I’m so excited to be hosting my second mandala crochet along (CAL) at the end of January…and this blog has all the detail you’ll need if you’d like to join in!
The crochet design is based on a mandala and uses overlay mosaic crochet throughout to create the central daisy and petal border detailing using only 2 colours of yarn.
Here’s how the design was inspired…
Throughout 2021 I’ve continued experimenting with mosaic crochet which is such a beautiful technique for creating stunning designs with only 2 colours – usually a main colour and a contrast colour. It was the technique behind my first CAL: 'Peacock Delight' released in February of 2021 which you can find here.
The Peacock Delight CAL inspired me to think about the different shapes that could be used to create mosaic projects; and my favourite shape to crochet is a circle. So I started experimenting with the mosaic technique in the round and started to work on the central Daisy motif which reminded me of the simple lines of a mandala. The circular design used for the Daisy Dream CAL compliments the simplistic motifs of mandala designs and shows off the subtle gradients of the variegated yarn.
Working from the central Daisy, I started to create layered petals throughout the design to extend the floral effect keeping the lines simple in the mandala style. And for those who've been with me a while, you’ll know how much I love colour changing yarns coupled with a block contrast, so you won't be surprised that this one uses the same!
How the CAL will work…
The CAL starts on 31st January 2022 and is in 6 parts which will be released weekly on a Monday at 7:00am (GMT) for 6 weeks. Once you have downloaded the pattern to your library, the file will be updated each Monday with the next part.
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The pattern will be available in my Ravelry store here and a discount code will be available to all members of the Crochet Hooks and Magic Facebook group while the CAL is live – so if you’re not a member yet, head over there and watch out for the discount code in the next few weeks. The group is primarily for like-minded crochet enthusiasts to help and support each other through our trickiest stitches but there are often sneak-peeks and discount codes just for group members there too. We're such a friendly crafting group, we love to share our latest crafting projects together - find us here.
Here’s a quick summary of the timetable:
Week 1 - 31st January 2022
Week 2 - 7th February 2022
Week 3 - 14th February 2022
Week 4 - 21st February 2022
Week 5 - 28th February 2022
Week 6 - 7th March 2022
The pattern is in written format, using US terminology and includes a chart for those who prefer working more visually. There won’t be any videos for this pattern - the written information is suitable for those familiar with the mosaic technique and confident crocheters and will cover all the basics, but if you get stuck, post a comment in the group and there will be plenty of support for you.
Yarns:
You’ll need 2 yarns…
MC (main colour) this will be your variegated yarn, if you choose to use one, and will be the colour(s) most obvious as the design is worked.
CC (contrast colour) this will be the background and colour used to form the design.
Both yarns will need to be 4 ply in weight and you will need about 1000m (1,094 yds) of your main colour and 800m (900 yds) of your contrast colour.
Here’s what I used:
MC – 2 cakes, Lion Brand Mandala - Mothra (243), (100% Acrylic)
CC – 3 balls, Stylecraft Special DK - Midnight (1011), (100% Acrylic)
There are lots of colourways in the Lion Brand Mandala range which you can purchase from Woolwarehouse, alternatively you could use any colour changing yarn for your main colour and solid colour for your contrast colour. The pattern, hook and measurements are designed for DK/Worsted yarn, however, any yarn would work – if you decide to use a different weight of yarn, bear in mind the quantity of yarn and also the size of the finished piece will change.
Hook:
3.5mm standard crochet hook
If you’d like to join in, don’t forget to tag me in your working projects and finished pieces using @crochethooksandmagic and #DaisyDream so I can see your unique colours!
Happy Crocheting to All! 😊