Of mandalas and madness...

I finished my second mandala – a beautiful and remarkably easy pattern designed by Wink. I love the seaside palette. I could make a dozen of these!

In fact, it was the pattern of choice at my crochet group meeting on Monday evening. A few of the lovely ladies who come along to the monthly meet-ups were interested in trying out a circular pattern, and the mandalas fit the bill. I came along armed with my giant supply of Drops Paris and the hooks started flying...

Here are some mandalas in progress. I love the different colour palettes, the icy blues and greys, the bright greens and turquoises. The group learned more about crocheting in a round, changing colours (tip: make sure you join a new colour in a different place with each round to avoid one big ridge of woven-in ends), and the most important skill of all: keeping track of your crochet stitches while you participate in conversation!

Hmmm...perhaps that could be the focus of my next crochet masterclass?

I’m fast becoming addicted to mandala making, and I know some others who feel the same way...I feel a project coming on...watch this space!

I am officially addicted to crocheting shawls. Getting close to the point of madness, really, especially considering that I never wore shawls and was never interested in doing so.

It kicked off with the Nordic Shawl, then I bought this gorgeous Louisa Harding Etoile yarn, and a sparkly shawl seems an absolute necessity in my life.

I am hooking away at a spring-into-summer shawl, based on a triangular scarf design by Erika Knight but altered by me to make a piece that can be gathered into a scarf or worn open as a lacy shawl. The taupe shade combined with the sparkle make it perfect for in-between seasons, as it can sober up brighter summer wear that looks a bit out of place in April or September. That’s my thinking behind it, at least.

But that’s not all, oh no siree!

Sandra at Cherry Heart has created another doozy, the Ricicles Shawl. Of course I just couldn’t help myself, I must have one! A most divine item for summer, and it gives me the opportunity to indulge my pastel love. I’m playing around with the prettiest pinks and blues in soft cottons, trying to decide which five shades will work best...

Shawls and mandalas, mandalas and shawls, it’s all mad, but it’s all good!

What are you mad about this week? Grab the Bloomin' Crochet button on the sidebar and link up below!

Chrissie x

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