Hakuna Matata Mini Mandala

Pattern Terms:  US

Yarn:  Raeesah Cotton Soft 
Hook:  4.00mm 
Size:   18cm (7 inches)

Skill Level:  Intermediate
 

Foundation:  6ch, ss to first chain to form a circle

Row 1:  Into the circle,  3ch, 1dc, 2ch;  *2dc, 2ch* *to* x 5 (6 x 2dc groupings),  ss into top of 3ch to close.

Row 2:  Join yarn in any 2ch sp;  5ch in same sp as join (counts as 1sc, 4ch);  *1sc, 4ch into next 2ch sp* *to * x 5;   ss into first of 5ch at start to close.

Row 3:  Join yarn in any 4ch sp;  3ch, 5dc into same 4ch sp as join, 1ch;   *6dc into next 4ch sp, 1ch* 5x (6 x 6dc groupings), ss  into top of first cluster to close,  break off yarn

  
Row 4:  Join yarn in 1st dc of any 6dc grouping;  3ch (counts as 1dc) in same dc as join, 1dc into each of next 5dc  1ch, 1dc, 1ch into 1ch sp between 6dc groupings;  *1dc into each of next 6dc in next 6dc grouping;  1ch, 1dc, 1ch into 1ch sp between 6dc groupings* *to* x 5;   ss into top of 3ch at start to close;

Row 5:  Join yarn in 1st dc of any 6dc group;  3ch (counts as 1dc) in same dc as join;  1dc into each of next 5dc;  2dc into 1ch space,  2ch, 2dc into next 1ch sp;  *1dc into each of next 6dc;  2dc into 1ch space,  2ch, 2dc into next 1ch sp* *to* x 5;  ss into top of 3ch at start to close.

Row 6:  Join yarn in same place as close ss on Row 5;  3ch in same space (counts as 1dc):  1dc into each of next 6dc (7 dc grouping);  3ch dc spike to the left of the dc in Row 4;  dc spike to the right of the dc in Row 4 (crossover spike made); 3ch;  *skip 2dc;  1dc into top of 3rd dc;  1dc into each of next 6dc (7dc grouping);   3ch dc spike to the left of the dc in Row 4;  dc spike to the right of the dc in Row 4 (crossover spike made);  3ch* *to* x5;   ss into top of 3ch at start to close.

Note - Rows 7 & 8:  a 5dc cluster is formed as follows - into the 3ch sp before the Crossover Spike yarn over hook, work the first part of the stitch leaving 2 loops on your hook, repeat this once more (three loops on hook);   into the space between the Crossover Spike yarn over hook, work the first part of the stitch leaving 2 loops on your hook (four loops on hook);  into the 3ch space after the Crossover Spike yarn over hook, work the first part of the stitch leaving 2 loops on your hook, repeat this once more (6 loops on hook) Yarn over hook and draw through the loops on the hook to form your cluster

 

Row 7:  Join yarn in 1st dc of any 7dc grouping;   2ch (counts as 1hdc) in same dc as join; 1hdc into each of next 6dc (7 hdc grouping);  3ch, 5dc cluster (refer Note);  3ch;  *1hdc into each of next 7dc;   3ch, 5dc cluster (refer Note), 3ch* *to* x 5,  ss into top of  2ch at start to close.

Row 8:  Join yarn in 1st hdc of any 7hdc grouping;  3ch (counts as 1dc), 1dc in same st as join;  (1dc into each of next 2 hdc, 2dc into next hdc) x 2 (10dc grouping);  3ch, 5dc cluster (refer Note - working the third dc of the cluster into the top of the cluster in Row 7), 3ch;  *2dc into 1st hdc on next 7hdc grouping;  (1dc into each of next 2 hdc, 2dc into next hdc) x 2 (10dc grouping);  3ch, 5dc cluster (refer Note - working the third dc of the cluster into the top of the cluster in Row 7) 3ch* *to* x 5, ss into top of 3ch at start to close.

