MANDALA Blue Skies Crochet Pattern

Sacred Geometry in Mandalas

Mandalas are seen as sacred places which, by their very presence in the world, remind a viewer of the immanence of sanctity in the universe and its potential in himself.  It is a means to discover divinity by the realization that it resides within one's own self.

(extract from http://www.exoticindiaart.com/article/mandala)

How fascinating is this explanation of mandalas?  I thought it would be nice to know a bit about the origins of mandalas whilst I was designing this crochet pattern of Blue Skies MANDALA, so I searched for an explanation and came up with this, absolutely amazing, if you would like to read more please visit the website I mention above.

The preparation of a mandala is an artistic endeavor, but at the same time it is an act of worship. In this form of worship concepts and form are created in which the deepest intuitions are crystallized and expressed as spiritual art. The design, which is usually meditated upon, is a continuum of spatial experiences, the essence of which precedes its existence, which means that the concept precedes the form. 

(extract from http://www.exoticindiaart.com/article/mandala)

You could say that crochet mandalas are a spiritual art.  

Often I create my crochet pieces intuitively, and never know where it will lead me, it can take me ages to complete these creations, because basically I just go with the flow when the inspiration comes forth. And this Blue Skies MANDALA, is the perfect example, I started it way back in 2014, and then left it to rest because I wasn't sure what the next round would be or even what colour, so I left it until I could reconnect with my creative guidance.  Now it is complete, and I can share it with you.

PATTERN DETAILS

DIFFICULTY:  Easy Intermediate

SIZES:  Three (3) sizes - A = Small;  B = Medium;  C = Large

MEASUREMENTS:  Approx. A = 5.5in (14.5cm);  B = 9.5in (24.5cm);  C = 13in (33.5cm) 

YARN USED:  Debbie Bliss Cathay (discontinued) ● 50% Cotton  35% Viscose Microfibre 15% Silk ● 50g  109yd (100m) ● 

YARN SUBSTITUTE:  Any similar yarn and recommended hook

TENSION:  Not critical for this pattern

NOTIONS:  3mm hook, Yarn needle

PATTERN NOTES:  Mandala is worked in the round.  Each round is completed before changing colour.  Instructions in this pattern are for one (1) mandala in three (3) sizes, using seven (7) colours.   This pattern has accompanying photographs at the end of the written instructions.

This pattern is available in USA American Crochet Terms.

MANDALA Blue Skies Crochet Pattern

is available from my online stores

CRAFTSY      RAVELRY

Do come and have a play with the
MANDALA Blue Skies Crochet Pattern
use as many colours or as few as you dare!

Remember to explore my other mandala-style 
crochet patterns, as listed below

Enjoy!
Ciao, ciao!

Copyright © 2008

Barbara Summers Hand Knit and Crochet.

All rights reserved.

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How to Crochet in Back Bump Tutorial

Crochet in Back Bump of Foundation Chain

Crochet in the back bump of a foundation chain is a technique which keeps the bottom of the foundation row looking the same as the top of the finishing row.  The benefits of crochet in the back bump are: 1.  more elastic foundation chain; 2. neater and smoother edge; 3. professional finish; 4. makes seaming easier; 5. makes it easier to add a crochet edge.

If you look closely at the photo above you can see the lovely professional finish of the foundation chain at the bottom.

Crochet in Front of Foundation Chain

Of course when you first learn to crochet you begin with working stitches into the foundation chain from the front of the work (right side).  Have a look at the photos below, where you normally place your stitches in the foundation chain.

Foundation chain front view resembles a "V" lying on it's side. You can easily see where to insert your hook and make your stitches. This technique creates a straight, rigid edge without any elasticity, and looks totally different from the top of the finishing row.  HINT:  When using this technique, depending on the stitches in following row, I always prefer to use a hook one size larger for the foundation row. This allows the foundation row to have a bit more stretch and will match the width of the following rows.  Or if you prefer (and can manage it) you can crochet a loose foundation chain with the same hook used for the rest of the work.

You can see above how to proceed with single crochet in the "V" of the foundation chain. Simply place hook into the "V" of the foundation chain, yarn over hook, pull through, yarn over hook, pull through two loops on hook, single crochet complete.

Above is a photo of how the single crochet row looks from the front and the back when crochet in the foundation row in the traditional way.

HOW to CROCHET in BACK BUMP

Now let's get on with showing you how to crochet in the back bump.

Have a good look at the front and back view of the foundation chain.  It is these back bumps on the back of the chain where you will work your single crochet.  

Single crochet in 2nd back bump from stitch.  Place hook through back bump, yarn over hook, pull through, yarn over hook, pull through two loops on hook, single crochet complete.  Repeat to end.

In the photo below there are five (5) single crochet in back bumps, you can already see the lovely professional edge on the foundation chain.

