Feb 24 2006
Previews
One pair of socks finished, and another pair promptly started.
Socks just belong on my needles!
I was looking forward to casting on with this lovely new yarn from Hill Country Yarns (Sweet Feet!). It is not specifically a Project Spectrum knit, but it does happen to be red, so it fits the bill. It may still be a little early (just a few days) but I can assure you I have another pair of socks in mind for the Project. This yarn was planned for the Red Hot Sizzling Socks knitalong, which I signed up for earlier in January. As this knits up, it is living up to its colorway name: Strawberry Swirl. The picture makes them look more orange than they actually are - check out the strawberry link for the true color. (Going over to the website, I saw they have two new colorways - and they happen to be two of my fave color combos: pink and brown and blue and brown! How long can I resist that purchase?)
I came across these lovely fuscia beads on Wednesday, and knew that they would be a great simple craft for Project Spectrum - plus I have never tried beading, so I figured why not start with something simple like big wooden beads? I picked up a satin cord and a hook closure, so a wooden beaded necklace will be in the very near future!
Speaking of new challenges and crafts…
I pre-ordered this book last December. I have wanted to learn more about crochet for many months; in conjunction with the book’s thorough diagrams and instructions, I also signed up for a class at my LYS for next weekend. I am quite excited to learn more about this craft. You can spare me the comments on "converting to the Dark side" and all of that bit. 
There are pretty crochet patterns out there, and they are tempting me! and goodness knows I could use some more ways to stashbust…
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… and there’s more! necklaces, dolls, scarves, shawls…
I am very happy with this purchase! I think this book has a lot to offer, and really gives me a lot of inspiration to start crocheting! The green mat with the flowers seems like a great first big project; maybe after a few scarves to practice.
Things are going so well with the diet and exercise - much better than I expected. I am working out six days a week, and following a good diet. I have been taking a few classes at the gym; feeling out what works for me. Kris and I went to a spinning class today - not yarn, but bikes - and I knew almost immediately that it was not for me. So, I went to the elliptical machine, which I knew works very well for me… so well, that I have actually lost eleven pounds
Have a fun weekend! I will - you’ll see what I did soon enough!
Congratulations Lolly! A lot of those crochet projects do look great. I love the simplicity of that necklace and the shape of the cardigan. But I am just not meant to be a hooker.
Go Lolly! Go lolly! Go Lolly!
do you ever sleep?
Wow! That’s a lot of stuff going on. I’m tempted to look at that yarn you linked too with the brown combination of colors, but I won’t because I can’t buy any and those are some of my favorite combos too.
Eleven pounds!?!!?! That is awesome. I’m so lazy, I haven’t been to the gym in weeks and have only really stuck to my diet for a week now. Will you make sure I don’t eat/drink anything bad tomorrow?
I need to get craking on my knitting project for PS.
Comgratulations on the weight loss!
Congratulations for losing 11 pounds!!! That’s great!
And I totally have to stop reading your blog… I was so tempted by the Chocolate Covered Cherries sock yarn you ordered from Brooklyn that I had to order some when she came out with it again. And now, I’m thinking I have to get some MORE sock yarn from Hill Country Yarns. Keep the recommendations coming… we never can have too much sock yarn
Wow Lolly, 11 pounds!!! That’s awesome! You’re such an inspiration!
You know, it’s so funny you should post about that book because one came across my desk yesterday and I was VERY impressed with it and ordered one for myself. There are LOTS of cute projects in the book, and they do say the crochet is really making a huge comeback this year… Honestly, I think all of us should know how to do both (knit and crochet), and you will definitely be glad that you “crossed over” (sorry, couldn’t resist).
Oh, and your socks are looking great btw
Eleven pounds?! That’s terrific! I totally agree, by the way, the eliptical is far superior to non-yarn spinning
But now you’re tempting me to join the dark side with you! Those patterns are really cute. That’s a great colorway for socks too.