Edging

Join yarn with a ss into 1st dc of any 10dc grouping, ss into each of next 9dc

1. 3ch, drop loop from hook, reinsert hook from front to back of work through 3ch space in Row 8, put the loop back on hook and draw through from the back to the front of work; 
2. 3ch, drop loop from hook, reinsert hook from front to back of work through 3ch space in Row 8, put the loop back on hook and draw through from the back to the front of work;
3. 3ch, drop loop from hook, reinsert hook from front to back of work through 1st dc of next 10dc grouping,  put the loop back on hook and draw through from the back to the front of work;
4. ss into each of next 9dc
5. Follow steps 1 - 4 five times;   and then steps 1 -3 once;  joining with a ss into the first ss at start to close.

Sunny Flower Mini Mandala

Pattern Terms:  US 

Yarn:  Raeesah Cotton Soft DK (100% cotton) 
Hook:  4.00mm 
Size:  18cm (7 inches)

Skill Level:  Novice

Foundation:  4ch,  sl st into 1st ch to form circle 

Row 1:  3ch (counts as 1dc);  11 dc into circle;  sl st into 3rd ch at start to close (12dc)

Row 2:  Join yarn into any sp between dc,  3ch (counts as 1dc) 1dc in same space as join (2dc grouping);  *2dc into each sp between dc  (2dc grouping)* *to* to end;   sl st into top of 3ch at start to close (24dc)

Row 3:  Join yarn in space between any 2dc groups;  3ch (counts as 1st trc),  2trc into next space as follows - work the first and second parts of the stitch leaving last loop on your hook, into next space work the first and second part of 1 trc leaving the last loop on your hook (four loops on hook).   Yarn over hook and draw through all the loops on your hook to form your cluster;  4ch;  (into same space as last trc, work 1st trc of 4trc cluster;  into next space work 2nd & 3rd tr of 4trc cluster;  into next space work the last st of 4trc cluster, 4ch) x 11 (12 x 4trc clusters made);   sl st into top of first cluster to close.   Break off yarn.

Row 4:    Join yarn in 4 ch space between clusters;  3ch (counts as 1dc), 4dc (5dc grouping), 1ch into same space as join;  *5dc (5dc grouping), 1ch into next 4ch space* *to* 11 x (12 x groupings);  sl st into top of 3ch at start to close.

Row 5:  Join yarn in 1st dc of any 5dc grouping;   2ch (counts as 1hdc);  1hdc into each of next 4dc; 1hdc into 1ch sp:  *1hdc into each of next 5dc, 1hdc into 1ch sp* x 5;   sl st into top op 2ch at start to close.

Row 6:  Join yarn in any sp between 2 hdc;  4ch in same sp as join (counts as 1sc, 3ch);  *skip 2sp between hdc;   1sc, 3ch into next sp between hdc* *to* to end sl st into 1st of 4ch at start to close.

Row 7:  Join yarn in an 3ch sp;  3ch (counts as 1dc), 3dc in same sp as join (4dc grouping);  *4dc in next 3ch space (4dc grouping)* *to* to end;  sl st into top of 3ch at start to close.

Row 8:  Join yarn in any sp between 4dc groupings;  5ch in same sp as join (counts as 1sc, 4ch);  *1sc, 4ch in next space between 4dc groupings* *to* to end sl st into 1st of 4ch at start to close.

Row 9:  Join yarn in any 4ch sp, 1ch(counts as 1sc); 4sc into same sp as join;   *5sc into next 4ch sp* *to* to end;   sl st into 1ch at start to close.

Popcorn Flower Square: Baby Groovyghan CAL(7)

With all the holidays and the excitement about my STARFLOWER MANDALA PATTERN I almost forgot to write this post!

For those joining in now (or for those who are a little behind) here are the links to the previous posts:

WEEK 1 - RAINBOWS AND DAISIES SQUARES

WEEK 2 - RAINBOW HALF GRANNY SQUARES

WEEK 3 - THE FIRST STRIPES

WEEK 4 - CIRCLES IN SQUARES

WEEK 5 - ZOOTY OWL SQUARE

WEEK 6 - ITS STARTING TO LOOK A LOT LIKE A BABY GROOVYGHAN

After you have completed Week 6, your Baby Groovyghan should be looking something like this:

Onto the top of the "Zooty Owl" row, crochet 5 stripes as follows:

Row 1:   Join your white yarn (or whatever colour you are using as your border colour) into the corner 3ch of the first square in the row; 1dc into the top of each dc, when you reach a corner on a block 1dc into corner, 1dc into loop of  join, 1dc into corner on next block.   Repeat this to the end of the row of blocks.  1dc into the last corner 3ch.
 
