Stitches

Where can I buy a copy of Crochet Today in the UK? Hi - Does anyone know where I can buy a copy of Crochet Today magazine in the UK? I am interested in current issues rather than back copies and would esp like this year's Christmas special edition. Thanks:-)

Crochet Today, Interweave Crochet or Inside Crochet - which of these magazines do you like the best and why? Trying to choose one to get as a subscription for someone and not sure which to go for. All your opinions will be a huge help! Thanks everyone! =)

What small crafts are popular today in crochet, beads and plastic canvas. ? I am looking for something quick to make to supplement my limited income. I have crocheted for 35 yrs. I like to use seed beads and pony beads and I like small projects in plastic canvas. I have a tendency to make things simplified, I do not like to go into detail when I make something. Thank you in advance for your answers.

I am crocheting a hat from season one from Knit and Crochet today an it asked after rd 4 to join. How do I? join this together? I have searched for the answer but to no avail. It is a flat piece but the how do I get it in the round shape? Thanks Cheryl

How many crocheters are there in the world of today that do take time to crochet a few items a month? I am just curious, I have loved crochet from a teenager to now in my old age years.

The old crochet patterns I have call for #10 Crochet Cotton. What is #10 Crochet cotton called today?

knit and crochet today airtimes? for central times please!? jsut want and weekley episode time or somthing. thanks smarties :D-

With all of today's modern foot wear, does anyone still care for crochet slippers and booties? Are crocheted [ or kint ], booties still a desired item at baby showers?

Does anyone knit or crochet? I have a question about blocking.? I'm making a scarf and it's rolling up terribly. I'm not worried because I've just learned how to block (I saw it done on an episode of Knit and Crochet Today). Here's my question...once I block my scarf will I need to block it again if I ever have to wash it?

How to crochet, web-sites,or steps one-by-one please!? I just joined a club at my school and it is a crocheting club and this lady who was teaching us was going WAY too fast so i went home today not knowing how to crochet. Can anyone help me with web-sites with instructions, or can you give me one-by-one steps please please pleas with cherries on top help me! P.S. NOT KNITTING! ONLY CROCHETING!!!!!!!!!!!!! Thank You!!!!!!!!!!!!!

How popular is crochet in our world today, and which needle craft is absolutey the most popular now? Thanks to everyone, Such beautiful responses, I need enough points to be able to give every one a thumbs up and how will I ever choose a best answer? I love crochet, but I have done many knit projects. Knit seemed from the start to be developed, to have a head start or advantage over crochet. Crochet seemed from the start to be under developed. I was so pleased when the art for it came to be. Good to put a doily into art. I have explored and studied crochet because of coming to that original conclusion 46 years ago. With me, crochet is as developed as an art could be and I have knit as well. Very rewarding.

Looking for a crochet pattern for a coat or jacket? I found a free crochet pattern online for a fitted jacket a few weeks ago and I have been driving myself crazy trying to find it today. All I remember about it is that it was maroon, fitted at the waist, had a buckle and gather on the lower back, and looked pretty complicated. If someone can please help me track this thing down, I would REALLY appreciate it.

how to crochet a granny octagon? afghan was in sept/oct.2008 crochet today magazine. i lost my copy

Is the thing used to pull hair though a highlighting cap the same thing as a crochet hook? And if so....what size crochet hook? I lost the thing to my cap *sigh* and I want to put purple highlights in my hair today for a funeral I must attend tomorrow.

In todays modern world what is considered to be as advance in crochet as is possible? The art of crochet covers a very large terrirory or field. I know that from years back being cretified by Craft Yarn Council of America surely meant teacher qualifications. Sorry, certified. Can any one who want to do so, make a crochet video.

Today I crocheted two beanies and a scarf, wouldn't I make a pretty sweet grandma? Don't ask why either, I'm a bored college student with too much time on his hands in cold weather.

what should i wear with my gray crochet uggs? today i purchased 2 pairs of uggs! one of which is Gray Cardy Crochet ones :) they are soo cute and i am in love with them, i just dont know what too wear with them! 99% of the time i have no problems picking out outfits, im just stuck on this one! HELP! PLEASE :)

what is the difference between sewing thread and size 70 crochet thread? The pattern requiers a tiny hook.? The pattern is a vintage one,and calls for a size 14 steel hook. Most sizes range from 00 to an 11, or a 12, but never have I seen a 14, until today, when I looked and Boye carries them. There is a bobbin, for machine embroidery, that says it is size 70, but it looks to be sewing thread. So i ask, what is the difference?

I have 2000 yards of crochet thread; what should I make with it? I picked it up at the craft store today and have no clue what to create. I want to make something wearable, but haven't found any decent patterns online yet. If anyone has any suggestions or links, I would really appreciate it.

Crochet - how to start new yarn? I'm learning to crochet and making a small blanket. My cat decided to chew through my yarn today... I got to the end of the row with the yarn that was left, but now I need to know how to start new yarn for the next row. Is there a good video showing how to do this, or can someone give good instructions?

Do people in Brasil knit or crochet? Asking because knitting and crochet are such popular crafts today, but I never came accross knitting or crochet patterns from Brasil. I'm most familiar with English, American, Australian and French knitware designs-and they are all different- and I wonder what original Brasilian designs are like. I'm especially interested in Baby garments.

I need websites with completely FREE crochet patterns!? I'm administrator of Facebook Fan Page, "Free Crochet Patterns" & have looooots of completely FREE crochet patterns available to all who become a fan of it! (Feel free to Like! Free Crochet Patterns, today!) But, I', looking for cute, hip, modern, mod, dark, goth, punk, ANY kind of crochet patterns that are completely FREE. PLEASE, if you know of any websites that offer free crochet patterns send me as many links as you have to offer! Thanks so much ~ His_Rose

Anyone know how to learn Crochet? I used to be able to crochet and suddenly thought today that I can't remember how to do it. Anyone know any websitews that can refresh my memory... every so strange that I can still how to knit but the crochet has completely gone from my mind.

My friend's 18th birthday is today. What should I make her? I won't see her until Sunday, so I have two days. I can knit, crochet, sew, and do various papercrafts. Any ideas?

How do I make a this Crochet hat? I saw a girl with one today and she said her grandmother crocheted it for her. It was simple but it was cute it lookes like tis one http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1012/593635605_ef6ab7ce77.jpg

what is the largest crochet hook? I mean in letters. Today I got a Q, I want to know what the largest size is, and where to get it. thanx

Do you love to crochet amigurumi? Then check out this awesome blog, it has a bunch of free amugurimi patterns! http://amigurumilove.blogspot.com/ This blog is new (I started it today) , but it's going to be great! Come check out the three free patterns I already have up. There's more to come!

Crochet Pattern Software? Can anyone tell me where I can download today (if its available) a crochet pattern maker, but not for filet crochet , for free online? I would like to make my own patterns and am having no luck in finding the software! Thanks for your help!

What to wear with a crochet beret hat? Yes, so last night I went to Hot Topic, and I saw the crochet beret: http://blog.craftzine.com/crochet_slouchyhat.jpg and its black. FYI so anyway, my friends and I are hanging out today, and I don't know a good outfit for this hat. Help me please!!! I got until lunchtime xD

Some crochet questions? What does a crochet needle look like? I'm not talking about the hook, I'm talking about the thing you use to weave in ends. I have looked for a picture every where, but I can't find one, and I'm planning on buying one today and want to know what it looks like. Also, if I am making a big project like an afgahn, is it better to use a big crochet hook? Will this get it done faster? Sorry for my novice questions, but any help you can give me is appreciated! Thank you! :)

What does "online only" mean at joann fabric and craft store's website? I want to get these crystal ice crochet hooks at joanns and I am going there today but it said online only? Does that mean I can only get it online or thats the price online?

Does anyone know a haberdashery anywhere in London thats open late? Hi all. I really need to buy a 3.5mm crochet needle, some wool and some button eyes today but im at work til 5. does anyone know a haberdashery thats open til 7 or 8 in london? Or til 6 near NW3? Thank you!

I just bought Ugg knit boots today at Nordstrom, so I want to know what looks good with them? Heres the link to the picture of the boots so you guys can get an idea! Thanks! :) Link: http://di1.shopping.com/images1/pi/3f/98/4a/75407476-300x300-0-0_UGG+Australia+Ugg+Suburb+Crochet+Boots+Women+s.jpg

What all have you done today? What have you done today?What do you plan on doing the rest of the evening. I woke up started crocheting my friend a belt for school then i went to my friend Heathers and her dad dropped us off at the pool then my mom picked us up at five then we went home ate dinner and then i took a shower then we went to Heathers then i hopped on yahoo answers and i am going to sleep at Heathers tonight and probably go to sleep at 3. what did you do today? what are your plans for later.