Congrats on sticking with your diet and exercise plan and losing weight!!! You go, girl.
That’s some very fun sock yarn. How long will I be able to resist that, I wonder…
Good job on the exercising! It’s encouraging to know that someone can do it!
I want to learn to crochet, too. I’ll have to check out the new book!
Congrats on sticking to your diet and exercise plan! You are doing great. I need to get back on my exercise plan. I’ve been lazy this month.
I can’t crochet worth a darn but I really like that blue jacket in the book.
Those look like fun crochet projects. Yay another outlet for your yarn stash:)
Yay for crochet! Bring your crochet with you next meet and I’ll help you if you need it. I have been crocheting since I was around 5 or so.
12 pounds?? That’s fabulous!! I’m very impressed. Keep up the great work-I’m behind you 100%
Oh gosh, crochet? I can’t wait to see what you come up with. I need to learn.
Eleven pounds- that’s so awesome, Lolly!! You’re such an inspiration and I give you so much credit for sticking with the healthy diet and exercise. Watching your dedication and great attitude makes me want to try harder, too. Way to go, L!! I love your new Strawberry Swirl socks… you are one soxy lady, heehee!
The beads are beautiful, too. I keep getting tempted to learn to bead after looking at all the gorgeous jewelry on Barb’s blog. That fuschia is going to be so pretty on you! And those crochet patterns are so cute- I especially like the floor mat and the purse, and I swear it’s not just because they’re green. 
BTW, I took the kids to the Aquarium yesterday and thought of you- can’t wait to see you guys again! Have fun at your class tomorrow- take care and have a great weekend! 
Love ya XO, c.
11 pounds - brilliant! Keep up with the good work. I have managed 4 pounds, but I am taking it very slowly because I want to maintain when I reach my goal which is 10 pounds (I am a re-dieter… having managed to loose 2 stone about 6 years ago and - mostly - kept them off).
Love that sock yarn! but, I am afraid, you are moving to the dark side
You’ll get no dark side comments from me…
I started as a crocheter, and worked up to knitting. I still love both, although I love most knitted garments much more. But those examples you reviewed…looks like that WILL have to become part of my library!
It’s not converting to the dark side. As a knitter, one will eventually have to know how to crochet….if you don’t know how already. I still have to learn how to crochet. The yarn colours are fab!
Well done on the 11 pounds - I seem to be gaining rather than losing!
Ooh! I should be getting my Happy Hooker book in the mail today. I started off by crocheting, and honestly, I do miss it. I find it to go so much quicker than knitting. Thanks for the photos!
11 pounds! FANTASTIC! keep up the good work! When I first saw your new socks I was in heaven, I love orange but then realized they were your strawberry ones. They still look great, can’t wait to see them finished!
good for you with the 11 pounds!
and crochet…welcome to our side. i’ve ordered the happy hooker book too and am anxious to see what it’s like. i’ve known how to crochet since i was a kid and it’s much more freeing something than knitting.
I knew that you were on the success train. Eleven pounds is splendid! I am so happy for you. Just keep that optimism that has made you shine in the last couple of months.
Lol’, both of your grandmothers knitted, crocheted and one did beautiful tatting. I am so glad that these arts are having a revival. They are too important to be lost. The same can be said of sewing and clothing construction. I am so proud that you are interested in these things and that your blog is devoted to supporting their revival. Talking about improving self-esteem…, there is nothing more satifying than completing something that you made yourself! Kuddos, Lol’!!!! XXOO
11 pounds — wow! that’s incredible. good for you!
the two new sweet feet colorways are very me as well. i really love brown with pink or blue. have you knit enough with the yarn yet to see if pooling would be a problem?
as for crochet — i’m so happy to see another older craft take on the hip spotlight. i learned how to knit and crochet when i was a kid but it was *so* not cool.
Great job Lolly! You can count on all of us as your cheerleaders!!
