This is Debbie's crochet start for circular projects, and here is her explanation of it: "The start is what I use for crocheted and knitted doilies -- wrap a couple loops of thread around a finger and then with a crochet hook * pull a loop of new thread from back to front and then pull a new loop through the one on you just made that is on the hook *. Keep this loop on the hook. Repeat from * to * until you have the desired number of loops on the crochet hook. Gently remove the crochet hook and slip in 1 dpn into 1/2 the stitches and a second dpn in the 2nd 1/2 of the stitches. Holding the dpns parallel, gently pull the thread tail and the center loop will close up as tight as you want it." Thanks for a very clear explanation and illustration of your circular starts!