Rows 2 - 5:   "Granny Stripe"

Row 2:  Into space between first 2 double crochet on the wrong side of your work, crochet 3ch, 2dc,  *skip two spaces, into third space from hook 3dc* rep *to* to last 4dc, 3dc into space between last 2dc. 

Row 3:  turn work - now working on the right side;  ch 4;  *3dc into space between clusters* rep *to* to last sp between clusters, ch 1, 1dc into sp between last dc on final cluster of Row 2 

Row 4:   Working on the wrong side of your work;  3ch, 2dc into 1ch sp at end of prev row (i.e the start of this row);  *3dc into space between each cluster* rep *to* to last sp between clusters 

Row 5:  Repeat Row 3

Make 8 POPCORN FLOWER SQUARES and join together using the Visible Join

Pattern Terms:  US 
Yarn:  Mirage 4ply 
Hook Size:  350mm 

Foundation:   4ch, sl st to join OR make a magic ring;

Row 1:  3 ch (counts as 1 dc):  11 dc into circle (12 dc), sl st into top of 3ch to join;

Row 2:  3ch (counts as 1dc), 1dc into top of  same dc;  [2dc into top of next dc (2dc group)] x11 = 24dc
 
Row 3:  Join yarn in any space between a 2dc group;   3ch (counts as 1dc), 4dc into same space as join; form popcorn, 2ch;  (popcorn stitch into space between next 2dc group, 2ch) x 11;   sl st into top of first popcorn to join

NOTE:   A Popcorn Stitch is formed by crocheting 5dc then removing the hook from the last loop, inserting the hook front to back on the first dc, and again into last loop, yoh and pull through

Row 4:  Join yarn in any 2ch space between popcorns;  6ch (counts as 1dc, 3ch), 2dc into same space as join;  (3hdc into each of next two 2ch spaces;  3dc, 3ch, 3dc into next 2ch space) x 3;  3hdc into each of next 2ch spaces;  2dc into same space as join, sl st into loop formed at start

Row 5:  [3ch (counts as 1dc) 2dc , 3ch, 3dc into same space as ss;  3dc into each of next 3 spaces between 3dc groups,  3dc, 3ch, 3dc into next space] x3;   3hdc into each of next 3 spaces between 3dc groups;   sl st into top of 3ch at start

Row 6:  3dc into space between each 3dc group;  into corner 3ch crochet 3dc, 3ch, 3dc - to end, sl st to close

This is what my Baby Groovyghan looks like so far:

Next week we do the final stripes and blocks, and the week after (the final week) we will do the border.

The finished blanket if you are using 4ply and a 3.50 mm hook should be approximately  85cm x 110cm

Happy Hooking!!!

Starflower Mandala: Pattern

About a week ago I made a STARFLOWER MANDALA

I posted this photo in online groups and within a few hours I had hundreds of requests for the pattern,

I started making another Starflower Mandala so that I could write up the pattern;   while I was writing it up a few lovely ladies from various crochet groups were helping me test the pattern.

We completed the first phase of the testing yesterday morning after I had finished my second mandala:

Another group of lovely ladies helped me run a second test - and I made a THIRD mandala:

I was going to do a complete tutorial for the pattern but the ladies who tested the pattern have assured me that the pattern is very easy to follow.

So, without further ado, here it is:

THE STARFLOWER MANDALA PATTERN


Yarn:  Stylecraft Special DK;   

Hook:  3.50mm

Size:  33cm in diameter

Pattern Terms:  US

(I have included this conversion chart for my UK readers)

Foundation:  6ch, ss to first chain to form a circle

Row 1:  Into the circle,  2ch 2dc cluster, 3ch;   *3dc cluster, 3ch* crochet *to* 5x (6 clusters), ss  into top of first cluster to close,  break off yarn

Note:   a 3dc cluster is formed as follows - yarn over hook, work the first part of the stitch leaving 2 loops on your hook, repeat this twice more (four loops on hook) Yarn over hook and draw through the loops on the hook to form your cluster

Row 2:  Into any 3ch sp, 3ch, 3dc 1ch;  *into next 3ch sp, 4dc (4dc group), 1ch* *to* 5x   (24dc);  ss into top of 3ch at start of row to close

  
Row 3:  Join yarn in sp between 1st and 2nd dc on any 4dc group;  3ch, 1dc into same space;  2dc into each of next 2 spaces between dc;  8ch;  *2dc into each sp between dc on next 4dc group, 8ch* *to* 5x;   ss into top of 3ch at start of row to close.