Is it too early to start making or buying things for the baby? I'm 6 weeks pregnant. My fiance and I went to the market today and i bought a lot of soft cotton wool in yellow, green, purple and blue and some knitting patterns for baby things. We are both excited about the baby, if we could have done we probably would have bought everything for a baby nursery today - we're moving in the middle of May so we didn't see the point but I knit and crochet a lot so the wool has a place in our current home. Would it be too early to start making things or buying things for the baby?

Confusion about crochet hook sizes? I bought some yarn and a crocket hook today. I tried to get the best size for the yarn, but I'm not sure I did. One place on the label has a little picture of a crochet hook and "5mm" by it. Another place on the label has the same picture, but "6mm" by it. Both are very clear, so it's not like one has a mark on it that may be changing the way the number looks. I bought a 5.5 mm hook. Got everything home and looked at a book I have with some info on crocheting. The book has a crochet hook size chart. for 5.5mm, it says "US size I" (meaning the letter between H and J, not the numeral before 2). The crochet hook package says it's 5.5 mm but "US zie 19." I'm not doing a project, just trying to see if I can do the stitches. So there's no instructions about this size or yarn or hook to straighten this out. Can any crocheters out there explain the discrepancies? What size hook should I be using? OK, let me be clear: I am NOT using a pattern. I am American. WHY are there two different metric sizes on the same yarn label? WHY does the conversion on the hook package not match the one in the crocheting book, and which is correct?

Baby stuff...Crochet patterns and colours? Okay, I just found out today that my favourite teacher of all time (AKA my favourite person) is pregnant, and won't be teaching at our school next year (I'm the only student she's told). I was really upset about the fact that I won't be seeing her for an entire year, but I was also extremely happy for her because I know that's what she wanted. Anyway, I was sitting in my geography class, and my teacher asked me why I was so upset. When she finally got me to tell her who it was about, she knew exactly what was wrong, and told me that I should crochet her a baby blanket and maybe a hat or something. So here's my question: Does anyone know of any patterns I could use? I don't know much about crocheting, only the basics (chain stitches, the ones where you turn around and chain stitch on the chain stitches, and the ones where you do three stitches in each hole), and therefore need a really simple pattern. I also need some colours. I don't know whether it's a boy or a girl (apparently she didn't want to know) so they have to be generic. Thanks! She's not due until September, but I want to make sure I have it done by the end of June, because that's the last time I'll see her before then.

Crochet Scarf Pattern? I need a crochet pattern for a scarf. Preferably for a beginner. --I really want one that is fast* and easy to make-- ~IF YOU CAN: look for one under ------one hour scarf------ +as i want one to make one in an hour+ @Videos would also be nice@ =make sure there are high in quality to see= THANKS! ......PS- i put this in beauty cuz every1 goes there....... THANKS AGAIN! 10 points- guaranteed today- if i get enough answers =D i meant INSTRUCTIONS.

How to begin crochet? I'm just starting crochet, and when I look up guides on how to make basic things (such as a circle, or just a square) I get these insane guides I don't understand. Keep in mind I JUST started today and I have no clue what these shortcuts on the guide mean. I've been wanting to make a strawberry (though I prefer to learn how to make a normal square or circle before trying anything. Can anyone direct me to a very easy to understand guide on how to crochet for beginners. (I tried looking on you tube, and although they had guides I couldn't see or understand what they were doing )

What can I put in a crocheted tigers paw? I am crocheting tigers for my sisters baby shower to put on the tables for center pieces. The tigers one paw is sticking up and I would like to put something on it as if he is holding it, but I don't know what. I thought about a flower or butterfly, but we found out today she is having a boy. What can I place in his paw? Thank You!

where are all the audience members from the rockumentary Gimme Shelter 1969 today? it's been fourty years i saw it with my son bunch of hippys getting high and taking it ou on the hells angels. anyway disgusting society but it was fascinating. here is my question, where are all you audience members from altamont today -i mean, the naked fat lady that tried to climb on stage, the blonde guy with the big glasses, the girl who is grooving than suddenly stops once the camera is on her, the hells angel with the fur animal hat, the chick with the crochet dress who tries to stop the black guy from gettting knifed, the naked guy during the daytime who is on the ground laughing and screaming, the dude with the hat openly selling hashish, lsd, marijuana, and all the othes....still alive, in jail, married a few times, born against christians, etc. Just wondering any altamont people here want to share some stories.

Halloween costume not sure what to wear with this skirt? So my granny today found out i have a work halloween party so she gave me her old hippie looking skirt its really cute and long its crochet and i dunno off white so what im wondering is if anyone has any ideas as to what i could throw together with it...id really like to make her happy and wear it. Thanks guys any input helps!

Beanie Crochet pattern needed? My little sister is getting dreads today and really wants a fun slouchy beanie. This is what I am looking to make, but I can't find a pattern online. Do you have one? Thanks! http://static.artfire.com/admin/product_images/thumbs/afv--35388--5954_product_1280381271_thumb_large.jpg Thanks, I make Tons of beanie hats, I just wasn't sure if there was a certain way you had to change it up to make it slouchy.

Are crochet berets still in style? I ordered this one from Wet Seal, and I plan on wearing it today with skinny jeans, brown flip-flops, and a long-sleeve plaid shirt for girls. http://www.wetseal.com/catalog/product.jsp?productId=18252

I need to make ( knit, hand sew or crochet) 4 stuffed animals? My little cousin is coming over Sunday and today is Wednesday and I want to make her a stuffed animal. Preferably by knitting or crocheting. . . But if those fail I'd like to hand sew one. Maybe even how to make a doll. Then I'm leaving on the 19th and it's the tenth to go to my friend's house in North Carolina. I'll be bored in the car ( 12 hour ride for me ) and I'd like to make the girl either a stuffed animal or a doll and the boy a stuffed animal, or something little boys like. They are 4 and 5. Please give me ideas or links ( I'd prefer ideas ) on how to make these. And then before I make those I need to make one for me. ^_^ I need a test run. ;P

Crocheting with two strands of yarn? Hey I saw my friend crochet earlier today with two strings and he made a hat, how do i do that (He used a larger stick to do it)

why do we not make our own clothing anymore? we still have the ability to. but only a small number know hows to knit, crochet, weave, ect. why? i know we made machines to make us into the lazy bums we are today, but still i ask, why? and do not tell me "Americans do not have time", because that is BS. it only takes a few minutes at most to knit or crochet a row. if we had a factory, where people go to to knot, crochet, weave, ect. that would make a lot of jobs for the us. why is it not thought of?

Light tingling in my left hand/twitching toes? I started knitting on smaller, new needles last night for a while, and noticed some tingling in my left hand. I can still move it and it functions normally, but it seemingly stopped. I started crocheting today and the tingling has returned and has been going on for about an hour. Also, some parts of my left arm were a little sore but I rubbed it and it went away. The tingling is light, but still annoying and has me concerned--when will it subside? I am 17 years old BTW, if age bears anything on this. I don't think it's connected, but my toes have been twitching on and off for about 2 or 3 years now -- I attributed it to growing but I'm not sure now, as my big toes have started twitching (the twitching has since subsided) and last night my left leg twitched like crazy, on the left side of the leg below the kneecap and on the top of the calf. I could see it twitching. When my twitching first starts, it's always my small toe--it twitches like maaaaad. Is this nothing or a sign of something more?

I'm looking for an entralac Jacket knitting pattern, and something kinda sexy to knit for my wife.? Hello, All, My wife and my anniversary is in December, and her birthday is in January. I know it's a bit early to be thinking of finding a project, but I'd like to knit her something for both, and I'm pretty slow, especially if I can only work on it when she is at work. First, for our anniversary, I'm looking for a pattern for a night dress or nightie. Something pretty and sexy, but not dirty or pornographic. Something I can use a really soft, comfortable yarn on, maybe with a lacy skirt. I've seen lots of books for that sort of thing online, but have not found them in my local bookstore, and don't want to invest in a book unless there's a pattern in it I know I'll use. Any suggestions on where to find nice patterns, or suggestions, would be appreciated. The second project, for her birthday, I'm having even a harder time finding. Since seeing and episode of "Knit and Crochet Today" featuring Entrelac patterns, I've fallen in love with it, and would like to make her a large, warm, comfy, entrelac jacket. I browsed at my local bookstore today, and found very few books that feature entrelac patterns at all (it is either a really obscure technique, or I'm the only one on the planet that is fascinated with it), and none had a nice overcoat. So again, any suggestions on where to find a nice entrelac pattern coat would also be totally appreciated. Many thanks!!

Survey: What are you wearing today? I am wearing a rose color tunic style crochet sweater over a gray halter top with an olive green knee length gypsy skirt, gray cable knit tights and black Frye engineer boots.

Help.. What do you buy for the best mother in law in the world for Christmas? She seriously is I couldn't ask for more. I want to get her something special she like gardening, reading, quilting, crocheting, knitting, she uses power tools. She likes to stay up to date with today's trends as far as houses go. She built her own deck. I want to make her something sentimental or buy her something she will love. Most importantly something she doesn't have. Any ideas or websites would be greatly appreciated. Thank you!

