Because “mandala-a-long” is a bit of a tongue twister...
After such a positive response from my Mandalas and madness post, including emails and comments expressing
interest in trying out a pattern, I got to thinking...and often when I get to
thinking, it leads to a grab button...
Prior to the grab button, I was chatting away with Lazy Daisy Jones, who is equally
besotted with these pretty little contemporary doilies. We decided a crochet-a-long
was in order, to share the mandala madness love. Miss Daisy is a whiz
with the graphics, so before I could say “mandala-a-long”, she had created that
doozy of an image!
Go on, grab the button, you know you want to! It's up there in the sidebar, yep, you see it...
The mand-a-long is open to any mandala designs, your own or one from a publication...and the colour combinations are endless, what will influence your choices? Share your ideas and inspiration...
You might be tempted by a pattern supplied to us by none other than Wink!
You might be tempted by a pattern supplied to us by none other than Wink!
When we approached Wink with our idea, she happily converted one of her Simply Crochet patterns into an 11-page, easy-to-follow pattern, with clear photos and instructions. If you don't have Issue 5 of Simply Crochet, you can find that pattern in her Ravelry, Etsy or Craftsy shops.
Wink also has free mandala patterns available - find the 12-round mandala pattern here and the spoke mandala here. I think I'll be making all of them!
Wink also has free mandala patterns available - find the 12-round mandala pattern here and the spoke mandala here. I think I'll be making all of them!
This will be a fun, frivolous, fast CAL. The mandala is a
quick project, using small bits of pretty yarn – we plan to have a Mandala
Ta-Dah Day in two weeks. Then we can have one big glorious show-and-tell!
In the meantime, Daisy, Wink and I will post some progress
reports, colour choices, any tips or advice...and we hope you will do the same!
“But what do I do
with this glorified doily once I’ve finished?” I hear you ask...
Indeed. What do
you do? That’s what we’d like to know! Let’s share ideas, photos of our lovely
little objets d’crochet on display...let’s find the most interesting uses out
there...get your hooks out and your thinking caps on! Let’s Mand-a-long!
Chrissie x
EEEkkkkkk! Great idea. Count me in x
ReplyDeleteI love your idea, just read about at Daisies blog! And yes, I am joining too!
ReplyDeleteI am already thinking very hard what to do with it... ;-)
Love from Mirjam.
I wasn't going to start another project, but I've not yet made a mandala ... how can I resist! :) Now i need to go on a mandala hunt! Best wishes, pj x
ReplyDeleteWooooohooooo lets go...xxx
ReplyDeleteThis is a fun idea. I've never tried making a mandala before, but it seems like it's just variations of crochet-in-the-round. I'm looking forward to seeing what people produce. I don't know if I'm good enough, though!
ReplyDeleteIt is just round crochet, Jennifer, just different stitches in each round - but check out different patterns, find an easy one, and play with colours - I look forward to seeing what you make! Cx
Deleteyay for mandela, I have some plain white crocheted old style dolies under my bedside lamps, so that where I have plans to put mine, quick question what is the best yarn to use?
ReplyDeleteClare x
Thanks Clare! Cotton DK is recommended, but I'm sure you can use any DK scraps you might have around, especially if you're learning and experimenting...though this could be an excuse to buy more yarn...hey, I'll post about it ASAP, I'll do a comparison of my faves! Cxxx
DeleteYAY!!! I am in!! I have added your image and now I am off to gather all my little bits of left-over yarn! So much fun!! Thanks Chrissie!
ReplyDeleteI was just thinking that mandalas look just like the lacy doilies I used to make years ago (they were old fashioned then!) might have to hunt out those old patterns and make them in colourful cotton.
ReplyDeleteukcitycrafter@live.co.uk
I think I have to join this. Thanks for hosting.
ReplyDeleteFab idea Chrissie - count me in - I've already done a couple, but I'm sure another one or three won't hurt! Jane xx
ReplyDeleteGreat idea, I was only thinking this morning I wanted to make one.....now just need to work out how to do one of those magic circle thingys! :) x
ReplyDeleteBrilliant idea Chrissie - I'm in ! Off to look for a pattern and some wool ...
