Free Crochet Mandala Pattern

Whenever I finish a large project, I like to follow it up with a few smaller ones. The instant gratification that comes with smaller crochet projects is always a nice change of pace after waiting for weeks or months to finish the large project I'm working on.

Recently, I finished three crochet designs for my latest pattern eBook, A Bonnet, a Blanket & a Bag. A lot of work goes into designing patterns and the technical writing of them, so I was ready to whip up a few quick projects after that.

I set to work creating a car seat toy and free crochet bird pattern. Then I had leftover crochet motifs, so I turned those into star coasters and a birdie bookmark.And yesterday I finally got on the bandwagon with everyone else and crocheted a mandala and talked a little bit about what a mandala is and it's significance.

Today, I went back to my mandala pattern with some bright-colored yarn and did a little fine-tuning. Here is the result...

Crochet Mandala by Go Crochet Crazy

And it's predecessor from yesterday...

As you can see, my mandalas will be serving as potholders. If you'd like to try out my mandala design, you can use the free pattern below. Create a mandala and coaster set for yourself or as a gift by using my free "Think Spring" Cotton Crochet Coaster pattern to go with your mandala.

Go Crochet Crazy Mandala Pattern

Level: Easy/Beginner

Supplies:

H hook (5mm)

Cotton yarn (great stashbuster project)

Scissors

Large needle

Stitches Used: Slipstich, chain, SC, HDC and DC

Finished Size: 7.5 in across (19 cm)

Directions:

Ch 4 and connect with slipstitch or start with Magic Ring.

Round 1: Ch 2 (counts as first HDC). 7 HDC into ring, for a total of 8 stitches. Connect to top of first stitch with a slipstitch.

Round 2: Ch 3 (counts as first HDC and first Ch 1). *HDC into next stitch then Ch 1*. Repeat from * to * all the way around. Slipstitch into top of first stitch. Fasten off if you wish to change colors.

Round 3: Puff Stitch Round. Into each Ch 1 space, make one puff stitch by doing:

Step 1: DC, pull through 2 loops
Step 2: DC, pull through 2 loops
Step 3: DC, pull through 2 loops
Step 4: DC, pull thru 2 loops
Step 5: Yarn over, Pull through all loops
Step 6: Ch 2

Slipstitch into the top of the first stitch to complete the round.

Round 4: SC 2 times into the stitch at the top a cluster. SC 4 times into each Ch 2 space. Repeat this pattern all the way around. Join at the end of the round with a slipstitch.

Round 5: Ch 3 (counts as first DC). DC 2 more times in the same space. *Ch 1, skip two stitches. 3 DC into the next stitch*. Repeat from * to * all the way around. End with a Ch 1, and join the round with a slipstitch.

Round 6: Slipstitch to nearest Ch 2 space. Ch 2 (counts as first HDC). HDC 3 more times into the same space. 4 HDC into the next Ch 2 space. Repeat this all the way around and join with a slipstitch.

Round 7: Ch 1 (counts as first SC). *Ch 4, SC into the next space between 4HDC clusters*. Repeat from * to * all the way around. Join the last Ch 4 with the second stitch at the beginning.

Round 8: Ch 3 (counts as first DC). 5 more DC into Ch 4 space. SC into next stitch in between Ch 4 spaces. *6 DC into next Ch 4 space, followed by a SC in the next stitch*. Repeat from * to * all the way around. Join with a slipstitch into the first stitch of the Ch 3 and fasten off. 

At the end, you'll have something like this...

If you decide to try this or any of my other free patterns, I sure would love to hear about them or...better yet...see pictures! What little projects have you been working on lately? Be sure to stop by tomorrow or over the weekend to link them up to this week's "Finally Friday Link-a-Long"!

What is a Mandala? (And a Glimpse of My First Crochet Mandala)

It seems that crochet mandalas are all the rage these days. I have to admit, the mandalas I've seen are beautiful and have definitely piqued my interest. Up until recently, if you'd asked me anything about mandalas, my answer would have been very short.

"Necessity is the mother of invention" they say, and in the case of mandalas, it was also the mother of introduction. I needed an instant gratification crochet project to give me a break from my current blanket project, and my boyfriend M keeps saying that I need to crochet some potholders for our kitchen. Add to that the fact that I've been trying to use up a pretty skein of Bernat Cotton Yarn in Smokey Wine and its sidekick, a Sugar n Cream Cotton in Ecru, from a recent infinity scarf project. Put all these circumstances together, and my first mandala was born.

What Exactly is a Mandala?