Continue to the end of the foundation chain and marvel at your newly learned skill.  So simple.  HINT:  Remember the foundation chain needs to be loose, not so tight you can't get your hook through the back bump.

NOW take a good look at the photo below and compare the foundation chain of both techniques.

By using Crochet in Back Bump technique you end up with a professional neat edge which has elasticity, stability and strength.

I do hope you try this technique and enjoy expanding your crochet skills whenever you get the opportunity!

Enjoy!
Ciao, ciao!

Copyright © 2008

Barbara Summers Hand Knit and Crochet.

All rights reserved.

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Enchanted Forest Mandalas

January Blues

For some people, January is all doom and gloom.  All the festivities of Christmas and New Year are now over; there's talk of New Year resolutions and some are actually doing a dry-January. There are those who wish winter was over and wanting it to get warmer, because all those wet, windy, cold, sunless short days are driving them to depression. 

Whereas, for me, well I just LOVE January, it is a time of peace and quiet, a time to relax and chill out in our little cave, a time to hibernate, I love it!

I love the time to myself, I love the cold, wet weather which forces me to stay indoors, I can rummage to my hearts content, read as much as I like, draw, crochet, knit, nap, try out new recipes, rearrange my drawers and cupboards, discard stuff I no longer need or don't use, and basically declutter.  

Best of all, it is a great time to take sunrise photos (when the sun is visible) because sunrise is as late as 8am.  This is the perfect time of year for resting and recouping!  A time of reflection without distractions! Absolutely perfect!

Crochet Discoveries

I managed to sort out my stash of yarn and stack of unfinished projects, and have decided to complete some crochet items I had worked on and put aside for another day for whatever reason, and now here is the first crochet project I decided to complete.

ENCHANTED FOREST Mandalas

I started this creation about two (2) summers ago.  It was a WIP (work-in-progress) for so long only because I would take my time to decide what stitch pattern to do next, so I would only do it when the inspiration took me there!  I was also using up my scraps of DMC Petra 5, so it had a totally different look, in the original work I used a total of six (6) colours and even had more rows, but for the NEW look I excluded the last four (4) rows to keep it a reasonable size.  Then I chose the colours of peppermint and avocado to complement my sofa cushions, so you are quite welcome to chose any colour you prefer to complement your home decore.

Here are the PATTERN DETAILS:

DIFFICULTY:  Easy Intermediate

SIZES:  Three (3) sizes - A = small; B = medium; C = large

MEASUREMENTS:  approx. A = 13cm (5in);  B = 23cm (9in);  C = 41cm (16in)

YARN USED:  Wendy Supreme Luxury Cotton 4ply ● 100% Mercerized Cotton ● 100g/267m/292yds ● Shades: MC Peppermint (1831)  CC Avocado (1826) ● 1 ball of each

NOTIONS:  3mm hook, Yarn needle

PATTERN NOTES:  You need to know how to colour change and crochet in the round. Instructions in this pattern are for three (3) mandalas, using two (2) colours, colour changes are mentioned in the pattern. This written pattern has accompanying photographs at the end of the written instructions.

Deep in the Enchanted Forest a tiny little spider creates amazingly intricate, delicate and colourful spider webs. Enchanted Forest Mandalas were inspired by these spider webs, and now you too can decorate your home with vibrant coloured spider web designs.  Come along and have a play and have some fun!  

ENCHANTED FOREST Mandalas Crochet Pattern is available in USA American Crochet Terms and UK British Crochet Terms.

Please select the correct terminology when purchasing your pattern.

ENCHANTED FOREST Mandalas Crochet Pattern 

is available from my online stores:

  

CRAFTSY        RAVELRY

Enjoy!
Ciao, ciao!

Copyright © 2008

Barbara Summers Hand Knit and Crochet.

All rights reserved.

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MYSTIC Butterfly Crochet Pattern

This week I am back in the Enchanted Forest, gathering berries and watching all the wonderful insects and bugs flying here, there and everywhere, and would you believe, I have managed to capture a unique butterfly to add to my collection.  

It is the most fascinating butterfly I have seen in the Enchanted Forest, with lovely colours of magenta and teal, and then suddenly changing it's colours to teal and melon as it flutters from flower to flower.  The whole experience of watching it change its colours is quite extraordinary!

You can now have your own MYSTIC Butterfly and you can change the colours as many times as you want.  Come have some fun and play with this lovely crochet butterfly pattern, and add the butterfly motif to your collection of bugs and insects.  Mystic butterfly will look fabulous attached to a hat, scarf or bag, make it into a brooch or you can make lots and lots, and hang it as a bunting.  The choice is always yours!  Be creative!  Have some fun!

Here are the PATTERN DETAILS:

DIFFICULTY:  Easy Intermediate

MEASUREMENTS:  approx. 4in (10cm) x 2in (5cm)

SIZES:  One size

YARN USED:  Wendy Supreme Luxury Cotton 4ply or similar mercerized cotton

TENSION:  Not critical.