ReplyDeleteKate x
oh yes...I'm in.....although mine may be more of a oval...but I'll make sure it's got lots of pretty colours!!! s xo
ReplyDeleteGreat Chrissie, count me in too on the mandala-makin' mand-a-long event :o)
ReplyDeleteJane x
Adorable! Love it! :)
ReplyDeleteWow, how weird is that! I have just this last week completed 3 mandalas and posted yesterday. So i guest I am in. Yeah I was wonering what to use them for, - place mats!
ReplyDeleteOk this 'Manda would love to join the Mand-a-long...(sorry!). You've timed this perfectly as I was only thinking this morning of making another one for a very special lady in California - I'll also be sending her one of my crochet daffodils as a brooch. I've ear marked this pattern, because it's quite different to the Spring Mandala by K-Town which I have two of. Here's the link if anyone is interested...
ReplyDeletehttp://dascrochetconnection.blogspot.co.uk/2014/03/colorful-flower-mandalas.html
Amanda X
Great idea for a CAL, they are so pretty. I hope I'll get chance to join you, as I'd like a couple for my table. X
ReplyDeleteI'm looking forward to this, to see what everyone else comes up with if nothing else!! I've started having a play already, but I think that I need some more yarn!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! (hee hee!!!!) xx
ReplyDeleteI'd love to participate! Wink is one of my favorite crochet bloggers and I love her patterns :)
ReplyDeleteThis is a lovely idea! Those mandalas are really pretty. I'm thinking they would make sweet place mats...
ReplyDeleteMarianne xx
They are so pretty Chrissie, and what a fun idea you came up with! Daisy Jones has come up with a great button too! I agree with Marianne - perfect place mats!
ReplyDeleteGill xx
Yay! I'd love to join in and this will be my very first CAL. I've tried adding the grab button to my blog but the only thing that is displayed is the title I have given it...not sure where I've gone wrong.
ReplyDeleteFab idea... Thank you :-)
Tracey xx
Yay! I've managed it and it can be seen on my blog :-)
DeleteI used this tutorial...
http://blog.kanelstrand.com/2011/04/grab-button.html
Lovely Mandalas !!!!
ReplyDeleteHave a nice weekend ! Doing more Mandalas perhaps ;)
Anna
Great idea. Sounds fun!
ReplyDeleteJust crochet a Mandala and post here?
ReplyDeleteHi Sheri, you can do your own post about your mandala then link it here when I add the link-up in a few weeks - until then, happy hooking! Cx
DeleteWhat a wonderful idea. You are bursting with such wonderful ideas.Thank you for all your links and all the work you put into your blooming crochet along. I have found such wonderful blogs through this .I.m sure this next one will be such fun
ReplyDeleteHave a lovely weekend
Great idea Chrissie - I'm on my third mandala and think I might be over it already, so many other projects vying for my attention haha! What's new!!! All the very best with it, xo Joy
ReplyDeleteI'm in! I can't wait, I've been meaning to make a mandala and now this gets my butt into gear!
ReplyDeleteIm guttered. I just spent yesterday making my button and writings post for a monthly mandala project and you've beat me to it. I'm thinking I might still do it. What do you reckon?? Xxx
ReplyDeleteDoh! I'm sorry! Keep the button and the post - ours will be over within two weeks, but I'll want to keep making, so a monthly make is perfect! Cxxx
DeleteHi Hannapat, I agree with Chrissie and I'd have a go at yours too :-)
DeleteTracey xx
Hi Chrissie. Not had any desire to make a Mandela as couldn't think what they could be used for. Then I made one and I want to make more. So many ideas of where they can be used. Thank you for again getting us all fired up about something new.
ReplyDeleteS xx
Chrissie this is just stunning, I wish my crochet skills were up to making one of these fabulous creations, you are do clever just as Daisy is. Have a fabulous week and thank you for a lovely post.
ReplyDeleteSending you lots of loves and hugs
Dorothy
:-)xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
This is just a fantastic idea Chrissie. Apologies for not being on I am having loads of problems with blogger at the moment. Today it is allowing me to sign in but not to post grrr _ I think I am going to move to wordpress.
ReplyDeleteI would love to join this but I am crocheting DS1s birthday blanket which has to be completed by the 8th April and I worked it out today, it still needs about 23 hours work!!!!! I will be doing nothing but crochet this week!! I will still make a mandala but I may be a bit late to the party x x
Sounds fun!
ReplyDelete