Yarn Review - 'Lionbrand' Mandala

 I've been using Lionbrand Mandala and a rebranded version for some time now, (although I've kind of stuck to one colourway) and I'd like to kick off a new series of yarn reviews with it

This post contains some affiliate links, opinions are my own.

Lionbrand Mandala is a large 'cake' yarn - 540m/590 yards, 150g/5.3 oz - this cake is bigger than your standard ball of yarn - You'll be able to make a lot from one ball.

 Mandalas are 100% acrylic, although you'll find some variations available. They are a weight 3 (light) which is usually referred to as an 8ply in Australia. It's a soft acrylic, that I've found to be very versatile. Blankets, clothing, toys - I've had great results for everything. 

Mandalas change colours throughout the cake - usually only repeated once in each cake - these colour changes can be abrupt, depending on the colour - For example, a pink to purple may fade into each other, but then change to white. The colours work well together, so if you've found yourself struggling with colour selection, a mandala may take out some of the pain for you! I have cut and restarted when I found a colour change too distracting, but for the most part, I just let them flow. 

Even though I've stuck to Nymph colourway - there is a wide range of colours and combinations.

My small Cupcake Tunic was made in Lionbrand Mandala in 'Wood Nymph'

Pattern available at Yarnish.com.au

I got two Cupcake tunics out of one cake - as you can see, this second one got more of the pink in it! 

Remember when I said I've stuck to one colourway! Well, it's true - I also used wood nymph to make the Sunset Poncho (available at Ravelry and LoveCrafts)  In the background are some other mandala creations! 

Overall, I've great results using Mandalas, I've found them to be affordable, the extra length gives you bang for your buck, as well as being soft, easy to use, and easy to follow the care instructions.

I hope you enjoy my yarn review!

Happy Crocheting,

Emma

4 Leaf Clover - free crochet pattern.

Today I'm sharing an older design of mine - that has been a free Ravelry download for some time (and will remain so!) 

This clover can be made as either a three-leafed Shamrock (the official symbol of Ireland and St Patrick) or as a four-leafed lucky clover.  Instructions are given for DK weight yarn, but this pattern can be used with any weight yarn and equivalent hook.

Originally written in 2013 – Updated in 2019. Written in US terms.

It's a pretty easy pattern - the hardest part might be weaving in all the ends! It's cute and quick, and makes great accessories for St Patrick's Day! 

Materials:

Yarn: 20 g DK yarn in Emerald

Hook: 4.0mm

Abbreviations (US terminology):

ch = chain

dc = double crochet

tr = treble crochet

sl st = slip stitch

st(s) = stitch(es)

Leaf:

With Emerald yarn, make a chain of 4

Work all of the following in the first ch: 3 tr, 3 dc, 1 ch, 1 tr, 1 ch, 3 dc, 3 tr, 3 ch, sl st .

Fasten off and weave in ends.

Repeat to make the desired amount of leaves - 3 or 4!

 

To join:

Make a chain of 5 (the stalk) and sl st to the point of one leaf. Sl st around the leaf, when you reach the centre between the two ‘bumps’ sl st back into centre of the leaf, sl st to point of next leaf and repeat to join all leaves.

Weave in ends. 

I hope you enjoy it!

Happy Crocheting,

Emma

The Friendship Blanket CAL

This post contains affiliate links 

The Friendship Blanket CAL is the brainchild of Helen from Sunflower Cottage Crochet. 25 designers have teamed up to bring you 41 squares! Each square will be 9 inches, uses worsted weight yarn, and can be assembled to make a blanket. Pick and Mix which squares you want to make! The running theme is texture - and friendship!

What yarn to use?

The patterns are written for Worsted/Aran Weight yarn- some suggestions are:

Paintbox Simply Aran  100% Acrylic, 100g/3.5 oz - 60 colours to choose from!

Yarn and Colours Epic - 100% cotton, 50g -101 shades of pure cotton!

What am I using?

I'm using a yarn found at the Australian chain 'Spotlight' called

Spot Saver USA style (200 g/100% acrylic) 

I'll be using pumpkin (pictured) Peacock and Grey. 

How to join in?

I'll be updating this post every few days to update the new square releases, you can also follow Sunflower Cottage- the host of the CAL

Helen's Square kicks things off - you can find the pattern of the first square: the Friendship Square, here on the Sunflower Crochet Blog. 

If you'd like to read Helen's original post, that kick's off the CAL - click here.

All squares will remain free for the duration of the CAL. 

You can use the tag #Friendshipblanket21 to see what others are posting on social media.

Of course, I jumped at the opportunity to join in, but you'll have to wait to see my square! 

And, for those who just can't wait - there is the option of purchasing the entire CAL right now. You can click this link for the bundle (affiliate link)

Click on the photos below to be taken to each individual pattern. I will be updating the post to add all 41 squares! This post will remain once the crochet along has finished, as a way to find all the squares. I won't have any control over links that are no longer valid, 

Post Update: April 2th April 2021 - All the patterns are live - I just need to catch up on linking them all properly in this post. 

I've also written a follow-up post, with links to everything I think you'll need. 

Square 1: Friendship Square

 

Square 2: Pretty Petals

 

Square 3: Lauren

Square 3: Rambling Roses

Square 4: 

Square 5: Illusion Square

Square 6: Diamond Bliss

Square 7: Omatra Square

Square 8: Raised Diamonds

Square 9: Ara Square

Square 10: Argyll Square

Square 11: The Kindred Square

Square 12: The Eclectic Square

Square 13: Kinship Square

Square 14: Tapestry Heart

Square 15: Friendship Blanket Square

Square 16: Connection Square

Square 17: Sweet Stripes

Square 18: Sol Square

Square 19: Dolphin Stitch

Square 20: Cross Puff Square 

Square 21: Zamni Square

Square 22: Sun and Stars

Square 23: Lasting Links

Square 24:

Square 25: Synergy

Square 26: Sedge Stitch 

Square 27: Arianrhod Square

Square 28: Harmony Square 

Square 29: Crochet Cluster Stitch

Square 30:  Rialto Square

Square 31: Friendship Star

Square 32: Crochet Lace Square 

Square 33: 

Square 34: Integrity Square 

Square 35: Communion Square

Square 36: Malachia Granny Square 

Square 37:  Companion Square

Square 38: Fellowship Square

Square 39: Waffle Stitch Square

Square 40: Circle of Friends Square

Square 41: Brindisi Bobble 

What an incredible list! Make a few squares, or make them all! Don't forget there is still the option to purchase the full bundle right now. You can click this link for the bundle (affiliate link)