After sorting some yarn, I found a lot of scraps & started to think of a simple way to use them up. As most of my work is donated to charity, I prefer maximum warmth, so granny squares were out LOL
This is what I came up with. It’s quick to work up and once assembled, really does almost confuse your eyes.
It’s a simple idea, but the effect is eye-catching! Not sure which way around I prefer!
The finished product - about 44" x 48"
Having grown up with only UK terms, this is a question I hadn’t heard before finding crochet on the internet - mostly in US terms.
It might help those who find it hard to swap between the two sets of terms to know US terms relate to HOW MANY TIMES YOU DRAW THROUGH LOOPS. UK terms relate to HOW MANY LOOPS ARE ON THE HOOK!
The terms are almost the same, except in US terms, sc (single crochet) takes the place of dc (double crochet) in UK terms. Then the terms all move up one step - US dc becomes tr (treble or triple) UK, etc.
So in US terms, sc means draw through once, dc means draw through twice.
In UK terms dc means there are two loops on the hook before drawing through, tr means three loops on the hook before drawing through.
In both terms, all basic stitches relate to drawing through two loops until there is only one left.
So don’t be afraid if you see a different set of terms...
Grey is not a colour I use very often, but was looking for something to add to some blues, black and cream.
The bright colours I usually choose aren’t always appealing to males. This blanket was aimed at a wide appeal.
As with the geometric mandala, I’ve let the colour graduation do the work and kept the design fairly simple.
Some simple bands of colour around the edge and done.
The log cabin method gets addictive. For a variation, I worked some squares with a curved centre. Once that happened, some embellishment was needed - so the Rising Sun was born.
As always, the brights against a dark colour appealed to me.
Working out from there, it seemed sensible to stick with solid colours so the features would stand out.
Some granny squares and a few of the curved squares finished the idea.
With plenty of scraps last year, a rainbow project was calling me. When I spotted some blues and greys, the idea for a cubist sort of sky scene occurred to me.
The idea was to start with bright centres, represent clouds and sky with a rainbow.
I ended up with a sort of babette. The resulting blanket was donated to a local group who deal with mental health.
Quite happy with the result!
I spotted a method of working granny shells to fill in a square from the outside in a while ago and decided to give it a try.
There was a stack of variegated yarns I’d picked up cheaply, so just started to “doodle”.
Squares are worked, joining at the corners, then granny shells worked from the outside in.
Once I got the hang of it, the method is quite quick and simple!
3 Jan 2015
Just finished this variation of the Mandala layout. The watery end with the waves was a bit of a challenge! I find it really hard not to be symmetrical. Just managed to get a bit of a random feel in there LOL
Probably the hardest part is juggling the yarns I have on hand. As I donate everything I get for the blankets to charities, I have to get the yarn as cheaply as possible. It makes it difficult to work sometimes as different brands are very different to work and I can only use the colours I have on hand. it was getting a bit tight with the quantities of a few of the colours in this one!
I’ve worked the central squares so the outer “suns” are off-centre so the blue edging of the central shape pops a bit more.
Please do not duplicate, distribute, re-post or copy any of the contents. You are welcome to link to this page.
I’ve seen a lot of comments about the way I write my “patterns”.
My intention is more to write design notes with instructions, often for original techniques like the no-hole corners. This seems to be confusing to those who only crochet following row-by-row instructions. I do apologise for the confusion, but encourage all to read through them first and see what inspiration comes to you.
I’d like to encourage all to think about what they’re crocheting, how it’s put together, how shapes are produced, how colours interact and what else might work - crocheting outside the lines.
A few of my designs have been worked in more than one way - the original Mandala geometric was given some curves. The alternating sized strips log cabin has now been given some curves. Changes to how colour is used can completely change the work.
I’m not sure I’ve produced a piece of crochet that was an exact...
by Justdunny (Toni)
You are welcome to make items from this pattern for your own use. Please do not duplicate, distribute, re-post or copy any of the contents. You are welcome to link to this page.
NOTES
All rows begin with chain substituting for the first stitch or a standing stitch. I have used three different squares with slight changes in colour layout. A chart is included in the written instructions.
MATERIALS
For the square pictured, I’ve used 8 ply (DK) acrylic yarn with a 4.25 mm (US G) hook.
This pattern does not require a specific tension or yarn, but the size of the square will vary with different materials.
ABBREVIATIONS
NOTE – I have used UK terms throughout.
• beg – beginning
• ch - chain
• sl st – slip stitch
• dc – double crochet (US sc)
• tr – treble (US dc)
COLOUR CHART for blocks worked after centre
Please note – all centres are worked in red in the pictured...
by Justdunny (Toni Andmarc). Please leave some kudos so I know you’ve been here.
Continuing the pattern for the central part - http://justdunnycrochet.svbtle.com/magic-carpet-ride-mandala-experiment-pattern
After squaring off the central mandala, I have continued to increase the size of the blanket. You may stop at any size you desire.
Just adjust the number or size of the medallions added at two ends to make the blanket rectangular.
There is a picture chart in the pattern that will help with the little white accents added between the medallions.
FRAME THE INNER SQUARE