My first challenge was to find a pattern. I wasn't looking for the most complicated one out there. I was just after something that had many color layers which used simple stitches like single or double crochets. I scoured the internet for a free pattern and found, "Lucienne's Summer Mandala." I think it was the perfect pattern!
The pattern/tutorial is shown at Lucienne's blog in several parts. Click here for Part 1, Part 2, Part 3, and Part 4. Do take note that she is using UK abbreviations, so you might want to consider the following:
Tr (UK) = Dc (Double crochet)
Htd (UK) = Hdc (Half double crochet)
I used Gantsilyo Guru Milk Cotton Light yarn with a 4.0 mm crochet hook for my version of this mandala. It was an easy choice for me because the yarn is lightweight and I have many colors to choose from this line. The lightweight factor is a major consideration because the mandala will be hanged. The yarn also holds a good shape with some stretch because of its cotton and acrylic blend. I ended up with this palette of 8 colors: Fuchsia, Burnt Sienna, Spring Green, Terracotta, Tangerine, Sky Blue, Sunshine, and Plum.
I had doubts about some of the colors in this set because they didn't seem to jive with the others, but they turned out pretty well in the mandala. I think mandala patterns make any color palette look good. They seem to make sense after the entire project is made.
The size of the mandala in the pattern was not enough for the wooden hoop on which I planned to mount it. I needed a mandala around 23.5 inches in diameter for the hoop, so I decided to add more rounds from Round 28.
It actually took me around 2 days to crochet the mandala and 3 days to attach it to the wooden hoop using single crochet. Attaching was so hard because I had to maneuver my hook around the hoop so it could get completely covered by the yarn. I'm pretty sure there's an easier way, but at least I was able to make the "harder" version. I'm happy with how it came out. I had some initial reservations though about the "imperfect" circle shape of the hoop, knowing that it would affect the shape of the mandala, but I guess "ignoring" in this case helps :p
Not bad for my first mandala, eh? You can also check out other mandala patterns available online:
Click the link below to see the pattern for the additional rounds.
I hope this pattern helps, for now. I still have to find the time to make a tutorial with pictures :) Each round is made up of a different color. It is up to you how you want to attach the new color for the next round. In my case, I finished off each round and attached the new color with a slip stitch. I base where I will be attaching the new color on where the instruction of each round starts.
Stop at Rnd 28.
Rnd 29: 5dc-2sc on alternating loops
Rnd 30: (2dc-cluster in each of 2sc, ch2, sc in 3rd dc, ch2) around
Rnd 31: Sc in each stitch, 2sc in each loop
Rnd 32: (Sc, ch2, skip next stitch) around
Rnd 33: (5dc-popcorn in loop, ch1, dc in loop, ch1) around
Rnd 34: (2sc in loop, ch1, 2sc in loop, sc on top of popcorn) around
Rnd 35: (Sc, ch2, skip 2 stitches, sc in next stitch or loop) around
Rnd 36: (5-dc popcorn in loop, ch2, dc in next loop, ch2) around
Rnd 37: (Sc on top of popcorn, 2sc in loop, ch1, 2sc in loop) around
Rnd 38: (Sc all around but skip ch-1 loop) = 316 sc
Rnd 39: Sc all around
Rnds 40-41: Hdc all around
Sc around wooden hoop from Round 41.
I did think there was something familiar about the picture... Actually I only recognized the Lucienne's Summer Mandala when reading your post. Thank you very much for trying my pattern (and for linking up to my blog). Your version looks great – lots of colours (I love that!)! Happy crocheting, Marjan
ReplyDeleteI just read your comment now, Marjan! I hope I did justice to your pattern! Really love it! :)
DeleteThen there is super fine knitting yarn which ideally suited to knit socks, baby clothes and wraps. Ensure you follow the knitting instructions to the letter along with the needles needed to provide you with the perfect finish to your knitting project. garn utförsäljning
ReplyDeleteYarn refers to a long, continuous strand of interlocked fibers that are used for knitting, weaving, or sewing. Yarn can be made from a variety of materials such as wool, cotton, silk, acrylic, and Dissertation Proofreading Service Uk. It is typically sold in skeins or balls, and comes in a wide range of colors, textures, and thicknesses. Yarn can be used to create a variety of items such as clothing, blankets, accessories, and home decor. It is a popular material among crafters and hobbyists.
ReplyDelete