Recently in Koigu Template Category

Yarn: 1 skein Koigu Painter's Palette Premium Merino (50g; 175 yards) in #856 dyelot 17. It's a variegated violet.
Needles: US1 bamboo dpns
Pattern: None. These are the techniques I use: Judy Becker's Magic Cast-on (featured in Knitty), short-row heel, 1x1 tubular bind-off.

I'm calling these my Koigu template socks. I brought along a bunch of Koigu with me so that I could finally knit with it, as opposed to admiring its colors and then putting it back in the yarn box. With my first skein, I arrived at a desirable set of measurements that will be the template for the next 5 pairs. I like a nice fit around the foot; not too snug, but not loose, either.

I love that a single skein can make a pair of anklets! Knitting to the anklet is about the same time that I start losing interest in socks, what a coincidence.

Most of the time I'm wearing my cork-soled Steggies because I can't be bothered to lace up a pair of sneakers. BFF thinks the bit of colored sock that peeks out when I'm walking in them is cute. (I don't know if he's saying that I'm a walking color disaster, since nothing I have seems to match, hmmm.)

We all know Koigu is color. *sigh* Lovely, lovely color. I'm looking forward to knitting the rest of my little stash up!

I-know-you're-not-interested-in-Laika-so-here-are-other Links:
◊ David Leibovitz on The Man Purse.
◊ Crochet yourself a cute Pomeranian.
◊ Via Craftzine, the shop Saucy Louise, where you can buy Japanese craft/knit books and magazines.

Laika (the dog, not the band) Links:
◊ First dog in space died within hours.
◊ Wikipedia on the first animal in space.
◊ Mockup of Laika's space cabin.
◊ More info on Laika; private site.
◊ CNN story on Laika's actual fate.