The Golden Iris

It's a secret! I realize that I've evidently fallen off the face of the earth, after I was doing so well blogging so often. There are two perfectly good reasons for this (and, I'm sure, some not-so-good ones). First is that I've gotten a full-time job. I now have a short walk to a fun, relaxed retail environment where I am surrounded by beautiful colors and nice co-workers. No more sitting at a desk for me! While my previous job was fairly easy and paid well, sitting in front of a computer screen in a very quiet office 8 hours a day was taking its toll on my body and my emotions. It's kind of a shame that I tend to prefer lower-paying work, but at least I'm happier. Second is that even though there has been knitting in my life, I can't show you, because it's a secret! I've received some lovely yarn in the mail and I'll be doing some sample knitting (yes, I'm getting compensated to knit!). Unfortunately I can't discuss it in any kin...

Seems like it's been a while since I've shown you the bedjacket. Don't worry, it's still green. And I'm still chugging along. The body of the jacket is "done" but not "finished" - as in, the knitting is done, but this needs some serious blocking and the seams sewn, although I have woven all the ends in. Continuing on the theme of "bizarre construction" is the shawl collar. This is about two-thirds of the collar, which I'm sure will also need some blocking to stretch it out a bit. I also may knit a few extra sections to make it a bit bigger. But the knitting is easy - garter stitch and short rows - perfect for movie-watching. Yesterday I basically knit from where the ends are hanging out all the way to what's on the needles, so it's going quickly. I am so glad this piece has the lace edging on it. (Watch out! I may not be saying that any longer when I actually have to make it all and sew it on.) I think it will really...

I will be the first to admit that while it is surely mighty convenient to have a swift and ballwinder, I hate the look of yarn "cakes". I don't like the way they fall apart or the way it's hard to monitor the skein of yarn for knots and other imperfections. But who needs a swift when you've got a handy newel post? This yarn is Cherry Tree Hill Supersock Potluck sock yarn in Watercolor - you don't quite know what you'll get. This has a lot of springy greens and pastels, and I think it's perfect for gearing up for spring. Here we are, all in a nice center-pull ball. This yarn is on its way to becoming Rib and Cable socks. The original pattern calls for a 60-stitch sock on #2 needles; I've tweaked it to be a 70-stitch sock on #1 needles because I really prefer tightly knit socks, but the yarn is pooling a little bit and the cables aren't much fun when you're afraid you're going to break the needles. So I may have to suck it up and re...

At least this Friday is, anyway. My love affair with pasta continues. Sometimes I don't feel much like getting out the pasta machines and rolling my own, much less adding a filling, but every once in a while I get the urge and have to make ravioli. These probably aren't properly called ravioli, because they're made with circles folded in half, but they're filled and delicious. We made a beef and ricotta filling that was very delicate and unfortunately a bit overwhelmed by a garlic-butter sauce and some serious garlic bread. Making these start to finish probably took a few hours. We have company to look forward to this weekend! I hope you have a nice one, too.