Curious about today's mothers...............? Do any mothers today teach their daughters anything like cross stitch, embroidery, or crocheting anymore? My mom taught me and I taught my daughter. She is in college and still enjoys it. Kids are all trying to be grownups from the time they're about 10, it seems. Just curious about other moms. Tom---I'm not entirely sure what being Mormon has to do with anything. The question was not regarding "a woman in her place". Your odd sarcasm is not appreciated. Here's a new word for you.....chauvenism. Thanks everyone else for you answers.

Have you ever left a class having learned none of the material, but rather some useless factoid? I left my physiology class with no new knowledge of the course, but I do now know the difference between knitting and crocheting. Knitting it done using two needles, where as crocheting utilizes only one needle. I don't know how I got on that topic with Cait, but we did. Damn USA Today crossword puzzle. I'm so ready for my test next Monday. :-P

If you only had to do ONE thing today -- what would it be? I would sit on the couch and crochet.... Peace.

hellpp!!!!! CROCHET CARDY UGG HELP URGENT? OKAYY so my sister is getting cardy uggs and would be around lets say a 10 i know for classic uggs like regualr uggs you get a smaller size but today my frined who was wearing the cardy uggs said to get a bigger size because they were tight and stuff like that so what do i do?? get a 10 or 11?

Dragon's First Poll For Today? 1. Octopus or Squid? 2. Knit or crochet? 3. Hats or mittens? 4. For or with? 5. Sharks or Sting Rays? Thank you for helping Dragon. ♥

Did I do a good job today.? Went Shopping...? I Got This Sweater: http://www2.victoriassecret.com/commerce/Sale/onlineProductDisplay.vs?namespace=productDisplay&origin=onlineProductDisplay.jsp&event=display&prnbr=EK-230569&size=XS&rfnbr=3680 This AA Hoodie: http://store.americanapparel.net/f497w.html (In Cranberry) Two Floral 'Bow' Headbands: http://store.americanapparel.net/floralhb.html (In Pink and Black) This Messenger Bag: http://www.urbanoutfitters.com/urban/catalog/productdetail.jsp?itemdescription=true&itemCount=10&startValue=1&selectedProductColor=&sortby=&id=16121279&parentid=W_ACC_SALE&sortProperties=+product.marketingPriority,-product.startDate&navCount=12&navAction=poppushpush&color=&pushId=W_ACC_SALE&popId=WOMENS_SALE&prepushId= Two Tunics: http://shop.pacsun.com/catalog/product.jsp?productId=9574 http://shop.pacsun.com/catalog/product.jsp?productId=10163 These Shoes:http://www.urbanoutfitters.com/urban/catalog/productdetail.jsp?itemdescription=true&itemCount=60&id=16145955&parentid=W_SHOES_BOOTS&sortProperties=+subCategoryPosition,+product.marketingPriority,-product.startDate&navCount=33&navAction=poppushpush&color=01&popId=WOMENS_SHOES&pushId=W_SHOES_ALLSHOES&prepushId= (In Black) I already bought 9 Over-Sized T-Shirts.. 1 Flannel 6 Over-Sized Tunic Tanks 2 Regular Tunics 1 Pair of Skinny Jeans 1 Pair of Striped Leggings Purple American Apparel Hoodie Blue Crochet-ish (lol) Flats Light-Lavender Sandels Do you think I have enough stuff for school at this point...?? Also I'm getting about 360 more dollars to go shopping tomarrow, what should i get..???

i just started to learn how to knit today.. question? http://www.lionbrand.com/patterns/80795AD.html thats the first thing im making, im alittle confused... i know how to crochet but in the begining it says to join im wondering if i join it like a circle? im on row 5 now.. but it looks like two rows..?.. it looks its gonna be a scarf i dunno if im doing this right, help plz? lol aw man, how do i make a circle?! anyone?? i know im a beginer but i really wanna make this ;'c help plz

knitting/crocheting help for teen?? which is easier to learn how to do... knitting or crocheting?? -i saw an article in a magazine today about how knitting/crocheting helped a teen girl like de-stress and she donated some of the peices she made to charity and stuff. and i dont really have a hobby. and would like to help charity. -so i was wondering which is easier to do--for a teenage girl at least. --and any good websites/books that could teach me how or show me step by step how to do it. (no one in my family knows how. lol) -any help would be appreciated! -thanks!

Sanitizing Baby Blanket? How do I make sure that a newly crocheted blanket is sanitary for a new born baby just born today? When I crochet it's hard for the yarn not to get on the floor and my cat wouldn't quit playing with the yarn and walking on it. What do I do to make sure baby don't get sick?

Trouble with sewing machine? I crocheted a purse today, and I'm trying to use my sewing machine to add in a liner and pocket to the purse. I broke a needle already, and I was hoping someone could tell me if you need a special needle for the sewing machine when working with wool. Any insight would be helpful. Thanks

probably a dumb question, your thoughts please? So I've always worn t-shirts in the summer, I haven't ever had a spaghetti strap top, but I bought one today. It's a basic cami with a crochet design around the neck and an empire-ish waist. I don't want to wear it on it's own because you can see my bra straps. Can you please recommend what I should wear over a cami that will still look cute? Thank you for your help :)

What are some things to do? While at my aunt's house for a week dog sitting? I have no money and everyone (family) said to not buy anything anyway. I have school work (on line courses for jr college) and a few art projects to finish for Christmas. I can paint decent, sew (if Mom lets me take her machine), and crochet. Well, almost any art type deal lol. Any suggestions for thing to make for my son (he's due Feb 28) or for my mom's book and gift store?? I'm 21 weeks and 3 days today. Anything besides blankets lol?

which is easier to learn...? which is easier to learn how to do... knitting or crocheting?? i saw an article in a magazine today about how knitting/crocheting helped a teen girl like de-stress and she donated some of the peices she made to charity and stuff. and i dont really have a hobby. and would like to help charity. so i was wondering which is easier to do--for a teenage girl at least. --and any good websites/books that could teach me how or show me step by step how to do it. (no one in my family knows how. lol) any help would be appreciated! thanks!

crocheting: how do i connect single chains? I just bought the supplies today. 2 seperate yarns, black and purple. I'm trying to make a scarf and incorporate the purple yarn into the black, but I need to know what to do. I've made a single chain and can't find any tutorials on how to do it

I need some help!!!!? ok...so it class today...we learned how to crochet. well...I need help....is there a way I can make a blanket without needles?

Need help with a crocheting term BADLY and SOON!? I just sat down to start a baby blanket for my niece, and the first instruction is "With "MC" ch 122. Now I know what a chain is, but I don't know what an "MC" is I haven't crocheted anything in about ten years, and then I was far from an expert, but I wanted badly to make something special for the coming baby. I don't know where to look. I got the directions from the Michael's Arts & Crafts store site, just bought the yarn today, and they were no help at the store! I thought there they would be able to help me. I only have about a month before the baby shower. If anyone can help me, I'd really appreciate it. The blanket is on the "www.Michaels.com" site under yarn and needle crafts, then under baby blankets it's on page 2, and is called "Cottontots Seed Stitch Blanket." I would be so grateful to anyone who can help me with this term. I am so disappointed to get home with the yarn and not even be sure of the FIRST TERM! Thank you in advance, anybody out there who crotchets!

Newborn: Due Jan. 4th, should I wash babies clothes?? Im due on January 4th. I just had my baby shower and was curious if I should was the babies clothes, or is that not necessary? I bought some Purex Baby Detergent so I could do them today. Is it too early? If I do the clothes am I supposed to do stuffed animals & blankets/quilts?? How about the crochet clothes & quilts people hand made? Would those get ruined?

How often should I wash my dreads? I've had my dreads for a little over a year and the bodies of them are locked up pretty good but still frizzies all about. Just today I had them crocheted to lock up the roots and when I asked her how often I should wash them she said once every two weeks and it's best to keep em dirty. On the dreadheadhq and knottyboy websites they say to keep em clean and they lock up quicker that way and wash them every 5 days. So which one? Are the dread companies just trying to make people wash they're hair and buy products, or do dreads really lock up quicker when dirty? (My hair is naturally straight, bodies of the dreads are pretty hard, and roots are just freshly crocheted)

A friend of mine just gave birth, any ideas on special ways to say congrats? We have a different sort of frienship. She's honnestly more like a sister in law, but we have been making genuine efforts to become closer. She just gave birth today, and I was looking for neat ideas on what I could do to let her know how happy and excited Im am about the new addition. I crocheted her an afghan a few months back as a baby gift, but it seems like I should make some gesture now as well. It's her first child, and she lives very far away. Im just at a loss for ideas....

