I’m so excited to introduce my fourth mandala crochet along (CAL) at the end of August…and this blog has all the detail you’ll need if you’d like to join in!
CALs are my favourite part of being a crochet designer because I get to crochet along with you ALL and share our photos and experiences as we go. To help us join together to share this CAL, I've included a hashtag for you to use in the pattern: #SereneSwirlCAL - please do share your yarns, colour choices, progress and other CAL related snaps you like using this hashtag so everyone can have a peek at your crochet magic!
The crochet design is based on a mandala and uses overlay mosaic crochet throughout to create the main swirls and curling border detailing using only 2 colours of yarn.
Here’s how the design was inspired…
Throughout 2023 I’ve continued my adventures with mosaic crochet, which has always been such a gorgeous and flexible 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.
Commonly, mosaic crochet is used to make neat, geometric style patterns based on tessellating shapes and straight lines which got me thinking, how could I use the mosaic technique to create rounded, curling and organic based motifs instead? The #SereneSwirlCAL is the result of this experiment and I hope you enjoy crocheting it as much as I enjoyed creating it!
Inspired by nature’s beautiful curling and twisting shapes that intertwine and overlap like a maze, this mandala style circular project is perfect for variegated yarn! Worked using the mosaic crochet overlay technique and variegated DK/Light Worsted weight yarn, the pretty, curling design is a pattern repeat x 8 and ideal for crafters familiar with the mosaic crochet technique and creates a beautiful twisting and curling finished project.
The pattern is written based on a repeat of 8, once you pick up the first repeat, 7 more repeats will complete the circular shape. Try different colourways to create a unique and stunning finished piece! Can be used as a small blanket or home décor item to bring a pop of colour and interest to any space.
How the CAL will work…
The CAL starts on 25th August 2023 and is in 5 parts which will be released weekly on a Friday at 7:00am (GMT) for 5 weeks. Once you have downloaded the pattern to your library, the file will be updated each Friday with the next part.
Pin for later...
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 - 25th August 2023
Week 2 - 1st September 2023
Week 3 - 8th September 2023
Week 4 - 15th September 2023
Week 5 - 22nd September 2023
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…
A (detail colour) this will be the colour that creates the swirl design.
B (background 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.
Both yarns will need to be DK/Light Worsted in weight and you will need about 1000m (1,100 yds) of colour A and 1,100m (1,200 yds) of your contrast colour.
Here’s what I used:
A – 6 balls, Hobbii Amigo, DK (100% HB acrylic, 50g/175m), White (A01)
You can find it here
B – 5 balls, Hobbii Universe XL, DK (98% premium acrylic, 2% polyester, 100g/220m), Stella Polaris (31) [B]
You can find it here
There are lots of colourways in the Universe XL range which you can purchase from Hobbii, 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 #SereneSwirlCAL so I can see your unique colours!
Happy Crocheting to All! 😊