Some time ago I made up a little gift for someone special - a mandala and matching coasters.
I like to play around with the same basic stitch groupings and designs to see what different effects I can come up with!
The Dahlia centre is an extension of the Sunny Flower which forms the basis of the SUNNY FLOWER MINI MANDALA designed for the Yarndale Yarnbomb!
I had already written up the pattern for the coasters - but had to wait until after the Yarndale secret was out to publish this!
Pattern Terms: US
Yarn: Raeesah Cotton Soft DK (100% cotton)
Hook: 4.00mm
Size: 11cm (4.5 inches)
Skill Level: Novice
Foundation: 4ch, ss into 1st ch to form circle
Row 1: 3ch (counts as 1dc); 11 dc into circle; ss 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; ss 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); ss into top of 3ch at start to close.
Row 5 ss into any dc; *1ch, 1ss into top of next dc*
*to* to end 1ch, ss into ss at start of edging.
NOTE:
I have provided row by row photos and explanations for the Sunny Flower Mini Mandala HERE
(Rows 1 - 4 are exactly the same!)
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.
The Rainbow Vermicelli Mandala was designed for a few ladies new to the art of crochet, who wanted to join in the Mandala fun.
The pattern is extremely easy! No fancy stitchwork and lots of repeats (so it does not require too much concentration)
The design is very simple too - making it perfect for almost any type or colour of yarn
RAINBOW VERMICELLI MANDALA
Pattern Terms: US
Yarn: Raeesah Cotton Soft DK (100% cotton)
Hook: 4.00mm
Size: Diameter 40cm
Foundation: 5ch, ss into first ch to form circle
Row 1: 3ch (counts as 1dc), 1dc, 2ch into circle; *2dc, 2ch into circle* *to* x 5 ss into top of 3ch to close
Row 2: Join yarn in any 2ch space; 3ch (counts as 1dc), 2dc into same space as join, 2ch: *3dc, 2ch into next 2ch space* *to* x 5, ss into top of 3ch to close (6 x 3dc, 2ch groups)
Row 3: Join yarn in any 2ch space; 3ch (counts as 1 dc), 5dc into same space as join (6dc group), 1ch; *6dc, 1ch into next 2ch space (6dc group)* *to* x 5; ss into top of 3ch to close (6 x 6dc, 1ch groups)
Row 4: Join yarn in 1st dc of any 6dc group; 3ch (counts as 1dc), 1dc into same place as join, 1dc into each of next 4dc, 2dc into last dc on 6dc group (8dc group); *2dc into first dc on next 6dc group, 1 dc into each of next 4dc, 2dc into last dc on 6dc group (8dc group)* *to* all around; ss into top of 3ch to close (6 x 8dc groups = 48 dc)
Row 5: Join yarn in space before start of any 8dc group; 6ch (counts as 1sc, 5ch), 1sc into space between 4th and 5th dc; *5ch, 1sc into space before start of next 8dc group; 5ch 1sc into space between 4th and 5th dc* repeat *to* x 5; 5ch ss into first ch of 6ch at start of row
Row 6: Join yarn in any 5ch space; 3ch, 5dc in same space as join (6dc group); *6dc into next 5ch space (6dc group) *to* x 11 (12 x 6dc groups)
Row 7: Repeat row 4 (12 x 8dc groups = 96dc)
Row 8: Join yarn in any dc; 2ch in same space as join; 1hdc into each dc to end; ss into top of 2ch at start to close.
Row 9: Join yarn in space between hdc (in line with sc on Row 5); 6ch (counts as 1sc, 5ch) in same space; *skip 3 spaces between hdc, 1sc into 4th space between dc, 5ch* *to* all around, ss into 1st ch of 6ch at start to close
Row 10: Join yarn in any 5ch space; 7ch (counts as 1sc, 6ch); *sc into next 5ch space, 6ch* *to* all around, ss into 1st ch of 7ch at start to close;
Row 11: Repeat Row 10
Row 12: Repeat Row 6
Row 13: Repeat Row 4
Row 14: Repeat Row 8
Row 15: Join yarn in space between any 2 hdc, 5ch (counts as 1sc, 4ch) in same space as join; *skip 2 spaces, 1sc in third space between hdc; 4ch* *to* to end, ss into 1st ch of start 5ch to close.
