Crochet Therapy

Another week has gone by and my cat is still trying to hang in there. He's been eating and drinking randomly on his own and with coaxing.  It's just worrisome that he hasn't went number 2.  We took him back to the vet last night and she did another X-ray and felt his colon but she insists there is nothing in his bowel.  He must be absorbing it all.  She believes the mass around the colon is just blocking the movement. He doesn't seem in pain.  

I started the Sophie's Universe Crochet A Long this weekend.  It's just so pretty and I had to try it.

So I've been crocheting to help with the stress of which is why I got back into crochet years ago when dealing with my parents.  Hence my name Crochetapy. Crochet is therapy.

This was a WIP that I pulled out.  A cotton blanket my aunt had started and gave me along with the yarn.  I've since started into the second large ball and hope that will make a decent length.  If not I 

may have to hunt it down at the yarn store.  It should be nice to bring on a picnic or walk or something.  It's a long weekend here in Canada, Victoria Day. Always nice to have the day off however this region is famous for it's humidity which isn't so great for wanting to do outdoor activities.  

Trying Times

One of the hardest things in life is having to face when you will have to put your pet down.

Especially when it's the suck, the baby, the one that loves to snuggle and purrs up a storm.

The vet found a mass in his stomach/intestines.  He's been randomly eating with the aid of 

some medications and near forcing.  He hasn't gone number 2 on his own in a while now.

The vet said that the mass could be obstructing that process. She suggested operating to take it out

however being 12 years old he may not recover.  So go in take it out and if she thought he couldn't recover put him down right there or if she did keep him a few days to recover.  And that boils down 

to money sad to say. Not to mention what time we would have left with him.

We opted for now to see how it goes with aiding him to eat and drink with syringe if need be.

I hope he has more time with us but will not let him suffer.

He so does love cuddling in my crochet.

The granny stripe is progressing.  Perhaps i'll turn it into a bag. 

On another issue I have recently reconciled with my estranged brother. We had been chatting

online since late last year here and there after a 3 year absence. He informed me he planned to 

move to the Yukon to be with his boyfriend.  Surprising to say that is a big move but now

I give him credit for making that jump in life and wish him luck.

I met up with him before he left and brought him to see our mother who she hadn't seem him

in the 3 years after turbulent family issues.  My father who had dementia wouldn't know who

he was to justify a visit.  I do believe mom was truly happy to see him again.

This is a view he posted that he got to explore in that area.

My brother on the right and his bf in the same view. 

Best of luck bro!

Happy weekend all!

Tuesday's Tally's

Just a few of my many projects on the go.  A row a day if possible. 

New crochet stitch, Angel Stitch, I found a tutorial on You Tube along with my new nails. 

And a new yarn my co-worker has been raving about.  Bernat's Premium yarn. So far we can only find here at Walmart.  It is much nicer and softer to work with than the Super Saver.

And just a few miscellaneous pics.  My cat, love to dress him up.

He's especially cute when he's cuddled up in the bed.

And we got a new microwave stand. Whoohoo. I had my grandpa's old one from probably the early '90's, you know that brown chip board.  This I think is much better and brighten's up the kitchen.  We also treated the cats to a watering fountain, on lower right of picture.  I think they like it.

And finally, I was visiting my aunt and we were going through old pictures and I had to take a picture of this one. My mimi & pipi's wedding photo.  I showed a co-worker today and she said, gee that looks like my grandparents wedding photo.  I guess that was the style back then.

Well, happy hump day tomorrow!

Coziness, yarn and the cat

My cat decided he wanted to cuddle in the bag I'm crocheting.  I might just have to make one for him as a cat bed. LOL  I did manage another few rows today even with him sitting in it for a while for his nap. I just can't seem to get this done fast enough for my liking.  Of course it would help if I focus more one fewer projects.

 I got a chance to fix up my favourite crochet hook with the tip from Teresa Richardson using gel pencil grips and pvc tubing.  This video linked she had used the first aid flexi tape to build up some thickness before putting on the gel grips. It is much more comfortable for the hand than a thin hook.  

 I did finish a WIP tonight however, the ruffle scarf.  One Skein of the Red Heart Sashay yarn produced this length of scarf, just enough to add something to any outfit or neckline. 

Then I came across another heart tutorial, again by Teresea Richardson. It makes a really cute, super easy heart that you can add different edging to it if you want. Here's mine.

   Finally, I got a sewing machine from a friend that was the first one she used when learning how to sew.  I've been wanting to get my hands on a working older machine, as I somewhat remember how to use, for a while now so I can sew in linings etc on my crochet pieces.  I got a chance to get familiar with it again and tried some practise stitches.  I did find the thread bunched (bird's nest they call it i guess) under the material. I read that you may have to play with tension or re-thread machine.  If any of you sewer's out there have suggestions please let me know.  It's a Singer 700 series machine.  

    Tomorrow's Sunday and it's quite late as I am posting this on Saturday night for me. I will try to get some decent sleep but on Monday I start a new shift at work and it's much earlier in the day than I've been used to. 

Happy Weekend!!

X-mas project complete

I had been making various shapes for a Christmas swag I wanted to make for myself.  After making one for Carissa for the handmade swap, I loved it and had to have one to hang up in the house.  I started with snowflakes and tried the granny stars and tree.  Then I came upon Lucy's Holly Leaves from Attic24 blog and had to give that a try as well.  I also added some buttons the I found at Michael's that were just festive enough to enhance the whole look.  What do you think?

Another decor item I got for the home at Michael's when they had their big coupon sale last month was another cute snowman to add to my collection.  How can you not love soft puffy snowmen?

Other projects, well, still have to complete a christmas coloured crocheted hat, a shrug, baby blanket, grannies.  And the list goes on.  But the cat is ready for Xmas

I would like to wish everyone a happy and safe Christmas and New Years!!!