Stash-Busting Crochet Cotton: Mandala Crazy

Here's what I've been up to...

Mandala Crazy!!

The two on the right and the cute red/yellow flower dishcloth were already done.  I just added three more to my wall.

The one above is just a regular crochet Granny Mandala. This is from the pattern by Crochet with Raymond. 

Below is my Easter African Flower Mandala front and back.  This pattern is also from Crochet with Raymond.

and one more front and back...

I really enjoy making these and giving them as gifts. They make wonderful potholders or hot pads and cute kitchen decor. I have to warn you... they are very addicting! They work up so fast. I make the front one night in front of the TV and the next night I do the back, and sometimes I work on the back and joining them together in the mornings before work, if I have time.  I am going to make one more African Flower Mandala for the 2013 Ravelry Potholder Swap.  I better hurry, the deadline is April 1st!

Before the Overlayed Crochet Mandala CAL and all the above Mandala's made this week....

to after...

Can you tell the difference? Seriously?? I feel like I've barely made a dent into my cotton stash. I do have to make the back for the Overlayed Mandala because I am going to make it into a pillow. More on that later...I'll be bored with this pretty soon and then I'll have to move on to more fun with 2013 stash-busting challenge!

Happy Crocheting!

Finished Afghan: From Jan Eaton's 200 Crochet Blocks

Manly-Man Afghan

I finished this afghan in 2011 for my son-in-law. He doesn't use it because I made it out of Red Heart yarn and it isn't soft. I think I'll take it back when I make him another one that is softer. I loved how this came out and it was fun to make!

Stash-Busting 2013 and Mandala CAL

Well, I am doing double duty here. Not only am I stash-busting some of my cotton yarn stash but I'm also participating in the Overlay Crochet Mandala Crochet along. The overlay mandala is a fun challenge. Each row gives the entire mandala a different look. Not only are the stitches giving it depth but the colors are changing the look with each new color I add on.

Here is my stash...

I know! It's so bad. I pick up a ball of this yarn every time I'm in Wal-mart. It is so affordable and handy to have to make a quick gift, like a potholder, dishcloth, mandala's, etc.

Now for my overlay mandala...

It's coming along. This is through row 11 out of 31. I am so enjoying this CAL. It has been one of my favorites so far. I've visited the forum discussion at this group on Ravelry more than once. If you are stumped on a stitch or a row WinkieFlash is on there to help and answer any questions you have about the pattern. This beautiful technique was well worth buying the pattern. I know it will be so pretty when it is finished. I would like to try this again with a lighter, softer yarn. I'm not sure if it would work or not but mine is getting so thick already! Lol.

More later...

Happy Crocheting!

Pinterest Crochet Inspiration: Freeform Crochet

Freeform Crochet...

all I can say is WOW! I need to learn how to do this...

Source: visual-arts-forge-foundry.buzzsugar.com via Eileen on Pinterest

Source: lillarogers.com via Eileen on Pinterest

Source: sophiegelfi.over-blog.com via Eileen on Pinterest

Source: flickr.com via Eileen on Pinterest

Source: mypicot.com via Eileen on Pinterest

Source: freeformcrochet.com via Eileen on Pinterest

Vogue Knitting/Crochet Videos!

While I was surfing my Twitter account, I ran across the designer Robyn Chachula's blog at crochet by faye While I was reading her posts she had a video describing her design that appeared in the Vogue Knitting Crochet Edition Wow! What can I say, Vogue does everything classy. They have made these youtube videos that show's up close details and a description of some of the projects in the Crochet Edition magazine. Just watch this one:



Doesn't it just make you want to make this gorgeous shawl even more than the still shots? I was so impressed and I thought they were very helpful. I hope you enjoy them and have a great weekend!

Happy Crocheting!