Assistance Dog Patches & Custom Embroidery
WELCOME TO AVASA CRAFTS
“Awesome patch!”
“Such great quality!”
“Received very quickly”
Who is the person behind Avasa Crafts?
Hi, I’m Sarah and I have spent most of my life in South Australia, and my husband Tharrow, grew up in the USA. In 2016 we became nomads travelling between South Australia, Victoria, New South Wales and Queensland for around 10 months of the year with a 19ft Caravan towed by a very thirsty Landcruiser. In 2020 we settled in Queensland when our 3 beautiful granddaughters came to live with us.
What is my the connection with assistance dogs?
I had become very ill in 2014 which meant I could no longer work or care for myself completely. Tharrow became my full time carer and because of this, he also had to stop working. Our dream had always been to travel Australia but having several health issues, I just couldn't see how this would be possible. A friend said that I should consider an Assistance Dog. I had never heard of them before, so I did my research and thought one might benefit me, and possibly even allow us to travel. We purchased my first AD Crosby from his breeder in early 2016.
Crosby
Nash
Devon, 2019
“These patches are too cute! Very high quality, I'm super pleased with my order.”
Kameron, 2019
“Best patch ever! Going to get more for the rest of his gear.”
How did you get into embroidering for assistance dogs?
When I got Crosby, there were very few Australian made Assistance Dog patches, and most of the ones available from the USA said 'Service' instead of Assistance dog and/or they often cost 5 times more than the patches to ship them here.
My friend Trisha gifted me her unused Brother Galaxie 3000 embroidery machine (dubbed Miss Galaxie), and a passion was born. I began by making basic patches for Crosby. I could only use the built in fonts and frames, but somehow I made it work for Crosby's first vest. I posted a couple of photos on an Australian Assistance Dog Facebook page, and several friends asked me to make them patches. People started asking where they had got them from and they handed my details out.
I have supported several NFP organisations that trains AD's for people in need. I have been able to contribute patches to to various veteran support organisations including Hearts for Heroes, Defence Community Dogs and Heroes on the Homefront, fundraising items for several animal rescues, and for the Australian Farmers Drought Relief.
Penny and Winnie. Our much loved Havanese.
How is Avasa Embroidery going?
In 2017 I opened an Etsy shop and listed only 30 Assistance/Service Dog patches but like a snowball rolling downhill, it grew and grew and grew. I did specialise in one-off custom designed patches and have now designed 100's of themed patches from New Years Eve, Veteran's Day, Easter and a Disney inspired working dog patch for a handler who actually works in the Walt Disney office.
In December 2020, Avasa Crafts took a break due to family commitments. This was a difficult decision but the right thing to do at the time.
Now I am so ready to start again.. I've really missed it!!! I have a brand new industrial embroidery machine that arrived mid July and I’m constantly updating my designs for the new machine and testing out sublimation printing!
The new Avasa will be concentrating on offering pre-made, ready to send patches, Leash Sleeves and quality hand-made gifts and lots of custom doggy stuff.
My new 12 needle embroidery machine
High quality and easy to read.