If you have been reading this blog for any length of time, you will remember Zed’s posts. She does some wonderful experimental felt making and is always trying out new fiber, embellishments and other fun stuff and letting us know what happens. Zed has not posted here since June because she has been having a very difficult situation in life. She has been on disability benefits ESA and PIP due to conditions called Myalgic Encephalomyelitis (ME) and Basilar Artery Migraine. Last year, Zed was offered the chance to try self-employment for a year under a government scheme. Although it wasn’t a ‘runaway success’, with the safety net of Working Tax Credits to make up the difference in income to the same amount as ESA, she decided to try and make a go of ‘Felt by Zed’. Zed didn’t realize that she wouldn’t be entitled to the other low-income benefits she’d previously claimed which help with rent and council tax, so she used her savings and money from her mom’s will to cover these. Unfortunately, the savings ran out at the same time a PIP re-assessment resulted in a benefits cut of 33%, so soon income was less than expenses.

Zed’s debts have spiralled and due to bad advice, and other unfortunate experiences with the system, Zed is now being threatened with eviction. Zed is unable to work a normal job due to ME and is finding it difficult to even afford food. By raising $1,000.00, Zed will be able to pay past debts and start fresh. Zed may be entitled to Universal Credit but won’t be able to get an appointment until after the holidays. It takes 5 weeks for the applications to be approved.

We here at The Felting and Fiber Studio feel it is important to help our own. We have started a GoFundMe campaign for Zed and have contributed $200 to start out the campaign. Here is the link if you would be so kind as to donate a few dollars or pounds.

https://www.gofundme.com/f/zwgeb-zed-needs-your-help?utm_source=customer&utm_medium=copy_link&utm_campaign=p_cf+share-flow-1

If all our readers could afford a few dollars, we could reach this goal very quickly. Or if you don’t feel comfortable giving through GoFundMe, would you consider buying one of Zed’s e-books? https://feltingandfiberstudio.com/shop/felt-by-zed/

Your generosity will allow Zed to pay back any debts owed and afford the basics over the holiday season. We appreciate any amount that you are able or willing to give. Thank you!

The Felting and Fiber Studio Team