"Mandala" is the Sanskrit word for "circle". In the Hindu and Buddhist religions mandalas have great spiritual significance. Spelled M-A-N-D-A-L-A with all A's, most mandalas are made with bright colors and patterns, but always in the shape of a circle. Since this was a scrapbuster project for me, I opted to use this yarn to help me get rid of some of my stash (so I can justify buying more!). Mandalas are used as potholders (as I'll be using mine), coasters, table centerpieces under a vase or fruit bowl, doilies or wall decor. I bet you can think of a few places where a mandala would be useful or pretty in your home.

My First Mandala (a Scrapbuster Project)

And here's my mandala practicing for its first official use as a potholder!

Now that I've designed my first mandala and like how it's turned out, I know I'll go back and make another in bright, happy colors. As soon as I do, I'll update this post with more pictures. Because this one will serve as a potholder, I wanted to use up some of my cotton yarn stash because I knew it could take the heat without melting like an acrylic yarn might.

What do you think? Have you made any mandalas? What do you use your mandalas for? I've embarked on new crochet territory! Isn't it fun to try out new crafty creations?

Today I'm Linking Up With:

Oombawka Design Weekly Link Party
Small Things Yarn Along Wednesday
Crochet Addict UK What Are You Doing Wednesday?
Easy Life Meal and Party Planning Four Seasons Blog Hop
Krafty Inspiration Thursday Link Party 

A Crochet Bonnet, a Crochet Blanket & a Crochet Bag

Last month I finished crocheting my Lazy Daze Poncho, and since then I've been busy working on my newest crochet pattern eBook titled A Bonnet, a Blanket & a Bag.This was another labor of love since I designed the bonnet pattern for the two littlest darlings in my life, who are now two months old, and the lovey blanket for another other little darling who just turned two years old (why do children grow so fast?). The bag, or purse, portion of the project is something you may already be familiar with from a previous blog post.

And here they are in pictures...

A Bonnet, a Blanket & a Bag

Cotton Candy Crochet Baby Bonnet

My Little Lovey Blanket 

Bare Essentials Bag

What do a bonnet, a blanket and a bag have in common? To me, they symbolize springtime, summertime and outings in the warm, fresh air. Imagine strolling along with your beautiful baby, donned in a Cotton Candy Crochet Bonnet and covered with a stroller-sized Lovey Blanket to keep the wind at bay. Stash the necessities in the Bare Essentials Bag and be on your way for a day of fun and relaxation. A Bonnet, a Blanket & a Bag is available for download now on Amazon, along with my other crochet pattern eBooks, which you can find here.

My hope is that you'll find these patterns as enjoyable to make as they were to design!

Today I'm Linking Up With:

Memories by the Mile Treasure Box Tuesday
Kathe with an E You're Gonna Love it Tuesday
VMG206 Brag About it Tuesday Link Party 
Oombawka Design Weekly Link Party
Small Things Yarn Along Wednesday
Crochet Addict UK What Are You Doing Wednesday?
Easy Life Meal and Party Planning Four Seasons Blog Hop
Krafty Inspiration Thursday Link Party 
I Gotta Create Wildly Original Link Party 
Sincerely, Paula No Rules Weekend Blog Party
Be a Crafter xD Crafting Along Link Party

Bare Essentials Bag -- A Hipster Style Crochet Purse

My hands and my head have been busy these past few months creating crochet pattern designs, which I blogged about here. In my next crochet pattern eBook, which should be out later this week, I focused on some fun cotton yarn projects, giving me the chance to try a couple different cotton yarns to see how I liked working with them. The verdict is: I like cotton yarn a lot more than I thought I would! I was worried it would be too stiff to work with and that I wouldn't like the result. But I was wrong, and I must say...at this point...Hobby Lobby's "I Love My Cotton" is my favorite brand. It's durable, easy to care for and super-soft. Granted, there are a lot more cotton yarns out there that I need to try, but this is my current favorite.

The first two patterns in my upcoming eBook are Easter surprises for family members so I can't tell you what they are yet, but I can post some sneak peeks.

I'll reveal these two projects in a couple weeks!

But in the meantime, I'm excited to show you the third pattern in the collection -- the Bare Essentials Bag! The perfect, lightweight cotton yarn crochet purse for a busy mom or anyone who would benefit from being hands-free. And DON'T FORGET to enter my giveaway for this bag and a few other prizes!

Bare Essentials Bag by Crochet Crazy

 

 

This hipster-style bag goes across the body, freeing up the hands for kids, strollers, groceries or anything else. It holds the essentials and then some with durability and style. Having never crocheted a purse before, let alone designed one, I'm really pleased with how this came out. :) It has all I require in a purse -- style, function and durability.

I've really enjoyed working with cotton yarn lately, even finding time to work up this free cotton crochet coaster pattern.Who knows what's next?! The crochet pattern eBook for my Bare Essentials Bag and the two other patterns will be coming out soon, just in time to keep you busy with crochet projects that are ideal for springtime and summer.