Note:   3 x groupings of 2dc formed between each 8ch

Row 4:  Join yarn with ss into first dc after any 8ch sp;   ss through front and back loops on next 5dc;  *into 8ch sp, 1sc, 1hdc, 3dc, 1tr, 3ch, 1tr, 3dc, 1hdc, 1sc (Petal formed);  1ss through front and back loops on next 6dc* *to* x5;  into last 8ch sp, 1sc, 1hdc, 3dc, 1tr, 3ch, 1tr, 3dc, 1hdc, 1sc;  break off yarn.

I suppose there could be some debate about the correct way to end this row off, but this works for me:

With a tapestry needle, pull the yarn through from front to back on the first ss, pull to tighten neatly. then thread the yarn through the back loops on the next 5 ss.

Row 5:  Join yarn into the top of the 3rd dc on Row 3;   3ch, 1dc into top of next dc,  *3ch, 1sc into first dc on Petal, 1hdc into next dc,  1dc into each of next 2 stitches;  2dc, 1tr, 3ch, 1tr, 2dc into 3ch sp;  1dc into each of next 2 stitches, 1hdc into next dc, 1sc into next dc,  3ch;  1dc into each of the 3rd and 4th dc on Row 3* *to* x5;   3ch, 1sc into first dc on Petal, 1hdc into next dc,  1dc into each of next 2 stitches;  2dc, 1tr, 3ch, 1tr, 2dc into 3ch sp;  1dc into each of next 2 stitches, 1hdc into next dc, 1sc into next dc,  3ch,  ss into top of 3ch at start of row to close.

Row 6:  Join yarn into centre of any "middle" 2dc grouping, 3ch, 1dc;  *3ch, 1sc into first dc on Petal, 1hdc into next dc,  1dc into each of next 3 stitches;  2dc, 3ch, 2dc into 3ch sp;  1dc into each of next 3 stitches, 1hdc into next dc, 1sc into next dc,  3ch;  2dc into the centre of  "middle" 2dc grouping* *to* x5;   3ch, 1sc into first dc on Petal, 1hdc into next dc,  1dc into each of next 3 stitches;  2dc, 3ch, 2dc into 3ch sp;  1dc into each of next 3 stitches, 1hdc into next dc, 1sc into next dc,  3ch, ss into top of start 3ch

Row 7:  Join yarn into centre of any "middle" 2dc grouping, 1ch, 1sc;  *6ch, 1sc into first dc on Petal, 1hdc into next dc,  1dc into each of next 3 dc;  2dc, 3ch, 2dc into 3ch sp;  1dc into each of next 3 dc, 1hdc into next dc, 1sc into next dc,  6ch;  1 sc into the centre of  "middle" 2dc grouping* *to* x5;   6ch, 1sc into first dc on Petal, 1hdc into next dc,  1dc into each of next 3 dc;  2dc, 3ch, 2dc into 3ch sp;  1dc into each of next 3 dc, 1hdc into next dc, 1sc into next dc,  6ch, ss into start 1ch

Row 8:  Join yarn into first dc on right hand side of any petal 1ch, 1sc into same dc, 1hdc into next dc, 1 dc into each of next 3dc;  2dc, 3ch, 2dc into 3ch sp;  1dc into each of next 3dc; 1hdc into next dc, 1sc into next dc *6ch, 1sc into 6ch on Row 7; 6ch, 1sc into 6ch on Row 7; 6ch 1sc into first dc on petal, 1hdc into next dc, 1dc into each of next 3dc;  2dc, 3ch, 2dc into 3ch sp;  1dc into each of next 3dc, 1hdc into next dc, 1sc into next dc* *to* x5;  6ch, 1sc into 6ch on Row 7; 6ch, 1sc into 6ch on Row 7; 6ch, ss into 1ch at start of row