I’m glad you like Stitch N Bitch too. What an unfortunate name for a book though, huh? After reading through the first few chapters I’m really inspired to take a dive into some projects. I love that little red cardigan thing . . . and the bags!!
Hope you have a great weekend!
11 pounds! Yay! That’s so wonderful that you are getting healthier.
And I’m very much looking forward to starting on my Project Spectrum project. I’ve been rather spacey with committing to something, but attribute it mostly to all the great ideas I see while blog-surfing or that involve red with other projects I hope to be working on. Enjoy your weekend!
11 pounds! That’s awesome! And your socks are beautiful and so are the beads. I’m ready for PS, too. Got yarn all picked out for a new pair of pink socks for Hannah.
I got The Happy Hooker in this week as well. Because I learned how to knit from SnB, I thought it would be a great way for me to learn crochet. The patterns being cute doesn’t hurt either.
Congrats on the workout/diet. I know you are feeling great.
Amy
hi lolly!
you’ll have a lot of fun crocheting. i simply love crocheting, it’s easier and faster than knitting and you can see results much sooner. the problem ist that you seldom find fashionable patterns… i hadn’t heard of the existence of “stitch ‘n bitch crochet” until i saw it in your blog! thank you! i love the other stitch #n bitch books, so i have just ordered it at amazon.
love,
marta
I’m in love with the colorway of your new socks! And I had to go click the link and check out the other colorways - that Neapolitan combo with the cream, pink and brown totally rocks. I feel purchases coming on…must…resist…
11 pounds! Congrats! I’m down 8 and I’ve been sticking there for weeks now. Maybe we need a healthy knitters club or something.
Oh, and be sure to let us in on how crochet is - I absolutely think it’s a skill I need as a knitter, and yet I can’t seem to get past single chains, it’s so confusing to me!!
The Strawberry sock looks beautiful - the Hill Country yarn is high on my list of things to purchase next. The beads look like they will be a fun project. Good luck with the crochet - I’m wanting to take a basic class but the current schedule at my LYS doesn’t work for me. Way to go on the “get fit” regimen - woo hoo!
Your socks are so fun and bright. Crochet was my first fiber hobby. I’m not sure my hands would hold up to doing it again. It is fun and different than knitting but knitting is still my first love. Working out will become addicting for you. It’s some times hard to get to the gym but it feels so good once you are there. I advocate working with a trainer as they know how the body works and can show you the right way to do the weights, etc. Enjoy it most of all!
11 POUNDS…PUT A LEACH ON THIS GIRL, SHE’S OUTTA CONTROL! Emily, that is just wonderful! look at this orange socks, could those be orange as in campbell camel ORANGE? YAY! can’t wait to see you in ONE WEEK!
I meant to spell LEASH…man, I ruin the whole effect when I can’t even spell the intended word..grr:)
Thanks for sharing about The Happy Hoooker- in another life, I was strictly a hard-core crocheter- might be fun to try it again (don’t get me wrong, knitting is still my #1 love!) I like pink and brown yarn too– I just ordered some superwash from Brooklyn Handspun called Chocolate Covered Cherries (for socks)- it’s gorgeous! I already started my Project Spectrum project for March, it’s socks, of course! (They’re mostly pink, close enough, right?)
Thanks for sharing about The Happy Hooker- in another life, I was strictly a hard-core crocheter- might be fun to try it again (don’t get me wrong, knitting is still my #1 love!) I like pink and brown yarn too– I just ordered some superwash from Brooklyn Handspun called Chocolate Covered Cherries (for socks)- it’s gorgeous! I already started my Project Spectrum project for March, it’s socks, of course! (They’re mostly pink, close enough, right?)
Thanks for the review–I’m facinated by that fitted jacket! But maybe not facinated enough to learn to crochet, so I will just watch you. And congrats on the working out! You’re inspiring me to get up from my computer and get in shape, too.
My sister says the Happy Hooker is really cute. She got a copy from the publisher and is going to pass it on to me! The joys of having a sister who works for a book company!
