Subject: About.com Crochet Hot Topics Newsletter
Mid-week Supplement

Hot Topics ~ Crochet at About
January 4, 2001 - Vol. 4, No. 2

~ You're Talking About
~ Internet Talk: Translation of LOL
~ Internet Emoticons Mini Lesson
~ Don't Miss - Panels Afghan Free Pattern

Here's the second edition of this special mid-week newsletter with highlights of your great forum topics and more. In my next newsletter, I'll tell about new free patterns, links and other updates to the About Crochet site.

Enjoy getting to know these crochet friends:

---------------- Hot Topics ----------------

CRITTERKEEPER shares her excitement at finishing her first big crochet project; a shawl:
http://forums.about.com/ab-crochet/messages?lgnF=y&msg=4245.1

BEVQ writes "I have been lounging on the couch recovering from my surgery -- and doing well - I created a brand new pattern to whip up some newborn booties." She gives the link so you can try them:
http://forums.about.com/ab-crochet/messages?lgnF=y&msg=4246.1
TRACY kiddingly advises her "Just lie there like a good little girl and sleep. No dreaming about yarn either! LOL!"
http://forums.about.com/ab-crochet/messages?lgnF=y&msg=4246.4

----------- Internet Talk -----------

Translation: LOL = Laughing Out Loud

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MAARMEE's suggestion when first trying the Mobius Scarf pattern "You might want to try one on a little swatch -- like a ch-18 first -- before doing the whole thing. The first turning is a little tricky." See earlier posts in that message thread for links to the Mobius Scarf free patterns:
http://forums.about.com/ab-crochet/messages?lgnF=y&msg=4221.9

LUVHANDKNIT wrote "Is anyone working on a Paradise doll pattern? ... I absolutely love crocheting these detailed gowns."
http://forums.about.com/ab-crochet/messages?lgnF=y&msg=4044
GRANNYTWIG answers "Paradise collector costumes are my favorite thing to crochet. I think my favorite so far is the 1904 Bridal costume."
GEORGINA gives the address of a source in Tasmania where Australians can purchase Paradise Doll patterns:
http://forums.about.com/ab-crochet/messages?lgnF=y&msg=4044.10
YORKIE591 " ... if I were to buy all the one's I wanted I would have to take out a loan!!"
http://forums.about.com/ab-crochet/messages?lgnF=y&msg=4044.13

------ Internet Emoticons Mini Lesson ------

The emoticons below consist of eyes, nose and mouth. Look at these with your head tipped sideways to the left, to see the meanings:

:-) :^) and :o) mean smiling (a happy crocheter)
;-) ;^) and ;o) mean winking or just kidding

Other emoticon types:
@}->-- This is a rose.
(::()::) This is a bandaid, meaning you're being supportive or offering your help.

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Your suggestions count! Following my Christmas Cat pattern, MAGGIE suggested that I design a "cat of the month" series, for afghan squares. I like her idea and plan to do it!
http://forums.about.com/ab-crochet/messages?lgnF=y&msg=4237

Lots of great posts on Your Best/Favorite project of 2000. Jump in and post your fav anytime:
http://forums.about.com/ab-crochet/messages?lgnF=y&msg=4232

... and/or your worst/least liked of 2000:
http://forums.about.com/ab-crochet/messages?lgnF=y&msg=4233

BABCI talks about plastic bag crochet. She says "It's a technique much like rag crochet". She reminisces about watching her Mom do rag crochet, gives some hints and tells how to "finger roll" a ball of plastic strips, to keep the "play" in the plastic.
http://forums.about.com/ab-crochet/messages?lgnF=y&msg=4230.2
ELLIEDEE tells about two leaflets by Leisure Arts that are for crocheting plastic bag rugs. She goes on to say "I knew an elderly lady once who used the bread bags to make long rugs, like runners. They were very nice, too. She glued used rubber rings from old canning jars to the bottom so they wouldn't slip."
http://forums.about.com/ab-crochet/messages?lgnF=y&msg=4230.5
EWE2LAMB talks about a circular plastic bag rug that her Mother made in the 60's. She says "This was used by the back door for about 10 years on asphalt tile. It didn't slip very much. It was taken out and hosed down in the yard and layed over a rosebush to dry about once a week."
http://forums.about.com/ab-crochet/messages?lgnF=y&msg=4230.6

BLISTERS2 tells how she once taught a blind woman to crochet. She says "She, her sister and mother were all thrilled with her accomplishment. I haven't seen this woman in years but I know we'll never forget each other."
http://forums.about.com/ab-crochet/messages?lgnF=y&msg=3503

----------- Don't Miss ------------

Panels Lapghan and Afghan Free Crochet Pattern - Made in easy to carry along panels. Instructions given for both lapghan size and full afghan size panels. Easy pattern.
http://crochet.about.com/library/weekly/aa061398.htm

---------------- In Closing -----------------

Have a great crochet day!

Until next time,
Sandi Marshall
About Crochet Guide
Homepage: http://crochet.about.com