Have you ever made a crochet purse before? Does this look like a style of bag you'd carry?

Today I'm Linking Up With:

Yesterfood Treasure Box Tuesday
Kathe with an E You're Gonna Love it Tuesday
VMG206 Brag About it Tuesday Link Party 
Oombawka Design Weekly Link Party
Small Things Yarn Along Wednesday
Crochet Addict UK What Are You Doing Wednesday?
Easy Life Meal and Party Planning Four Seasons Blog Hop
Krafty Inspiration Thursday Link Party 
I Gotta Create Wildly Original Link Party 
Sincerely, Paula No Rules Weekend Blog Party
Be a Crafter xD Crafting Along Link Party

Think Spring Cotton Crochet Coasters -- Free Pattern

Oh the joys of spring...crocuses and tulips in bloom, birds chirping, warming temperatures and buds on trees. I'm completely caught up in the joys of spring. The month of March was a busy one. In addition to being in the States to visit my family for several weeks, I also finished and published my latest crochet pattern eBook, Four Infinity Scarf Patterns to Keep You Warm, and created my Lazy Daze Poncho design.

With the arrival of April, I was ready for a quick crochet project to give me some satisfaction while I work on my next crochet pattern eBook and a long-term project (my Cath Kidston-inspired giant granny afghan). What better way to celebrate spring than with flowers?

Which led to the creation of my Think Spring Cotton Crochet Coasters!

There are a lot of beautiful crochet coaster patterns out there. I've tried a few that I liked and have tried some that didn't give me the results I was looking for. In the end, I decided to design my own so I could have a quick-to-crochet pattern with an attractive, versatile look. Here's the free pattern so you can whip up a few for yourself or as a lovely, springtime gift.

"Think Spring" Cotton Crochet Coaster Pattern

Supplies:
Hook size - G
Cotton yarn of your choice, I used Bernat 100% Cotton Yarn in Smokey Wine, and Sugar 'n Cream in Ecru.

Ch 6, join with slip stitch to form ring.

Round 1: Ch 3 (counts as first DC). DC 19 times into ring for total of 20 stitches. Join with slipstitch.

Round 2: Ch 4 (counts as first DC and first Ch 1). *DC in the next stitch, Ch 1*. Repeat from * to * all the way around. Ch 1, and join the last stitch to the first with a slipstitch.

Round 3: Slipstitch to a Ch 1 space. Ch 3 (counts as first DC). DC again in the same space. *Ch 1, 2 DC in the next Ch 1 space*.  Repeat from * to * all the way around. Ch 1, slipstitch into the first stitch. Fasten off.

Round 4: Using your second color, join in a Ch 1 space with a slipstitch, SC in the same space. *Skip the two DCs and DC five times into the next Ch 1 space. Skip the next 2 stitches and SC into the next Ch 1 space*. Repeat from * to * all the way around to create 10 flower petals. Fasten off, sew in your end.

 Let me know what you think of my new crochet coaster design, and enjoy your springtime crochet and craft projects! And don't forget to stop by and enter my giveaway! The contest closes Wednesday night (April 3rd).

Today I'm Linking Up With:

Moogly Hookin' on Hump Day
VMG 206 Brag About It Link Party
Oombawka Design Weekly Link Party
Small Things Yarn Along Wednesday
Crochet Addict UK What Are You Doing Wednesday?
Easy Life Meal and Party Planning Four Seasons Blog Hop
Krafty Inspiration Thursday Link Party 
Skip to My Lou Made by You Monday Link Party 
Craf-o-Maniac Sunday Soiree Link Party

I Love Surprises

The past seven days have been a week of surprises...some for me, but mostly the kind that I'm creating with hook and hand. Lovely springtime weather was a wonderful and welcome surprise when I arrived last week (back in Germany) after a long visit with my family in Chicagoland.

Yesterday, it was warm enough for me to hop on my bicycle and take a two-hour ride along the Rhine River. Mother Nature delighted me with one visual treat after another as I enjoyed the wind in my hair, and the peace and quiet that awaits me in nature.

One of many rapeseed crops (used for canola oil) with their honey-scented yellow blossoms.

This path along the Rhine stretches on for miles through cities, villages and farm areas.

My favorite biking route takes me past several horse farms.

On the crochet side of life, I've enjoyed many surprises, as well. I was delighted by all of the surprises I found in the crafts and creations of my last "It's Finally Friday Link-a-Long". Be sure to take a look at what my blogging friends have been up to in the month of March. I'm so impressed by all the creativity going on, and love hosting my weekly party and joining others. I've made such wonderful new friends in Blog Land. :)

Hook and yarn has kept me busy during every possible free minute as I've been working on some crochet surprises for family members. I can't reveal the complete finished products (which are also new designs I've created for an upcoming crochet pattern eBook) because I don't want to spoil the surprises for any family members that read this blog post, but I'm excited to give you a glimpse.