Love the sock! I’m excited to start the Project!
go lolly! I love the elliptical machine. Those spinning classes always look insane at my gym, and why are they always at 6 in the morning?
Ill have to check out the new crochet book. And why did you need to link to that brown and pink yarn!?
Congratulations on your fitness regimine Lolly! That is awesome and so nice that you and your significant other are doing it together, I’m sure it makes it so much easier and much more fun! The strawberry yarn is so pretty. I was interested to see the Happy Hooker book, I’m glad that someone is sticking up for crochet - I learned knitting and crochet at the same time when I was about 7 years old - crochet was much faster for me and I made some beautiful things, one of which was a pinneapple pattern round table cloth, done with thread and a very very tiny hook! I can’t wait to see what you come up with and how you like it! Enjoy your class and have a wonderful weekend.
Those socks are going to look so good. I clicked on the link you gave and the color is absolutely gorgeous. As for crochet, I don’t think you’re “going to the dark side” after all, us knitters and crocheters are all just one big happy family (or should be!). Have fun with the class!
The colour of the socks is so nice and so brilliant, that it matches also the first Project Spectrum. And thanks for The Happy Hooker, I did some crochet already and your pictures are showing a lot of funny and quick stuff - I especially love the fitted cardigan (but this will be not so quick!). And above all Congratulations for the 11 pounds, that´s absolutely great!
Thanks for your lovely comments, I am so looking forward to see all your crafts for march.
Enjoy your weekend, greetings, Suzi
Way to go with the weight loss!
But seriously, how are you finding all of these great sock yarns! Now I’m going to have to try that one too! Scrumptious.
11 pounds!?! CONGRATS! You rock! =) I learned how to crochet when I was very little from my gramma. I’ve never seen such cute patterns as you posted from the Happy Hooker. I might just have to get it!
11 pounds-you do it girl!! I am sooooo proud of you!! What an inspiration you are. The socks lock yummy, and I can’t wait to see you rockin’ those beads. And the crochet? So cool. I have been wanting to ‘hook’ for awhile-I love the open look of crochet. My book purchases have been many these last few weeks, so I think I will have to wait on that one for awhile. ;-( However, it will be the first on my list for the next time! That won’t stop me from trying out a few techniques-thank goodness for the internet! I am looking forward to seeing how your class goes-I am sure you will be a ‘happy hooker’ in no time!
You are amazing Lolly-don’t know how you do it all!
Have a great weekend!
love,
-T
Congratulations! Your hard work is paying off :). Wow! there are some cute patterns in the stitch-n-bitch crochet book. I may have to go check that out..hmmmm..another new craft..
Hey - congrats on the weight loss! That shows a lot of dedication. Certainly more than I have…lol
I love the orange colorway on those socks! Lovely!
Oooo… Beads… Beading can be very addicting as well. Watch out!
11 pounds! that’s awesome! i wish i could be more dedicated to exercise. it just makes ya feel so energized and stress free! it’s nice you have someone there right along with you too. it makes it alot easier to keep motivated. good for you!
your becoming quite a sock maven! lookin’ good!
Lolly, You have motivated me to try and get back into Yoga. Not only did Yoga tone me but it gave me such a burst of energy after I was done with class. The orange yarn is so beautiful and I like the 3/4 sleeve jacket from the book.
I am a relatively new reader of your blog and I just wanted to let you know I’m enjoying it very much. The pictures are especially great.
Amazing Lolly! Congrats on your healthy lifestyle…and on your knitting successes. Eliptical trainers are my equipment of choice as well…you can still read (maybe even knit;) while working out! Well done!
hey lolly, beware of lots of mistakes in some of the crochet patterns. i’m sure, eventually, debbie stoller will be publishing an errata. i do love the book though. some ladies at my LYS have been working on some of the patterns and have emailed back and forth about changes to be made with some of the instructions. just so “you know”. i think you can fudge anything if you understand it enough, and i feel that more so with crochet vs. knitting. i feel it’s easier to break the rules with crochet, and filling in with whatever stitches will get you what you want.