NOTIONS:   3mm hook, Yarn needle

PATTERN NOTES:  Butterfly is worked in the round.  Instructions in this pattern are for one (1) butterfly, using three (3) colours.  Each round is completed before changing colour.  Photographs accompany the written instructions at the end of this pattern.

This pattern is written in USA AMERICAN Crochet Terms.

Pattern is available from my online stores

Craftsy     Ravelry

Enjoy!
Ciao, ciao!

Copyright © 2008

Barbara Summers Hand Knit and Crochet.

All rights reserved.

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2016 Crochet Pattern FANTASY Butterfly

Here we are in 2016 and I do hope everyone had a wonderful 2015 year of crocheting and knitting many projects, and conquering new techniques and stitches.

Canterbury Cathedral - 23 December 2015

I had a quiet end to 2015 with cataract surgery in both eyes, which took a total of 4.5 months from the first surgery to finally having new lenses replaced in my glasses. As well as other issues with my health which slowed me down to the point of having to give up our long distance walks, changing my diet and forcing me to totally focus on my health and well-being. Definitely a year of change for me, it has prevented me from crocheting or knitting at my usual daily pace, to the point of no crocheting at all, even though I have many creative ideas, I have not been able to execute them.

Anyway, life is ever changing, and this too will pass one day. For now I am grateful for everything I do have and everything I can do, and the fact I am still here. Breathing and laughing and enjoying each day as it comes.

For now I would like to thank everyone who has supported my creative work during 2015 and I am looking forward to sharing my new designs in 2016, even though they may not be as frequent or there may not be as many as previous years. So I will start with a nice little pattern which I hope you will enjoy and want to try out yourselves.

Here is my first 2016 crochet pattern, FANTASY Butterfly

This little FANTASY butterfly lives in the enchanted forest, AND if you are unable to visit the forest Fantasy butterfly will come to you in your dreams. Fantasy butterfly lives forever, because in the enchanted forest everything is immortal. Life is never ending!

Fantasy butterfly can change colour whenever it wants, every day it changes it's colours, and every day the colours get more vibrant and fanciful. Just like everything else that lives in the enchanted forest, nothing stays the same colour, every single living thing is always changing colour as it pleases.

I invite you to come and play with the Fantasy Butterfly, come and make your own bright coloured Fantasy butterflies and bring some of the enchanted forest into your world.

Here are the PATTERN DETAILS:

DIFFICULTY: Easy Intermediate
MEASUREMENTS: approx. 3in (7.6cm) x 3in (7.6cm)
SIZES: One size
YARN USED: Wendy Supreme Luxury Cotton 4ply or similar mercerized cotton
TENSION: Not critical.
NOTIONS: 3mm hook, Yarn needle
PATTERN NOTES:  Butterfly is worked in the round.  Instructions in this pattern are for one (1) butterfly, using three (3) colours.  Each round is completed before changing colour.  Photographs accompany the written instructions at the end of this pattern.

This pattern is written in USA AMERICAN Crochet Terms.

 Pattern is available from my online stores

Craftsy     Ravelry

Enjoy!
Ciao, ciao!

Copyright © 2008

Barbara Summers Hand Knit and Crochet.

All rights reserved.

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WINTER MAN HAT - FAMILY AFFAIR

3D MAN Winter Hat is the perfect winter warmer beanie.

A lovely chunky texture with a unique 3D design, 

which adds extra warmth and elasticity to the fabric. 

Designed for the man or men in your life!

It is also the perfect winter beanie 

for the whole family - from child to adult.

This is a REVIVAL and NEWER VERSION of the 3D Baby Hat Pattern.  A customer kindly asked about sizes for larger heads and I decided to go ahead and make it available in five (5) sizes.

The new pattern version is called 3D MAN WINTER HAT and will replace the 3D Baby Hat Pattern, there are parts of the pattern which have been totally rewritten, for better explanation of instructions.

PATTERN DETAILS:

DIFFICULTY:  Easy Intermediate

SIZES:  Five (5) sizes - A = Toddler; B = Child; C = Small Adult; D = Medium Adult; E - Large Adult

YARN USED:  HAYFIELD Aran Wool Blend ● 10ply ● 80% Acrylic 20% Wool ● 400g ● 872yd (797m)

NOTIONS:  H-8 (5mm) hook, Yarn needle

PATTERN NOTES:  Hat is worked top down in the round. Instructions in this pattern are for a two (2) colour hat.  Each round is completed before changing colour.  Experience with colour change and Front/Back Post double crochet required.  Photographs accompany the written instructions at the end of this pattern.

This pattern is written in USA AMERICAN Crochet Terms.

---ooOoo---

Pattern is available from my online stores

CRAFTSY            RAVELRY

Enjoy!

ciao, ciao!

Copyright © 2008

Barbara Summers Hand Knit and Crochet.

All rights reserved.

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