Greetings dear Unravelers… I hope you are all bundled in all the knits today!
I am because it is beyond bitterly cold here!
First, a bit of a Frankie update… surgery did absolutely not go as planned on Monday morning. One testicle was exactly where it should be…the other, not so much so he has a rather large incision in his belly from the removal of that wandering testicle. He also had a rogue deciduous tooth pulled so Monday night was rather long but he did manage to eat a tiny bit of dinner and got some water down. Not easy with the cone that the vet thinks he will wear for 12 more days! The cone is a velcro-nightmare… it sticks to everything so knitting has been put on the back burner for the time being.

The eyes are pleading so sweetly… but no I can’t take it off my poor boy!
In light of my temporary knitting moratorium, I thought I’d introduce you all to my 2025 stitching projects! I am doing another 100 Day Stitch Book… one I am very, very excited about. My theme… quilting patterns…in a sort of a deconstructed way. I have page one completed… the cover… and I am very happy with how it turned out. And the 15 minute time frame is just perfect!
I am also loving my January start to my whole cloth stitching this year. I am happy to say that thus far I have purchased nothing for either project… my outline “thread” is some very ancient linen that I picked up from a friend back when I thought weaving might be fun. It is Euroflax linen in a deep aubergine. My plan is to outline each days “box” and stitch inside. I am really loving how this looks!
The reading is perfection this week… I began listening to Wright Thompson’s The Barn on Monday and I am settling in with this unsettling book. Bonus, the author is narrating it so even though it is a challenging topic, hearing him retell it is very good.
For those of you who occasionally enjoy a children’s book… I have a brilliant one for you all! It is Susan Cooper’s The Shortest Day (yes, the poem) with stunning illustrations by Carson Ellis. I think Ada Limón put this on my radar… but I could be wrong. Regardless, it is an absolutely gorgeous book… worthy of a read this month as we welcome the return of lengthening days!
That is all I have for today! How about you all? How is your January making progressing?
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Poor Frankie! I hope his recovery is faster than everyone thinks. That cone sounds like a pain for everyone!
Those stitch pages are gorgeous. And I love that you’re using supplies from your stash – it’s such a good feeling!
And The Barn looks so good! I’m adding to my TBR in Libby. Thank you!
Poor Frankie. I hope he heals fast and feels better soon.
I bought frodo a donut to wear instead of the cone and he could not reach his privates while he was recovering from severe abrasions in that area. You can get them anywhere, also, it acts as a pillow for them. Also it was easier to take him out on a leash and not have the cone catching the ground and making him stumble. Their field of vision is good with the donut. Good luck, I hope he improves!
Love your stitchery!
Poor Frankie! I hope his recovery goes smoothly and quickly.
I will be interested to hear your thoughts on The Barn when you’re done. I’m not sure it’s a book I’d have the stomach for, though the subject matter is certainly important. Really love how the stitching is going!
Oh, there is nothing more pathetic than a dog in a cone. Poor little Frankie! Here’s to quick healing and getting rid of that (damn) Velcro cone. Your stitching projects are perfection, Kat. I love your quilt-theme and can’t wait to see it all come together over the next 100 days. XO
Oh dear! Sending all the healing thoughts Franklin’s way. I hope it is a quick and uneventful healing for him (and I like Karen’s idea of a donut). I’m with Sarah on thoughts about “The Barn” – that may be a bit too intense for me right now. BUT…I may need to go get “The Shortest Day” for Iris (who already has received SO MANY books as gifts…which is wonderful). Your stitching Kat looks great. What fun and so creative. I’m going to enjoy seeing this grow throughout the year.
I feel so sorry for poor Frankie! It seems so unfair that he goes in for a little snip and it turns into bigger surgery (and dental work). Here’s hoping for a quick recovery and that he is feeling better very soon (and you no longer have to see that pitiful face in the cone).
Your stitching is beautiful and I’m glad that it fits in with Frankie. The next time I head to the library I will look for The Shortest Day. Stay warm and take care of that sweet Franklin!
Poor little Frankie. I hope everything heals up well. It sounds like he had quite the going over. Your stitching is lovely and so creative. It’s so interesting to me how we all interpret stitching projects differently. There are many patchwork patterns so you shouldn’t run out of ideas. Enjoy and stay warm.
Poor Frankie! I agree with the donut idea, that worked great when my cat got spayed. And much less velcro-y so you can knit again! I had a similar issue with my wrist brace when I broke it last year 😀
Can’t wait to see the stitching build!