Yay, Lolly! Congratulations on your healthy lifestyle changes! I could definitely use some inspiration in that area. So, thanks!
There are some really pretty crochet patterns out there. In particular, I think that bags seem better looking and sturdier in crochet rather than knit (unless it’s felted). I have tried to teach myself crochet and it hasn’t clicked. And I really have hardly enough time to knit!
But, in preparation for the postcard swap, I went to the craft store today and got a bunch of paper craft-type items. Yikes. You may have helped to create a monster.
Yay fitness! And “yay” for brightly colored socks. Your blog came up, I said “WOW” and added sweet feet to the list of sock yarns I must try.
You’ve got some nice goodies. I like the pink/brown sock yarn but I’ll have to resist. I won’t be making any new purchases until MSW. Way to go on the weight loss. I know that is a good feeling. I tried a spinning class once and I know exactly how you feel. The minute the instructor said to try and stand while pedaling I knew it was my first and last spin class. I’m an elliptical girl all the way.
Ooh I love the color on those new socks. And that is such a great title for a book!!
Congrats on loosing 11 pounds!!
I officially declare you a bad influence. I LOVE that red/orange yarn. I went and checked out your links and ended up buying a skein of the blue/brown sock yarn. Bad influence Lolly!
As for the crochet - I used to be a hardcore crocheter. And I say there is no shame in the hook! If I can help at all in your crochet education, feel free to ask.
Congrats on the weight loss! That is so awesome! Send some of that motivation my way!
Hi Lauren! Great job on the socks and the 11 pounds! If you’re ever looking for a program to try, I would highly recommend Weight Watchers. I used the online version my senior year of college and lost 40 pounds.
Hope everything else is going well for you at class and work!
I don’t have any socks on the needles right now, and it bugs me CONSTANTLY. I’m going to break down any minute, I just know it. As for crochet, I’ve crocheted as long as I’ve knitted and at times have done it exclusively. I think it’s a great skill to have, and there are a lot of things you can do w/ crochet that you can’t do w/ knitting! And it’s nice to only have one little loop to worry about dropping…
Lolly, you have to stop telling me about all these great new sock yarns you find!!
Congratulations on the new exercise program! You are doing awesome!
Congratulations on the weight loss! WW has worked for me. I love the colour of the socks…and I love the socks in your last post! You are such a sock knitter know! I can’t believe you ever had doubts!
Congrats on the weight loss!! That’s FANTASTIC!!!
The orange socks are going to be awesome! I really like the color you’re using.
Warning: Crocheting is addictive — but what a great addiction have!
Well have been wanting to learn to crochet for a few years now and after seeing those fun projects i’m going to jump on in asap!! What great patterns! Thanks for the shove!
Hi Lauren! I just ordered that Happy Hooker book! Can’t wait to get it - I have been saying for months that I’m going to work on learning to crochet better. Maybe it will be thing I need to get going! Congrats on your healthy living! I should work on eating better and getting more exercise too.
lovely new socks! good luck with the crochet.
I hope you enjoy the crochet, Lauren! I love crochet. It’s great to know both, it gives you so many choices and they can work so well together. If anyone actually gives you crap… well, fuck ‘em.
xox
Your socks look great! It’s too funny that I just finished my Dublin Bay second sock on Saturday morning without even knowing you were finishing yours. Thanks for inspiring me with the pattern - it really looks great when it is done.
omg, 11 pounds? that’s fantastic! way to go! but working out six days a week - you’re making the rest of us (eh, me at least) look bad…
thanks for the snb crochet pics - i had been wondering about the projects in this one but not been able to find any pictures. will definitely go on my list.
Great job! You have made me get back to the gym. I will have to look for the new and improved Lolly at the MD Sheep and Wool Festival.
