This little cozy was borne out of frugality and sentimentality. Besides yarn and nail polish, the only thing I really collect is mugs. I am also very clumsy, which means I have broken the handles off at least a half dozen of my favorites. Rather than toss these damaged vessels, I now use a ceramic file to smooth sharp edges and a simple ribbed cozy to insulate my hand against the hot liquid inside.

I was happily surprised one day when I realized that the same cozies could also protect my fingers from the cold of a frozen pint of ice cream. Noro Kureyon is one of my all-time favorite yarns, and knitting from opposite ends of a center-pull cake allows me to explore the masterful color shifts in an entertaining lifted rib.