The 100% cotton in the middle was fun to work with and the colors remind me of cotton candy.

A glimpse of a just-finished cotton yarn design I created.

There is one crochet surprise I can show you, which I'm calling my Happy Project right now because the colors make me smile (although most every crochet project makes me happy). Allow me to show you the progress I've made on my Cath Kidston-Inspired Giant Granny. As of now, it's stroller-sized and will eventually be big enough for a queen-size bed. It will take me a while to get there, but I'm completely enjoying the process of watching it grow.

What surprises delighted you this past weekend? And what are you creating, crocheting or crafting this week? I can't wait to hear about what you're up to!

I'm Currently Linking Up With:

Erika's Crafts Corner Link Yourself Monday

A Crochet Crazy Life on the Other Side of the Atlantic Ocean

Springtime was waiting for me when I arrived in Germany yesterday. After 3 1/2 years here, I'm familiar with the earlier arrival of spring, which comes about two months before its arrival in the Chicago area. The warmer temperatures, the green grass, spring flowers and flowering trees were an especially welcome sight after the cold, harsh winter I experienced in Chicago this year (more about that in this blog post).

Even though I don't sleep on the long flight over (I'm just not one of those people who can fall asleep in moving vehicles), I always make myself stay awake the entire day for a faster recovery from jet lag and a quicker adjustment to the seven-hour time difference. To keep myself busy yesterday, I went out to say hello to my favorite, familiar country walking path.

Narcissus and daffodils are blooming everywhere.

Front yard gardens made me smile with their colorful displays.

This poplar tree-lined path is a favorite, peaceful walking place.

The path around the old abbey is pretty no matter what the season.

The birds were singing in the cherry tree and forsythia in bloom across the creek.

Freshly tilled fields mean the farmers will soon be planting.

I wasn't the only one enjoying the fresh spring air.

Apple blossoms in bloom...what's not to love about that?

Even with a long trip from Chicago to the Rhine area of Germany, I still made time for crochet. Even if it's only for five minutes, I need to have a hook in my hand and work with yarn. Crochet is something I enjoy, but it's also part of who I am. Last night I finished a project I began last week in Chicago and also worked on in-flight -- a cotton infinity scarf for my daughter, S.

And I finally began my much-anticipated Cath Kidston inspired Giant Granny Rectangle Afghan! I've been drooling over the yarn I purchased and am delighted to show you the beginnings of the project.

Finally working with these skeins...

....ta-dah! The beginning of my afghan!

I've been here for about 30 hours (10 of which were spent sleeping) and now you can see what I've been up to....besides spending time with M, of course! What have you been doing the past couple days? Are there any signs of spring where you're at?

Think Spring -- Yarn Colors & Crochet Projects

At exactly 12:57pm, the winter season will be over and it will be time to think spring! I have to tell you, since I arrived in Chicago two months ago to visit my family, I've been clinging to the knowledge that spring would eventually arrive. Finally, the big day has arrived. Even though it's still somewhat chilly in the Chicago area, signs of spring have been showing up, like the robins singing their songs as I take my walk.

In an effort to make myself feel more spring-like, I've been turning to some delicious, yarny colors and crochet projects that scream "Spring" (and summer) to me.

A basket full of yarn for an upcoming Cath Kidston-inspired afghan.

Four skeins that remind me of Scooby Doo's Magic Machine. Designated for a summer afghan.

Cotton yarn for springtime baby bonnets...

and spa cloths

While happily dreaming about springtime while choosing all the above yarny delights, I've also been working on my first official springtime project -- my Lazy Daze Poncho, which is an upcoming pattern and original Go Crochet Crazy design!

When I work on a new design, I like it to be perfect because I know other crocheters are putting their trust in me when they follow my patterns. From the first stitch to the last, I've loved the yarn I'm working with and the design I've come up with. With great anticipation and excitement, I finished my poncho this past Monday, only to discover that it was about 2 feet too long. And not in the way that could be helped by unraveling a few rows. I had to unravel the entire thing. But I believe if you're going to do something, do it right! Especially when other crocheters will use the pattern. So, after going back to the drawing board with my design measurements, I'm now more than halfway done with my poncho-in-progress.

Five skeins -- crocheted, unraveled, rolled up and reworked again.

Do you have any spring-theme projects coming up or ones that you're working on now? How about some deliciously spring-colored yarns you're anxious to use? Let me know in the comments what you're working on and be sure to come back tomorrow through Sunday for the Spring Fling Link-a-Long where I'll invite anyone with spring-themed blog posts from the categories of crochet, crafts, home & gardening, DIY, cooking and decor to join the party. I can't wait to hear about and see all the spring things you're working on! Yay for springtime!!