TIFTON, Ga. — Hazel Cattell, 82, may have Alzheimer’s but that hasn’t stopped her from taking up an old hobby and transforming it into somewhat of a business.

Cattell, who has been living with her daughter, Nancy Seaman, for about four years, started crocheting in February and hasn’t been able to stop since. She said watching her daughter inspired her to try again.

“It makes me realize that I can do something that I used to could do,” she said.

Seaman said it has changed her mother’s life. “She’s happier,” she commented.

Cattell took sewing and art classes when she lived in Japan for four years as a military wife, Seaman said. She was a Tupperware dealer in the 1970s, earning a powder blue station wagon at manager status. She learned to decorate cakes and turned that talent into a catering business.

“She taught religion classes to the youth in her church,” Seaman said. “Those classes met in early morning before school day began. She loved sewing and made quillos, clothes and toys for the grandkids.”

She added, “All of this is why the pillow crochet is so exciting. The Alzheimer’s memory loss had taken all that energy away.”

Seaman said for two years, they tried different activities to revive her mother’s love of creating.

“I am thankful something finally clicked,” she said. “One morning, she decided to try crocheting again.”

Seaman said in the past, Cattell crocheted doilies and afghans.

“Unfortunately, the only stitch she could recall was the simple chain stitch,” she said. “We had to do something with all the chains she was making.”

Remembering a loom from her childhood that was used to create potholders, Seaman said her husband helped formed a larger version.

“I weaved the chains into placemats until a friend suggested they would make a beautiful pillow,” she said.

From that, “Hazel’s Pillows” was formed. Cattell, with help from Seaman, has made 100 pillows so far. Seaman said it takes about three days to make one pillow.

“She hasn’t taken a single nap since the pillow project began. She used to take several during the day,” she said. “Her sundowners is almost nonexistent.”

Seaman said her mother has gained so many new friends since getting into making pillows and likes to teach others how to crochet. She said crocheting has become a sort of therapy for Cattell and that she “yarn writes” her thoughts into the chain.

“She is inspiring others to learn to crochet and is increasing awareness of the Alzheimer’s disease,” she commented. “In the midst of horrible stories of the future she faces, at least each day can be lived in the joy of the colors of the yarn and what she can create.”

Commending the local Alzheimer’s Association, Seaman also noted although Cattell has Alzheimer’s, her renewed interest in crocheting shows there is hope.

“She’s the most generous and grateful person in the world,” she said about her mother.

To purchase a $25 pillow by Cattell, visit Hazel’s Pillows Facebook page or email Seaman at comlb@live.com. Also, the local Alzheimer’s Association is located at 315 Second St. W. The contact number is (229) 388-8219.