The colors of that new sock yarn are gorgeous! The crochet projects looked nice to me too, but I still think I am going to be more of a knitter over the course of my life
I don’t understand why crochet doesn’t get the love it deserves! It’s fun! And so super quick and easy to get crochet projects done compared to knitting sometimes. You’ll pick it up in no time and be rocking on it I’m sure!
I am looking forward to Project Spectrum so much! I do so much better when I have a little “structure” to my projects. =) I already have some sock yarn picked out and supplies purchased for card-making… fun fun fun!
Love how the sock is coming! Great colors.
I pre-ordered the SnB Crochet - can’t wait to get my copy!! So glad you posted pics - I think I won’t regret this purchase either~
I’ve never been fond of crochet, because it always tends to look homemade, but after seeing those patterns I may have to change my mind and learn how to read a crochet pattern. Some of those are very cute.
You go girl! I love those crochet projects! Have you seen the commercial for that glade-room-scent thingy that has the Grandma from “crochet world” on it? teehee, Debbie Stoller would curl her hair!
i’m glad crochet is making a comeback! i started my fiber fetish with crochet, but abandoned it for knitting when i learned how to make socks. i thought skipping the scarves in favor of socks was a great idea
good for you!
the whole spinning thing is fun–if you’re in the right class. it’s not for everybody, and i hated spinning instructors who never changed up the music. three months to the same songs!? jeez!
ellipticals are easier on the joints anyway.
congrats on the weight loss! once you incorporate fitness into your lifestyle, it becomes less of a hobby and more like a habit. like knitting
i am waiting waiting waiting for that crochet book to hit the stands. i didn’t pre-order it like i should have. grraaar…i am ALL over that cowboy hat!
The Happy Hooker… PFFFFFTT… HA! I love it! How did I miss that? If you haven’t already bought crochet hooks, my favorite brand is the Addi Turbo. You know me, I don’t care terribly about fiber or knitting needle brands. But the trouble with a lot of crochet hooks out there is that they snag - oh yes, those pretty Brittany ones do snag - and even the Clover Soft Touch isn’t that soft and it simply isn’t as fast as the Turbo. So (jingle music) - for a crochet experience that’s happy and snag-free - choose Addi! Seriously, though; two hundred and fifty afghan squares in Red Heart Acrylic later - ya know, the Super Savers with no dye lots - Addis really are the best. Knock yourself out; have fun!
Hey Lolly,
I was just wondering what sock pattern do you use when you knit up some socks?
Eleven pounds! WooooOoooo, that’s great!
I was at a knitting festival this weekend and flipped through The Happy Hooker, I’ll have to take a closer look at it, I love that bag that you posted the picture of…
Also at the knitting festival, I bought a ton of pink and red yarn, all for Project Spectrum (pictures on my blog)! I can’t wait to get started and see what everybody else is doing!
Thanks for visiting my blog Lolly! And boy and I glad cuz now here I am reading yours! Love the colors of the socks you are knitting. Lookin’ good.
Eleven pounds!?! Congratulations! That is totally awesome!
I’m planning to buy Happy Hooker too, eventually. I can crochet a little bit, but not much. I’m just about finished my first ever crocheted afghan.
Happy Knitting and Hooking!!
i love those patterns — are they all from debbie’s book or various sources? that blazer is adorable.
congrats on the 11 pounds!
Hi Lolly,
Things are looking really fabulous here!! Project Spectrum is contagious and seems to run over into all areas of life! Have fun learning to crochet. And wow oh wow on diet & exercise! Dianne
Your socks look like the same colorway as the socks I’m knitting with knitpicks sock garden yarn. When I first saw the picture, I thought we were using the same yarn. The brown colorways sound great-I’ll have to take a look!
Thanks so much for the preview! I haven’t seen it in person yet.
And WOO HOO!!! Good for you on your workout goals. I’m so proud of you, girl.