and we had quilts that needed binding so they could sit and stitch, chatter etc.  We sent each of the quilters away with a stack of patchwork and quilting magazines so they had something to distract them whilst in the Evac. Centre. 

We have quilts ready to go and we are also making up ‘quilters care packages’ with scissors, needles etc as well as ‘ladies care packages’ with personal toiletries as we see the Mums looking after their kids needs first so we at Sew Creative thought they need them.    

Business wise the flood will be the end of many businesses in the Gatton / Grantham area and I pray Sew Creative will not be one of them.  As Australians ‘Aussies’ we have a saying ‘it’ll be alright mate’ and I believe with everyone pulling together Queenslanders will come through this tragedy!" Gail Chalker

If you want to help, be sure to check out the online auctions taking place through January 24, 2011.