Row 9:  Join yarn into 4th dc on right hand side of any petal;  3ch, 1dc into next dc;  2dc, 3ch, 2dc into 3ch sp;  1dc into each of next 2dc; *(6ch, 1sc into 6ch sp) x3;  6ch;  1dc into 4th dc on petal, 1dc into next dc;  2dc, 3ch, 2dc into 3ch sp;  1dc into each of next 2dc* *to* x5;  (6ch, 1sc into 6ch sp) x3;  6ch

Row 10:  Join yarn into third dc on right side of any petal;  2ch, 1hdc into next dc;  2hdc, 2ch, 2hdc into 3ch sp; 1hdc into each of next 2dc;  *6ch, 1sc into 6ch sp;  6ch, 4dc into next 6ch space;  4dc into next 6ch space;  6ch, 1sc into 6ch sp;  6ch, 1hdc into third dc on petal, 1hdc into next dc;  2hdc, 2ch, 2hdc into 3ch sp;  1hdc into each of next 2dc* *to* x5;  6ch, 1sc into 6ch sp;  6ch, 4dc into next 6ch space;  4dc into next 6ch space;  6ch, 1sc into 6ch sp;  6ch ss into top of 2ch at start of row

Row 11:   Join yarn into third hdc on right side of any petal;   2ch, 1hdc into next hdc, 3hdc into 2ch sp, 1hdc into each of next 2hdc;  *6ch, 3dc into 6ch sp;  6ch,  (1tr into each of next 4 dc) x2;  6ch,  skip first 6ch sp, 3dc into next 6ch sp;  6ch 1hdc into third hdc, 1hdc into next hdc, 3hdc into 2ch sp, 1hdc into each of next 2hdc* *to* x5; ss into top of 2ch at start of row to close

Row 12: Join yarn between 3rd and 4th hdc on right hand side of any petal;  2ch, 1hdc between 4th and 5th hdc, *1ch;  6dc, into each of next two  6ch spaces; 1ch,  skip 1st tr on Row 11;  1tr into each of next 6 tr;  1ch;  6dc into each of next two 6ch spaces, 1ch;  1hdc between 3rd and 4th hdc;  1hdc between 4th and 5th hdc* *to* x5;  1ch;  6dc, 1ch into each of next 2  6ch spaces;  skip 1st tr on Row 11;  1tr into each of next 6 tr;  1ch;  6dc, 1ch into each of next 2 6ch spaces;  ss into top of 2ch at start of row to close 

Row 13:  Join yarn between 2hdc at top of petal;  2ch;  *1hdc into 1ch space, 1hdc into each of next 6dc;  1dc into each of next 6dc; 1tr into each of next 6tr;  1dc into each of next 6dc;  1hdc into each of next 6dc; 1hdc into 1 ch space;  1hdc into space between 2hdc at top of petal*  *to* x5;   1hdc into 1ch space, 1hdc into each of next 6dc;  1dc into each of next 6dc; 1tr into each of next 6tr;  1dc into each of next 6dc;  1hdc into each of next 6dc; 1hdc into 1 ch space,  ss into top of 2ch at start of row to close

Row 14:   Join yarn into second tr of any 6tr sequence on Row 13;   4ch, 1tr into each of next 4tr;  1dc into each of next  13 stitches;  1tr into each of next 2hdc;  1dc into each of next 13 stitches;   *1tr into each of next 5tr:  1dc into each of next  13 stitches;  1tr into each of next 2hdc;  1dc into each of next 13 stitches* *to* x 5;   ss into top of 4ch at start of row to close;

Row 15:  (EDITED)  Join yarn in space between any 2tr at top of petal;  5ch (counts as 1sc and 4ch), skip two spaces then 1 sc in next space;  *4ch, skip 2 spaces, then 1sc in next space*  until last 2 spaces, 4ch, ss into 1st chain at start of row

Row 16:  Join yarn in any 4ch space, 3ch, 2dc in same space, 1ch;  *3dc, 1ch in next 4ch space* to end of row, ss into top of 3ch at start of row to close

Row 17:   Join yarn in 2nd dc of any 3dc group on Row 16;  1ch, 1sc in same space as join, 1ch;  *dc spike to the left of the sc in Row 15;  dc spike to the right of the sc in Row 15 (crossover spike made), 1ch 1sc into the second dc of next 3dc group 1ch* *to* to end of row ss into 1ch at start of row to close.

