Crochet: Grey & Brown Pavement Scarf

I've been quieter than usual. Across all social media I'm on. I guess that's saying something because I'm already a quiet poster on everything 😅 I've been preoccupied with Winston and his health. I'm still crocheting, but I've become more withdrawn while I'm focusing on Winston. I'll probably do a separate update about him and his treatment later when I'm not so tired.

Challenge Item #10: Grey & Brown Pavement Scarf

Description

This was meant to be an infinity scarf, but I decided on making it a regular scarf. What we've ended up with is a, mostly, grey and brown scarf which is both chunky and lacy. Thanks to the combination of the bulk of the yarn and the pattern type it's got a lovely drape to it.

Hook Size and Yarn

Hook: 9 M/N  Yarn: On this one I have used Lion Brand Heartland Thick & Quick in Sequoia (brown) and Katmai (grey). After trying to use what I had left and having a bit leftover from my last project, I was finally able to finish with the sequoia. Before I was able to get through with it in Black Canyon (black) I had begun another project, but ended up not having enough in that colour. So I thought, how about I make two of these projects and buy an extra colour which would go with the black and the brown? Hence having Katmai. 

Winston Needs Medicine and It's Triggering

 I have two rabbits. Winston and Hazel. Hazel is the youngest at around 4 years old. Winston is my oldest, at roughly 9 years, and MY BOI. Back in 2012 I was socially isolated and not coping. Instead of adopting a dog, as I was going to do with my ex, I went with a rabbit.

I didn't realise back then I had CPTSD and my hypervigilance was off the charts. I love dogs. I love all animals. I just couldn't be around dogs because they would trigger my startle response with their barking. I thought it was the ME/CFS sensitivities at the time, but now I know better. I was intensely startled every time a dog barked.

Long story short, yes there is more story, I went and adopted a rabbit. It wasn't Winston. It was my beloved Fiver whom I named after Fiver in Watership Down by Richard Adams. Fiver saved my sanity at the time and unfortunately he passed away after six months of me adopting him. That's a trauma story I am saving for Mrs Yellow.

I was still socially isolated, suffering from depression, and quite unwell after Fiver passed. I lasted two weeks before the lack of sound little padded feet made started to drive me madder and I adopted Winston in 2013. That's a long time to have a bunny companion. He has been there for my depression, kept me going when I was suicidal, gave me a reason to get up in the morning. We bonded hard when I adopted him. I have been dreading him getting older...

Crochet: Black & Brown Mini Cowl

I've been thinking of other things to blog about besides crochet. I have other subjects, but after I think of them I get tired and cbf so here's some more crochet... I'm also reading, but I'm taking my time doing it. 

I'm beginning to question whether I should sell my crocheted items and then donate the money to charity. At this rate, with lockdown and season changes, I don't think any of my crochet is going anywhere for awhile. I did decide to put everything I made into storage for donation next Winter, but the more I think about it the more it bugs me. I don't have that much storage lol 

I could have a break from crochet, but what madness do we live in where that's an option?

Crochet: Ribbed Mini Cowl

 It's been so long since I posted an update on my crochet challenge I've forgotten how I've set these posts out lol. Of course it's not really that long.... is it? July 12th was the last crochet post. Not even a month! Of course being in lockdown makes one month feel like six. 

I've shaken off the Lockdown Fever since then and crocheted a shit load of things. Ok maybe 6 things. I've been reading, doing crochet, reading some more, doing more crochet, contracting oodie madness. Honestly, I can't. My fucking oodie is the shit. To be able to have a cup of tea, sit in my rocking chair, wearing my oodie, and crochet is bliss. BLISS. 

Given that we are in lockdown, super tight lockdown (my movements are restricted to a 5km radius from my home now, not that I go out except for bunny veggies because they can't be delivered damnit), I can't give any of the scarves to charity. This hasn't stopped me from making them though. Instead I am going to carry on and put them in storage until next winter. 

First Dose Done

 That's right. I've had my first dose of covid-19 vaccine. Yay! I'm quite pleased about it so obviously I am very pro-vaccines and pro-vaccine education. I wholeheartedly believe everyone should get vaccinated, voluntarily, and as soon as it is available for them. 

I got the Pfizer vaccine. I'm eligible, here in Australia, even though I am under 40 because I have Type 1 Diabetes. Add on to that my history with clotting and my clotting gene mutation and it definitely rules out AstraZeneca. I would have applied for the AstraZeneca if it wasn't for all my clotting issues and even went to my GP as soon as it was available, but I'll probably post about the whys another time. 

For those Sydney-siders waiting to get their first dose done I though I'd share my experience with you. 

I won't get into the applying process as we're all experiencing a fun time with that. I booked my appointments and had a two month wait for the hub at Sydney Olympic Park.

The vaccination process itself was quite smooth. When I went, unfortunately, they had a big ol' technical glitch. Their system crashed. It was so unfortunate given Wednesday was so cold! It meant they were running 1.5 - 2 hours behind. My appointment was 5:15pm and they were still at 3:45pm when I showed up. Early. Of course. Before 5pm.