Row 16: Join yarn in any 4ch space, 5ch (counts ad 1sc, 4ch) in same space as join; *1sc, 4ch in next 4ch space* *to* to end, ss into 1st of start 5ch to close
Row 17: Repeat Row 16
Row 18: Join yarn in any 4ch space, 3ch (counts as 1dc), 2dc in same space as join (3dc group) ; *3dc into next 4ch space (3dc group) *to* to end, ss into top of 3ch at start to close.
Row 19: Join yarn in space between any two 3dc groups; 5ch (counts as sc, 4ch) in same space as join; *1sc, 4ch in next space between 3dc groups* *to* to end, ss into 1st of start 5ch to close
Row 20: Repeat Row 18
Row 21: ss into any dc; *1ch, 1ss into top of next dc*
*to* to end 1ch, ss into ss at start of edging.
My mandalas did not really need "blocking", but I did give them a nice puff of steam with the iron (cotton is not quite as well behaved as the acrylics I am used to working with)!
The pattern for the matching Coasters can be found HERE
Last week Thursday (pre holidays, and pre Starflower Mandala Fever - which you can read about HERE, HERE and HERE) I ordered a stash of lovely Raeesah Cotton Soft (100% Cotton) and a few balls of a pretty variegated Courtelle I wanted to try out.
First thing Tuesday (post holidays, and amidst Mandala Fever) the Courier arrived with my parcels:
Pretty!!!! Pretty!!
A few ladies new to the art of crochet asked me to create an easy
Mandala for them to hook. Of course that was the perfect excuse to start a new project using my lovely new stash!
I kept the stitchwork very simple so that (a) it would be easy to make and (b) I could use my variegated cottons!
I was having so much fun with this - and the variegated yarn reminded me of the Rainbow Vermicelli my children loved sprinkling on cakes and milkshakes when they were younger!
A few more rows and it was done! This time actually writing the pattern as I did each row! (A first for me as I usually get so carried away with the crocheting that I forget to write the pattern down).
Four lovely ladies are testing the pattern with me at the moment - a bit slow going, as the ladies have to squeeze in a few rows between children, husband and home.
The first rows of the pattern have been tested (and, according to the testers, are perfect!)
I plan to use this Mandala on the patio and a few matching coasters seemed like a good idea!
They do look a bit wonky in the photo - but a quick puff of steam from the iron will sort that out in no time!
6 Quick and easy rows, work up to a coaster 12cm in diameter.
Rainbow Vermicelli Coasters
Pattern Terms: US
Yarn: Raeesah Cotton Soft DK (100% cotton)
Hook: 4.00mm
Foundation: 5ch, ss to join
Row 1: 3ch (counts as 1dc), 1dc, 2ch into circle; *2dc, 2ch into circle* *to* x 5 ss into top of 3ch to close
Row 2: Join
yarn in any 2ch space; 3ch (counts as 1dc), 2dc into same space as
join, 2ch: *3dc, 2ch into next 2ch space* *to* x 5, ss into top of 3ch
to close (6 x 3dc, 2ch groups)
Row 3: Join
yarn in any 2ch space; 3ch (counts as 1 dc), 5dc into same space as
join (6dc group), 1ch; *6dc, 1ch into next 2ch space (6dc group)* *to* x
5; ss into top of 3ch to close (6 x 6dc, 1ch groups)
Row 4: Join
yarn in 1st dc of any 6dc group; 3ch (counts as 1dc), 1dc into same
place as join, 1dc into each of next 4dc, 2dc into last dc on 6dc group
(8dc group); *2dc into first dc on next 6dc group, 1 dc into each of
next 4dc, 2dc into last dc on 6dc group (8dc group)* *to* all around;
ss into top of 3ch to close (6 x 8dc groups = 48 dc)
Row 5: Join yarn in 1st dc of any 8dc group; 3ch (counts as 1dc), 1dc into same place as join, 1dc into each of next 6dc, 2dc into last dc on 8dc group, *2dc into first dc on next 8dc group, 1dc into each of next 6dc, 2dc into last dc on 8dc group* *to* all around, ss into top of 3ch to close
Row 6 ss into any dc; *1ch, 1ss into top of next dc*
*to* to end 1ch, ss into ss at start of edging.
A little bit of quick, colourful hooking fun - perfect for using up yarn scraps!
