I just wanted to send you a note to thank you for your VERY INFORMATIVE site. I learned crochet just under a year ago, but I seemed to have a talent for it as I moved from making simple dishcloths to making Irish crochet jackets within a few months. I even shocked myself. But, I wanted to learn to do the fancy lacework that I had seen in the expensive curtains and tablecloth that my aunt had bought years before for special occasions. She told me the storekeeper had told her that they were made by a group of women from the Amana colonies and that the technique was called filet crochet. I looked at the curtain and tablecloth and, even though I had started doing my own designs and even a lot of improv (freeform) work, I knew I could never learn to do that without lessons. I stumbled across your site while doing internet searches for filet crochet and I am very impressed. Not only do your designs surpass any of the work I've seen (even my aunt's treasured tablecloth and curtains), but you make the techniques so easy to understand. I have arthritis so the tiny work takes me a bit longer, but the reward is worth all the work. (Also, that new stuff on TV "Magic Putty" works really great for building up handles on your hooks!

I do have one question, though. You mention the importance of buying quality thread. I always use cotton thread anyway, but do you have any brands of thread that you would recommend? You can feel free to email me if you don't want to upset any potential corporate sponsors. LOL

Again, thank you. I live in a tiny rural town and don't have access to community centers or other places that would offer crochet classes.