Who else thinks NBC's Wimbledon coverage is awesome? I don't know about anyone else but I'm so glad that NBC got the rights to Wimbledon. Don't get me wrong, I love tennis and all but I would have been disappointed if the Wimbledon coverage had been broadcast at the expense of favorites like Judge Judy or the Today Show. Thanks to NBC, I didn't have to worry about that. I can now sleep safe in the knowledge that, come finals day on Sunday, I won't have to choose between the Wimbledon final and another favorite show: I can watch Crocheting Today live, knowing that NBC will have the re-run of the Wimbledon Final ready for me a mere 4-5 hours later. AWESOME!!!

ok lol. some help plz....? ok iv started crochet first time iv eva touched a crochet needle is today lol.. iv manged to get the basic.. and to do the managed to get a chain of stitches together but now am wanting to make it go round.. and get some sort of pattern to end up with a blanket.. not just a long trail of wool.. how do i go bout this..?

Would anyone like to hear my wee Granny poem? In the dim and distant past When life's tempo wasn't so fast, Grandma used to rock and knit, Crochet, tat and baby sit. When the kids were in a jam, They could always call on Gram. But today she's in the gym Exercising to keep slim. She's checking the web or surfing the net, Sending some e-mail or placing a bet. Nothing seems to stop or block her, Now that Grandma's off her rocker.

If I start to knit , will I be betraying my crocheting ? See, from what I've noticed, crochet is the underdog in the United States - it's considered to ugly when making clothes. In Mexico, crochet is mainly used for doilies and for things around the house, and baby clothes. So, up until now, I've been fully bent on only crocheting and trying to make beautiful things out of it, in order to prove the contrary that it's ugly (And I've succeeded), something of a "Suck it, knitting!" But today... I saw two books on knitting, with beautiful patterns! I do know how to knit and purl.... But if I start to knit, will I be betraying my crochet? I know it sounds stupid, but I feel that I'll be going over to the dark side :( What are your thoughts on this? I'm really torn up over this, as silly as it sounds.

I just finished crocheting a headband. How do I weave/connect the two ends together to make it a headband? Right now, I have the headband almost finished, but it's just one long triple crochet. I need to connect the two ends so it's a circular band rather than one long thick row. How do you connect the two ends together? Do you weave, sew, loop or something else? I need to connect the two ends to make it wearable, obviously. PLEASE HELP! I really want to connect it into a band and finish it today, because I'm making it for my big sister! Thanks! -Josh!

Possibly Broken Ankle? Help!? I was playing with my friends today, and we got out these crochet mallets. (sorry if mispelled) umm. so we were playing with those and one of my friends hit me in the inside bumpy part of the ankle. It is very painful, and that is kinda big cuz usually I can withstand a lot of pain. I can walk on it a little but even when i'm not putting weight on it it aches. I think it's a bit swollen and it's bruising. what should i do, and it is broken, what will the doctors do... Srry, but ever since I was a little kid I have this weird fear of doctors. It is weird I know. oh yeah, and I am elevating it. Will I have 2 be on crutches?? IT KILLS TO TOUCH IT!! OMG I JUST TRIED!ugh

a very good story for teenagers? “Hello everyone” a voice boomed from down the corridor. It was miss. Smith with her grey hair tied back making it look like a rat’s tail. Her white shirt was tucked neatly under her skirt. Her black skirt covered both of her hairy legs. She came up to me and Rachael. “Hello” she said to us trying to sound polite but not achieving. “I’ve heard that you” she pointy her long ancient fingers and you could see that she had the habit of biting her nails like me. She pointed her finger so close to my eye that for one, scary moment I thought she was going to poke my eyes out. She carried on “have a very high level, way above your standard in maths”. Rachael stared at me. I stared back at Rachael. I’m VERY bad at maths!! The last test we took I got the lowest level in the class. I was confused. I looked back at miss. Smith who’s teeth pointed out like a rabbits. “Miss. Smith I think you confused me for someone else” I said trying to sound like I didn’t care, but my voice was shivering. Miss. Smith stood up straight again. “Aren’t you Ruby Haughians?” I looked up at the ceiling because I couldn’t be bothered to answer her. Wasn’t it a bit obvious that I was Ruby Haughians? The girl with crazy highlights in her hair: red, blonde, light brown, dark brown, blue. The girl who was so popular that everyone knew who she was. The girl that always wore make up no matter what! The girl that was always in detention. “Yes miss I’ am Ruby Haughians. But I’m not that good at maths if you really need to know.” Just then the bell rang for registration and Rachael butted in. “Miss. Smith we need to go to registration. Sorry. Bye”. She pulled me away from miss. Smith like I was her dog. I know that Rachael always hated miss. Smith and didn’t want to argue with her on a Monday morning when she was so tired. We went into registration just on time. Our class is very noisy by the way! We are the class that no teacher can stand, well definitely when Shannon Kelly is around. She’s like a wild elephant that just came out of the Amazon rainforest, trying to track down someone that she can annoy. And unfortunately I’m that someone. She annoys me so much that I wish I could get professional zoo keepers to tie her to an aeroplane and send her back to the Amazon forest. Only if the zoo keepers can stay alive when they meet her. She started jumping on the table. She was so fat that the whole room started shaking. If Mrs. Green didn’t stop her then their was definitely going to be an earthquake. “Good morning Children” Mrs. Green shouted so that Shannon would stop talking. I liked Mrs. Green. She had the best sense of fashion out of all the teachers at Milton High. Today she was wearing cropped trousers, Crochet back top and plain canvas pump shoes. She had several bracelets dangling on her hand. Her hair is beautiful with honey blonde highlights in her light brown hair. She had curled her hair and let it out loose. “Mrs!!” called Shannon. She had an evil smirk on her face so I knew she was going to say something silly and random. Mrs. Green noticed that smirk too so she took no notice of Shannon. “As you all know, you are going to take your SATS test at the end of this week” Mrs. Green was about to carry on when she was interrupted by people signing and telling their friends that they were going to do very badly. When the signing had eventually calmed down Mrs. Green carried on. “Yes I know it’s a stressful time for you all…” Before she could finish talking Shannon screamed out “MRS!!!” again Mrs. Green took no notice. Just then she started the sentence again “I know it’s a stressful…” A pencil went flying in the air and hit Mrs. Green on the head. I turned around noticing Shannon hiding under the table. Mrs. Green wasn’t as stupid as Shannon to not realise who had thrown the pencil. “Get out of this class room, Shannon Kelly, and I hope you never enter here again!” I had never heard Mrs. Green shout before. She was always so patient with Shannon and others like her but never took things this seriously. Shannon strolled out of the class room but still that evil smirk hadn’t disappeared yet. Mrs. Green had gone the same colour as her name. When Shannon had eventually closed the door Mrs. Green went to her desk and sat on top of it. “I’m tired of you all!” She said to my great amazement. I had always loved Mrs. Green and she had always loved me. I wanted to be sick. “Every one of you here is annoying me and I’m fed up!!” No this wasn’t true! How could Mrs. Green say everyone? I mean I was always naughty but never in Mrs. Green’s lesson. I loved her lessons. They were always fun and Mrs. Green was always fun. And she knew that. I hate Shannon why did she need to do that? Well from now on we are definitely enemies. The only reason I liked school so much was because of Mrs. Green. But now she told us what she really thought of us. I was in the playground when I noticed Miss. Smith coming up to me again! Oh no! Rachael and I were talking about

storing a 40's dress? i just bought a 40's dress today. its quite heavy and the sleeves and shoulders are made of like crochet lace. i dont know if hanging is such a good idea because of it's weight. but i dont know how else to store it. and ideas? i'm gonna put it in to be dry cleaned, cause i obviously dont wanna store it dirty (its not but you never know) and halls washing machines are a bit vicious. why black crepe paper sorry?

Make me another outfit please? Okay this is sort of what I have on right now This http://www.forever21.com/product.asp?catalog%5Fname=FOREVER21&category%5Fname=top&product%5Fid=2061921429&showBACK=OK But without the crochet part / with spaghtti staps and a banded top like the bottom. And for bottoms Dark blue wash pacsun skiny jeans. Based on what Im wearing today create an outfit that you I could wear another day. Make sense? Will give 10pts

To pay or not to pay? What should I have done? My friend and I crochet afghans for a local children's hospital, and we're always looking for free or cheap yarn. I found a woman trying to get rid of some on Craigslist, and I e-mailed her, asking her if she'd donate it to us, or if not, we'd pay a token amount of $5 for it. She e-mailed me back, saying "I actually have donated quite a bit there. My daughter was in. I guess that would be fine." I took that to mean that she would donate the yarn, so I went to pick it up yesterday, and she just gave it to me. Now today, when I checked my e-mail she said "I thought we agreed to $5." I e-mailed her back saying that I thought she agreed to donate it, and I quoted her e-mail, saying she never specifically said "I'll give it to you for $5". I told her I must have misunderstood, and I would send her a check for the $5. She e-mailed back saying "That's not my point. Never mind." I e-mailed her back saying I have her address, I'll send her a check. Was I right to do that? Do I owe?

