The Crochet Internet Experience

How and where can you get involved for the full crochet Internet experience?

The experience starts with exploring some of the crochet sites on the Net, seeing what other crocheters are making, learning new stitches, downloading free patterns, ordering yarn and pattern books online.

Some crocheters that have been active on the Internet for awhile would say that your crochet Internet experience is not complete until you have been involved with a crochet discussion list and have participated in at least one crochet exchange.

Discussion List Exchanges

The anticipation of waiting for the first package to come and the thrill when it arrives is just not to be described. The enjoyment of making something special for your crochet partner and your anticipation of their thrill in getting it is equally as wonderful. You just can't know the feeling until you've actually been part of an exchange. In the discussion list email you'll see messages like "I'm so excited! I got my first puffy!"

Ok, you're saying, what is a puffy? A puffy is the term exchangers use to describe a package that has a crocheted item in it being sent to an exchange partner. These are often sent in the padded, bubble-lined envelopes, which are a bit puffy; thus the name. The term puffy is now used to describe all exchange items, even if it's sent in a box.

Crocheters involved in the exchanges are from the United States, Canada and the rest of the world! Exchanges are a wonderful way to make new crochet friends worldwide.

Note that to participate in any of these exchanges, you would first need to become a member of that list by subscribing. You can find online crochet email lists at sites such as Yahoo or MSN, by clicking on their Groups link and doing a search. Online Crochet Groups

Dateline: 10/31/98, Feature copyright 1998 by Sandi Marshall

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