PATRICIA’S STORY: “When I crochet, I feel warm and fuzzy”
The crochet community wrapped its arms around Patricia Novelli after her cancer diagnosis in the spring of 2021. Below, she discusses her favourite makes, how she got into the craft, crochet’s soothing nature and how she received support and love from other crochet fans in an unexpected place – hooky social media.
NEW STRIPES
Alice the Zebra may be a bit wonky, but she’s one of my favourite makes. You see, zebras are the symbol for rare cancers and, in spring 2021, I was diagnosed with neuroendocrine cancer. So, when I saw an amigurumi pattern to make this little zebra, I just knew I had to hook Alice up myself. Now she’s by my side at all my hospital appointments.
CROCHET ORIGINS
I crocheted as a child and lockdown last year inspired me to return to the craft. I’m Italian and my dad worked for the United Nations, so we lived all over the world when I was growing up. I remember first being taught how to crochet by an American woman when Dad was posted to Afghanistan in the 1970s. I also have vivid memories of crocheting tiny clothes for my teddies and Barbies back when we lived in Kenya.
After a childhood spent travelling, I finally settled in the UK and studied to become a virologist. Crochet was always around in the background, but while I worked hard on my career it took a backseat. Then the Covid pandemic ended up coinciding with my cancer diagnosis and I needed something to distract me, so out came my hooks.
SOOTHING STITCHES
When I crochet, I feel warm and fuzzy. There’s something about its repetitive nature that makes it incredibly relaxing. I think it’s the soothing way that the hook slots in and out of the yarn, over and over again.
AVID COLLECTOR
It’s not only the act of crocheting that I love – I’m also an avid collector of crochet books and magazines. When I look at other people’s designs and read about the history of crochet, I feel inspired and happy to be a part of such an amazing community of crafters.
A LITTLE PROGRESS
I’d highly recommend other people with cancer learn how to crochet. It can give you a sense of achievement on a day that might be filled with hospital appointments or necessary rest. I’ve spent so much time in hospital since my diagnosis – often I’ll be in waiting rooms for hours at a time. Crochet transports my mind to a more exciting, creative place. It also distracts me if I ever feel nauseous due to treatments.
FEELING THE LOVE
The crochet community is just fantastic. I’ve always disliked social media, but after I began my crochet journey a friend urged me to join Instagram, explaining how I could use it to record my yarns and patterns. Now I have more than 2,000 followers – my teenage son asks me how I’ve done it!
FRIENDS IN NEW PLACES
I’ve made so many new friends through my account. When I went in for surgery, some of my followers sent me well-wishing gifts of stitch markers and yarn skeins. Then, before I started chemo, they sent me a gorgeous blanket to bring me comfort.
They had all hooked squares for that blanket, and the whole thing was organised by Melanie Joy, aka @the.yarnicorn, through a secret Instagram account. Their kindness really took my breath away.
Follow Patricia on Instagram at @crochetandcancer