qebo's 2024 crochet

I learned how to crochet during the 1972 Olympics, but what with limited space and cats and other pursuits I've only dabbled sporadically since. About six months ago the last of the cats died, so I can leave yarn sitting around without worry of destruction. I began a few months prior to that event with instructional videos and experimental swatches, and have progressed to not-quite-projects, e.g. I have all the components done but haven't yet put them together. I set up an aspirational Ravelry account years ago, and spent a few hours entering projects over the holiday break. Maybe this year I'll finish something.

Happy New Year and happy crafting! May the odds (for finishing) be ever in your favor!

Sorry to hear about your cats. I had to say goodbye to my beloved furry friend last year, too.

I look forward so seeing what you end up doing with your crochet, whether it’s “proper projects” or swatches.

I saw a pattern once that was swatches with different patterns that had been put together to make a throw/blanket. That might be an idea for your swatches. Or even a pillow if you're not making a lot.

>4 dudes22: I have lots of swatches. My problem is the "put together" part. Really I just need to pick something small and do it. However at the moment I'm reorganizing my office closet, my office is a disaster, and I don't feel that I can do anything fun until I've gotten it under control.

Looking forward to seeing whatever you end up making this year, swatches or otherwise. :)

I'm sad you no longer have cats. I know they like to help us with our needlework, but I wouldn't trade it for the world!

>7 thornton37814: When I moved to this house 8 years ago, I had 3 cats. 2 were from the same semi-feral litter, 1 adopted from my niece whose husband is severely allergic. Within about a year, 1 suddenly lost weight, was diagnosed with a thyroid condition which seemed to stabilize, but she continued to lose weight and was suspected to have cancer, and died soon after. About a year later, the littermate suddenly lost weight, and after various tests he too was suspected to have cancer, and died soon after. The last cat was about 5 years younger and I figured there'd be a respite for awhile, but he suddenly went blind and after numerous tests was diagnosed with an autoimmune condition and put on multiple medications 2x per day, with semi-annual checkups from two vet specialists along with the regular vet. For another 4 years he went about his business as if everything was fine, then tumors began appearing around and inside his eyes, with no feasible options to remedy, so for about six months it was more a question of when than whether. I miss having healthy cats, but I don't miss trying to assess how much the cat is suffering, not to mention the $$$. I'm not doing this when I'm 80.

>8 qebo: Understood. I've been fortunate that my cats have been as healthy as they have been over the years.

>8 qebo: I'm so sorry to read about your kitties, Katherine. We've dealt with feline hyperthyroidism and kidney disease, which are long slow end stage diseases. But my daughter had to deal with back-to-back rescues that developed serious conditions and died. Last year she and her partner adopted two kittens, hoping they will be around for quite some time. Of course, they are also in their early 30s. My husband and I just adopted a puppy and are suddenly feeling our age in new ways ...

>10 lauralkeet: I see all manner of kittens and cats seeking homes on neighborhood forums and it's tempting... but after a 7 year stretch I'm done with the aging and dying cats for awhile, I'm nearing retirement which will be a financial adjustment not yet clarified, I expect to downsize in maybe 5-10 years and a cat could limit the options, and I fear that if I get a kitten it'll reach the debilitated stage about the same time I do. I may look into fostering as a compromise.

>11 qebo: I completely understand your rationale. I have a friend who actually prefers to adopt senior dogs. I admire her for doing so as these dogs are often harder to place, but honestly I don't know how she manages the inevitable emotional impact, over and over again.

I take care of my daughter's dog and when my granddaughter is here at Christmas, I take care of her dog also because they go snowmobiling in northern Minnesota. This year no snow so they did not go. We always had animals when my kids were home. It is hard to lose a pet.
gebo- Hugs sent.

I’m sticking around to see what crochet project you come up with. My mom taught me to crochet when I was a kid. I’m glad to see it’s popular now because, as an adult, my friends only knew how to knit. Crocheting goes so much faster.

My current favorite crochet book is The Happy Hooker. Everyone laughs at the title of this book, but it is great for beginning crochet projects.

The last of our six feral cats died a few years ago at age 16. I still miss them.

>11 qebo: A few days ago, I was afraid a new kitten had decided he wanted to be part of my home. He (or she) was peering into the windows as I was leaving the house. I was making a quick run to the store for something and knew I'd be back soon. I decided if the kitten was still around when I got back home that I would at least put it in my garage and feed it. Fortunately the kitty was gone. A couple days later I saw the kitten again--next door and outside with all the dogs the neighbors own. I was really glad to know the kitty had a home, but I suspect the kitty was looking for some peace and a bit jealous of my boys who did not have to contend with all those barking animals.

Good luck with getting back to cross-stitch and finding the right project to really get you started.

My previous cat's very brief bad spot was so difficult to endure with the trying to predict how she was feeling and knowing she was in a lot of pain etc... I wouldn't be able to quickly get another either, after what you went through with yours.

I’m so sorry you’ve had to go through the loss of your kitties. It’s an unbearable pain to have to say goodbye to pets. Yesterday marked one year since we had to put down my dear beloved kitty. I know it was the right decision and he had lived a good, long life but it was still incredibly hard to go through with.
I hope you find another project to get started with, crafting can be really helpful.