I would like a list of the best resources on the web for Crochet 
and crocheting. I am interested in Crochet and stich tips,
instructions and free patterns.

Also I would like some information on left handed crocheting and how to 
convert small crochet patterns into larger crochet patterns or larger into smaller.

I am interested in sites that will help me become better at crocheting.

History of Crochet and other interesting information would be great.
Crochet suppliers of crocheting items and essentials would be great as well.
If there are any crochet related affiliate programs - I would be glad
to learn of these as well. Any sites where free patterns can be found would
be awesome.

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Request for Question Clarification by kriswrite-ga on 12 Jul 2005 12:55 PDT

"Best" is a subjective term. Would you accept a Researcher's opinion
on what sites are "best," or do you have some other criteria? In
addition, given your asking price, how many sites would you like to
have listed?

Thanks for your clarification,
Kriswrite

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Clarification of Question by moonriver-ga on 12 Jul 2005 14:52 PDT

The Best sites that match the other bits of information requested
Like: Crochet and stich tips,instructions and free patterns.

Also I would like some information on left handed crocheting and how to 
convert small crochet patterns into larger crochet patterns or larger into smaller.

I am interested in sites that will help me become better at crocheting.

History of Crochet and other interesting information would be great. Free patterns.

A fair amount of sites for the listing price is good. 

Thanks for clarifing

Hello moonriver,


Thank you for your question. I have relied partially upon my knowledge
of existing websites, but have also spent a few hours roaming the web
for additional sites I might not have been aware of. There are many
other sites I could have included, but I wanted to list only sites
that I felt were truly the best. You will also find that most of the
websites listed below contain links to additional recommended sites.

Have fun, and happy crocheting!
Kriswrite



MEGA SITE

My number one recommended resource is About.com
(http://crochet.about.com/ ). Notice the extensive offerings on the
left hand side menu.

?Learn to Crochet? gives basic instructions. 

The ?Stitch and Technique Directory? offers more detailed information. 

The ?A to Z? pattern list offers a very wide variety of free patterns. 


Under ?Crochet Offers,? you?ll find sources for crochet supplies,
including yarn, hooks, books, and more.

In addition, About.com offers forums all about crocheting, where there
is a wealth of information and help available from other crocheters
around the world.

Also be sure to check out the conversation and size charts on this
site (http://www.crochet.about.com/od/conversioncharts/ and
http://www.crochet.about.com/od/sizecharts/ )

Most pages also contain links to outside websites that offer useful
information. (For example, for lefties, About.com suggests ?Crochet
Lessons for Left Handers:?
http://crochet.about.com/gi/dynamic/offsite.htm?site=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.crochet.com%2Flessons%2Flessonl%2Flessonl.html
)


ADDITIONAL HELP WITH STITHES

For excellent stitch tutorials, I also recommend Stitch Guide
(http://www.stitchguide.com/stitches/crochet/index.html ) Simply click
on a stitch name in the left hand side menu, and see illustrated
instructions or a video illustrating how to create the stitch.

For more instructions geared toward lefties, try Crochenit
(http://www.crochenit.com/basic%20stitch%20left%20hand%20html.htm )
This site also offers free patterns.


ADDITIONAL TIPS & TRICKS

For tips and tricks, along with needle sizing charts, see 
Sans Babel Crochet (http://sbcrochet.com/tips.shtml ) You?ll also
discover how not only hook size, but yarn/thread size affects the size
of the finished piece; you can also buy a limited number of crochet
products here.

ADDITIONAL FREE PATTERNS
?Another good site for free crochet patterns is Crochet Pattern
Central (http://www.crochetpatterncentral.com/  This site also has
useful crochet tips.

ADDITIONAL SUPPLIES
Lion Brand Yarns ( http://www.lionbrand.com/patterns ) is a terrific
source of both patterns and yarn. Their catalog also offers all basic
crochet supplies.

CROCHET HISTORY
Most good sites for patterns, instructions, and the like, don?t have
information about the history of crochet, but I would check out
?Crochet and It?s Origins? 
(http://www.florilegium.org/files/TEXTILES/crochet-FAQ.html ). Also
see ?A Li?l bit of History on the Art of Crochet?
(http://members.aol.com/_ht_a/crochetwithdee/history.html ) And
?Crochet? (http://www.absoluteastronomy.com/encyclopedia/c/cr/crochet.htm
)


KEYWORDS USED:
?history of crochet?
?how to? crochet
?free patterns? crochet
crochet basics
Crochet ?size of pattern?
Crochet supplies
?free crochet patterns?

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Request for Answer Clarification by moonriver-ga on 13 Jul 2005 10:00 PDT

Thank you for your answers and findings. Great Resources. Did you find
affiliate programs that offer crochet related items? I did not see any
of these listed in your
answer. Thanks.

---

Clarification of Answer by kriswrite-ga on 13 Jul 2005 10:21 PDT

Moonriver,

I'm sorry; somehow my answer about affiliate programs got cut off when
I copied and pasted my Answer.

I could find no evidence of affiliate programs directly related to
crochet. However, there is the possibility of becoming an associate
with Amazon.com ( http://www.amazon.com/gp/browse.html/ref=gw1_mm_2/103-8319960-2919819/?node=3435371
). For example, if you had a website, you could sign up to become an
affiliate and include links to crochet books and magazines. Amazon
also carries some basic crochet supplies, like hooks.

I hope this fully clarifies your question.

Kind regards,
Kriswrite

Good Job and excellent resources provided