Tom and Linda Diak
Donation protected
We are Tom and Linda Diak, owners of DyakCraft LLC. Tom crafts the finest fiber art tools: knitting needles, crochet hooks, quilting tools, and hand spindles. After 20 years of creating the world's most beautiful tools, Tom needs several surgeries on each hand.
We knew this was coming. We expected to shut down for a few months next year for surgery and recovery. To facilitate this, we ordered a computerized longarm so that Linda could develop a quilting business and carry us financially for a few months next year. (We are still awaiting the longarm.) Shortly after that, Tom met with his surgeon (also a knitter!), and we were given alarming news. The surgeon advised us that Tom needed surgery - several surgeries on each hand - as soon as possible, and recovery would be extensive. We were told he would be out of commission for a year.
We cannot close the wood shop. The equipment cannot be readily replaced and must be maintained for the year Tom is not working, and the rent has to be paid. As self-employed artists, the cost of our health insurance is carried solely by us (presently $1852 a month) and any uncovered medical expenses. The pandemic and the housing shortage it caused in Vermont meant we had to purchase our house at the end of last year and pay the total property tax this year. The shortage of good aluminum removed some of our most popular products from sales this year.
In short, this hit us at a vulnerable time. We need help to get through this.
We are rearranging the studio portions of the house in preparation for the arrival of the longarm. Linda is readying quilts for practice and samples and will update the quilt site with an intake form as soon as possible. In the meantime, we need to order batting, thread, and supporting equipment. And we need to continue to pay our bills, health insurance, mortgage, shop rent, and uncovered medical expenses.
Tom's shoes are large ones to fill (literally and figuratively), and quilting alone will not get us through the coming year, but quilting and help from our friends and customers might make it possible. No amount is too small. If you are unable to donate, please share our gofundme.
Thank you!
Tom and Linda Diak
On Facebook and Instagram:
@dyakcraft and @lindadiakquilts
Organizer
Linda Diak
Organizer
Chester, VT