Ok, question for the single religious ladies.? I'm thinking about just giving up being gay, because I know from your responses that I woke up one day and chose to be gay. So, today I've decided I'll just go straight. Which one of you eligible christian women would like to date me? Let me tell you a bit about me. My favorite color is pink. I love love love stuffed animals and my favorite movie is Beaches. I love to shop. I have a slight lisp, and some of my friends think I have a limp wrist at times, but I don't think so. I drive a chevy malibu, I know that will impress the ladies! Plus, my mom taught me how to crochet and cross stitch. Those are my favorite hobbies. Also, sometimes I like to go bowling. I'm not any good at other sports. Other sports are boring anyway. Oooo ooo! If we get serious, I bet your parents would love me, because I love to talk a lot. Especially about decorating, and cooking. Hit me up if you want to be my girlfriend....thanks and god bless! I just bought my Malibu....it is a 2005.... MiD - My path is not crooked. MiD - Plus, you didn't say if you want to date me or not.

what makes a cat just recently spayed/aborted kittens,"kneed " my crocheted blanket & want lots of attention? I mean, she was pregnant,and I had wanted her spayed anyway.She was at the vets over the weekend and is really attatched to me. I have a crocheted aphgan on my bed,and she started "kneading" it just today. Also, ever since she came back from the vets,today,she has been extremly clingy,and wanting lots of "lovies" from me. Can someone who knows about cats,please explain this? She was abused in her last home,and then turned outside,and became feral. My oldest daughter coaxed her inside a little at a time, and then she instantly bonded to me. I was the one who took her to the vet and "abandoned" her there for the weekend,so she could have her feline hysterectomy/ abortion. I feel guilty for leaving her, but I had to. help!

Knitting for Dummies (:? My best friend and I have jobs in an office as relay operators and when there are hardly any calls, it gets boring. I have already filled out a book and a half of search a word and fill-it-in puzzles, as well as coloring to pass the time. I decided to start cross stitching again. After I am done cross stitching, I would REALLY like to learn how to knit. My grandmother used to crochet but she passed when I was 8 so I was never able to have anyone teach me how, but I think I would really like to learn how to knit. I was in Micheal's today and saw they had a Knitting for Dummies book. I love the For Dummies series, but I don't think that I would be able to learn how to knit from pictures. So I am curious, from those who didn't learn how to knit from family/friends, how did you learn? A book? Videos? And websites with video, or suggestion of books would be great! Thank you!

Are You Off Your Rocker? In the dim and distant past When life's tempo wasn't so fast, Grandma used to rock and knit, Crochet, tat and baby sit. When the kids were in a jam, They could always call on Gram. But today she's in the gym Exercising to keep slim. She's checking the web or surfing the net, Sending some e-mail or placing a bet. Nothing seems to stop or block her, Now that Grandma's off her rocker. Today is my day for funnees! lol LOL - at 65 I am PRE boomer age

Grandma Joke? In the dim and distant past When life's tempo wasn't so fast, Grandma used to rock and knit, Crochet, tat and baby sit. When the kids were in a jam, They could always call on Gram. But today she's in the gym Exercising to keep slim. She's checking the web or surfing the net, Sending some e-mail or placing a bet. Nothing seems to stop or block her, Now that Grandma's off her rocker.

Please help...I'm stressed out b/c of this.? I'm 13, my friend's turning 12. I don't know what to get her...It's tomorrow and I'm seeing her at 6:30pm at YouthGroup. I don't have time today, tomorrow I have half and hour to mix something up. I can't go out and buy it, no time and it's just not possible. I thought of a ball of yarn, it's pretty new and she likes to crochet. But I need more than that...so suggestions plz! I'm so nervous...

Any ideas..? I'm 13, my friend's turning 12. I don't know what to get her...It's tomorrow and I'm seeing her at 6:30pm at YouthGroup. I don't have time today, tomorrow I have half and hour to mix something up. I can't go out and buy it, no time and it's just not possible. I thought of a ball of yarn, it's pretty new and she likes to crochet. But I need more than that...so suggestions plz! I'm so nervous...

Trouble...plz help.? I'm 13, my friend's turning 12. I don't know what to get her...It's tomorrow and I'm seeing her at 6:30pm at YouthGroup. I don't have time today, tomorrow I have half and hour to mix something up. I can't go out and buy it, no time and it's just not possible. I thought of a ball of yarn, it's pretty new and she likes to crochet. But I need more than that...so suggestions plz! I'm so nervous...

Want points for editing and comments on my poem? Title "Nana"? My Nana is special My Nana's so nice When it comes to sewing, she doesn't think twice... She's a wizard with a needle she could sew the night away Crochet you a blanket and have it warming your lap almost the very next day... She's a non-stop amazement of talent Her creations are more than a simple hobby, their a genius work of art! Give her an idea for Cross-stitch, she can hardly wait to start... She has a passion for patterns Every stitch in made with love She'll whip yha out a pot holder And embroider it with a dove... Tell her the colors you like and she'll start blending spools of thread Before you can finish the verse to Supercalafradulistic, you'll have a beautiful new spread upon your bed... With Wallhangings, ornaments and dishtowels too there's nothing at a fabric store that she can't make for you... So here's 3 cheers for my Nana & a Hip! Hip! Hurray!! Just wanted you to know that I was thinkin' of you today! C.Bray 2006

knitting battles/war? Today I was knitting with my local group, and one of the ladies was talking about this knitting/crochet "battle" thats similair to Sock Wars only instead of socks you knit or crochet hats. She mentioned the name but I forgot it already. I would really love to participate in one these and since I have never made any socks I thought doing the hats would alot of fun, or anything else. So if anyone knows of anything - hats, scarves, whatever I'd love to know. Thanks in advance. http://groups.yahoo.com/group/knittypals I'm not looking for patterns, I design my own. What I want to do is participate in one of these knitting battles I have been hearing about. What happens is your assigned to a knitter, you get their information, knit up whatever the project may be, mail it to them and they recieve the package they are dead, at the same time someone else has been assigned to assassinate you. I already know how to find Sock Wars, but I have not knit any socks yet so I wanted to find one where they are making something else like hats or something.

Labbie Boredom Buster? For about the last week my 9 month old lab seems bored all the time. She completely destroyed the living room today - tearing up her vet records, two magazines, and a fleece that were on the kitchen table, chewing on four shoes, and tangling about 20 balls of crochet yarn. Only once before has she ever chewed on anything not hers - one shoe. I crate her, but as she showed she could be trusted, I leave her out if it's not going to be long (up to about 6 or 7 hours and she has done fine). Today she was only alone for about 5 hours. We go on a daily walk/hike of 3 miles. She is usually off the leash and free to run and chase whatever. She is usually pretty laid back and content the rest of the day. But the last week or so, she has been pacing and wanting to go in and out all the time. She has gotten lazy with her kongs - chewing for a little while and then bringing them to me as if to say you just do it. She has lots of toys (chew, stuffed, fetch) and plenty of friends. Any ideas? She remains bored even with the Kongs. She is excellent at getting treats out of the Kongs - we use biscuits, peanut butter and bread, anything that will keep her busy for more than a moment. But regardless what's in the Kong, she seems bored with them, too. She plays with other dogs at least two times a week. I have considered getting a second dog - but I've only had her for two and a half months and right now don't have the money for additional vet bills and food unless I reduce the quality of care and food she is getting. I am involved with a lab rescue and have also considered fostering where those expenses would be covered, but these dogs also come with their own problems and I feel like I need to establish a good set of rules and get her trained well, so that she can lead by example for a new dog. After today she is definitely going back in the crate while I'm gone, but even when I'm around, she still just seems so bored. The weather has changed in our area - getting cold. And today, I did try a different hike - I'm hoping the change of scenery may help. We do typically change it up quite a bit though - about every fourth time, we move to a different park or just go on a neighborhood walk or try a new trail. Also already tried some new Kong toys. She chewed through a puppy Kong a while back, so we have two red Kongs and a new Black Kong (that kept her busy for a good portion of last week), a Kong Treat Ball, a Kong dental jack, and a brand new (bought Saturday) black Kong treat bone. I switch them out (both the Kong and the types of treats I use) often. I am just at a loss for what to do. She has actually finally settled down tonight - asleep on the floor.