Note:  When doing the spike stitch keep your tension even but not too tight

Row 18:  Join yarn  with a ss in 1ch sp to the left of any crossover spike, ss in next 1ch sp, *6ch, ss into 4th ch from hook;  ss into 1ch sp to the left of next crossover stitch, ss into next 1ch* *to* to the right of the last crossover spike;  6ch, ss into 4th ch from hook, ss into ss at start of row.

PS:  I have prepared a row by row photo aid to this pattern, which can be found HERE

Not Quite A Daffodil Square: Pattern

Yesterday I needed to make a quick gift.

So I chose a few soft colours and hooked up a couple of pretty flower squares to make up something fun!

This is how they are done (in case you would like to make a few too):

Pattern Terms:  US

Yarn:  Stylecraft Special DK for the squares and flower centres;    Mirage 4ply for the Petals
(The Stylecraft Special DK is quite "thin" compared to our South African DK - it is much closer to our 4ply)

Hook:  3.50mm

Size:  12cm x 12cm


Row 1:  Into the ring,  2ch 2dc cluster, 3ch;   *3dc cluster, 3ch* crochet *to* 5x (6 clusters), ss into top of cluster to close

Notes:   

• a 3dc cluster is formed as follows - yarn over hook, work the first part of the stitch leaving 2 loops on your hook, repeat this twice more (four loops on hook) Yarn over hook and draw through the hooks on the loop to form your cluster

• The 3ch "loop" between clusters forms your "front loop" into which the petals of your flower will be worked 

Row 2:  Into the same space as the ss, 1ch, 1sc, 4ch;  *1sc into top of next cluster, 4ch* *to* 5x (6x four chain loops formed), ss into 1ch at start of row, break off yarn.

Note:   The 4ch "loop" forms your "back loop" into which the first row of your square (row 3) will be worked

Row 3:   Join colour you are using for the square in any 4ch sp, 3ch, 3dc, 1ch;  *4dc, 1ch* *to* 5x (6 x 4dc clusters formed) (24 stitches), ss to close

Row 4:   Into first space between dc on previous row 3ch, 1dc;  *into next space between dc, 1dc,  into next space between dc, 2dc) repeat *to* to last space between dc, 1dc, ss into top of 3ch to close (36 stitches) 

Row 5:  Into same place as ss work 3ch, 1dc into top of next 7 dc (8dc);   *2tr, 3ch, 2tr into top of next dc;  1dc into top of each of next 8dc* *to* 3 times; 2tr, 3ch, 2tr into top of last dc; ss into top of 3ch to join.

Row 6:  3ch; 1dc into top of each of next 7dc;  1dc into top of each of 2 cnr tr;  2dc, 3ch, 2dc into cnr 2ch; *1dc into each of next 2tr;   1dc into each of next 8dc; 1dc into each of next 2tr;   2dc, 3ch, 2dc into cnr 2ch* *to* 3 times;  1dc into each of next 2tr;  ss into top of 3ch. break off yarn

Row 7:  Into top of any dc, 3ch;   1dc into top of each dc;   into corner 3ch make 2dc, 3ch, 2dc
 
Petals

Join Colour for Petals in  any "front loop" 3ch sp formed on Row 1;

2ch, 2dc, 1tr, 1 picot, 1tr, 2dc, 2ch, ss into same space;

*ss into next 3ch sp,  2ch, 2dc, 1tr, 1 picot, 1tr, 2dc, 2ch, ss into same space* *to* x5, ss into same sp as first petal to close.   Break off yarn

I added a row of white in Mirage 4ply (repeat Row 7)

I then added a little bit of detail of the petals:

Just looks like spring (although we are quite deep into Autumn here)!

In a bit of a crazy rush - so this is not much of a post!    Lots and lots of patterns to write and tutorials to do!

Happy hooking!

(PS:   If you would like to make the flowers on their own you can find the link HERE)

(PPS:   Have not had the pattern tested - so please if you find any errors, don't be shy to let me know)