In honour of the Thirty Years of Koigu Anniversary, we’re collecting stories from both individuals and LYS’s of their favourite memories of carrying Koigu over the years. Below is our first instalment with Marji’s Yarncrafts. Read below for Marji’s story.

In the early 90’s, I heard about a new and interesting yarn called “Koigu”. I hadn’t actually seen it yet, but like any shopowner, if it was new and interesting, I sure wanted to have it!

My first order was for KPPPM in 25 colors, TWO skeins of each color! I made a pair of socks right away, so that I would have a model. I was IN LOVE.

As I began to knit, I was amazed at the colors that came peeping out – I hadn’t even noticed in the skein, but while I was knitting, bits of unexpected colors – some only a stitch or two, came out as if by magic.

Of course I ordered more, but generally in pairs, and began to think about what else I’d make in this magical yarn.

As time went on, I ordered more and more and began to make scarves, hats, shawls, baby sweaters and all sorts of everything out of KPPPM. It began to take over!

Now I carry over 250 colors of KPPPM, plus KPM. It has a whole area of the store to itself!

Designing with KPPPM has been a joy. Whether knit or crochet, blending and playing with the colors leads to a wide variety of results. You can put together a grouping that will fade softly from one color to the next, or you can pick out little bits that will relate to the next colorway even though at first glance they don’t mix! As a person who can get amazingly excited about color, this is the most fun that I have in my job.

KPPPM is the yarn I use most frequently in designing. I have designed for the Koigu Magazines and booklets, as well as some independent designs sold through my shop and on Ravelry. It remains my favorite yarn, and I have a stash that will last me the rest of my life! Each skein is a little work of art, and restocking/straightening it in the store is a dangerous proposition for me (“oh, look at this one!! Look at those colors! Oh, this one needs to be mine!!”) .

It’s been a pleasure to get to know Taiu and to design for her. I enjoyed helping out at her booth at one of the many trade shows, and I so enjoy helping my customers put together their own piece of “Koigu Art”. I think my favorite of my own designs is the Boheme Blanket (Koigu Magazine 9). I want to make another!