Help for a name for new craft club at college? I'm starting a needlecraft club at my school--embroidery, sewing, knitting, crochet, cross-stitch. Basically anything that involves some sort of needle and some sort of string. But I have no name! I'm looking for something that's preferably a word from a different language. I wanna kind of evoke the connotation of a group of crafters with a kindred connection. I know in ancient times, there would be circles of women who would sit together and work their craft together. Are there any names for those circles? Basically I want to draw a parallel between the people of today and our ties to our ancestors through a craft that has endured several millenia. Any ideas? I'm looking for something not so.....obvious.... o_O

Things for baby/gift store? While at my aunt's house for a week dog sitting? I have no money and everyone (family) said to not buy anything anyway. I have school work (on line courses for jr college) and a few art projects to finish for Christmas. I can paint decent, sew (if Mom lets me take her machine), and crochet. Well, almost any art type deal lol. Any suggestions for thing to make for my son (he's due Feb 28) or for my mom's book and gift store?? I'm 21 weeks and 3 days today. (Besides blankets lol) CuriousG... That's cute. I wish I was showing. I'm not at all lol.

ASAP Please -Best UGGs? My sister's birthday is coming up, and I need help deciding what to get her. She wants UGGs, and I'm pretty sure she wants them in black. If you could help me, that'd be great. Any suggestions on other cute UGGs are welcome, and also any other boots that you think are cute, but under $200 please. She's also very.... into... name brands, so if you could pick something like that out, that would help. ASAP, please, I have to buy them today. Thanks. these in black http://www.uggaustralia.com/ProductDetails.aspx?gID=w&categoryID=283&productID=5825&model=Classic+Short in black... http://www.uggaustralia.com/ProductDetails.aspx?gID=w&categoryID=283&productID=5833&model=Classic+Crochet http://www.footwearetc.com/UGG-Australia/Womens-Classic-Cardy-5819-Black.html?src=champ

How do you get acrylic paint off of a crotchet Ugg boot? Please help! Today I spilled acrylic paint on my crochet Ugg boot. It isn't a big stain but it's about one inch. How can I get this off?!

death word please help!??? which of these words relate to death?? bay, baye, bayh, bey, blay, bley, brae, bray, brey, c'est, ca, cache, carre, cay, che, clay, cluj, cray, da, dae, dak, day, daye, de, dey, dray, drey, ek, fay, faye, fe, fey, flay, fray, frey, ga, galle, gay, gaye, gray, graye, grey, guay, gway, ha, haigh, hay, haye, hey, hwe, j, j., jae, jay, jaye, k, k., kay, kaye, khe, klay, kley, kray, krey, lait, lay, laye, lei, ley, leyh, mae, may, maye, mei, mey, nay, ne, nej, ney, ole, pay, paye, pei, play, pray, prey, quai, quay, quaye, rae, ray, raye, re, reay, rey, say, saye, schey, schley, seay, shay, shea, slay, sleigh, smay, snay, spey, spray, sta, stay, stray, strey, sway, sze, tae, tay, they, torme, tray, trey, vey, way, waye, wei, weigh, wey, whey, wray, wy, yay, yea,abbe, aday, aggrey, aigner, aka, allais, allay, alms tray, and they, anway, array, asay, ash gray, ash grey, astray, at bay, away, b'nai, b-j, ballet, banpais, beauvais, bernay, betray, blue jay, bombay, boulais, boulay, bouquet, bouygues, bua, buga, bull bay, cafe, calais, callais, calvey, cathay, ceta, chalet, cheese tray, child's play, ciskei, cliche, coday, convey, crochet, croquet, d'orsay, decay, defray, dekay, delay, delray, devey, dismay, display, dk, dog sleigh, donais, dorais, dossier, dovey, draw play, dumais, dupay, each day, essay, faberge, fast day, feast day, fete day, field day, filet, fillet, fine spray, flag day, foia, foul play, francais, gerais, gervais, give way, good day, gray jay, green bay, hair spray, halfway, hefei, hervey, hevey, hold sway, hongwei, hooray, hurray, ilhae, imlay, ira, ita, jaquay, jose, jouret, kamei, langlais, last day, leap day, levey, lord's day, lurvey, mackay, macknay, maclay, macrae, make way, maltais, manet, marais, marquai, match play, may day, mcbay, mccay, mcclay, mccrae, mccray, mccrea, mcgray, mckay, mclay, mcnay, mcquay, mcrae, mcray, mcshea, mcstay, mcvay, mcveigh, mcvey, milk whey, millay, mobay, monet, morais, moray, moutray, mulvey, name day, nihei, nikkei, nisei, nissei, noaa, o'dea, o'shea, o. k., obey, oj, ok, okay, olay, orsay, palais, parquet, passe, per-se, pevey, porcher, portray, prepay, puree, purvey, rag day, red bay, red clay, rene, renee, repay, replay, resnais, rest day, risque, rose bay, saint's day, saute, school day, se, sea spray, sergei, servais, sevey, shinsei, sick pay, sinay, sochet, soiree, sorbet, souffle, speech day, squeeze play, steel gray, strike pay, stroke play, stupay, survey, swamp bay, sweet bay, tea tray, the way, today, toray, toupee, to say, trap play, turvey, twelfth day, uva, vadnais, valet, voisey, waga, wah-pei, word play, work day, x ray, zalay, zepa

