Koigu Socks

Koigu (Autumn Leaves) Socks
Pattern: Basic Sock Pattern using Ann Budd's Knitter's Handy Book of Patterns
Yarn:Koigu KPPPM P704
Needles: KnitPicks double points, 1's and 0's
Start Date: September 11, 2006
End Date: September 28, 2006
Comments: These are the first socks I've knit with Koigu and overall I am very happy. The spin of the yarn and the depth of color is fantastic. I was a little bummed about the yardage (175 yards - For comparison, Lorna's Laces Shepherd Sock has 215 yards). I nearly ran out of yarn on my first sock. I ended up shortening the foot length by half an inch just to be safe and good thing I did. The picture to the right shows you what I had left over from both socks. Normally I knit 8 1/4 inches from the heel to the start of the toe decreases, but this time I stopped at 7 3/4 inches. It definitely still fits, but it is a little short. I'm just glad I wasn't doing ribbing or a cable as I would have had to frog the sock for sure! Oh well, I'm sure I'll still knit some more socks with Koigu, as it is so lovely, but I'll be very aware of the yardage.

Returning to the positive - While knitting I stopped repeatedly just to look at the lovely fabric the Koigu created. I'm not sure if it's because of the spotty coloring or what, but I just absolutely loved knitting these socks.


And here's a few pictures of me modeling the Silk Shrug (I could not get a good picture to save my life. These are the best I could do...). I am very happy with this shrug and I'm sure I'll get a lot of use out of it. I was tempted to knit it in a pretty light blue, but I'm glad I went with a neutral brown since it will go with practically everything. It is a tad more snug than I wanted. The pattern didn't provide much in the way of sizing (I knit the M/L size). Fortunately, I have recently reapplied myself to eating well and exercising again so I think this shrug will fit perfectly within a month or two:) (Full details about the Silk Shrug are in my September 24th post).

I finished the second sleeve for Matt's sweater this week as well so I just need to finish the back and knit the front sometime before the winter solstice. Much better than last year's frantic holiday knitting schedule. No picture now, but I'll give you another peek as we get closer to the winter holidays.

Tonight Matt and I are going to our first opera at the Lyric Opera of Chicago. We'll be seeing Turandot and I am so excited! (My Mom gave us tickets to four of the operas this season as an early winter solstice gift). Yea! I bought a pretty dress last weekend and we've been reviewing the music and libretto all week. We're ready:)