Is this any good?/novel? BETTER THE DEVIL YOU KNOW Chapter 1 Wow, that was some story thought Joan as she placed the paperback onto the coffee table. The novel, Chick Lit, was not really intended for her age group, mid sixties, but she’d thoroughly enjoyed it, and why not? The elderly were just teenagers in old skin. Joan sat back on the shiny, leather sofa and sipped her coffee. Sparked off by the contents of the book, she reflected on the fifty years she deemed wasted on two dead leg husbands. Jeez, that’s half a century! The first, fat, flawed and futile, the second and current one, well, yes, the second and current one… She lit a cigarette, drew heavily on it and made her mind up there and then that she was going to get a life, not just any old life, a young life, a sort of Chick Lit life, a life she’d missed out on all those years ago. Three kids before ones twenty first birthday had been far from a good starting point. Joan hadn’t been in love with him but a sexual ‘experiment’ had led to an unwanted pregnancy and society at that time made sure there were to be no single mothers. A man-child for a so called husband and an even worse mother-in-law, the type you could gladly drop into an acid bath so all trace had gone, well except for dentures. She glanced at the calendar and pondered on a date from when her new life should begin. But where to begin? Botox, Crystal-blast, Face-lift? I need something. It’s ok to think chick but when your skin thinks hen…there’s more lines on it than a Rhode Island road map. Dvorak’s Humoresque belted out from the phone and penetrated Joan’s thoughts. ‘Help the aged,’ she answered. ‘Hi, it’s me.’ ‘Jules! I was going to ring you but I thought you’d still be zedding it. How’d it go?’ Joan perked up at the sound of her best friend’s voice, and then realised, that her voice sounded wary. ‘You’re not going to like this Joan, are you sitting comfortably?’ For Jules to say that, the news had to be big. Joan leant against the arm of a chair. ‘Go on, what happened?’ ‘She’s blonde, tubby… and wait for it…about twenty five years old.’ Joan was silent for a moment. So it was true beyond a doubt, Pete had a bit on the side. She slid down the arm of the chair to the seat. Maybe Jules had seen the evidence, but Joan herself hadn’t. ‘Get her address?’ ‘Yeah, rough district, look, I’ll come across and we can chat at length. Ok?’ Joan replaced the receiver and went to the drinks cabinet. At least she’s fat. She mused. Selecting the most expensive red, she uncorked it and poured a large, no, a very large glass. Her friend liked red too, as she always said, ‘at our age it’s good for the old arteries.’ Jules arrived in her brand new Smart car; it had made a good disguise the previous evening for tracking Peter, Joan’s husband. ‘I suspected some time ago he was playing around Jules, although, really I can’t imagine who’d fancy a clapped out eighty two year old. He’s recently invested in some new Y-fronts too, what sort of woman shags a man who wears Y-Fronts? The mind boggles.’ The second bottle of red was having a pleasant couldn’t-care-less attitude on Joan’s grey matter. She giggled along with Jules imagining Pete getting his leg over. ‘Perhaps he makes a better sugar-granddaddy than a sugar-daddy,’ she laughed. For all the mirth, Jules could see a deep sadness behind her friend’s eyes. Pals from school days they’d stuck together over the years. They’d become more like sisters than their own sisters. ‘This isn’t the first woman Pete’s shagged but this time I want facts, enough’s enough. besides, this new sex-on-legs-cow’s had a profound effect on him.’ Basically a kind person, in recent years he’d become retaliative, sarcastic and decidedly cold in his manner towards her. ‘In the early years my ‘fiery’ nature turned him on and he even admitted that to this end he sometimes goaded me! What really bugs me as well, he used to love the way I flounced off when we rowed, he loved watching my long, dark hair swinging about. Now, he says I’m aggressive or I need anger therapy, cheeky sod, he obviously thinks silver hair isn’t good enough for him. Jeez, he doesn’t even have looks. Mind you, he has some charm and a good sense of humour.’ ‘Joan, you’re getting morose, have another glass.’ Jules uncorked another bottle. ‘The only saving grace in all this is that he’s fifteen years older then you.’ ‘And?’ ‘Well, odds are that he’ll die before you.’ Joan held her head back and laughed, it was a long drawn out belly-laugh. ‘Don’t make me laugh; he’s like a fucking robot. Do you know the only thing wrong with him is that he’s got a corn?’ She laughed out loud again then gulped her wine. She became morose again. ‘Do you know what the experts say in the scientific world? They say if one is fit by the age of eighty, there’s no reason, as to why one won’t reach ninety.’ She began to sob. ‘I can’t go another shite decade with him’ ‘The booze is making you miserable Joan. You know, it’s not all it’s cracked up to be, being a widow. Ones income’s halved for starters.’ ‘You’re right, I’m always bloody moaning, aren’t I? The only thing is, in ten years time, I don’t want to be sitting here wishing I’d got a life, and just crocheting antimacassars. Anyway what do you think of this idea?’ Joan lit yet another fag. ‘Let’s have a bite to eat and a nice black coffee first, don’t forget I have to drive home.’ ‘Good idea.’ She glanced at the clock, ‘Pete’ll be at least another hour yet.’ Whilst they both tucked in to ham sandwiches and sipped black coffee, Joan explained a few ideas she’d come up with to enhance both hers and Jules’ lives. Her friend listened intently, eyes widening from time to time. ‘I’ll get back home now and I promise that I’ll have a good think about what we’ve discussed.’ The two women bade their goodbyes and Jules drove off, back to her bungalow a few miles away. Joan tidied up the lounge then washed the dishes. She liked everything to be neat and tidy. The bungalow was a new build when they had bought it. Three bedrooms, a large lounge, the kitchen wasn’t small either. The gardens front, back and side were extensive and over the years the many plants and shrubs they had planted together now gave the garden a colourful, mature look. Joan’s favourite spot was where the swing seat was positioned. Under a pagoda, covered with purple and white Clematis, it gave shelter from the hottest sun and a peaceful haven away from neighbours prying eyes. She was proud of her achievements for someone stemming from a childhood of poverty; you’ve not done bad lass. She often told herself. She heard Pete coming in after his visit to his daughter’s, well, after his night of passion rather. ‘Hi,’ she greeted him all smiles. ‘Hi,’ was his response. ‘Have a nice evening?’ She continued dusting the furniture, trying to be as nonchalant as possible. ‘Oh, it was ok, she wasn’t well enough to make us a meal so I went out for a take-away.’ Oh, yeah, a blonde-tubby-about-twenty-five-year-old one, she wanted to say but desisted. ‘When she feels better, she wants me to take her to her old school friend’s for a weekend, she lives in Newcastle.’ ‘That’ll be nice for you both,’ said with just a tad of sarcasm. ‘You don’t mind, do you?’ Pete side glanced at Joan and waited for her reaction. ‘Who? Me? I’ve never restricted your movements, of course I don’t mind.’ Great stuff, she thought, now my plans can come into being, how could he moan about me travelling now? Ha. She laughed to herself, some men are so stupid. Pete went off into his study, no doubt reliving the night of passion he’d had with his lover and dreaming about the forthcoming weekend with the slag. Joan continued with the housework whilst plotting her new life, well, he was being economical with the truth and what’s good enough for the goose is good enough for the gander, but in this case surely that should be what’s good enough for the gander is good enough for the goose. Who wrote these proverbs? Dvorak’s Humoresque rang out. ‘Orphaned widows,’ she answered. It was her friend Mo, crying down the phone, should she get a divorce from her lying, cheating husband. Jeez, that’s all I need. Why can’t others deal with their own nightmares? I’ve got plenty of my own to be going on with thanks. Mo’d found a packet of condoms again in the pocket of his best suit. Think yourself lucky he’s got the sense to use ‘em, she wanted to say but thought it too cruel. The husband in question was six feet four, drop-dead-gorgeous and had women just drooling and dropping at his feet. Joan had wondered how long it’d be before he strayed when he took Mo to the registrars…well, it was her third marriage, (church was out of the question) but at least the ceremonies had been that close together, Joan had been able to wear the same outfit for each one. ‘Best not to worry Mo, why don’t you go out and go mad with his credit card.? That’s good therapy.’ ‘You’re right Joan; I’ve seen a gorgeous leather coat and boots I like.’ ‘Good, hurt his pocket. I’ll see you next week then.’ Joan replaced the receiver. Women just can’t win. Here’s an ugly old fool shagging around and there’s a handsome young fool doing the very same. Or was it the women? Why do women shag others husbands? Sex with Pete that night was as boring as ever even though she suspected he was practicing various methods to try when screwing his tart. Besides Joan had other things on her mind, she had dinner to cook tomorrow for four friends…vegetarian friends. What the hell can I make? Pete turned her over. Perhaps a Soya spag bol could be the answer. Where to get Soya though? Pete’s hand was wandering. I could get some humus and tortillas, yes, that’d be nice as a starter. Pete was reaching his climax now. Jeez, planning dinner for four is damned harder than having sex. The following evening, Joan served up the spaghetti bolognaise. It had been simple to make and she was most impressed with the taste of the Soya meat. Pete poured out the wine for their friends. Joan had a head start on the others; she’d partaken of a few glasses whilst preparing dinner. The strange mixture of characters seated themselves at the table. Sebastian and wife Isabel, not their real names but they liked the sound of them. Both retired civil servants they were quite boring and staid. Joan had thought long ago that their real names were probably Cyril and Ethel or the likes. John and Anne, real names, he was great fun and an extravert, how he came to be married to her was always a mystery to Joan. He was still quite shaggable. John was a lawyer; she was a barmaid when they met. She sure knew what she was doing having got pregnant a couple of weeks later. They had more money than sense. Nevertheless, they were good fun and Joan liked them both, she sat with her guests. ‘Help yourselves to Parmesan and get stuck in.’ ‘So, what are your plans for this summer, each and all?’ asked John. ‘Jules and me are going for a month to a nudist complex in Jamaica,’ she blurted out. The others didn’t know whether to believe her and reacted with guffaws. ‘I’m serious. Then we plan on going to Bali for a further month, lots of nightlife there apparently.’ ‘I’ve always wanted to try nudism,’ offered Sebastian. ‘You’ve never mentioned that.’ Isabel looked horrified. Joan viewed Seb from the corner of her eye, hmm, more to him than he lets on. Dark Horse, eh? ‘When was all this arranged then?’ Pete’s eyes flared. Oh here we go; there’ll be a few days of sulky silence now, the cheeky two-timing bastard, don’t get mad…get everything Joan, she smiled back at him. ‘Oh, it’s not been arranged yet, me and Jules were just talking about it, when you were at your…’ ‘I would never go anywhere without John.’ Anne butted in. Joan sipped her wine and eyed up John this time, I bet you wouldn’t, now if my husband was as gorgeous as him…..’More garlic bread anyone?’ ‘Why don’t we all go to Jamaica?’ John took the proffered bread. ‘Sounds great fun.’ Joan bit into a chunk of bread, yeah, right; your wife’d look gorgeous nude….not. Anne was at least eighteen stones but only five feet two. She’d had a weight problem as long as Joan could think back, well a stuffing-your-face-with-food problem more like. She had a copycat problem too, constantly clocking the clothes Joan wore and racing down to the shops to buy duplicates. This amused Joan greatly and took it as a compliment. Sometimes and just for devilment, she would tell Anne a different shop to where she’d bought her clobber and watch her friend’s frustration when she couldn’t find replicas. Even if she did, there was no way they ever looked as good on her as on the five feet ten, slender Joan. ‘I need a facelift or something before I travel, either of you tried that crystal-blasting treatment?’ Anne looked indignant, ‘My skin doesn’t need any treatment whatsoever, and I haven’t even got any wrinkles yet.’ Oh yes you do, it’s just that the fat puffs your face out, wrinkles with it. Joan smirked to herself. Lose ten stone and your skin’d look like a bloody pachyderm’s. ‘Yes, you have beautiful skin,’ commented Isabel. ‘For her age,’ quipped John at which Anne’s face became decidedly ugly. John’s and Joan’s eyes met, she quickly looked away and bit on a gherkin to stop her bursting into laughter. That would have been the end of her and Anne. The trouble with Anne was that if she wasn’t the centre of attraction, she wasn’t playing but this sort of attention wasn’t the type intended. Joan waited for her to explode and wasn’t disappointed. ‘You’re a shit a friggin’ shit. Do you know that?’ Isabel blushed to the roots of her hair and chomped on a gherkin. These gherkins were coming in handy. Seb looked at his watch. John didn’t react; he was as used to these outbursts as were the hosts. There were a few moments silence. ‘We’re going to the Festival Hall next weekend,’ announced Seb. ‘What’s on?’ Pete asked. ‘A Beethoven concert, it should be excellent.’ ‘Indeed,’ said John. A conversation about the classics ensued. Anne went into a sulk but Joan was accustomed to that and knew that she would soon ‘come round’. Apart from the one fracas the evening went well and it was three am before the guests left. John had still seemed keen on the nudist holiday, as did Seb but Joan didn’t want any hangers-on, not at the launch of her new life. Pete’s hands began to wander. Oh, no, puh-lease not at this time in the morning, does he never stop it? This time there was no dinner for four to plan so she lay back and thought of her session at the gym and pool the next day. The four friends relaxed in the Jacuzzi, a white wine each. This was their time to be together once a week; an hour in the gym followed by forty lengths in the pool and then a dip into the hot bubbling water for a natter. Privately owned the complex was luxurious never crowded and suited the quartet perfectly. Anne was still reeling from the night before, ‘I’m going to really go mad with the credit card now,’ she sipped her wine. ‘Not another Prada bag, how many’s that you’ve got?’ asked Brenda. ‘Do I give a shit? I’ll buy matching shoes an’ all.’ ‘He was only joking Anne,’ said Joan. ‘Yeah, well I’m teaching him not to give sly digs even in jest.’ ‘Why, what did he say?’ Brenda leaned forward; she liked nothing better than a bit of gossip and others’ disharmony with one another. ‘He implied that I looked alright for my age.’ Jules glanced at Joan and they both smirked. Anne lacked self esteem and they all recognised this, it did get tiresome sometimes though, always trying to reassure her that she was a loved and treasured friend. She had more clothes in her possession than the whole of Debenham’s put together, or should that be Christian Dior or the likes, only exclusive stuff was good enough for Anne. ‘Have you seen Newbloom’s new range?’ asked Brenda enthusiastically. ‘They’ve got some gorgeous tops in.’ ‘I haven’t been in recently,’ replied Joan. Newbloom wasn’t her style but did agree that the stuff was enough to pay for fashion items that were out of style within weeks. Brenda didn’t look nice in anything, at sixty four, she’d no fashion sense but none of the others had the heart to tell her. Today she’d mixed a trendy top with a 1970s skirt, and a pair of 1980s shoes. The top as usual was way too young for her and bordered on the ridiculous, she preferred sleeveless too and Joan thought there was nothing worse than having wrinkled old arms on display. Brenda and husband were vastly rich and so she got away with any look according to her, and not giving a damn for what anyone thought. ‘Anyway, I’m more interested in face treatment at the mo,’ said Joan. ‘A friend of mine has just had that…that…er, is it crystal-blasting or something?’ ‘Round here, Brenda?’ Joan was keen to find out. ‘No, in London somewhere.’ ‘Fancy a trip to London Jules?’ Joan and her friend chuckled. ‘I’m up for anything these days,’ she replied. ‘I’ll come with you an’ all.’ ‘You said last night that you’d never go anywhere without John.’ ‘I know but that were last night and I’d had a few jars,’ Anne sipped her wine. ‘Any road, I’ll be able to shop at Harrods, that’ll piss him off.’ The four left the complex and went to the nearby pub for lunch and to discuss their plans for a weekend in London. Mysteris...don't you ever read books????????!!!!!!!!!!

Question about crocheting doilies? I like to crochete with regular yarn and my friend gave me a box today with instruction books and yarn to crochete doilies, which I have never done before but would like to try, there was also a hook in the box, the hook only has a letter for a size (letter F) and the instructions all give numbers for the size hook you need, is there a chart that shows the number equivalant of the letter on the hook? Like on my other regular hooks it says U.S 6G/4.00 MM Thanks for the advice, my biological grandma who passed away about 2 years ago crocheted doilies and I have wanted to carry on her tradition, I'll wait till I can get to the store and get the right sizes.

Laptop cover? I crocheted a cover for my laptop, Someone told me today that I shouldn't use the cover when my pc is on for 2 reasons. 1 because it can overheat and 2 it will reduce battery life. My laptops heat vents are on the side so the over heating is a non-issue but if the vents were not on the side would a cover have an effect on it? Does using a cover make a battery weaker? I've searched the net but was unable to find anything about it. What do you think?

Who would like to have a beatiful tablecloth for Christmas? Read on..? The Tablecloth > > > > The brand new pastor and his wife, newly assigned > > to their first ministry, to reopen a church > > in suburban Brooklyn, arrived in early October > > excited about their opportunities. When they saw > > their church, it was very run down and needed > > much work. They set a goal to have everything > > done in time to have their first service > > on Christmas Eve. > > > > They worked hard, repairing pews, plastering walls, > > painting, etc, and on December 18 > > were ahead of schedule and just about finished. > > ; > > On December 19 a terrible tempest - a driving > > rainstorm hit the area and lasted for two days. > > > > On the 21st, the pastor went over to the church. > > His heart sank when he saw that the roof had > > leaked, causing a large area of plaster about > > 20 feet by 8 feet to fall off the front wall of the > > sanctuary just behind the pulpit, beginning about > > head high. > > > > The pastor cleaned up the mess on the floor, > > and not knowing what else to do but postpone > > the Christmas Eve service, headed home. > > On the way he noticed that a local business was > > having a flea market type sale for charity so he stopped in. One of the items was a beautiful, > > handmade, ivory colored, crocheted tablecloth > > with exquisite work, fine colors and a Cross > > embroidered right in the center. It was just > > the right size to cover up the hole in the front > > wall. He bought it and headed back to the church. > > > > By this time it had started to snow. An older > > woman running from the opposite direction was > > trying to catch the bus.. She missed it. The pastor > > invited her to wait in the warm church for > > the next bus 45 minutes later. > > > > She sat in a pew and paid no attention to the pastor > > while he got a ladder, hangers , etc., to put > > up the tablecloth as a wall tapestry. The pastor > > could hardly believe how beautiful it looked and > > it covered up the entire problem area. > > > > Then he noticed the woman walking down the center > > aisle. Her face was like a sheet.. "Pastor," > > she asked, "where did you get that tablecloth?" > > The pastor explained. The woman asked him to check > > the lower right corner to see if the initials, EBG were > crocheted into > > it there. They were. These were the initials of the woman, > and she had > > made this tablecloth 35 years before, in Austria . > > > > The woman could hardly believe it as the pastor ; > told how he had just gotten the Tablecloth. The > > woman explained that before the war she and > > her husband were well-to-do people in Austria . > > When the Nazis came, she was forced to leave. > > Her husband was going to follow her the next week. > > He was captured, sent to prison and never saw her > > husband or her home again. > > > > The pastor wanted to give her the tablecloth; > > but she made the pastor keep it for the church. > > The pastor insisted on driving her home, that > > was the least he could do.. She lived on the other > > side of Staten Island and was only in Brooklyn > > for the day for a housecleaning job. > > ; > > What a wonderful service they had on Christmas > > Eve. The church was almost full. The music and the > > spirit were great. At the end of the service, the > > pastor and his wife greeted everyone at the door > > and many said that they would return. > > One older man, whom the pastor recognized > > from the neighborhood continued to sit in one of the > > pews and stare, and the pastor wondered why he > > wasn't leaving. > > > > The man asked him where he got the tablecloth on > > the front wall because it was identical to one > > that his wife had made years ago when > > they lived in Austria before the war and how > > could th ere be two tablecloths so much alike. > > > > He told the pastor how the Nazis came, how he > > forced his wife to flee for her safety and he was > > supposed to follow her, but he was arrested and > > put in a prison.. He never saw his wife or his home > > again all the 35 years in between. > > > > The pastor asked him if he would allow him to > > take him for a little ride. They drove to Staten > > Island and to the same house where the pastor > > had taken the woman three days earlier. > > > > He helped the man climb the three flights of > > stairs to the woman's apartment, knocked on > > the door and he saw the greatest Chri stmas > > reunion he could ever imagine. > > > > True Story - submitted by Pastor Rob Reid > > Who says God does not work in mysterious ways.. > > I asked the Lord to bless you as I prayed for > > you today, to guide you and protect you as you go > > along your way. His love is always with you, His > > promises are true, and when we give Him all our > > cares you know He will see us through. > > > > So when the road you're traveling on seems > > difficult at best.. Just remember I'm here > > praying and God will do the rest. Pass this on > > to those you want God to bless.

outfit help!!!??? i have to attend a company christmas dinner tonight (less than 2 hours) and i have NOTHING to wear (i don't dress formally very often, but i have dresses and skirts and things). these are the things in my closet i've deemed useable: brown velvety type dress pants blue shimmery camisole w/lacy front brown printed angle dress brown crocheted(sp?) short sweater that clasps in front cream wrap sweater black high heeled shoes black loafers (a little worn) black flats with rhinestone on side i also have: many khaki pants red velvet skirt grey sweater(s) green sweater problems: do black shoes match brown things? i don't have a nice coat to match (bought one today, accidentally got wrong size). so i probably can't wear the crocheted sweater, bc it's freezing (cream one is like a jacket). no hose...but can easily pick up some. please help!!!